Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on March 17, 2004, 09:07:02 AM

Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: mica on March 17, 2004, 09:07:02 AM: Remember the picture of that crazy wood?
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/8764.jpg)
Here's the top:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/8765.jpg)
and the back
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/8766.jpg)
The continuous wood backplates have already been cut out. plus the neck:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/8767.jpg)
I'll post some more pictures soon as all the parts come together.
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: bassman10096 on March 17, 2004, 12:08:02 PM: Wow. Stunning!!

Bill
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: cdf on March 17, 2004, 01:05:44 PM: Stunning is right!! Those swirls and undulations are incredible. Looks like the wood was at one time liquid and was captured while flowing.
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: esk on March 23, 2004, 11:10:56 AM: exhilarating pics

anxious to see inlays

also wanted to discuss the finish of the neck...my preference is a satin finish that almost looks and feels as though its just oil-rubbed...but wanted to get your thoughts

thx, e
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: mica on April 02, 2004, 06:51:32 PM: Here's your guitar in the carving department:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9185.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9186.jpg)
And that artwork for the medallion inlay:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9187.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9188.jpg)
Aw heck, here's them alltogether:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9189.jpg)
Hope you like it!
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: mica on April 02, 2004, 07:03:27 PM: Ok we can't resist tweaking - how about as a blonde?

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9191.jpg)
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: hollis on April 02, 2004, 07:06:51 PM: Boyyyiiiinnngggg! That's sooooo cooool!
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: esk on April 02, 2004, 07:36:10 PM: stunning! thank god for continuous wood backplates!

don't tell my wife but i think i prefer the blonde
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: bassman10096 on April 02, 2004, 08:44:09 PM: Wow!!!!!
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: susan on April 03, 2004, 02:17:45 PM: Erik,

I'm so glad you like the drawings. I redrew them several times before I was satisfied with the results.

I couldn't agree with you more regarding the continuous wood backplates aka CWB's. Especially with the book match to center- yum all that lovely wood and this is an exceptional piece.

I asked Mica to post her as a blonde. She makes the inlay pop more than her silver haired sister. It's my preference as well. No-worries we won't tell yourt wife.

I'm working on your fingerboard inlays this week as well as several others. I hope by next weekend you and four others will be looking at more eye candy.

-susan
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: mica on April 09, 2004, 08:15:56 PM: A little preview of the 21st fret inlay:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9399.jpg)

These tiny ones get really close to the frets.
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: mica on April 12, 2004, 06:18:45 PM: That first one was actually the 7th fret I think! Anyway, here's a mock up with the inlays all done as mirror images:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9450.jpg)
(the frets are a tad undersized - oops!)

On Garcia's Rosebud guitar, we noticed that the 17th fret marker is not a mirror image. You'll have to specify if you want the same on yours.
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: palembic on April 12, 2004, 11:59:20 PM: VERY nice indeed.
That would also fit very well on Valentino new multi-curved custom.

Paul TBO
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: esk on May 01, 2004, 10:07:15 PM: how are we doing?
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: susan on May 03, 2004, 12:53:38 PM: We are on schedule-

The guitar is assembled with about 8 coats of finish on it. Mica will post a photo later today or tomorrow. The finish really deepens the color and brings out the grain.

The inlays are in the process of being cut out but because these inlays are this complicated and tiny, it is a slow arduous process. We'll post some updates at significant points.

-Susan
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: esk on May 11, 2004, 02:14:04 PM: mica, starved for a picture, can u help? thx, erik
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: mint_bass on May 12, 2004, 04:16:47 AM: that is really really really nice wood it is so pretty i really like it it looks like melted chocolate well done this is going to look good

oh by the way welcome to the club
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: mica on May 14, 2004, 05:52:28 PM: Here's your guitar in spray:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/10190.jpg)

Love that top, specially when it looks so nice and shiny.
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: bassman10096 on May 14, 2004, 06:43:04 PM: Wow! That's hypnotic...
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: esk on June 02, 2004, 03:41:49 PM: any update on the inlays?
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: rklisme on June 02, 2004, 04:04:32 PM: Erik

What a awesome axe! I am sure you will love it when it is in your hands.

Rory
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: mica on June 05, 2004, 06:32:43 PM: You bet there's an update on the inlays!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/10557.jpg)
Here's most if not all of the inlays. To get the mirror images, Mike glues two pieces of shell and cuts them at the same time. Later, he can separate the pieces and have exact mirror images. These are very delicate and difficult shapes to cut. Here's some of the casualties:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/10558.jpg)
There's also a few of the scrap pieces in this mix. Gives you a new level of appreciation of what goes into a custom inlay. I also realized you haven't yet seen the back of your guitar with some finish on it:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/10559.jpg)
Some of the fitting of the inlays in the Ebony fingerboard will happen this coming week. I'm going to try to catch Mike while he's cutting and gluing for some more interesting pictures.
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: smokin_dave on June 06, 2004, 01:43:03 AM: That top wood looks like it's flowing.The finished product is going to look amazing,lucky dog.
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: kmh364 on June 06, 2004, 06:22:36 AM: This one should be awesome! I'm digging all the Jerry embellishments. Brent's custom is nice as well. You guys are in competition for the coolest Dead Head guitar yet.
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: joram on June 06, 2004, 09:54:45 AM: That's The Scream (or whatever Paul TBO would call it), I didn't notice that before! It looks even more stunning now that it's finished. You're one lucky man, Erik. One with great taste, too.
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: palembic on June 06, 2004, 11:23:00 AM: Nei-nei-nei-nei
Brother Joram, it is Mica (she's a VERY decent girl ...youknow ...she is running this joint ...she HAS to be ...I am running nothing at all here, so the jester ...that's me) who called this The Scream and -to be honest- it IS a name for this guitar that would do her honour.

Paul the bad one

PS: I called her The-naked-woman-coming-out-of-the-vulcano-of-erupting-lust ...
well

oh .... huh

that's not the name of a guitar ...leave alone an Alembic.

Now you also know why I NEVER will run a joint like this!! Mm-mm!
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: esk on June 07, 2004, 12:53:03 PM: INCRDIBLE WORKMANSHIP!

MY LEG IS STARTUNG TO SHAKE WITH THE THOUGHT THIS WILL SOON BE IN MY HANDS!

THANKS FOR THE UPDATE, E
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: esk on June 29, 2004, 03:29:13 PM: anything new to report?
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: mica on July 29, 2004, 01:33:19 AM: Enjoy these in-progress shots of your medallion inlay:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/11566.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/11567.jpg)
I didn't get the fingerboard inlays before they were taped over for the rest of the finish. Actually, I didn't even get to see them before, but from what my mom said, they came out great. I'll get a shot of those as soon as I'm allowed a peek under the tape.
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: hollis on July 29, 2004, 11:02:38 AM: My oh my....
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: esk on August 30, 2004, 01:28:44 PM: rumor has it that this beuaty will be finished by week's end?

am i to assume that you want me blown away upon opening it up rather than peak at the finished product over the internet?
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: susan on August 31, 2004, 12:18:52 AM: It's twue, it's twue! She's been rubbed upon like a genii to bring out her glowing finish. The synth deliver had delayed her completion but now that the electronics arrived she's being installed and set up.

There's something to be said for being blown away, anticipation can be a good thing. Seeing too much in advance can make the arrival anticlimatic dontcha think?

-susan
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: kmh364 on August 31, 2004, 05:20:38 AM: Susan: I'm LMAO! I just about spit my coffee out on the screen! I just bought and watched the new anniversary edition DVD of Blazing Saddles....Mel is the best!

Eric: Very nice...I can't wait to see th finished product...take loads of pix and post 'em when ya got 'em.
Title: Erik's Custom Tribute
Post by: rklisme on September 02, 2004, 04:05:11 PM: Erik

I got a chance to see your guitar today, it is beautiful. There is a lot of detail work going on there. I am sure you will be very pleased with the results. Once again, totally awesome!

Rory