Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on April 05, 2004, 11:46:58 PM
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Here's the Coco Bolo top with the Rogue body shape inked in:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9281.jpg)
Love that little knot caught on the upper horn, most of it will show after the roundover.
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Grrrrreat looking piece of wood!! Can't wait to see this bass get built!
Bill
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Susan's finished the mock up of the peghead inlays:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9292.jpg)
The materials are mother of pearl for the cross, and silver for the outline and rays. I just dropped a random piece of Coco Bolo in for the front veneer, yours will be different from the one in the mock up.
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Although close to the pointed peghead this peghead design is IMHO the most dynamic + classy one of the Alembic range. For me It is -together with the knobby one THE ultimate peghead design for a Rogue.
Again ....IMHO
Paul the bad one
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Sean, this looks kind of busy - and both logo and cross will be obscured by the strings.
Either a cone or crown peghead would leave the cross unobscured and better achieve the effect you are looking for.
Would it be possible to move the Alembic logo to the body - to leave the peghead uncluttered. I think I recall seeing examples of the logo on the body.
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About the peghead designs, the Quietly Custom FC (http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_kb.html (http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_kb.html)) had a nice one too. A bit like a Hanewinckel peghead, to be honest.
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Brother Adriaan,
Yeah true! Hanewinckel?? Maybe but definitely aslo highly insipired (copy) of a Yamaha TRB type bass
Paul TBO
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Adriaan's Quietly Custom sugestion would complement the contemporary cross design.
Hmm...I can feel a custom body shape coming on...
BTW, the rays from the cross remind me of Arthur Crumb style sweat - kind of in keeping with the Passion.
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Arthur Crumb? So where would you draw the glasses?
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Glasses would imply imperfection.
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Imperfection is my middle name, and it has hit me right on the nose in a big way. Yes, I'm proud to say I wear glasses. Some of them contain beer or wine, no doubt adding to the imperfections.
But returning to topic ... What's with the round shape of the lower horn? Personally I would have liked to see more of the special cocobolo grain preserved, like with a wider body shape and/or a bookmatch-to-center.
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Adriaan,
The pen lines on the wood are tracings from the template and are not indicative of the final shape. This piece of wood was picked in particular for the lovely swirl patterns and the burls that were a particular request by the customer and to enhance the Rogue shape. BTW-we never go for the maximum yield on any particular board but rather how it will look in the final form with all the trimmings of pickups, hardware and knobs.
So although it may appear to be wasting coco bolo, the left over pieces go for peghead fronts, some personal projects and we have the coolest handles on some of the hand tools.
-Susan
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I'm working on the original Crown peghead mock up with some other ideas for the corss and logo placement. Those will be posted later.
In the meantime, my mom finished the dove with the olive branch. Here's the mock up:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9340.jpg)
The main material is to be mother of pearl, with a silver beak, silver branch and abalone leaves. We thought a blue topaz would make a nice eye. Size is approximate.
(Message edited by mica on April 08, 2004)
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Okay, how about some more food for thought. Originally, this bass was goign to have the Crown peghead shape, here's a mockup with that idea:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9342.jpg)
If you still didn't want the logo on the peghead, it will fit nicely between the pickups, something similar to this:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9343.jpg)
On the Rogue, there's no room below the tailpiece like on some others you may have seen.
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IMHO the cone peghead might work better as it naturally leads the eye to the point.
You could lose the Alembic logo completely (Shock, horror!).
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Excellent stuff!! The wood is better than I imagined -- how blessed am I to get 5 burls!!
The cross shape is also fantastic - too good to put under the strings. Given it is Good Friday and I discovered this thread today gives me a warm fuzzy feeling :-)
Can the top right burl on the wood be the peghead laminate and 6th burl?
Would I be able to see a mock-up of the cross at the very top of the Orion 3+2 peghead without the Alembic logo... I can see on Ken's peghead that there would be enough real estate if we just took a small amount of the curve off the lower portion of the Orion - is this possible?
I think the Crown looks a little unbalanced when compared to the upper Rogue body shape - that's why I abandon it earlier (with David's wise counsel!!!). The only way this would make a comeback is if we traded the upgraded logo $ for an Omega bodyshape -- but most of my Gigs are standing up and I haven't been able to beat the balance of the Rogue shape. Suggestions???
Staying with the Rogue shape, I think putting the Alembic logo on the body somewhere is the right thing to do... or as David dare suggest loosing it all together. Is it possible to fully inlay it into the wood (ie so it doesn't protrude at all)? I play in some dusty venues (sheds, fields, markets, etc) and that coupled with sweat would make cleaning it a pain if we put it near the pickups without countersinking it into the body.
Also, for some reason the Dove image does not appear -- can you repost it so I can see. I am really keen :-)
Thanks and Regards,
Sean.
(Message edited by waggaboy on April 08, 2004)
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Sean, the logo specified in your design is inlaid and filled with clear acrylic, so it is totally flush with the surrounding wood and smooth to the touch.
Regarding cone pegheads I just had a look at my 4,5 and 6 string models (I love this business) - and it looks like the 4 & 6 strings have room at the top for the cross, whereas the post for the A string goes where you'd want to put the cross on the 5 string. You could make a larger peghead - but I think it would be disproportionate.
I haven't played a Rogue, yet, but it is universally praised for its balance.
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Sean, I have emailed a picture of the dove inlay to your work email address.
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I'm sure we'll find a satisfactory postion for the logo; however, losing it is not an option, all our instruments must leave the factory with a logo on.
Valentino
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(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9346.jpg)
Hope this works better this time.
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Val, why the hard line on the logo? Anyone that couldn't recognise an Alembic without a logo probably doesn't know what an Alembic is anyway. Conversely, anyone that can recognise an Alembic doesn't need the logo to prove it.
i.e. the logo doesn't maketh the instrument
The build record would prove parentage if ever needed.
If an artist (like Prince) is going to yank the logos off anyway, it seems more sensible (and would probably result in a nicer finish) to not put 'em on in the first place.
As an alternative, how about just using the Alembic script. That might sit nicely (inlaid) above the nut and not detract from the cross.
David B.
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I heard the betwixt the pickups picture didn't show up either:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9355.jpg)
I should remember to change the format from Photoshop to jpg and not just the name, heh heh. This mock up is for an inlaid logo (completely under the finish). After it's inlaid, we cover it with an special optically clear epoxy, then more finish. It's completely smooth to the touch, feels just like the surface of the bass.
It is my belief that an Alembic without a logo will be confusing in the future. All Alembics have logos and serial numbers.
Sean, I'll do another mock up for you in the morning with cross on the Orion peghead. I think I'll need to slightly reduce the design, and we might have to modify the rays.
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Thanks All :-)
My challenge on the logo is the overall size. Given the size of the cross and dove, we don't want the message overpowered by the logo... can I petition for a 1/2 scale version?
Given the chosen AXY pickups, would there still be room for the logo between them (did I hear you say you are having a special on Series 1 electronics!!!!).
If a 1/2 scale logo is possible maybe we can consider a change in the layout of the Signature dials/q-switches so the logo can go in the middle? If the logo is smaller this would look pretty cool, almost like the face of a clock. It is my job to keep time afterall!! Looking at my current Rogue it appears there would be enough real estate to support this approach?
The dove shape is perfect - congrats to Susan! You have gone with a blue eye instead of a red one? What is the real eye colour of a dove anyway -- anyone!!!! The bass is meant to be warm (hence the gold hardware, choice of wood, etc)... and with all the fire analogies in the Bible around the holy spirit we may want to warm it up a little too :-0
Can we agree it would look best at fret 7? Will this change the scale of it? It could afford to be a little closer to the frets than indicated in Susan's picture.
Just on shapes, it's important that the lower curve of the body and lower curve of the upper horn and the lower curve of the peg-head all have the same curve... I want to reinforce it with the peghead. If we need to change to body shape at all, that is my #1 criteria, that the curves all flow in the same arcs.
I notice on my current Rogue that the tailpiece is very close to the end of the bass (much more so that my old Stanley). Will we need to extend the body's rear to fit the bird tailpiece?
On the cross, I would prefer if the rays were a-symmetrical... so, don't feel restricted when you are trying to get it onto the Orion shape that the rays need to be the same on either side :-)
Thanks!!!
Sean.
BTW, thanks for doing this in a thread. There are lot of musos at my Church -- and of course my wife -- who are now able to see the consideration and care that Alembic gives.
(Message edited by waggaboy on April 08, 2004)
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Sean,
Just my two cents, as a casual observer with no particular interest in the outcome. I don't mean this to sound personally critical in any way, just some thoughts and even a couple of ideas that might help.
Personally, I think you're pushing your luck here. Alembic insists on relatively few things, like Alembic electronics, or not building you an instrument they know you won't be happy with, and to me it's perfectly reasonable they insist it go out with their logo.
Most of this is, in fact, because they care about their customers, including those who may own these instruments in the future. If it's important enough to you to own an Alembic, then I should think you would be willing to respect that.
I also think that in this case, size does matter. It's part of what makes it official, and there was some concern expressed about this in a discussion about Alembic jewelry (archived in Miscellaneous).
Now, I suppose if you're getting one inlaid - and one assumes it will therefore be there forever - maybe a different size would be barely acceptable, and maybe they already are smaller than the cast ones, I'm not positive. But hey, it's not like you just hit the zoom button and crank one out at another size - these are fairly intricate things, and a custom size is going to be a pain (and probably expensive).
So here are a few different approaches that come to mind.
First, you could just get the cast logo on the peghead and then remove it yourself. I don't know how they're attached (perhaps someone else will comment), but my guess is that at worst you might need to refinish the front of the peghead, and might get away with a small touch up or even ignoring it (the cast ones are clearly put on after finishing). I certainly don't advocate this, but it is your bass at that point.
Or, maybe Alembic would be willing to put it on the back of the peghead. Again, I'm just thinking out loud here - there are certainly some limits (e.g. let's not try for inside a coverplate), but it might be a simpler solution all around, including placing the logo in a sufficiently subservient posture.
I think maybe you're worrying too much about dust and dirt collection. If it's as bad as you make it sound, by the time you get the bridge cleaned, dusting off the logo won't seem like a big deal :-) In fact, if you just keep a small brush in your case, you could probably keep up with it pretty easily. Also, I find that with a silver logo positioned underneath silverish strings, it kind of blends in. Though it may be larger, it doesn't draw attention as much as an inlay. It's surprisingly subtle, and looks more like pewter than silver.
If you do go with an inlay, maybe you could tone it down a little without shrinking, by using a simple backing like ebony rather than the bright and colorful mother of pearl. I don't really know if that's feasible, but from here it seems like it might be simpler than some of the other ideas.
Just some thoughts to kick around, hoping you can get this worked out without much more difficulty. Good luck.
-Bob
Oh, by the way - the dove is generally quite nice, but my first thought on seeing it was that the poor thing had this branch going down its throat. Sorry, maybe I shouldn't have said that, but I think I'd prefer to see the branch going through the beak at an angle, coming out the other side, or something like that.
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Bob,
Looks to me like the branch does go through the beak, just under the eye. It's hard to see because there's not a lot of contrast, but it is there.
Peace,
James
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Just wondering... would the Coco boards be large enough for this body shape -- it is a gorgeous meld of Rogue and Omega :-)
http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/7485.html (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=7348)
Thanks,
Sean.
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I think the idea is that the dove's head is turned away, looking upwards, so the twig is actually pending from the side of the beak. Perhaps if the eye was set a little lower? I must agree with Bob that it looks just a bit odd.
Will the twig inlay be in the correct wood species? And would we be talking palm twig for Easter (it happens to be Good Friday today) or laurel twig for Noah? Sorry if my biblical trivia aren't up to scratch.
I can certainly appreciate the dove motif, but I don't think you should have AND the dove AND the cross AND the Alembic logo. The cross is the ultimate mark of sanctification, and I think a musical instrument should remain in a purely spiritual vein, hence my preference for the dove.
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You're right, James, I can see it now that you've pointed it out. Thanks, my throat feels better now.
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HAHA,I recognize that purpleheart Rogue 5.I like the placement of the logo or placing it horizontal to the neck between the pickups perhaps?
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Sean,
I appreciate your sentiments regarding your symbolism and since the logo cannot be made in a half size, I suggest that we inlay the logo in back of the peghead. I think that pretty much solves the dilema. Your message will be clear.
A dove's eye is a pinkish red and we plan on using a small pink sapphire or rhodolite garnet for that purpose depending on the size and color that is appropriate for the effect.
We put the dove at the 12 th fret since that is how it was what originally requested on your order. I am willing to move it to the 7th fret position. It will be larger in that space.
Your order was for a Rogue body shape and the curves of the Rogue do co-ordinate nicely with each other. Since you approved of the wood choice and placement, it was cut yesterday to shape. The head stock is done and has a burl on it from the same board.
Regarding the placement of the bird tailpiece, we don't change the body shape we set the body slightly lower on the neck to allow for the bird tailpiece.
No problem with the placing of the rays in an asymmetrical fashion.
-Susan
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The dove is releasing the branch from his open beak passing it to Noah as the symbol of the covenant not to flood the earth again.
The final inlay will have a golden pearl twig that will stand out much better against the white pearl of the doves breast as well as the ebony fingerboard. Mica and I are working on the new version of it for all your viewing pleasure.
-Susan
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Susan,
Thanks for the clarification. Make a note to myself: stay out of FTC discussions ...
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Here's the golden twig version scaled to the 7th fret:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9388.jpg)
And here's your body in the vacuum press:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9389.jpg)
I admit it isn't much to look at, but it is neat when I can get a shot of something while it's happening.
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Here's that peghead mockup I thought I would get done in the morning:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9391.jpg)
Disregard the logo under the strings. I'm just concentrating on the cross placement right now.
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Adriaan,
Make a note to yourself:
Disregard previous note and keep on posting!
-Susan
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Susan,
Agree on logo in back of peghead. That will be pretty unique and a great solution. Thanks :-)
The Dove looks great at new scale and with improved colours. Thanks for the fret move (my wife has a thing about the ratio of space above and below -- where below needs to be longer than above). Like most wives (dare we admit it) she is correct :-)
NO problems on the body... The sooner I get to play this thing the better... Yearning for 35 of low B :-) I'm going to cut and paste that other body shape for my next fretless...
Mica,
I think the new cross mockup looks great. If you are happy with it then I am OK to lock this one in too. That has the be the fastest custom inlay discussion I have ever seen!!!
ANY photos you have of the production process for my bass along the way are appreciated. I don't recall seeing a body in the vacuum press before -- sensational :-)
BTW, my 1st Son (I have two daughters) is due in early August... How blessed am I to have two new toys to play with at the same time!!
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Sean,
Your wife is correct, as is most senior management just ask any of us! The mock ups we do are just to give the customer a visual of the direction we will take so you won't be too apprehensive while we do our thing with it. Your wife's natural affinity to this space ratio is called the golden rectangle made popular by Leonardo da Vinci, a master of perspective and proportion. It appears all over in nature and I like most artists utilize this in the placement as well as the proportions of a design. Unless centering an object is intregal to the design it automatically has that space ratio- thank the wife for noticing.
Congrats on the expected arrival of your son.
-Susan
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Susan,
Okay, I'll bite ... Beautiful colours on the leaves, hard to believe it's only a mock-up. Now you can clearly see where the stem ends, it makes perfect sense.
There seem to be two general themes to the inlays: positive/happy/christian or sixties/hippy/pagan. Must be an odd range to cover as an artist working on commission ...
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In spray, but not yet sprayed:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9521.jpg)
Looking good!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9522.jpg)
Sorry, this is a little out of focus. I can't touch the instruments in spray so it's the best I could do. I know you'll be happy to see the circular grain pattern on the peghead.
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Oh my, it's gorgeous - time to think up a name -- anyone??? The purpleheart neck laminates really set of the Coco body well. I know the maple laminate is standard, but it surely brings out the light in the Coco as well. Nicely carved -- who did it?
You are right Mica, I am VERY excited about the knot in the peghead. Once setup and the cross on, it will still be quite visible :-)
Mmmm... It's definitely a female (the dove will further soften it), but it's 35 and it's going to be played in a funk/rock style... Mmmm... There has to be some classic American names that would suit? What are some famous Gospel/Motown type names -- and please, not Aretha!!!
Kind Regards,
Sean.
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Martha
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Tony Garcia did the carving on your instrument... he's amazing, you should see him at work.
Valentino
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Valentino,
In a couple of years I hope to order my 1st Series II then maybe I can seeit carved in person :-)
Sean.
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I suggest Mahalia, after Mahalia Jackson my favourite gospel singer.
Valentino
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Nice one :-)
My wife says Alembia... To your knowledge has anyone called their bass this before?
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Diana (Ross), Ronnie (Spector), Cindy (Birdsong), Patti (LaBelle)
Mike
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Why not name it after your wife?And the next after your 1st child and the next after your second child...etc.Ofcourse if you haven't been blessed with children yet then a fretless version named after your mother-in-law will most certainly be in order.
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Mike, my biblical scholarship is not great - but I don't remember any Dianas, Ronnies, Cindys or Pattis (or Alembias for that matter). There is, however, a Saint Patricia.
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Makes it interesting when one day you say I am going to sell Joy... It would also cause confusion at the dinner table -- since invariably one of my Alembics are with us :-)
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Hi Sean,
Here's the bass with the first sealer coats:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9735.jpg)
The work order is marked for the larger AXY pickups now and Signature electronics, but the project is on hold until you release it with your confirmed revisions.
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Thanks Mica -- it's beautiful. Even better I found out by my wife checking the site and letting me know.
I confirm the larger AXY pickups and Signature electronics - please proceed so I can play this work of art :-)
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Got it confirmed by email from David as well, so I've released the hold and got it back in track for production. Won't be much to see over the next couple of weeks, just more layers of finish. I'll post more pics when something meaningful happens.
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That's an interesting looking speaker cabinet in the background.
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Got the bigger pickups:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9786.jpg)
The cabinet in the picture is our old Mesa/Boogie Mark I that we're almost done refinishing. I swore it was walnut, but my mom said it was Vermilion. It's been brown as long as I can remember. The original cane front is slightly yellowed, but I think it will look great with the bright vermilion.
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That is one wonderful-looking piece of wood. Can't wait to see it complete the transformation into a bass!
Bill
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Thanks Mica -- It didn't seem to gobble too much wood in between. My congrats to the router operator - THAT would make me nervous :-)
Looking forward to seeing it post-spray...
Peace,
Sean.
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Sean, it is indeed a wonderful looking bass; and I think the larger pickups will look great.
Mica; thanks for the info on the Mesa cabinet. It got me to thinking how neat it would be to see a Vermilion Alembic sitting next to it on stage!
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Hi Mica, hope you are well...
How is progress? The race continues -- my new Son is up to week 29 -- which I assume means he is through the spray room, has had his hardware fitted and is now waiting for inlay work :-)
How is my Rogue progressing?
Kind Regards,
Sean.
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Hi Mica,
Week 33 -- what is the position, progress, etc? Has the inlay work been done?
Kind Regards,
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Here's a shot of the cross inlay:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/11122.jpg)
I'll get you one of the dove next week. It's under tape while the bass finishes up in spray.
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Sean,
Please view the above photo of the inlay on your peghead. It came out great. Since you changed the specs on the original order from chrome plated hardware to the polished brass I am of a mind that it was the hand of Providence that caused the finish just over the silver surrounding the Mother of Pearl Cross to turn amber. It actually makes the Mother of Pearl pop out more visually. It will match the Gold Tuners, brass hardware and 14K gold olive branch far better than the cold silver.
Now both the cross inlay and the dove are pure white mother of pearl with the golden accents.
Sometimes silver turns this way from the finish.
Personally I think on this instrument it looks better given the changes to the hardware. However, if you wish we can strip the finish off the peghead and see if it will stay silver I'll need to know your decision as soon as possible.
BTW- the Dove really came out wonderful
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FWIW, I think it looks great the way it is.
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Susan/Mica -- It's stunning -- don't you dare change it :-) It's hard to believe that this is the real thing -- it looks more perfect than the original mockups!
I am very excited to see the dove. Ever since David said you were working on the eye I have been ready to burst!!!!
Thanks again -- it is really worth the wait, although G.A.S. is alive and well!!!
Kind Regards,
Sean.
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Found the dove without the tape:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/11243.jpg)
My mom and I found a beautiful ruby for the eye. Also, the abalone leaves are much more green than in the picture. Mike shaped the 14K gold branch to taper towards the leaves - something you might not notice right away.
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Oooohhhh my - exquisite... Thanks Mike/Susan/Mica :-)
Frets are in -- are you getting close to shipping???
Kind Regards,
Sean.
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Sean,
Everything is done and yes we will be shipping today or tomorrow. When you see it all together,the cross, the dove and the coco bolo with the 5 burls, I think you will be pleased.
-susan
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My my my, Sean that is one fine instrument. New baby, new custom Alembic, what a summer you're going to have. Or is it winter in Australia? I can't remember how that works. Anyway congratulations.
You'll need to post photos of both of the new arrivals.
Sam
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Susan, Mica, Tony, Valentino, and all,
Didn't mean to slight you in congratulating Sean. The work I see come out of your plant on a consistant basis is nothing short of amazing.
I don't know how you manage all of these custom pieces of art and keep the off-the-rack inventory (if there is such a thing) flowing.
Sam
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Susan, thanks for your dedication -- particularly to getting the art work right. I am sure I will be happy with it.
Guess I had better purchase some jewel polish to go with my lemon oil! LOL!!
Can we get a quick photo of front and back before it gets on the plane? It's going to be in transit for a while as it needs to go via Australian Customs to David in Sydney and then on to me...
Peace to you all,
Sean.
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At last it was hand delivered today by David... She's even better in 3 dimensions that I expected. Before the Paul's ask, here are some photos. I have to wait 8 days before my 1st Gig with this beaut... It is a really red coco. The burls came out beautifully and the wood and signature electronics combo provide a more "piano" like tone than my old Rogue:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/12496.jpg)
The Orion Peghead works for me... but did they forget the Alembic logo??!!!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/12497.jpg)
... it's on the back so the beautiful burl can come through and it doesn't compete with the inlay. Another masterful touch...
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/12498.jpg)
It really is impossible to capture the beauty of this inlay with a cheap camera... It is really 3D - not to mention a ruby eye...
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/12499.jpg)
Just a hint for those of you planning your own custom, take the satin neck finish -- it makes playing when you sweat a whole lot easier... They did a georgeous job of the transitions. At the top it perfectly aligned with the peghead laminates. At the body it follows a beautiful ark as the neck moves out for the body: Sean.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/12500.jpg)
Take care all, I'm off to practice with my 1st 35" scale Alembic -- giddyup!!!!
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And just for reference here is my Son Levi who just beat my Alembic by 3 weeks :-)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/12505.jpg)
Blessings,
Sean.
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Oh Sean ....
that's great!
Lovely baby!
Beatiful color.
The linings on the body are really flattering!!!!
Paul the bad one
BTW : nice guitar too! Love the headstock for a Rogue
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Sean, I was going to rave to you about the bass and then I saw Levi and it seemed to pale.
Congratulations. There's no other feeling like that in the world.
Sam
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Congatulations on all of the above.What a beautiful baby and what a beautiful bass.I too have the Orion peg head on my Rogue and I will have the same on a custom order one of these days.I also like the placement of the logo.Gives me a little food for thought when I eventually place my order.You must be very proud of your new children and I can see Levi growing into that bass and playing it one of these days.LOL
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Sean,
I too have had the experience of having a beautiful bass and a beautiful child arrive close to the same time. In fact, I've done it twice! My first Series II arrived in 2001 while my wife was pregnant with my son, and the second Series II arrived shortly after the birth of my daughter. My wife swears that we will have no more children.
Sam is right. Nothing compares to the incredible experience of becoming a parent, but watching the birth of an Alembic is a joy in its own right! Take care of both of your babies.
Jeff
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Congrats on your son, and your new bass Sean.
I'm still enjoying the SC, though it now has an S1 for a companion.