Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on June 27, 2003, 04:17:01 PM
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Hey Randy! Here's those pictures we discussed last night. The neck with rough shaping:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/5287.jpg)
The body in the clamps:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/5288.jpg)
Of course you can't see how we got the top and back out of the same piece (#3120), but I'll show you some more photos next week. Should be routed on Thursday with the regular group. Final carving will be Friday and hopefully we'll get it in the spray run that afternoon. If not, the finish will start on Monday. After a few coats, I'll be able to give you a better estimate for the completion date. Please feel free to call or email with any questions and hope you have a good weekend.
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I knew I had a parts picture for you. Here's a shot before anything got glued up:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/5295.jpg)
The template is in the picture too - you can see how it's shaped slightly different with the Omega tips.
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Thank you, Mica.
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Hey Randy,
Here's the back view after thicknessing and ready for routing:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/5385.jpg)
I'm still getting used to my new camera, the pictures of the front turned out awful, so I'll snpa off a couple more early next week.
Anyway, I think it's looking great from any view.
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Thank you, Mica. I'm anxious to see more.
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Mica, I'm anxiously awaiting the other images of the body's front, neck front and back, and headstock front and back. I want to be certain that all is what I am expecting before it is too late for revisions, if necessary. I'll be on the lookout for your additional photos. Thank you.
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front and back in spray, after prepping for the next coat:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/5444.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/5445.jpg)
I'll snap some more and get the peghead front and back for you hopefully before Bob preps. You can see so much more when the paint is still shiny!
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Hi, Mica:
It appears that the holes have already been drilled for the controls on the top of the body. In a previous message, I mentioned a specific layout I had in mind for the controls, and you answered there was plenty of time to discuss and design this. I assume it is too late - correct? Also, what is the status of the Dove inlay at the 12th fret? Again, it is my understanding that we would review this before the actual application. I look forward to your response,
Randy
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Sorry for the oversight on the control layout, but as you can see, they are already drilled. If you require an alternate layout, you'll need to select another top and back for a new construction. Please let me know your thoughts on this.
The dove inlay will be done very near the end of the process, when only 2-3 more coats of finish are needed. I discussed the inlay with James on Monday, and he agrees with me that in order to get a silver ouline around the dove we'll actually inlay the shell into a sterling silver sheet, then trim the sheet to leave a border around the dove, then inlay that into the fingerboard. Originally we were considering wrapping a silver wire around it, but we don't think that will come out as nicely.
So even though you can't tell there are no inlays on the fingerboard under the tape, I can assure you the fingerboard is indeed blank. I will post a mock up of the artwork based on the design you sent to me and we can review the concept together before we actually do the inlay. I've also asked James to check with me before starting the inlay in case there are any last-minute changes.
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Mica, I've emailed you via regular channels. I await your reply. Randy
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Hi, Mica:
Can you please tell me where each control goes in this configuration? And particularly, where does the LED on/off switch go? The output jack is sidemounted, correct?
What type of control knobs will you use? Color and material?
I'm anxious to see the Cocobolo on the peghead front and rear, when you have the opportunity to post the photos. I trust it was from the same piece as the body?
Sounds great on the inlay. I'll wait to hear from you on that.
Thanks for everything,
Randy
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The control layout drilled is the standard Signature layout except for the side mounted jack:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/5599.jpg)
The hole for the LED switch is drilled in the setup room and its position is indicated on the picture, but it is not yet drilled.
The knobs were not specificed on your order, so the normal black plastic collet knob would be used unless you tell me you want something else.
I will take photos of the peghead tonight after the spray run, they are already prepped and not much to look at right now.
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That is looking like one mighty fine instrument!!
Can I ask a question please? Are the electronics on this bass standard signature electronics?
Rog
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Hi, Rog:
Yes, the electronics are Signature, with the addition of Fat Boy pickups. Thanks for your message, Randy
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That layout there is interesting - in the Alembic catalogue I have here from 2000 (that Mica sent to me last year), the electronics layout is detailed as master volume and pan, two low-pass filters and two 2-position Q-switches. That's not what's written on that control layout picture above.
As my Dragon's Wing is based on a Mark King Signature Deluxe, could someone or Mica please clarify what the electronics layout is for me please? Or have things changed since this catalogue was published?
What were you expecting for controls Randy?
Cheers,
Rog
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The other thing different from the standard Signature electronics is the side mounted jack.
Here's some peghead shots:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/5601.jpg)
Not only are these from the same wood as the body, but these are lucky successive veneers.
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Hi, Rog:
I only had an idea for a different arrangement of the controls on the body. Mica walked me through the pros and cons. The controls on this instrument are the correct ones; of that I am certain. As for your older catalog and the controls on your instrument, I'd refer you to the experts at Alembic for the correct answer. Thanks, Randy
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Rog,
The controls for a signature bass are similar to what is shown here on Randy's bass; the difference is that Randy's bass features one extra volume knob instead of the pan knob which is standard for signature electronics. So what is written on the catalogue Mica sent you is correct. Two tone filters, 2 Q switches, one pan, one volume. Unless you specifically asked for something different, that's what you're gonna get on your dragon bass.
Valentino
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Thanks for your replies. Two tone, 2 Q, one pan and one volume is exactly what I want on the Dragon.
Cheers,
Rog
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Wow, I can't believe I made such a bonehead mistake! The Neck Volume on that drawing is the Master Volume and the Bridge Volume is the Pan
Of only I labelled as carfully as I drew lines, there would be less confusion. Sorry about that!
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Hi, Mica:
Thank you for clarifying the controls' names.
On the knobs, do you have a BLACK METAL version available? No special design, just rather simple, but metal rather than plastic. I prefer to understate the knobs, but prefer metal. I'd be happy to pay additional.
The instrument is looking great. It is with great anticipation that I wait for a drawing and then photo of the Dove inlay.
Thanks again,
Randy
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We can purchase standard black metal dome knobs for your bass. The plastic knobs we use are quite expensive, so I don't believe there will be any additional charge.
Here's the first round of the dove inlay idea:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/5664.jpg)
The silver outline is meant to convey a sense of flight or motion. We tried with a constant outline width and it had the appearance of a stamp. The bass is ready for the inlay, so it can proceed as soon as we finalize the artwork decision.
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As you know, your fingerboard is Coco Bolo, the black background in the previous picture is just so you can clearly see the shape.
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Thank you, Mica, for this rendering of the inlay, but it's not what I'd like - sorry! The motion that needs to be depicted is DESCENDING. Your idea gives the impression of forward flight, and the dove itself is not stylized enough for my eye. I really prefer that we stick with the original design I sent to you dated 4-7-03, with the thin sterling silver line around just the dove itself, rather than the wide silver outline you have. Unless there is difficulty reproducing what I sent, I'd like it to be as close as possible to what I provided. I can re-send my idea if you do not have it.
Also, the width of the 12th fret position is a little less than one inch (1) - am I correct? Accordingly, I assume my inlay would need to be approximately 3/4 or so in width, from the tip of the left wing to the tip of the beak, and about one inch (1) in height, from the tip of the right wing to the tip of the tail. Correct?
And, the inlay would be oriented on the fingerboard so that the audience would see the dove in the upright position (and the player would see it upside-down.) Correct?
Thank you for pointing out that the fingerboard is indeed Cocobolo.
On the knobs, sight unseen, I would prefer the black metal ones, unless you think it would be a bad idea. Just let me know, and I can go either way.
Thanks again, Mica. I look forward to the revised inlay.
Randy
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Here's a new version of the original artwork you sent:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/5710.jpg)
This image is oriented so the top edge is where the fingerboard LEDs are installed.
We trimmed some of the raggy, more drawn-looking edges... they didn't translate well to the inlay medium.
As far as the dimensions go, I'll have to verify those figures on Friday as tomorrow will find me at a trade show with my father.
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Thank you, Mica.
This is PERFECT! And, assuming the vertical lines are the frets, I don't need for you to provide the exact dimensions. This rendering is great and shows it EXACTLY the way I envisioned it. Please express my appreciation to Susan for this.
Thanks again,
Randy
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Here's the design placed on your fingerboard and scaled properly:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/5787.jpg)
My finger is pointing to the edge with the LEDs. We're thinking that the dove should not be exactly centered, but slightly toward the LED edge.
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Thank you, Mica.
This looks just great. Please proceed as we discussed.
Thanks again,
Randy
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Here it is in the flesh
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/5981.jpg)
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Nice!! :-)
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Thank you, Mica. It is exactly what I visualized and am very pleased. Thanks for a great inlay!
Randy
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Thats a really nice looking instrument. I love the wood choices and the peghead veneers are as striking as any Ive seen on any instrument. Very nice fingerboard and inlay as well. Its so cool watching them come through with exactly what a person is asking about. Thats probably not as easy as they make it look. Nice project, very nice.
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Hey, what's the fingerboard wood?
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Earlier in the thread Mica states that the fretboard is Coco Bolo; looks nice doesn't it. In fact everything about this bass looks nice.
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It's really been a pleasure to watch this bass come together.
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To All:
Thank you for all your kind comments and interest. A friend of mine just returned from a visit to Alembic (we are in southern Indiana) and today provided me with a photo of Mica holding the almost completed instrument. Oh my! While the images here are great, you ain't seen nothin' yet! I'm not sure when the bass will arrive, but my hands are trembling in anticipation.
God's blessing to all,
Randy
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Let's see the photo! Please!!
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It's the old fashioned kind (you know, 35 mm!), so I'll get it scanned Monday at the office and post it right away.
Thanks again,
Randy
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It's the old fashioned kind (you know, 35 mm!), so I'll get it scanned Monday at the office and post it right away.
Thanks again,
Randy
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Never have been able to get the photo to load to this site - sorry for the delay. The acceptable file size is very small. Oh well. The instrument is finished and delivered, but I guess the factory failed to post the completed image. It did arrive with some problems we are trying to work through.
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Hi Randy,
Sorry you think 150K is too small, many pictures uploaded are so big they scroll off the right edge. You might try lowering the resolution to 72dpi and making the longest edge 800 pixels or so. That should do the trick.
In the meantime, here is a photo of the completed bass:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/6761.jpg)
Haven't heard from you since the filter modules were overnighted. Have you had any success?
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Thank you, Mica.
It's amazing how different the instrument looks in person versus the photo. Yes, I replaced the Q controls and switches without any difficulty, and the instrument appears to be performing correctly now. One caveat to other Alembic owners: When replacing the control knobs, be sure to allow a bit of room between the bottom of the knob and the surface of the instrument, so as not to scratch the finish when rotating the control.
Thanks again,
Randy
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Oh good news, thanks for the report, Randy. At least the scuff from the knob is under the knob. Isn't it amazing how much resistance you add when the bottom of the knob is skimming the top of the bass?
And yes, while the picture resembles closesly your bass, they always look different (of course I mean better) in person. Another mystery of the Universe ;)
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Happy New Year, Mica!
I trust this finds the Alembic family well.
A few questions:
On the care of the Cocobolo fretboard, what do you recommend for oil? Any special tips for application and how often? I've read your preferences for ebony - anything different for my fretboard?
On knobs, what do you have available in Cocobolo, possibly with a Gold trim? I'm not dissatisfied with the stock knobs, but the Cocobolo body is so darn pretty that I was thinking about something to blend in with the wood. Your thoughts?
And finally, what is the weight of my instrument? I didn't find anything in the papers that were included.
It's a beautiful sounding and appearing instrument. I get loads of compliments, particularly from people who know little about basses!
Thanks a bunch,
Randy
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Randy,
Quick and dirty way to get the weight....
Put your bass on a stand next to your bathroom scale, then stand on the scale. Record the number (if you're like me, you'll groan a little and make some empty promises). Then pick up the bass and hold it close to your body. Record that number and do the math. Not exact, but close enough.
Peace,
James
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Randy,
Looks like a great bass you have there. I can offer a suggestion for cocobolo knobs. Roger at www.thgknobs.com (http://www.thgknobs.com) makes great wooden knobs and other accessories. I don't think I'm speaking out of school here as I heard about thgknobs from someone on this forum who had been directed there by Alembic (how's that for excellent customer service). Anyway Roger has a similar view on customer service as Alembic and he makes great knobs. In fact he made for me 4 beautiful coco bolo knobs with recycled ivory position marker lines. Through miscommunication that was entirely my fault they were not the style I had hoped for (I wanted dots instead of lines). Despite the error being mine Roger insisted on making me a new set with no extra charge. Anyway to make a short story long. He may still have these on hand and ready to go out if you wanted some right away. They are really great looking and if you want I could email you a picture of them.
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Thank you for your replies, Court and James. I really do appreciate your taking the time to offer your advice.
James, I am familiar with your method of estimating the instrument's weight, but for a variety of reasons I'd like to have the factory spec. For a smaller bass, it is surprisingly somewhat heavy.
And yes, Court, I would definitely like to see your photo of the knobs, if it is convenient for you to send. This is an attention to detail that I candidly underestimated when setting the original specifications for the instrument. I'd strongly recommend to future Alembic owners to put a bit more into your knobs - they really set off the instrument (as do the continuous wood backplates and trussrod cover). Yes, they do raise the cost, but you'll be glad you did!
Again, thank you James and Court. May God richly bless you both, Randy
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Randy,
I think every new Alembic I see is the best one yet.
That is a beautiful bass and I like the dove inlay. Clever how it's pointing toward the nut so that it's descending.
Sam
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Randy,
Here are the knobs I mentioned in my last post. I don't know if Roger still has them, but they might still be around. (http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/7836.jpg)
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Thank you for your kind comments, Sam. It IS a special bass.
And thank you for the photo, Court. I have a message in to Roger at THG Knobs, and I'm anxious to see what he comes up with. Can't wait to have his knobs adorning this instrument.
Thanks again, Randy
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Randy,
No problem, and once again congrats on the great bass!
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Hi Randy,
We don't officially record the weight of every bass we make. If your bathroom scale won't support the body on its own, malthumb's suggestion is a good one. I weigh them on the UPS scale when I get a chance.
We don't have any coco bolo knobs in stock. All wooden knobs are made to order. We've been referring folks to THG knobs simply because they can offer a much lower price than us and their product is of quality.
Nothing special for your fingerboard, just a good clear lemon oil should do the trick. There are lots of other products out there, we just don't have any experience or advice to offer about them.
If you want a quote for custom turned knobs from us, let me know, otherwise you'll be in good hands with Roger. If/when you change the knobs, I'm sure everyone here will appreciate a picture. If you have trouble posting one, email me and I'll prepare it.
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IMHO
most of the time I don't like same wooden knobs on a bass as the body. The topwood of the basses is mostly so breath-taking that the knobs mostly are lost in the overall beauty.
THIS DOESN'T MEAN I'M AGAINST WOODEN KNOBS.
The black Collet or hat knobs are contrasting with the wood but forming unity with the PU's.
I think it would be great to have for instance a glittering dark silver/steel painted guitar with very nice PU's in a wooden housing with matching knobs for instance.
Or on a dark-wooded guitar work with Myrtle or Maple knobs.
Well ...just some ideas.
Most of the time -there ARE excpetions- I would see Coco-bolo knobs on a coco-bolo guitar a litlle bit over the edge.
Just my ideas with my full respect for otherones taste.
Paul the bad one
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FYI, James' suggestion for estimating the weight netted this instrument at 12 pounds, which I think we'd all agree is a bit hefty for a smaller bodied bass - not out of the ballpark, but when choosing your woods, it's wise to consider the density, particularly of the core. I recall my first discussion with Mica about my new future Alembic, where she accurately characterized the weight (and tonality and appearance) of several of the woods I was considering. Sound and looks are certainly important, but remember, you'll be wearing this around your neck! If I had it to do over, I'd do it exactly the same way! Great playing to all, Randy
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To all:
I've just received the custom knobs from Roger at THG Knobs, and they are spectacular, making a significant difference in the appearance of this already great instrument. I really underestimated the difference these four small pieces could make. Roger operates his company and makes his knobs like Alembic: Craftsmanship, quality, innovation, performance, and customer service.
I'll be posting photos shortly to show my SC Deluxe instrument with these new knobs. You be the judge for yourself, but I think you'll agree that these THG knobs are a nice enhancement to an awesome instrument. Be on the lookout!
You can contact Roger at roger@thgknobs.com (mailto:roger@thgknobs.com).
Great playing,
Randy
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OK, here goes, let's see if I can get at least one photo showing Roger's great THG Knobs on this great SC Custom Deluxe. Let me know what you think.
Great playing,
Randy
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/8916.jpg)
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And maybe two more views!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/8920.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/8921.jpg)
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Them thar's some fancy lookin' knobs you got there!
They blend perfectly with your amazing bass.
Beautiful!
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I was just thinking today about getting some just right THG knobs made for my new bass. Yours look great. They add a very nice touch. Hmm.........
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Thank you for your kind comments. For reference on the knobs, the top cap is Cocobolo, the body is Maple, and the vertical stripe on the body is Purpleheart. The dot on the top cap is 14K Gold (even though the photo doesn't show it very well.) Roger finished the knobs in a high gloss lacquer to emulate the finish on the instrument itself. By the way, I really like to be able to quickly see the position of each knob, thus the rather dominant vertical stripe - it makes it easy to see with just a quick glance. Roger can make about any design of knob, so just like Alembic, let him know what you want, and he can do it! Thanks again, Randy
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Hey Randy: Do you have a close-up of the fingerboard inlay you'd be willing to post? I'd love to see it.
Bill
(Message edited by bassman10096 on March 26, 2004)
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Yes, Bill, Mica posted one back on 9-10-03 of the final design, actually on the fretboard. You can find this in the archive section, at the top of the page. The frets had not yet been shined up, but it's a good representation of the artwork. I wanted this to be the only inlay on the instrument, as it means a lot to me. Let me know if you can't find it, and I'll be glad to take a photo. Thanks for your interest, Randy
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Randy: I forgot all about that picture. I remembered it as soon as I saw it. Still curious how the dove looks framed by strings and frets, but I get the idea. Very pretty and it definitely works to eliminate all other inlays on the cocobolo neck. I like it a lot.
Bill
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Hey, Bill, I can't resist snapping a photo of the completed neck with dove inlay, strings, frets, and all. I'll do that this weekend and post it for you. You'll notice that the Cocobolo fretboard will look deeper in color, after having several applications of lemon oil, and it complements the body much better now. In Mica's picture of the complete instrument above, it looks almost orange. Be looking for the photo later, and thanks for your interest, Randy
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Here you go, Bill. The materials are mother-of-pearl with a sterling silver accent outline. I trust this gives you a good idea of the two things I wanted to accomplish with the dove inlay. 1. With no other inlay, your eye is drawn to the dove, and it's always a good way to start a conversation about my faith. When Roger designed and made the knobs, I purposely did not allow him to use mother-of-pearl, so the only use of the material anywhere on the instrument is the dove. 2. And, it enables the natural beauty of the woods to really stand out. It is definitely an understated inlay. Those Alembic folks can certainly do anything you want, and they did exactly what I asked for. Again, let me know if you have any other questions.
God bless, Randy
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9034.jpg)
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One more photo.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/9038.jpg)
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Randy: Thanks. It's beautiful. You are right about the cocobolo fretboard toning down from that fresh orange look. It compliments the body wood perfectly now. Congratulations! You've got a real beauty there!
Bill