Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on March 05, 2004, 10:51:54 PM
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Ken's been waiting patiently to get his first glimpse of his bass. Sorry there was little light for these photos:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/8559.jpg)
I know I always say this, but it looks much better in person! The Quilted Maple is hard to photograph with the smooth scraped top, but if you concentrate on the edges, you can see the rough texture from the deep figuring. Once there's paint on it next week, you'll see what I mean.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/8560.jpg)
Neck complete with reminder note for the brass truss rod cover.
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Hi Ken;
Another bass???? Wow! Can't wait to see how this one turns out (I'm going to be seriously lagging behind in terms of number of Alembics owned, although I think the one I'm getting more than makes up for it!)
All the best
Shaun
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Hi Mica,
Just wondering...Is this my bass, or someone else's with a similar name and order?
Kevin
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Had a little brain drop last night on your name, sorry Kevin. If you placed your order through Superbass, then this is your bass.
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Hi Mica,
Yes, guilty as charged! No worries about the name, though....I've been called much worse, LOL!
I had a feeling that this was my order. Unfortunately, because of the dark pix, I couldn't tell if it had an ash back or if the neck had (amber) LED's. Is it possible for you to post more pix, especially some alternate angles?
I was wondering if you could refresh my memory...I know I asked Steve from Superbass to order the gold package and brass cover plates for everything...but I can't remember about the headstock logo. Did I order a gold plated logo?
If not, and it's not too late, I'd like to have the logo gold plated as well. While I'm asking stupid questions: Is it possible to have that logo inlaid flush (vs. the standard surface mount)or would I have to go with the s. silver w/shell (a la Series II)? Whichever way it goes, I'll make sure that Steve Frank officially confirms any adds/changes with you.
Thanks for your assistance,
Ke(vi)n
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Mica,
I've been eyeing up those awesome wood knobs from Roger @ THG. I'm interested in going that route. What would you recommend that would set off the top of this bass?
Cheers,
Kevin
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Mica/Susan,
Any updates re: the above?
Kevin
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Hmmmmm, with all the light woods on your bass, I wonder if Maple knobs would look lost or good. Maybe some combo of ebony knobs (to match fingerboard) and maple tops (to match top) would look nice. In that case, ebony indicators would probably show up most. But I'm no expert in wooden knob coordination. I'd ask Roger from THG for his advice since he's surely got more experience.
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Hi Mica,
Thanks for the sugestion(s). I e-mailed Roger over @ THG with the particulars. I'm interested to see what he comes up with. My apologies: I didn't realize that other Alembic customers had dealt directly with THG for knobs for their instruments. I had assumed that Alembic dealt with THG on behalf of their customers for previous customs I've seen on the club site...my bad.
With regards to the rest of the bass...any progress?
Cheers,
Kevin
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There will be some other pics for you shortly on your build. Sadly, we can't work on every instrument every day, so sometimes progress is kinda spotty.
Glad you and Roger got together about your knobs. I still fancy the plastic knobs (just used to them I guess), but I'm getting accustomed to some of the wood ones. I really like those spiral topped ones I saw on a brown bass.
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Hi Mica,
Thanks much for the info. I realize that you're very busy and that my bass isn't the only one you're working on at the moment. Any progress you can post is, as always, greatly appreciated.
Roger is swamped as well at the moment, but expects to get back to me in a few days with recommendations. I referred him to your site (specials archive) RE: East Meets West and Almost Twins so he can get an idea of what the bass is going to look like. I like your black plastic knobs as well, I'm just looking to set my bass a little apart from the specials that I've patterned it after.
BTW, I asked Steve from Superbass to give you guys a call. I want to go with the gold plated Alembic logo (surface mount), I'd like to substitute the road case w/wheels (black/black) in place of the standard hard shell item, and I'd like to add gold (external, not recessed) straplocks. I'll need enough male pieces (@ strap ends) for three straps (all Alembic, LOL!). I also requested that he obtain a revised build sheet in order to eliminate any confusion as to my desired specifications.
Regards,
Kevin
(Message edited by kmh364 on March 23, 2004)
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Hi Mica,
Another stupid question from the better late than never club: Has the neck been assembled yet? If not, is it possible to have Purpleheart pinstripes along with the maple neck lams. instead of the standard Walnut? I'm sure I'm too late, but because of the restart-from-scratch, I figured I might have a chance. No harm in asking, right? If you have to, you can blame BKBass for putting the purpleheart splinter in my mind, LOL!
Cheers,
Kevin
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Mica/Susan,
Any progress shots yet?
Kevin
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I keep missing the good shots, Kevin.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9381.jpg)
This shot is in progress - it actually being clamped in the vacuum press. More goodies soon.
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Thanks Mica,
Keep 'em coming!
Kevin
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Mica:
Any more progress pix yet?
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Try to get some up each Friday. Here's one I meant to send you a while back:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9539.jpg)
The Quilted Maple top laminate is stunning! Hard to tell in this state, but if it looks this good now, it will be sooooo awesome.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9540.jpg)
On the shaping table. Sorry, but shot of the front was too out of focus to post I'll catch it next week. Another slightly out of focus shot, but still viewable. Still needs some sanding and scraping to remove the burns, but looks nice in any event.
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Thanks Mica!
I'm dying to see pix of the quilt top and the purpleheart neck pinstripes. I think the ash billet you used for the body may be even nicer than East Meets West.
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Won't be long now Bro.What's the electronics?
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Barry,
Electronics are the same as East Meets West: Master Volume, Blend (Pan), Bass boost/cut, Treble boost/cut, Filter w/Q switch with JZ-activators and a side/bottom flush-mount jack (gold, I hope). I wanted that Jazz-Bass sound with a Stanley-esque hot-rod option.
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Excellent choices!Call me at the office.
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Yeah, I sure hope so...that was the plan. THG knobs are making me analogues of the bass sandwich with real 24K gold position markers to top the custom electronics off. It should look, sound, and play awesome.
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Mica,
Any more pix for me? I'm chomping at the bit, LOL!
Kevin
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Before the last shots, just found this while doing some organzing of photos:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9728.jpg)
I'm sure I'll hit your bass when I go around on Friday for update shots.
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Thanks Mica,
Any progress shots you have would, as always, be greatly appreciated.
Kevin
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Sent down some scraps to Roger this week from your bass for your knobs. I'll get you some more progress shots on your bass early next week, didn't get them on my rounds today and I won't be doing anything but getting all those end of quarter tax junk reviewed and such tomorrow.
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Thanks Mica,
Roger promised to make the knobs look spectacular and ship them to you so that the bass can ship from the factory equipped with them already installed.
I'm dying to see further progress pix...especially the quilt top, the quilted headstock veneer, and the back of the neck with the purpleheart pinstripes.
Kevin
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Kevin,
Nice project, your own East Meets West. I love the ash body. I had a small-bodied Jazz made of ash, you can play all night and not become fatigued.
Just because, I did go by the shop to see what has become of the original EMW. It has sold, along with several others they ordered with the same electronics package.
Can't wait to see how yours turns out.
Mike
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Well, I actually survived the tax paperwork yay! I celebrated by getting you some nice pictures for the weekend.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9842.jpg)
The top is awesome!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9843.jpg)
Gotta zoom in some.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9844.jpg)
They look almost black in the photo, but they are purple in real life - the camera just notices the contrast, and the operator works in the auto-mode only. I'll let you know when I receive the knobs.
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Mica,
I'm glad you survived your tax odyssey. You obviously wear many hats at Alembic...it's a wonder you have time to sleep, eat and breathe with all your responsibility. If I wasn't in Joisey, I'd buy you a couple of ole' frostys down at the local grog house for your trouble.
The pix of the bass look awesome! I love that the purple heart top lam is thicker than East Meets West...it looks much better that way. I had actually considered originally nixing purpleheart altogether based on the Custom O' Month Pix and the pix from Larry Morgan Music RE: the original EMW. Now I realize why, in your infinite wisdom, that purpleheart is used as the default accent wood for light top woods. In addition, Barry was right on the money: the purpleheart neck pinstripes look infinitely better than the std. walnut stripes because of the contrast. I can't wait to see how it looks with all the gold hardware/plates, golden agoya inlays, and Roger's custom knobs!
You made my weekend! I hope you have a great one yourself. Many thanks.
Mike,
Thanks, Bro. EMW was obviously my inspiration, but if you think it was nice, this one is going to be a super-trick version of the same. I loved Kevin's Almost Twins Series II's, so I tried to take the best of both worlds and combine them into something a little more affordable. Hopefully, I'll be sucessful. It's looking good so far.
Cheers,
Kevin
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Talked to Gibson yesterday. The current pallettes of maple top lams they currently have are all plain. They're waiting for the magic slabs of flamed maple (I've heard this tune before) to arrive. We'll see. Perhaps they should buy their wood from Alembic's mill suppliers? LOL!
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Mica: I've paid Steve in-full and made arrangements (via Steve through Susan) for Alembic to ship directly to me. Steve should have relayed the shipping address to Alembic by now. He stated that he expects the thing to be shipped (via UPS air) on this coming Monday (8/16).
Can you confirm this and can you also provide a UPS tracking number?
I work at Newark Liberty Int'l. Airport (EWR) and am having the thing shipped directly to my office. It makes sense as it has to fly through UPS's EWR facility anyway. I just wanna make sure that all the receptionists know that the package is coming and when. It's a busy office with lots of personnel and deliveries moving about, so I wanna mitigate my stress level by minimizing any confusion. Believe you me, I have no other choice than work delivery as home delivery is not an option (i.e., no one is there to receive the package). At least there is always someone here at work to receive the package.
Any assistance you can provide in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Kevin
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You'll be getting a second small package in about a week - your spare THG knob was not shipped with the bass, so keep your eyes open for that to arrive.
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Thanks, Mica.
I'll have my office look out for my bass, and I'll look for that package as well. I'm assuming that you sent the second one (i.e., with my spare THG knob) to my office as well.
Cheers,
Kevin
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Mica:
The nervous expectant father just took delivery of his new baby Alembic....it is truly awesome! The only problem is that it is 13:49hrs (EST) and I am at work and will be here until at least 15:30hrs. I've got butterflies in my stomach because I am dying to get home and plug this bad boy in! Good luck to all those drivers on I-78 and I-287 that get in the way of me and my 4-ton Dodge Ram Cummins because I'll be a man on a mission, LOL!
Thanks to you, your Mom and all the fine folks at Alembic for my belated To Me - From Me 40th Birthday present. I'll let you know what I think when I try it on my new Eden rig. I'll take plenty of pix and try to post them on the site ASAP.
Regards,
Kevin
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Kevin, many congratulations from a fellow Orion owner! You know the routine (did anyone say PICTURES...uhm, you did).
Drive carefully & enjoy!
Wilfred
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Well All Right!!!!!!
Enjoy
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Congratulations Kevin!!
Judging from pix that have been posted here in F to C, she looks absolutely beautiful - can't wait to see a full-frontal photo.
Enjoy,
Tom
(Message edited by tom_z on August 17, 2004)
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Thanks much, guys. I had a few small niggling problems with the thing, but they are (for the most part, anyway) straightened-out. I took some pix at the office with the office digicam. They didn't turn out so great, so I'm trying to get my buddy to take better one's with his hot-rod camera. I'll post a few of them here and the good ones will get posted in a showcase thread as soon as I can.
(Message edited by kmh364 on August 18, 2004)
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(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/11967.jpg)
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Okay, guys. Either 1.) We won't be hearing from Kevin until he descends from the rarified air he is breathing or 2.) However understandable it may be, he's gonna gush all over this site, in a disgusting display of gratitude and joy . Either way, I don't think I can take it, visiting the FTC area is taking it's toll and I need a vacation.
Kevin, way to go, hombre.
Mike
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(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/11972.jpg)
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(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/11975.jpg)
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(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/11978.jpg)
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Wow, Kevin. It's beautiful. I can relate to not getting the best pictures on the first try. But keep at it. I really like your bass and want to see more...
Congratulations.
Bill
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Kevin,
What a long, strange trip this has been, but you finally got your beautiful bass. I can't tell you how happy I am for you (and the people at Alembic) that your bass arrived unscathed. I don't think that the club members could have survived another Gibson debacle. Enjoy the time with your new baby and take care.
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Amen! Thanks, fellas. I'm REALY glad I popped for the ATA flight case. It took forever to get it, and it held up the bass shipping date for a month or so, but it was worth it not to find the bass in pieces.
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Man, oh man, that's cool! Congratulations on taking possession at last!
Reid
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(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/11987.jpg)
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(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/11991.jpg)
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(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/11994.jpg)
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My name is Mike and I'm an Alembic Factory To Customer Junkie...
Wow, Kevin, absolutely beautiful. The p-heart pinstripes are a great touch, glad to see them up close. Nice features all around.
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Thanks Mike.
The pix actually don't do it justice. The top is like a liquid pool...it looks deep and constantly changes depending on viewing angle and direct/reflected lighting. It actually looks like a big MOP guitar under certain lighting. It is certainly a unique Quilt top and the ash looks phenomenally grained in person. The headstock face veneer matches the top wood and is like a prism. This makes the maple particularly hard to photograph. The finish is super glossy and thick, and the satin neck feel is absolutely lovely, like an oil finish with no upkeep involved. What you also can't see in these pix is the golden agoya shell that Alembic used for my inlays has a pinkish/green figure under the gold tones that is reminiscent of abalone, instead of just looking like yellowed, dirty MOP like golden MOP tends to resemble. I was actually concerned that it was not the right choice and that I should go with paua abalone. It appears I made the right choice (actually Susan did...she suggested the agoya because golden MOP tends to fade over time).
I'm gonna let my buddy take a crack at getting some good shots with his hot-rod digicam. So far, Mica's shots were the best of all. The sterling gold-plated logo with shell is an absolute masterpiece and looks like it should be in a jewelry display case, not on a bass! I'd love to have one like it on a golden chain around my neck, or on a golden keychain. It is just spectacular.
So tell me, Mike: Did I make a good choice by eschewing the original EMW and by going with my own Custom version?
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Kevin, how do you like the dual J pickups? I am wondering if you can compare the sound to the standard Orion MXY... I've only heard people compare the J to the P on a Persuader/Elan. :-D
Beautiful, and that 5A quilt was worth it. I like yours as much as the Goldilocks featured custom. (Wish I had bought that when it was on eBay!)
EffClef
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Ya done good Kevin. It's beautiful. I can't wait to learn how it sounds!
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Ellery: That is a good question, unfortunately one I can't answer. I did demo an Orion with MXY's about a year ago at NJ Guitar and Bass Center, but that's about it. It had stock electronics, a mahogany body and a zebrawood top if I'm not mistaken. Even if I could demo them back-to-back, I don't think it would be a fair comparison with totally different tone woods and electronics. The right person to ask would be Mica. Alembic still has that Custom Orion 4 (the boo-boo EMW II)in their on-line store...it is identical to my bass, with the exception of a mahogany body, MXY's, walnut neck stringers, and some cosmetic stuff. My bass and that bass would be about as close of a comparison as you can make.
About the top: it is quite stunning and quite unique, isn't it? A 5A top (and EMW electronics) were about the only option(s) on the original EMW special o' month, and they were must-haves as far as I'm concerned. Mica and co. duplicated the top of the original EMW very closely on the boo-boo job, but went in a totaly different direction with the new top on my bass. It is totally different than what I asked for, but the Alembic wizards pulled this one out of their magic bag o' tricks and it looks magnificent.
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Thanks, Hollis.
I'll have to spend more time with it and learn all the nuances about it's myriad of adjustments before I can rate a fair description of what it sounds like. On top of that, I have a new Eden amp rig that I have to come to grips with as well (i.e., WT-550 tube-S/S hybrid mono head, 2 - D210XST cabs w/2x10 plus bell horns @ 4ohms ea. nominal Z). Initial impressions are of various Fender J-bass tones (quite deliberately intended on my part), what with the selection of tone woods and electronics. It has awesome punch and clear, ringing highs (that great piano-tone), good sustain and solid, powerful lows. With what little experience I have with it, you can vary the hell out of the tone from near -fretless sounds, to Chris Squire-honk, to shake the rafters low-end rattle.
I am gonna hook-up with BKBASS who is quite an accomplished player, experienced studio musician, and a veteran Alembic owner. He promised me that he would give me a Q sw./Filter lesson so that I can get the most out of the thing. On top of that, he's a much better player than I am, and has multiple hot-shot amp rigs. If he can't get the best sound out of it , I don't have access to anyone else who's as qualified. It'll also give me a chance to standback and subjectively rate the sound of the thing. I know there are quite a few Alembicians on the club site that are interested in learning about how EMW electronics sound. I'll keep the Alembic faithful informed as I learn more about this thing. It should be very interesting to hear what this thing is capable of in the hands of someone who's of a much higher caliber of musician than I am.
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Kevin,
I don't think you could have done it any better. When you consider the number of possibilities...ugh, makes my head hurt. The original EMW...very nice bass. Yours, oh hell yeah. Something to be proud of. Since you asked..you made some classy touches with the purpleheart pinstripes, thicker body lam and your control choices make sense. Ultimately it's your decision, but hell, I'd be more than happy to posses your bass. Makes my Orion seem kinda whimpy and I've got a semi-custom.
Can't wait to hear what the sound is like for you!
Long Live the Orion!
Mike
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Mike: no such thing as a wimpy Alembic, LOL! Thanks for the compliments. Now that I think of it, you've been around since the first time I posted on this site and whined about the price of Morgan Music's original EMW. I appreciate that you've been supportive and not a detractor. I certainly didn't know what I was in for at the time, but I have certainly been bitten by the Alembic bug (Alembicitis? LOL!) like the rest of you. I'd be interested to hear what the other guys on that original thread think about my version of the special o' month that started it all. Where's C-Ya Wayne when you neeed him? LOL!
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It's been wholly my pleasure.
Alembicitis, catch it while you can.
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Yup, when you start thinking What's next? when the word Alembic is mentioned, you know you're in a LOT of trouble, LOL!
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Their guitars are very nice......
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You know you're in DOUBLE trouble when people start telling you that Alembic's GUITARS are also nice when you just went for your lungs on a new Custom Alembic Bass...and you know you want one, LOL!
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I know! I don't even consider myself a bass player (more a guitarist trying to catch a bass groove), and yet I'm about to pick up my first Alembic bass..... I feel so much better, now that I've given up hope..... God! I love it!
Enjoy your beautiful new bass Kevin.... And you know that nagging suspicion that Alembic guitars are every bit the same amazing quality as your new Orion..... It's oh so true.
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KEVIN MY EMAILS KEEP GETTING BOUNCED BAck that you are over quota or some nonsense
so you aint seeing my custom specs
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(Message edited by flaxattack on August 19, 2004)
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Jeff: Sorry about that. That address is my catch-all, so I get a lot of mail and spam. I'll have to delete some.
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Hollis: Yeah, I'm a guitarist that masquerades as a bassist myself. Since there are less bassists around than guitarists, it's easier to hook up and get gigs when you can thump on four as well as pick on six, capeesh?
That's what I'm afraid of, LOL! I suspect that despite all my will power, when Mica offers that 20% off Home Run special o' month again, I'll collapse like a house of cards and order me a Custom Guitar bro to keep my Custom Bass company, LOL!
BTW, BKBASS called me at work today to see how I was getting along with the new addition to the family. He gave me some pointers about using the Q Switch and Filter Knob. Boy, am I confused, LOL! This thing has so many variables, it boggles your mind. What in the H**L would I do with a SERIES bass? LOL! He uses TWO filters with CVQ's PLUS he has individual P/U volumes and a master vol. on his basses PLUS a SUPERRFILTER! God bless him, LOL! I haven't figured any of the knobs I already got, nevermind throwing in more a la SF-2!
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well i quess you got my emails-
placed an order for the big bad wolf today
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Flax: Good for you, Man. Steve and Mica will hook you up good. I can't wait to see it take shape right here.
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A Note to The Alembic Collective:
A big thanks to everyone who gave me props during the construction of this thing. The overwhelmingly positive responses I received from all of you are greatly appreciated. I hope to have better pix posted soon so that I can brag like hell about the thing some more, LOL!
S**T, I gotta do something until I can get them to build me another Alembic...Mr. Phelps, should you accept, have we got a mission for you...LOL!
I know, I know....I watched ENTIRELY too much TV growing up as a kid in the 60's/70's, LOL!
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Ya see what I'm talkin bout!The quilt is soooo much more awesome than EMW.Ya gotta keep the faith.Looks like your gonna get yours before I get mine.Can't wait to see and hear it in person.
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Well, it doesn't have those big baloney curls a la almost twins like I was hoping for, but it is a very nice top. I realize that quilt sets like those are very hard to come by...just wishful thinking on my part. I'm wondering how much of the nice Ash back I'm losing to electronics and battery cavities. EMW has a big control cavity plate and a small battery plate...EMWII has side LED's as well, so I may be either getting a third plate or a bigger combo battery plate. At least they'll be covered by brass plates instead of black plastic.
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Three plates are the norm. Electronics,battery and a bigger battery box for the fingerboard lights as they require 4 batteries.That energizer bunny and you are going to become next of kin.Although given the amount of space in the control cavity and the layout of the controls perhaps only two plates.
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Du'oh! So much for the weight-savings of an Ash body. Between the batteries and the brass plates, I hope the thing doesn't become a tank. My aching back is concerned, LOL!
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the thicker purlpleheart top lam is great, nice contrast to the top quilt, superb touch. Another is the purpleheart pinstripes, she's looking stunning, Kevin.
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Thanks Mike,
Coming from you, having seen/played the original EMW, that is a compliment. I'd like to take credit for the purpleheart lams, but Mica and Co. did the thick top lam all by themselves (just like almost twins), and bkbass (Barry) recommended the neck lams. I wasn't impresssed with the thin top stripe of purpleheart used on the orignal EMW, so I was gonna go with something else: I'm glad I stayed with the purple heart. The Walnut neck stripes on EMW (or on any other Orion I've seen to date, for that matter) didn't turn me on either: the purpleheart striping looks great. I've got another trick up my sleeve as well: Roger at THG knobs is making me tophat knobs that are an analogue of this bass's hippie sandwich with a flame ash body and a matching purpleheart lam with quilted maple cap supplied by the fine folks at Alembic. THG is gonna finish them off with a real 10K gold position marker stripe ala Alembic's std. tophats. It should look awesome!
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The thin (standard) body lam on my Orion looked nice at first, but as the mahogany body is starting to darken, the laminate is starting to blend in. Of course a more Jazz-like contour for the right arm would expose more of the wood...too many darn options...
Regarding the p-heart pinstripes. Was there any talk as to how they would influence the neck's ridgitity (can I say that?) vs the walnut, or is it more cosmetic? Regardless, I like the choice.
just when I get close to nailing down options, someone tries something new and interesting...you guys are killing me, but I'm better off than my wife, she gets awfully nervous when she catches me checking the FTC pages.
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With the light top and body, I'm probably not in any danger of losing too much contrast.
From what I've read here in the reference section of this site, purpleheart (and more so ebony) increase neck rigidity, stability, and note fundamental sustain. While I'm sure there would be a difference in both neck physics and sound with thick optional lams (there's an Orion with thick neck lams ala the more expensive Alembics on the FTC thread archives), the thin stripes I got probably don't do much, but they sure look cool. I'm assuming that Alembic puts the stripes in there for a reason beyond aesthetics, and it's probably just to stabilize the neck. I'd have to defer to the experts at Alembic for the definitive take on this, though.
Yes, that is the danger of this site: the more you look, the more you want. I wanted the box-stock EMW, and I ended up with a spec'd-out monster. The more ideas I got from this site, the more I spent by incorporating those ideas into my own instrument. Susan had to cut me off from my options frenzy, other wise this thing would never get done, LOL!
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Mica,
If you have any more pix, especially of the headstock veneer and the body rear, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.
Cheers,
Kevin
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I rang your doorbell today and no one was home.I hope I didn't catch you working but rather out to lunch.I'm thinking next week I'll be over to bldg.#80 again.What's your schedule next week?
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Barry,
By my doorbell, I'm assuming you mean the EWR Electrical Maintenance Unit door @ Bldg 80? While I've been accused many, many times of working for Tom Quinn and now Herman Ret (hell, even my mail goes there sometimes!), I'm actually over at Bldg 70 (the old Newark 2000 Bldg.) off of Rts. 1 and 9 (Just moved from Bldg. 74 a month or so ago). I'm with the PA Resident Engineer's Office (PA Eng. Dept/Construction Management Div.), you know: the place where the sh*t flows down hill to, LOL! As I'm responsible for all the Elec. construction in virtually all of the Central Terminal Area as well as most of the aproach roadways (soon a big chunk of the aeronautical areas as well), I run around quite a bit. Give me a call, and maybe we can hook up. I'm usually in by 0600hrs. so I generally eat with the working men (around 1130hrs or so). If you call me by 1100hrs, I'll rearrange my lunch accordingly. Soright?
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Yeah I'm thinking maybe Wednesday @ #80 @ 11:30.Call me in the AM on the 12th and we'll confirm.I know Mr.Ret,say hello for me.Dude,it can't be long now I'm feeling two more weeks maybe three at the most?
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Why does your peghead refuse to be photographed in focus?
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/10042.jpg)
Had to sneak up on the back:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/10043.jpg)
The serial number was already stamped on the back. Back of the body:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/10044.jpg)
Got your email and will review all the final specs on Monday with mom. She's feeling much better today, but of course we have to convince her she still needs some rest!
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Thanks Mica,
You're a real trooper! You must never sleep. Thanx for the pix. The poly finish really brought out the grain in the Ash body, especially where it was carved for the tummy cut. Was the peghead veneer from the same wood as the top or was it from another source (i.e., outsourced commercial veneer)? While the pic is a little fuzzy, it appears that your artisans did find a good match..it does resemble the top quite nicely.
No biggie RE: the stamped serial number versus engraving of the truss rod plate. It's my own fault for not specifying this to begin with. I had assumed that with the brass plates instead of the plastic jobs, it would have the S/N on the cover like it's more expensive brethren. You know what happens when you assume said Felix Unger, LOL!
Considering how busy you both are, I really appreciate the time you and your Mom are devoting to this project. If you'd like, I can have Superbass Steve call you guys to firm up the details and/or clarify any of the changes I made previously. Please tell your Mom to relax and get well...after all it is Mother's Day...everyone else is supposed to do for her, not the other way around, LOL! Happy Mom's Day, Susan!
Regards,
Kevin
P.S., Is that a custom Telecaster-style guitar I see in hiding amongst all the Custom basses in the backround? I'm dying for a Custom high-end Tele and/or Strat-style guitar. Can you give any details, or is it top-secret? LOL! Inquiring minds wanna know!
(Message edited by kmh364 on May 08, 2004)
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Barry,
I'll give you a shout on Monday. Are you sure you wanna eat at Pugliese's Cafeteria in Bldg. 80? I usually avoid that place for lunch as I eat breakfast there daily and I am usually acosted by various PA facility and Contractor types that like to interrupt my all important cup o' Joe and bowl of shredded wheat with trivial work issues, LOL! There's certainly better food than that in Elizabeth or Ironbound. Your choice, however.
I guessed about one to two months until completion of my baby. Mica agreed that I was in the ball park. The finish has to be completed and cured, the electronics and hardware need installation and set-up, then they have to take it all apart to do the gold plating at the jeweller's, then reassenbly and final set-up is performed. They also have to order my road case. No wine before it's time, you know.
Kudos for the sage advise about the purpleheart stripes and road case substitution. It'll be a monster, but it should fit in my new '04.5 Dodge Ram Cummins HD 4X4 long-bed crew-cab that I just picked-up today. It fits my two Eden 210XST cabs and WT-550 Traveller in the back seat area perfectly.
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Hi Mica,
I asked Superbass Steve to give you guys a call..or you can call him. I just wanted to make sure we're all on the same page as to the final specification of EMWII (EMW Jr., Daughter/Son of EMW, Almost EMW, insert name here, LOL!).
I hope Mom (and all) had a nice Mom's Day.
Cheers,
Kevin
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Kevin; please forgive the following, I just awoke and I am still working on my first cup of coffee.
North Meets South
Left Meets Right
Up Meets Down
Atlantic Meets Pacific
Occident Meets Orient
Europe Meets Asia
Overthataway Meets Overthisaway
Thishere'n Meets Thatthere'n
Eastsoutheast Meets Westnorthwest
East Nears West
East Gets Acquainted With West
West Meets East
East Meets West At Different Coordinates
Sunrise Meets Sunset
Bass Meets Treb ...
Where's that second cup of coffee??
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man that's gonna be one hot puppy when it's finished!,i also like the electronics package your puttin in it!
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Dave: First cup? I'd say you've had enough already, LOL!
Keavin: Thanks much. I'm droolin' waitin' for his thing.
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Dave,
Thanks for the morning gaffaw!
I almost spit out my second cup of coffee!!
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sorry double post silly silly andrew
(Message edited by mint bass on May 12, 2004)
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this is going to look great i love the grain of the ash i cant wait to see it complete
coffee i have allready started on the beer well we are hours ahead here in the uk but still
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Andrew: Thanks, Mate. You and me both. While the thing is (at least to me) beautiful, I'm actually surprised that I'm getting so many favorable responses. I figured that I'd be derided by the collective Alembic faithful for copying a Special O' Month. I've tried to personalize it as much as I can, but there's no hiding the fact of which bass it is that I really wanted to own.
Cheers,
Kevin
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Mica,
Any more progress pix?
Did you confirm the final specs. with your Mom? Did Superbass Steve call Re: the same? Inquiring minds wanna know, LOL!
Regards,
Kevin
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Mica,
Can you tell me what the control knob/switch layout is gonna be? I was looking at East Meets West and the Custom Orion in your online store (So THAT'S what happened to the original EMWII boo-boo? LOL!). I'm not sure I'm diggin' the latter's control layout as opposed to the former. Please advise what knob/switch goes where ASAP.
Thanks,
Kevin
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Confirmed the specs with mom, don't know if she talked to Steve yet (we've been without Valentino here all week), progress pictures come on Friday/Saturday like usual, but seriously, since it's in spray, they really won't look much different from the sealer pics. Maybe I can get the peghead in focus this time.
Mike and I can work on the control layout tomorrow. I agree, it's not my favorite. The side jack has to be 90 degrees to the edge, so it does limit placement, and it's so big that it can interfere with the layout. See Jonathan's guitar for a reference on how big the jack is. Look for a layout on your electronics tomorrow afternoon.
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Also, could you live with the LEDs coming on automatically when you plug in? We could eliminate one switch that way. The battery supply for the LEDs is totally separate from teh battery for the electronics, so even if you let the LED batteries run down, it won't bother the output.
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Mica,
While I don't know the actual layout (i.e., what knob controls what function) of the original EMW, can you do it just like that with the addition of a switch for the LED's (maybe next to the Q switch)?. While living without an LED switch wouldn't absolutely kill me, I would prefer to have that option, if at all possible. I'm just not a fan of the smiley face (for lack of another descriptive phrase) control layout ala the boo-boo Orion.
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Mica,
Any news RE: the control layout?
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Hi Kevin,
Mike and I worked on the layout yesterday. Since you liked the original EMW style, here's a mock-up of it with the LED switch added:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/10188.jpg)
You can decide where you want to put the pan, bass and treble controls. Just reply with your preference.
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Hi Mica,
Thanks for the prompt reply. After today's consultation with my Alembic Guru, the great and wise Superbass Steve Frank, I'd like the following control configuration:
Knob 1) Pan/Blend
Knob 2) Bass Boost/Cut
Knob 3) Treble Boost Cut
Steve will give you a call this week to confirm the final specs. for this gem.
As always, if you have any further progress pix, If you could please post them, it would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Kevin
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Okay, we'll arrange the numbered controls as you've specified and drill today. I'm in the habit of posting progress pics at the end of the week, so please check back then for any new shots.
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Thanks Mica,
I look forward to any new shots you can post.
Did Superbass Steve give you a ring yet?
Cheers,
Kevin
(Message edited by kmh364 on May 18, 2004)
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Susan and Steve have missed eachother a few times, but they're going for this afternoon to review. I didn't see any discrepancies from the workorder and the list you emailed me. You gold plating will go off to the platers tomorrow. James did the preset on Monday and Chris is buffing out the parts and mounting them to the shipping board.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/10292.jpg)
With holes marked for drilling.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/10293.jpg)
Back with more finish. Now it's time to get the lat few coats and await the return of the hardware.
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Hey Mica,
Cool! I'm getting close now. I hope Steve and your Mom hooked up via phone teleconference. I just wanna make doubly sure everything is accounted for.
I look forward to further progress pix as things unfold.
BTW, what's up with the red/purple dye in the control (electronics) cavity? Is that a marking agent to facilitate drilling for control shafts and/or board/component layout or for further cavity wood removal, or is that a primer for the Ag conductive paint? Inquiring minds wanna know!
Cheers,
Kevin
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Hello Kevin,
I'd say the red/purple is the thick purpleheart accent laminate; the battery cavities don't go as deep, so there you still see the ash core at the bottom.
Valentino
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(Message edited by kmh364 on May 21, 2004)
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Hi Val,
Du'oh! What was I thinking? I wasn't even in the same galaxy with how close I was to the reasoning behind the mysterious purple. You are obviously correct. With the reflection off of the side of the control cavity, it appeared to be dye. It didn't occur to me that it was actually the accent lam. I cked the earlier pic of the back, and you can clearly see (now that I actually looked, LOL!) that the color does not extend to the sides. The color alone should have clued me in. My bad. Thanks for the clarification.
Cheers,
Kevin
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Hey Val,
What's up with that Telecaster-style guitar I see hiding behind my bass in one of the above progress pix? Is it top secret or can you share some details? I'm actually very interested the idea of having a custom 6-string guitar made by Alembic.
Kevin
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Mica,
Any more news that's fit to print? Just wondering if there was any progress since you ck'ed in last week.
Kevin
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No real news, just getting the last coats of finish and waiting for the gold hardware to return. It's hard to tell from a picuture if there's sealer coats only or all the paint is applied - it doesn't wind up looking very different though it gets worked on every day.
As for the Tele in the background, the one in the background is a personal project of James. We've only made one guitar like that, it's the Ruby Red Finish (http://www3.alembic.com/img/ws_rubyredL.jpg) on the Wood Samples (http://www.alembic.com/info/woodsamples.html) page.
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Thanks, Mica.
Is the road case in your possession yet, or is it still on order? I'm thinking that besides the gold plating, that would be the last outstanding item (excepting final assembly, set-up, and testing).
I doubt that Roger will have my custom knobs ready in time to install them before the bass ships from Alembic, what with his recent move (Bkbass spoke to him earlier). Unless something changes, I guess it'll just have to ship with the standard black tophats.
Thanks for the guitar info...I'm already scheming about my next Alembic...this time, it'll probably be a 6-string guitar. I'm torn between a Jerry hippie-sandwich job with all the trimmings, or a high-end Tele or Strat-style Custom with highly-figured woods and possibly neck-through construction.
Cheers,
Kevin
P.S., I hope you had a nice B'day. I'm a carrot cake fan as well, LOL!
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Mica,
Superbass Steve called and said that he spoke to your Mom on Friday. He said that he reconfirmed the final specs. and that it all looks good. He also said that he thinks that you guys have my road case in, and are just awaiting the return of the hardware from the plater's in order to finish the thing up. Do you have an ETA for shipping the thing out at this point? Inquiring minds wanna know!
As always, if you have any pix of the thing before shipping that you can post, it would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Kevin
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Hi Mica,
Any news?
Kevin
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Until the gold plating returns, I can't quote a shipping ETA. The last several jobs had at least one piece that had to be sent back to the plater. We are awaiting your case, and expect it within a week, so it won't hold up shipping even if your gold plating is up to our standards the first time around.
Your bass has been rubbed out, waiting for final buffing until the hardware is ready to load. The existing pictures are more informative than any I could take for you now. I always photograph before we ship, so there will be plenty of eye candy when it's all finished.
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Hi Mica,
Thanks for the update. I'm psyched and anxious to see pictures of the thing completed.
Cheers,
Kevin
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Not that it's very exciting, but here's the bass with the rubout:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/10549.jpg)
It's a wetsanded surface (usually 2500 grit). All the wet slop is slushed around on there. It looks like a very satin finish now, but it's just waiting for the buffing wheel. I also misunderstood about the drilling. The template was drilled, but your bass will be drilled after buffing.
I'm sure you're more anxious to actually start playing, but I will post final pictures so while it's en route you'll know what you're looking forward to.
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Thanks Mica,
Do you ever stop working? LOL! Thanks for the pic...nice Tribute as well. I see the pilot drill marks so it's no big deal..no wine before it's time. Yeah, I'm dying to play the thing. I think Superbass Steve and Bkbass are dying to try it more than even myself, LOL! Those guys are real bassists: I'm just a guitarist that plays bass. Even my guitar teacher (who's also my repair guy and an expert luthier) who's not an Alembic convert is dying to try the thing. My new Eden amp stack has been patiently awaiting it's first signal massage from this beauty.
Regards,
Kevin
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Mica,
Any updates on the plating/case?
Kevin
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Sorry, no updates yet. I will post to let you know when there is some news.
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Mica - Is that an amber tint on that Tribute in the picture with the Orion?
Michael
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No, Michael. It's just really really golden colored Maple.
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The flame on that tribute core and neck, as well as the golden color of same, is excellent. As a devotee of highly figured woods, (especially maple) I'm jealous, LOL!
(Message edited by kmh364 on June 11, 2004)
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Mica THAT is beautiful neck wood. You know I really don't care for white maple. I like the yellow look. The yellower the better!
Thanks.
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Mica,
Any updates?
BTW, it sounds like Roger over at THG Knobs is near completion of my custom knobs. I asked him to contact you when they're completed for inclusion on the bass at the time of shipping. Assuming this happens, if you could document same on the build sheet/file, it would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Kevin
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Spoke with Roger from THG, he'll have the knobs here probably next week. We got the goldplating in today, but they forgot the nut, so they overnighted it and we'll get it on Monday. Case isn't here yet, but we expect it to converge with the knobs next week in our receiving room. With any luck, we'll be shipping before the end of the month.
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Amen, LOL! I'm chompin' at the bit to get this bad boy. Please take lot's o' pix to post before you ship.
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Hi Mica,
Any updates yet?
Kevin
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Kevin, I promise I'm not holding out - as soon as there's an update, you'll know right away.
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LOL! I didn't think you were holding out on me, Mica. My apologies. I'm just Jones'n like a little kid on Xmas Eve because I'm excited that the thing is so close I can taste it. I just figured I'd ask and be my usual PITA.
(Message edited by kmh364 on June 23, 2004)
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Just waiting for the goldplated nut to return, threw on a brass one so we'd feel more "done"
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/10918.jpg)
And the logo looks just great.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/10919.jpg)
Hopefully the knobs, the case and the replated nut will all converge within the next few days and we can officially pronounce this project completed.
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Wow, what a nice looking intrument! I love quilted maple! I hope mine will turn out this beautiful. It sounds like she is almost home.
Rory
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Mica,
Thank you very much! The thing looks absolutely awesome! Another Alembic masterpiece for sure. The logo looks absolutely incredible with the gold plating and shell...like the fine jewelry it is. I cannot wait to get my hands on it, LOL! I'm betting it looks even better in person and sounds/plays like a dream.
I'm assuming you weren't impressed with the gold plating job done on the original nut, hence the replated nut comment. That's OK by me: We both want the thing as perfect as it can be, Amen, LOL! I'm also assuming that the thing is strung with nickel roundwound 45's, which is also fine by me (I don't think I specified gauge in my original order, my bad).
BTW, I picked out the final version of the knobs today...Roger used your wood(s) and they look great. He had a flame ash that was nice but the color and the grain just wasn't as good of a match, plus knobs with that wood would not have been big enough to be Alembic tophat-style like the ones on it already. Hopefully, he'll get them done ASAP so they can make it in time for delivery.
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Rory,
Thanks for the compliments. This is a To Me From Me 40th Birthday present that I ordered back in December '03 after falling in love with two Alembic Specials of the Month. I'm a figured wood freak, especially maple. Alembic, as usual, out-did themselves!
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Congatulations Dad!A fine birth for sure.See you worried for nothing!Yes it will look ten times better in person and the sound will be nothing like you've experienced before!Come by and I'll give you a free Q filter lesson.LOL I'm guessing that I'll be done sometime at the end of the month.Mine started back in Nov'03.One gets used to the wait after 5 or 6 right Rami?
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I ordered my latest on 04/03 before the increase. Still knitting booties for the arrival! The waiting does not get much easier. Personally I spend lots of cash while I wait. Picked up a Ripper, a Ric 4003, Acme B4, Epi T115, Fender Esquire Celtic, Incase bag, PLX3402, Spare F1X, Korg DTR 2000, a few Levy's straps. I've waited for 6 out of 10 Alembics. But after you have it in your hands the pain goes away. It's about as close as we get to childbirth. Current gestation 14 months. Congratulations on your beautiful bass. Prepare for the onslaught of envy from Sadowsky guys!
Danno
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Barry, Danno:
Thanks for all the fine compliments. I can't wait to get this baby home to Daddy! The good things come to those who wait cliche' is certainly apropos here. I think both of your basses are not that far off...just waiting for the Alembic Wizards's magic to be consumated.
Danno:
I certainly know what you mean...I've had to consciously curb my GAS while waiting for this thing. I looked at other new/used Alembics, Laklands, Dingwalls, Elricks, Fenders to tide me over (I've resisted so far) SF-2's and FX-1's, envelope filters, bassballs, etc. (I've resisted so far). I did buy my Eden amp stack w/custom-fit LeCover padded 1000d cordura covers and every Alembic strap in existence (and one of every Moody strap in two sizes for all my other guitars)...ck those out...Levy's are very nice, Moody's and/or Alembic/Moody's are phenomenal!
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Being a single male my will power has dwindeled as my salary has increased. I suggessted a bass like yours to a guy in a wedding band I do sound for. He spent about $3800 on a Sadowsky instead. Through the board in the cans it sounds like a much cheaper bass. You have a great crafted instrument there. (Not a Mr. Potato Head put together bass.) Your will power is to be put up as an example for the rest of us. Oh well, off to GC for PA supplies!
Danno
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I'm in the same boat: I'm divorced and advanced now in my career. I was broke when I got divorced, but I'm not any longer. I have no bills to speak of, so my income is fairly disposable. Believe you me, I love to spend on toys...I just have to make sure my credit cards stay debt-free, LOL!
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Hi Mica,
Any news yet? I haven't heard from Roger @ THG since I finalized the details, so I don't know if he's finished with the knobs yet.
BTW: the new Alembic/Moody's straps are awesome. That new Amber wide job with the purple accent will probably look great with the new bass.
Regards,
Kevin
(Message edited by kmh364 on July 03, 2004)
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Danno:
That's shame about your buddy with the Sadowsky. They're nice, but are no Alembic. If he had been patient, and hooked up with an awesome dealer like Steve over @ Superbass.net who discounts heavily, he could have gotten one similar to this for around the same money (albeit with slightly less options than this has). I wanted the ultimate high-end Jazz-bass, and I think I was fairly sucessful at getting it (thanks to Alembic).
(Message edited by kmh364 on July 03, 2004)
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This is just a great looking bass! I played a 4 string Orion the other day for the first time. Very nice feel and touch. Congratulations.
Bill
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Thanks, Bill. Not too shabby for a copy of the East Meets West special 'o month from last August, eh? Mica has a similar one in the Alembic store that's for sale. That one was an unfortunate first try boo-boo from when they originally started fabrication on this one. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with that bass! It is typical Alembic: superb build quality, spectacular looks, etc. It's just that both the body wood and pickup (activator) types were not as per my original specification. I wanted an Ash back and J-bass pick-ups versus a Mahogany back and MXY's. The boo-boo Custom Orion is an extremely nice piece nonetheless.
(Message edited by kmh364 on July 03, 2004)
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Bill:
I just realized that you're the one with the awesome cocobolo special. It was very gracious (and modest) of you to compliment me on my (relatively) cheapo Custom when you're getting that gorgeous top-of-the-line Custom w/series electronics yourself. It looks like you'll get yours before I get mine, so congratulations to you and enjoy as well.
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Mica:
First and foremost: Happy Fourth of July to you and all the fine folks at Alembic. I hope you're all enjoying your time off and are enjoying plenty of barbeque picnic fare...Buon Appetito!
I just heard from Roger @ THG. My custom knobs are done and he expects to ship them early this week. They look awesome and should embellish this bad boy even more so than you've already done. Please keep an eye out for them. If you could please install them on the bass and take some pix before you ship, it would be greatly appreciated. I'll take the old knobs as well. If you could just put them in the flight case, that'd be fine.
Thanks again,
Regards,
Kevin
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Hey, Kevin,
Thanks for tipping me that there was good news on my bass. As for my compliment - no graciousness or modesty on my part...Your bass looks fantastic! BTW, there are NO cheap Alembics (God only knows...).
I'm very interested in how you like your electronics package. I haven't decided exactly what I'm looking for in the 5 string I have planned. But I don't want it to as challenging from a tweaking standpoint as the S2.
I really like the quilts on your basses top and the way the accent lam peeks out of the elbow cut. The logo looks great, too. Send pix and give us a review of the electronics when you recieve your new friend.
Bill
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Bill:
Thanks again. Cheapo (i.e., in quotations) is a relative term, LOL! If I spent a little more, I could have just about gone Series. I did want a set neck versus a neck-through to try and limit the weight and keep the J-bass vibe (i.e., midrange punch).
It seems East Meets West electronics are all the rage these days. I'm seeing a lot of queries about them lately on this site. Innocently enough, I just really wanted that damn original EMW, so I took that bass as a starting point and just started dressing it up and adding options. While this thing is certainly Spartan in absolute Alembic terms, it will certainly be the most complicated control layout I've ever used. I'm used to simple passive stuff (i.e., Stratocaster & Les Paul) and pseudo-active (i.e., Jackson with the passive master vol and tone with active mid-boost). Even though I'm an Electrical Engineer, I'm afraid I don't know what I'd do with all those knobs and switches on a series (I or II). I hope I made the right choice with the EMW electronics package. Bkbass tells me it was a good way to go, so given his Alembic experience/savvy and playing pedigree, I'll take his word for it until I can try it for myself. He volunteered to show me how to use the Q switch and filter knob...I just hope I can get it away from him when he tries it out, LOL!. I will certainly let everyone know how it sounds. I'm assuming it'll give me the versatility of several instruments as this is (currently) my only bass. With the cost of it, it may be an only child for some time, LOL! Du'oh! I still have to learn what all those knobs on my Eden WT-550 do, LOL!
As is de rigeur, Mica and Co. conjured up their usual magic when it came to picking out the woods for this bad boy. I actuall wanted the top to match the original EMW (at a minimum) or the Almost Twins Specials (the ultimate!). I loved those rare huge symmetrical baloney curl quilts of the almost Twins. If you ck out the boo-boo EMWII in the Alembic Store, they matched the top on that one to the original EMW top quite closely. It turns out that the top they chose for this bass is relatively unique amongst quilt tops, and quite stunning...better than the EMW or the boo-boo EMWII IMHO. The thick Purpleheart accent lam and Louisville Slugger ash back were all Alembic as well. I didn't get to pick out any of the woods, but it turned out awesome despite me, LOL! Obviously, Alembic know what they are doing, so I should keep my eyes/ears/mind open, and my mouth shut!
(Message edited by kmh364 on July 05, 2004)
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Kevin,
I agree whole heartidly with Bill about how great that purpleheart looks beneath the quilt top. My Orion guitar (which I didn't design) has a similar purpleheart lam, sandwiched between a dark mahogany body and dark burl redwood top. It is completely lost except when viewed up close. What a waste! Love the logo as well.
Jonathan
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Thanks, Jonathan. Alembic did an awesome job with the top lam. What you may not have noticed is the purpleheart neck pinstripes (go back to the last archive of this thread) that look much nicer than the standard walnut stripes. Like a moron, I almost substituted another accent lam wood as I didn't like the original EMW's thin PH top lam. I also didn't realize that I could have gone for wide PH neck lams (as well as a bridge block). Oh well, hindsight is 20/20, and I did spend a small fortune already on this thing! The logo was also all Alembic...I originally just asked for a gold-plated version of the standard bronze Alembic logo (see the original EMW), and they surprised me with that gorgeous surface-mounted gold plated logo w/ MOP cloud and paua abalone shell. I went nuts over the series II sterling inlayed logo w/shell, but I didn't wanna go for the extra dosh. Having seen it now, I think I actually like the surface mount better! Gotta love Mica!
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Mica,
Did you receive the THG knobs yet?
Kevin
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Mom/Dad, are we there yet? LOL!
(Message edited by kmh364 on July 12, 2004)
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Easy boy, take it easy...I fear that soon you'll be trading the when's it gonna get here anxiety for the when do I get off work, gotta go home variety.
Beautiful bass, glad to see you're getting what you want.
Mike
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Thanks, Mike. Just having a little fun at Mica's expense...I know from other's past experiences that an Alembic is done when it's done and not a moment before.
It's actually a blessing that I couldn't get a deal on the original East Meets West because I'm paying what I wanted to (i.e., discount off of MSRP-wise) and I feel that this one is, at the very least, aesthetically superior.
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Oh man that is the most beautiful Orion I've ever seen. The gold plating and logo really accentuate the rich tone of the quilt. Amazing.
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James:
Thanks. Coming from you, with the nice axes that you have, that is indeed a compliment.
Kudos for the inspiration for this bass go to Kevin and his Almost Twins, and Marcus Morgan & Co. @ Larry Morgan Music. I took the idea of EMW (because I couldn't make a deal with Marcus for the original) and tried to dress it up like the Almost Twins without breaking the bank. Throw in a little faerie dust and wave or two of the magic wand by Mica and Co. and there you have it.
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I can't wait to see the thing with the coordinated-wood hippie sandwich knobs I commissioned from Roger over at THG. That should really put the crowning touch on this beauty.
Mica: any more pics for the expectant father?
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Got the knobs, only snag is I lost one of the inserts! It came lose in the bag during transport and it found a life of its own somewhere on the floor, but it's been illusive. I've asked Roger to shoot me up some spares. Will get you some pics with (most of) the knobs tomorrow afternoon, I'm expecting company in the morning.
BTW, these knobs look great, and Mary particularly liked them.
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Thanks, Mica.
I thought you forgot about me, LOL! J/K. If you and Mary both think the knobs are great, then they really must be! Thanks to you for sending Roger the wood(s). These knobs weren't cheap, but I think they'll make the bass. I'm dying to see the thing with the knobs in place.
BTW, After the knobs, we're waiting for the case and nut re-plate, right? Any ETA yet for a shipping date for me?
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Kevin,
Yet another masterpiece enroute to NJ....East welcomes West, if you will! That 5A top is absolutely wonderful, and the gold logo is truly a work of art. Can't wait to see what you & Roger dreamed up for the knobs on this beauty! Nothing against black, but custom THG's really add an extra touch of class to an Alembic.
Best of luck, and, of course, more pics when you two finally get together..........
Chris
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Chris: Thanks. I tried uploading a pic of the knobs Roger sent me, but it didn't work. We'll have to wait for Mica to post them later today.
(Message edited by kmh364 on July 14, 2004)
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OK, I think I've gotten the hang of it now.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/11219.jpg)
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BTW, That's a hippie sandwich (i.e., analogue of the bass body/lam/top) of Swamp Ash (same as the body...Mica sent scraps from my bass over to THG), with a Purpleheart laminate and a Quilted Maple top cap. The position marker is real 12K gold inlayed flush with the wood surface. They're finished in a gloss oil hand-applied finish. I can't wait to see them on the instrument!
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Mica: Any news about the flight case and the nut?
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Mica,
Did you forget about me? I was looking forward to those pix you promised me.
Kevin
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Sorry Kevin, I try. I don't always make it.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/11282.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/11283.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/11284.jpg)
Still waiting on the case. Will call for the ETA in the morn.
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Thanks, Mica.
I know that you're extremely busy and that I'm not the only impatient PITA that you have to deal with. Thanks for the nice pix.
The bass looks awesome with the new knobs! I'm assuming you got the nut back from the platers and everything is copasetic? As soon as you can let me know about the case ETA, and more importantly, the ETA for instrument shipping, I would greatly appreciate it.
Cheers,
Kevin
(Message edited by kmh364 on July 20, 2004)
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The nut is now to our satisfaction. The ETA for shipping is entirely dependent upon the day we receive the case. I'll be calling them as soon as they are open.
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Mica,
Thanks for the (quick) update. You're up bright and chipper this fine AM.
K.
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That is a sweet Orion and I love the THG Knobs.They really add the right touch to your bass.Congrats.
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Dave:
Thanks. Yeah, I was hopin' that the knobs would set it off. I didn't know if I suceeded until I saw them on the bass. Looks like I guessed right.
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Kevin,
Saw this earlier this morning, no time to post, something about 'ethics in the work place...'
Hats off to you and Alembic on a beautiful piece of art. When you finally have this baby at home (and after you quit posing in front of the mirror with it draped around your neck and you know you will! ), please post some pics of the whole enchilada, seeing the bits and pieces isn't doing it for me!
congratulations!
Mike
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Thanks, Mike. I'm dying to see the whole thing myself. Mica is a bit of a Bass Tease: she shows me just enough to get me all worked up, LOL! Seriously though, Mica and Co. surely outdid themselves on this one. I wanted something really nice, and they delivered. Now, I just have to get it delivered, LOL!
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Sorry, duplicate post.
(Message edited by kmh364 on July 20, 2004)
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Kevin
This is the first chance I have had to check out your bass with the knobs, very impressive! You already know how I feel about the maple. What an awesome bass, please post pic's as soon as you get it home.
Rory
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Thanks, Rory.
Alembic is still waiting for my flight case. As soon as they get it, I get it. I can't wait. It's been a long seven-plus month wait, but I'm sure it'll be worth every minute.
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Kevin - What a gorgeous instrument! Congrats. Can't wait to see the snaps of the whole bass.
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Thanks, Tom.
That makes two of us. BTW: congratulations and good luck on your new custom. You WILL wait, but you will get to follow the progress right here, which is a very cool thing. You also get one of the finest instruments on the planet, bar none. It makes you feel special for sure. How often do you get that kind of satisfaction from a purchase, regardless of price?
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Kevin, if we'd have anything to say about it, this would definitely be my #1 candidate for a Featured Custom showcase. Very beautiful bass, the Orion body shape is one of the best Susan and/or Mica have ever designed IMHO (I just love mine also) and the knobs works great visually. Congratulations from a fellow Orion owner!
(consider yourself lucky for not being able to hear me actually SING this!)
JETHRO TULL - ORION
Orion, won't you give me your star sign
Orion, get up on the sky-line
I'm high on my hill and I feel fine
Orion, let's sip the heaven's heady wine
Orion, light your lights:
come guard the open spaces
from the black horizon to the pillow where I lie.
Your faithful dog shines brighter than its lord and master
Your jewelled sword twinkles as the world rolls by.
So come up singing above the cloudy cover
Stare through at people who toss fitful in their sleep.
I know you're watching as the old gent by the station
scuffs his toes on old fag packets lying in the street
And silver shadows flick across the closing bistro.
Sweet waiters link their arms and patter down the street,
their words lost blowing on cold winds in darkest Chelsea.
Prime years fly fading with each young heart's beat
Orion, won't you make me a star sign
Orion, get up on the sky-line
I'm high on your love and I feel fine
Orion, let's sip the heaven's heady wine
And young girls shiver as they wait by lonely bus-stops
after sad parties: no-one to take them home
to greasy bed-sitters and make a late-night play
for lost virginity a thousand miles away.
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Mule:
Thanks. I think there are a lot of other more worthy candidates than my Orion for Custom 'O Month. I just took two COM's and made one decent bass out of it. That it turned out as nice as it did can be mostly attributed to the artisans at Alembic: I just spec'd it, and away they went. I do appreciate your vote, though. It did turn out very nice, especially for a lowly Orion, LOL!.
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Mica: any news on my case yet?
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I suspect that Stanley's new bass will be the featured custom for whatever month it is finally delivered and available for public viewing. No one will be able to compete with that one. Any other month, this beautiful bass would have a shot.
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Thanks, Bob. Another vote for East Copies West, LOL! You guys are too much!
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Kevin, It's a beauty. In hindsight, I might have gone for more purpleheart in the knobs with just a maple cap, but I am a fan of contrast. Maybe some purpleheart pickup covers, too?
Of course, I wouldn't want to pay for any of those upgrades. Heck, I'm going for the plain black plastic knobs when I order one of these things. For my bass, I just want function, and don't worry so much about the appearance. Everyone else should have a work of art, though! It gives me pretty things to look at while I am playing my sweet-sounding beater.
-Bob
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Bob: Just having a little fun with everyone. Sure, I think my bass is very nice and I am justly proud of the way it turned out. I just don't think it's all that compared to what others have done/are doing with their Custom's. I appreciate all the positive comments and am actually quite surprised that a derivative copycat design such as mine is garnering such praise.
I did think about contrasting knobs: Mica had suggested them months ago. Roger from THG also suggested different woods, and sent me several pix of mock-ups of different ideas. In the end, I just wasn't crazy about sharp contrasts, nor did I want the knobs to command center stage. I wanted them just to kind of blend-in and compliment the gorgeous AAAAA (Master-Grade) Quilt top, not overpower it and draw attention away from the top. I would also have loved to do wooden pick-up covers (along with a gold-plated brass bridge sustain block, wide PH neck lams and maybe some fancy inlays, etc.). The reason(s) I refrained were: A) Additional Cost - I had already spent a lot on this thing, so I didn't want to go THAT far over the top cost-wise; B) Schedule - I ordered the thing over seven mos. ago.....any additional options, especially time consuming ones like wooden P/U covers, would have prolonged the completion date considerably.
I'm at the point in my life where I can afford to splurge a little more on quality stuff than ever before. Since I have a number of guitars already (not basses), I decided that I'd rather have one ultra-high quality bass than a room full of OK instruments or beaters. Just a personal choice, and no reflection or comment on anyone else's gig.
(Message edited by kmh364 on July 24, 2004)
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Hi Kevin,
I've been down at a conference in SF most of this week, so I hope you aren't upset that I couldn't reply to you before now.
The report from the casemaker on Wednesday was that one case shipped on Monday and the other case on today. We haven't seen either case yet, so we called and left a message. Will let you know when there's news. Also, I will be at the conference all weekend, so it's not likely I'll be able to reply before Monday.
Hope you have a good weekend.
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http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/6188.html (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=2371)
As I posted earlier,I really like the layout for your knobs.I did pretty much the same thing with the knobs for my bass as you can see by keeping with the wood layout for my Rogue.Purpleheart,ebony caps and abalone markers.I'm still trying to get pics posted but I want to do it myself.I downloaded Photoshop to resize the pics to the proper dimensions but I'm still not able to post.I'll never give up though.
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Hey kevin, what's the electric layout of those beautiful (knobs?) vol,pan ,Q,Q, filter,filter,led,???
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Keavin,
Looking at the bass as if it was being played by someone else, from right to left:
Top row - Master Volume, Pan/Blend, Bass Boost/Cut
Bottom Row - Side LED On/Off Switch, Q Switch, Filter, Treble Boost/Cut
This is the same exact custom electronics package and the control layout of the East Meets West Custom Of the Month (with the addition of the LED switch in front of the Q switch).
(Message edited by kmh364 on July 24, 2004)
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Dave: Your THG knobs look awesome! I wanted to do the position marker line all the way down the side as well. On my knobs, however, instead of shell he used real 12K gold bar stock for the inlays, and to go all the way down the side more than doubled the price of the knobs. I had to wait as it was to get the gold for the inlays, so we kept it the way it was.
I'd definitely be interested in seeing the way the knobs compliment the whole bass. Please post pix when you can.
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Hi Mica,
Thanks much for the update. Mad at you? No way: I figured you'd be mad at me for being a pest, LOL!
Hopefully, you'll get the case next week and we can get the thing shipped. I certainly wouldn't mind if you took some more pix before shipping as well.
I hope you're enjoying your conference and find some time to relax and have a good time. Frisco is awesome. Man, even though I haven't had my morning coffee and/or breakfast yet, I'm thinkin' about Boudin's clam chowder in the sourdough bread bowl down @ Fisherman's Wharf. Wish I was there.
You have a good weekend yourself.
Cheers,
Kevin
BTW, Did you ever go to Haight/Ashbury and get your pic taken @ the intersection street sign a la the infamous Warlocks/GD pic ca. '65-'66? I've been to Frisco a bunch and had great intentions of doing same, but I never quite made it. Go figure: another DeadHead tourist from Joisey, LOL!
(Message edited by kmh364 on July 24, 2004)
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Hi Mica,
Any news RE: the case yet?
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We did receive one of the cases, but it wasn't yours. Hopefully it will show up with our next delivery. You can bet I'll let you know as soon as it arrives.
I never took a pitcure there, but when a friend of mine visited from Japan, we took pictures at 2400 Fulton Street.
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Thanks, Mica.
Hopefully, mine is next. I'd sure like to see that thing ship this week (I bet you would too, LOL!).
No pic @ Haight/Ashbury? Perhaps the Alembic collective (at least the DeadHead contingent) can talk you into taking one and posting it? 2400 Fulton....the Airplane House? Cool! Yup, I missed taking a pic there, too. Some Deadhead I am, right? LOL!
Regards,
Kevin
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Kevin, I'll be in San Franciso in September. If it doesn't get posted by then I'll get a photo.
Anything else in the area you want to see? We'll be there about eight days.
Sam
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Sam,
Thanks for the offer, but I meant a pic of Mica in front of the sign @ the intersection of Haight/Ashbury a la the Dead ca. '66. Perhaps you can convince her to come down and pose for you? LOL!
Cheers
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Sorry, Double post again.
(Message edited by kmh364 on August 04, 2004)
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Hi Mica,
Any news RE: the flight case yet?
Cheers
KMH
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Sorry, the editor is double-posting again. If you try to post something, it posts one right away, but the counter tells you it's still in process. When it is done and it automatically takes you to the post, you find that it has double-posted.
(Message edited by kmh364 on August 04, 2004)
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BTW, Roger over @ THG Knobs must have really liked the way my bass and his knobs turned-out, because he posted your pix on his site in the gallery. For the Alembics only (most of them, including mine) you can click on the close-up image of the knob area and get a full view of each instrument.
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Your case showed up mysteriously! It was not with our regular delivery, but rather dropped off when we had our pickup. We just finished unpacking and test fitting, and it looks good. James will give your bass the once-over and final blessing in the morning, and we should be shipping either tomorrow or Friday. I won't be here tomorrow morning, so I think we should count on Friday.
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Hey Mica,
Awesome! Please let me know when it ships. It should be going directly to Superbass Steve if I'm not mistaken. If I remember correctly, He likes to give every bass he sells the once-over before it ships to the owner. Whatever, LOL! I'm psyched and can't wait to get my grubby paws on the thing. Thanks very much as always!
If you should feel like taking more pix of the thing and/or the case before it ships, that would be great and would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Kevin
(Message edited by kmh364 on August 04, 2004)
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Kevin,
Thanks for the info that Roger updated the 'gallery' page...I went to see your new axe, and to my surprise, mine is right next to yours, dressed in her best Buckeye! (Actually, to the left of you)
Nice of him to put together an Alembic section...those Coco Bolo knobs are UNREAL!
(Note to self, next axe to be Coco Bolo)
With delivery imminent, I would guess those butterflies are going pretty good right now...I hope she has a safe journey to you, and congrats again.
Chris
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Chris:
You're welcome. Thanks for the compliments. Man, that triple-O of yours is awesome! It looks more like a solid piece of Marble or Granite than it does wood, especially with those THG knobs.
I'm actually surprised Roger didn't tell us he used our basses on his site. The click-on-the-pic deal is cool...I discovered it by accident.
I hope to get the bass delivered within a week from tomorrow. It goes to Ohio first, then on to me in Joisey. I PRAY it doesn't get damaged. Well, it is in a flight case, but I've heard nightmare stories about UPS et al when it comes to Alembics.
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I must be jinxed! I had to mention about shipping nightmares and I put the whammy on myself. I just got my new Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Elegant delivered today. I sent it in for warrantee repairs and Gibson's Custom Shop decided to replace it. It took them three months to turn it around. When I sent it in, they insisted it go FedEx because they don't damage the guitars like UPS or the others (they paid, so I didn't mind). They sent the new one to me via DHL Express....Airborne Express delivered it. The factory Gibson Dealer: call security @ 1-888-EAT S**T if seal is breeched seal on the bottom of the box was broken and one bottom corner was crushed. When I removed the case from the box, the case botom was pushed-in and it was split at the seam. Gibson packed a $6k guitar in a singlewall cardboard box with a single sheet of bubble wrap at the bottom of the box, and one single sheet at the top. A cardboard triangular-shaped cardboard thing holds the guitar in the center of the case (side-to-side only) and goes on the top of the guitar, on top of the bubble wrap. You could see where the bubble wrap was flattened on the bottom sheet: right in the center where the case was split! To top it all off, nevermind the damaged case: the guitar I sent to them had the most spectacularly figured maple flame top (they advertised AAA..it was better than that)...the guitar I got back was a joke. You have to hold it at an angle to even see the top has figuring: it looks like a plain top. Needless to say, I called Gibson and screamed. I'm sending it back TOMORROW. I waited 25 years to buy a LP, and spent over a year hemming and hawing while shopping for the right guitar at the right price. I bought the guitar of my dreams for a killer price and I ended up with a piece of crapola.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Don't buy a Gibson and don't ship guitars via DHL/Airborne Express.
Thanks to all for letting me vent, LOL!
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Wow, I pray your beautiful Orion will be delivered to your doorstep swiftly and perfectly. What a horror story!
Wilfred
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I hope so too....it's gotta make a two-leg trip and it will be packed-up twice before I get it.
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Hi Mica,
Did it ship today? If so, I'd like Steve Frank to know the carrier and tracking number so he knows when to expect it's arrival. Please tell me it's NOT going to Ohio via DHL/Airborne Express, LOL!
Cheers,
Kevin
BTW, did you get any pix of the case or any more of the bass? Just wondering is all.
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Hey Kevin,just a suggestion,why don't you get a refund and use the money towards the purchase of your Alembic guitar?Cause once you get your Alembic ax your never gonna play that Gibson anyway!You can buy me lunch with some of the ton of money I just saved you.LOL!
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Barry:
Yeah, if they don't replace this POS with a proper flame top, I definitely want a refund. Unfortunately, $2500 all-inclusive (vs. the nearly $6k MSRP) that I paid won't even put a dent in a new custom Alembic 6-str. order. Hell, that's the DEPOSIT I put on my Custom Orion. I haven't seen the final price tag, but I'm betting I'll have to at least match that amount to pay it off...and I got nearly 40% off of MSRP!!! Looks like we'll be eating WISH sandwiches (and rubber biscuits) for that lunch, LOL!
BTW, what's up with your DARK CUSTOM? I haven't seen an update in a while. Mica doesn't love you anymore? LOL! J/K of course.
(Message edited by kmh364 on August 08, 2004)
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Update for those who care: Gibson is sorry. The Custom Shop Mgr. is dealing with me sans intermediary this time. I get to pick out my own flame top. He'll bypass the Shipping Dept. and personally pack it with EXTRA bubble wrap (oh boy!) and it'll be shipped via FedEx. They'll begin construction within two weeks of my final choice of a suitable top lam. We'll see, LOL!
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Mica: I spoke to Superbass Steve today. While he said he has been in fairly regular contact with Alembic, I asked him to give you guys a call RE: the shipping of my bass. Specifically, we both need Alembic to transmit the final invoice to Steve so he can in turn bill me and be paid-in-full. Secondly, he needs to make arrangements to ship the instrument DIRECTLY to me, instead of the usual arrangement. We both decided that this was mutually beneficial, especially considering my recent experience with instrument shipping. The elimination of you shipping it first to him, and then him in turn shipping to me saves him money and saves me time and grief.
PLEASE ensure that the bass and flight case are securely wrapped and protected. I'd like to be the one who personally puts the first scratch/dent in both, LOL!
Thanks as always for your patience and understanding,
Kevin
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The bass is in the flight case, and the flight case is wrapped very well. It's in the shipping room ready for the shipping instructions. Susan and Steve will be going over the final bill tomorrow, so we'll wait for the word from Steve to ship.
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Kevin, is your bass on the way at long last? I have been thinking about a custom for some time now, but I just don't kown if i have the will power to wait that long. Speaking about waiting my new skylark finally arived form up north.
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Thanks, Mica.
There was a message from Steve on my voice mail last night. Steve got the bill from your Mom and you guys are holding the shipping pending the shipping arrangements. I was at the Dead show @ PNC Bank Arts Center in the Garbage, er, um, Garden State last night getting rained on so I didn't get the message until today (Joan Osbourne made a guest appearance, and Warren Haynes was a nice addition). I'll settle both the bill and the shipping address with Steve this AM.
Thanks for all your help. I am so psyched to get this thing. I'll let you know what I think of it once I get it. Hopefully, we can do business again real soon (HINT: just offer that 20% special again and watch me go, LOL!).
Regards,
Kevin
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Doug:
Yep, I'm finally on the home stretch. I should have it by next week. Good luck with the Skylark. Post some pix and let us all know what you think of the thing. I'd like my next Custom Alembic to be a six-string guitar so I'm interested in any and all info regarding Alembic guitars in order to develope a spec for my own.
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Sorry, duplicate post.
(Message edited by kmh364 on August 12, 2004)
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Sorry, duplicate post (again).
(Message edited by kmh364 on August 12, 2004)
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BTW: Since you now have an Alembic, the wait for a new custom won't be bad at all. Just imagine that you didn't and you waited eight months for yours. Ask me how I know about that one, LOL!
Having said that, I'm sure it was well worth the wait. I think you'll have to search far and wide to find anyone who has a negative thing to say about their Alembic and the custom order process, irregardless of how long they had to wait for it to be made.
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I will post some photos soon. As for what i think of the thing, i sold my 89 LP standard the skylark blowes it away and the finish is so sexy.as you could guess the tone is great. now the only thing is the how the the 5 alembic basses will adjust
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Yeah, an Alembic spoils you for everything else, unfortunately. The nonsense with Gibson and the impending Alembic have certainly stolen the thunder away from my LP. Good luck with yours and don't forget the pix.