Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on July 31, 2009, 04:39:36 PM

Title: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: mica on July 31, 2009, 04:39:36 PM
Neck laminates all stacked up in preparation for glue-up:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68008.jpg)
  Found Kris cutting the hollowed out areas in the body:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68009.jpg)
  Veneer for the peghead cut from the same plank:  Lacewood for the top, with the upper half penciled in:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68010.jpg)
  Lacewood for the peghead veneers, cut from teh same plank:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68011.jpg)
  I hope to catch some more pictures for you next week.  (Message edited by mica on July 31, 2009)
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on August 01, 2009, 07:59:53 AM
Thanks Mica!
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: chrisalembic on August 01, 2009, 08:26:23 AM
custom 7 string... does that mean bass? :-)
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on August 01, 2009, 09:27:26 AM
sure do chris.
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: chrisalembic on August 01, 2009, 09:48:00 AM
thats awesome!!... what are the specs for this one if you dont mind telling? and what body shape are you going with? love the lacewood for the top, its rather rare on an alembic. I cant wait to see your bass when its done.
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: hydrargyrum on August 03, 2009, 06:59:50 AM
Whoa, I assumed this was a guitar.  A seven string bass will surely be interesting.
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: altgrendel on August 03, 2009, 10:55:30 AM
I like the Hello Kitty sticker, is that the theme for this guitar?
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: mica on August 03, 2009, 11:11:00 AM
The sticker is from my Hello Kitty collection that I shared with my son who proceeded to decorate my chair mat with dozens of them.
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: mica on August 03, 2009, 11:19:03 AM
The sticker is from my Hello Kitty collection that I shared with my son who proceeded to decorate my chair mat with dozens of them.
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: jacko on August 04, 2009, 03:45:04 AM
What's a chair mat?
 
Graeme
 
p.s. my youngest daughter (17) is a huge hello kitty fan.
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: keith_h on August 04, 2009, 04:04:51 AM
A chair mat is one of those plastic sheets you put over the carpet so the chair wheels turn smoothly. I guess it can also protect the carpet somewhat.
 
Keith
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on August 10, 2009, 07:53:45 AM
Hi Mica,  
any progress?
robert
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: mica on August 11, 2009, 04:46:17 PM
Fingerboard getting glued on the neck:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68568.jpg)
  And some shots of the body with all the laminations together:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68569.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68570.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68571.jpg)
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: mica on August 11, 2009, 06:48:18 PM
Also the peghead cut out:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68587.jpg)
Never mind the pencil marks on the front - they are just notes that will be sanded away.
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: altgrendel on August 12, 2009, 07:29:32 AM
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68605.jpg)
 
 
Just a joke. I couldn't resist.  
 
(Message edited by AltGrendel on August 12, 2009)
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: mica on August 18, 2009, 08:07:29 PM
Body on:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68934.jpg)
  And with the preliminary heel carving:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68935.jpg)
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: David Houck on August 18, 2009, 08:27:39 PM
Looks like a nice fretboard; and I like the body design!
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on August 19, 2009, 11:35:05 PM
body specially designed by the lovely Mica.
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: tmoney61092 on August 19, 2009, 11:40:54 PM
wow, that body design is incredible, such a small change can make a big/very cool difference. what are the controls going to be on this monster?
 
~Taylor Watterson
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on August 20, 2009, 08:07:49 AM
East meets West electronics,with top mounted jack
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: tmoney61092 on August 20, 2009, 08:14:21 AM
wow, this is going to be incredible, but i guess you were planning on that when you ordered it ;-)
 
~Taylor Watterson
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on August 20, 2009, 08:31:57 AM
well, Im just shooting for simplicity, but effective, at least for me, with regards to electronics. I preferred top mounted jack cause it will be easier to mount on floor stand.
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: tmoney61092 on August 20, 2009, 09:09:04 AM
yea, my latest bass that i bought(Vantage VP820B) has a front mount jack and i love it(the front mount and the controls/sounds, AWESOME)
 
~Taylor Watterson
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: mario_farufyno on August 20, 2009, 03:54:12 PM
Nice body shape!
 
Must see that Top sealed...
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: andbassforall on September 15, 2009, 03:33:48 AM
I'm watching this one. Excited to see where it goes!
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on September 16, 2009, 09:04:13 PM
any progress Mica?
robert
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on September 16, 2009, 09:08:51 PM
Btw,where are you putting the logo/script?
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on September 22, 2009, 10:35:00 PM
Hi Mica!
any new photos on my bass?
thanks
robert
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: krystoof on September 28, 2009, 10:03:44 AM
Hi, Roberto!
   Your project looks so nice, man!
 I own a 7 string bass, but after having founded my Alembic, I don't play it nymore... You seem to have found the solution : a 7 string Alembic!  :-D
     Congratulations
  Xtof
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on September 28, 2009, 03:51:04 PM
krystoof,thanks.
Its a long dream come true..
I started playing classical guitar..so it seems more natural than playing a 6strings bass.I should have done it years ago.
rob
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: mica on March 05, 2010, 09:49:37 AM
It's in the final cure and will be ready to rub out and buff out very soon!
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on March 05, 2010, 06:17:26 PM
pictures please...pictures.....I wouldn't want to miss it...!!
thanks
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: 811952 on March 07, 2010, 06:20:44 PM
Pretty!
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: mica on March 08, 2010, 05:49:18 PM
It was ready to buff so soon, that it now is  
 
 
 
Shouldn't be too much longer.
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on March 09, 2010, 07:44:27 AM
great!!
thanks Mica..
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: jacko on March 10, 2010, 01:41:21 AM
I just love the honey colour of that lacewood. very tasty.
 
Graeme
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: mica on March 12, 2010, 05:55:58 PM
Getting some parts loaded:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/77537.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/77538.jpg)
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: artswork99 on March 12, 2010, 07:41:11 PM
Wow, impressive!  Beautiful bass.
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on March 12, 2010, 09:36:15 PM
i think my heartbeat is increasing.......
somebody calm me down pleasee!!
my lifetime dream bass is getting finished....
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: elwoodblue on March 12, 2010, 10:45:11 PM
Congrats Roberto ,
She is beautiful !
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: dannobasso on March 13, 2010, 04:04:41 AM
Again, congrats sir. This will be a formidable bass indeed. The effect of a slanted pup is powerful. Perhaps the audience should be warned of intense vibrations before the gig.
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: 2400wattman on March 14, 2010, 10:30:17 PM
The bridge p/up is longer than the neck p/up, please tell me why.
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on March 15, 2010, 09:52:47 AM
2400 wattman,
the string width needs a longer pickup, thus a 7 strings pickup..
while the regular AXY56 is enough for the neck position...
regards
robert
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: 2400wattman on March 15, 2010, 11:40:35 AM
thank you
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on March 15, 2010, 08:46:08 PM
Mica, can you please get a shot of the headstock?
thanks
robert
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: mica on March 25, 2010, 06:10:27 PM
Awaiting final inspection but for all intents and purposes... done!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/78017.jpg)
   and the peghead:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/78018.jpg)
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on March 25, 2010, 08:44:23 PM
marvellous!!
thanks Mica!
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: toma_hawk01 on March 26, 2010, 09:04:29 AM
Roberto,
 
I was checking out your 7 string bass.
It's truly breathtaking.
 
I am so happy for you man, believe me -- I know
what is running through your heart right now, and it's your design and there's nothing in the world like it...
 
Yes, I know this feeling very well, and this is what I want you to do...
 
When you get your bass, let a child play it and feel it -- for You was once that child -- and it takes great things, to make you feel as a child...  
 
Also, try to remember this moment, if its truly  
as special as I believe it is...(Very special).
 
Lastly:
 
I was trying to email this message at your yahoo account, but I kept getting errors, so maybe the heavens and the universe wanted me to give you this message here...
 
which I said, I would never post again -- but I made an exception for your exceptional bass.
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: crobbins on March 26, 2010, 09:09:41 AM
Roberto, awesome bass. Congrats.........
 
Hal, You can checkout any time you like,
     But you can never leave!
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on March 26, 2010, 09:43:17 AM
toma hawk01, and all brothers , thank you very much for your positive comments .It really keeps up the spirit..
And ,tomahawk01, believe me...this is very very special...
It has been my dream bass all my life...
also, the discussion,argues,etc with Mica..till this project could be finished..really took a long time..but it was really worthed.
and I really thanked Mica and the rest of the family at mothership..
They are really true artists..not just bass builders...cause they build intruments with mind, knowledge,art,and soul..
regards
robert
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on April 18, 2010, 07:28:00 PM
..and the final inspection says..?
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: serialnumber12 on April 19, 2010, 04:10:53 AM
Roberto give me a few days i'm Breaking it in for you.....then i will ship it UPS ASAP!
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on April 19, 2010, 09:39:27 PM
no problem serialnumber12...Ill give you 2 weeks to break it in...but dont blame me if it breaks your heart then....
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on May 07, 2010, 09:39:31 AM
Mica,
any final pictures before it's shipped?
thanks
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: funkyjazzjunky on May 07, 2010, 01:58:48 PM
Roberto,
 
I envy you
 
I can sense your excitement and eagerness.  What a distinctive and beautiful bass.  I do not think that I have seen Lacewood top before.  
 
Congratulations
 
Vann-Di
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on May 09, 2010, 05:35:12 PM
yeah right Vann-Di..
not so many lacewood Alembic seen around..
regards
r
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: olsonsw on May 14, 2010, 10:20:19 AM
let me try try try.......
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on May 14, 2010, 10:25:02 AM
sure Olson..
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on October 07, 2009, 12:03:27 PM
hey Mica,
would you pl tell me when you will continue building or give updates?
thanks
robert
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: mica on October 07, 2009, 05:16:56 PM
There's no new photos today, but maybe by Monday or Tuesday of next week.
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on October 20, 2009, 12:09:24 PM
are you forgoting something?
this is more thannext week
robert
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: hydrargyrum on October 21, 2009, 01:18:19 PM
Well, she did say maybe .
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: tmoney61092 on December 15, 2009, 03:54:52 PM
anything?
 
~Taylor
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on December 17, 2009, 05:52:51 AM
mica?
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on December 24, 2009, 03:55:10 AM
hoping santa will come with my finished bass...
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on January 04, 2010, 09:34:30 PM
?
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: mica on January 13, 2010, 01:42:12 PM
Here's some photos of the pickup routing:  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/75361.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/75362.jpg)
  I was lucky and caught Bob as he was doing the work. Look at those chips fly!
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: the_jester on January 13, 2010, 01:59:16 PM
Pictures (red-meat) for the lions!
 
Nice job!
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: mica on January 20, 2010, 01:25:32 PM
A nice sealer coat and the wood really pops!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/75630.jpg)
  The airvent you asked for:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/75631.jpg)
 (there's one under the treble pickup too)  and a closeup of the wood:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/75632.jpg)
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: tmoney61092 on January 20, 2010, 01:54:59 PM
may i ask what the airvent will do?
 
~Taylor
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on January 21, 2010, 09:07:27 AM
taylor,
I planned to have the bass as light as logically possible, because i had a severe back pain injury due to HNP ( disc slip).  
So I ask Mica to throw out some body wood .And just to be sure that the air inside doesnt have any effect due to changes in temperature or humidity, I asked for little holes for free air movement.
Just my little knowledge..not sure if that's right or wrong, but just  being conservative I guess.
regards
r
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: elwoodblue on January 21, 2010, 05:43:03 PM
Brilliant!
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: tmoney61092 on January 21, 2010, 05:47:52 PM
i can see where getting it light as possible would help, especially being a 7-string! either way, she's a beauty, can't wait for the final pictures
 
~Taylor
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: pauldo on January 21, 2010, 05:50:23 PM
That is a slammin' looking instrument!
 
Robert - what tuning are you planning on using?
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on January 21, 2010, 08:10:25 PM
pauldo,
Guitar tuning plus Low B.  
I started playing classical guitar, and the tuning stuck in my memory. So ist string will be high E, 2nd string =B
regards
r
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: pace on January 24, 2010, 06:12:22 PM
Thats how I tune my 7string too!
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: otis on January 25, 2010, 08:04:27 PM
Pace,
 
I didn't know you had a 7!  You've been holding out on me, bro!
 
Peace;)
 
Frank
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: pace on January 26, 2010, 10:22:41 AM
Well, it aint an Alembic.....
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: the_jester on January 26, 2010, 02:07:46 PM
That's going to be a baddass bass, and I love it!
 
Roberto, you do realize your bass is going to cause more cracks on the polar ice caps, because the sound will be monstrous!
 
Here's my song to you...
 
One and ah two...
 
I've flown around the world in a plane
I've settled revolutions in Spain
The North Pole I have charted, but I can't get
started with you (yet)
 
Around the golf course I'm under par
And all the movies want me to star
I've got a house, a show place, but I get no
place with you (yet)
 
You're so supreme, lyrics I write of you
Scheme, just for a sight of you
Dream, both day and night of you
And what good does it do?
 
but I get no
place with you (yet)
 
And all that Jazz, Nice bass!
 
 
Peace and Love,  
 
Hal-
 
(Message edited by the_jester on January 26, 2010)
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: dannobasso on January 26, 2010, 03:11:20 PM
There are a few of us 7'ers around by crackey! Congrats on your powerful instrument sir.
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on January 27, 2010, 10:13:57 AM
danno basso, thanks !
and hal AKA the_jester, thank you very much for the song..
best regards guys...
robert
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on January 27, 2010, 11:12:48 AM
 
 
(Message edited by roberto on January 27, 2010)
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: otis on January 27, 2010, 07:05:44 PM
Danno, I love your 7 string Fretless Spoiler with the Crown Headstock- if I were to get a 7 string Alembic, that's just about exactly what it would look like- except maybe it would have a slightly different body shape...  Hmn... now you've got me thinking, and this is a bad thing because I don't have the money for a custom, right now!
 
By the way, Danno, we just got word about a show at Uncle Mike's in NYC- we're also waiting on a few other shows before we venture up that way- any recommendations?
 
Pace- cheater- but I don't blame you- is it a Groove Tools Conklin?  Those look pretty cool- they remind me of the Yamaha TRB 6, neck thru model, but with an extra string and cooler colors...
 
Roberto, I'm sure you're very excited about your killer 7- it's getting closer, isn't it?  I hope it is finished this week!!!
 
Peace;)
 
Frank
 
(Message edited by otis on January 27, 2010)
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: pace on January 29, 2010, 07:05:37 AM
Roberto, Im curious about the different size pups.... did they have to custom mold the slanted one?!? Is one going to be a fatboy?  
 
 
Hey Frank!
 
 Actually mine's a Ravenwest that was the victim of a cease-desist suit over it's headstock shape..... 35 Maple & Walnut stringers w/ Ash wings. I traded back an 8-string which I originally bought from them for it (wasn't happy w/ the electronics noise).... I also have a 6'er from them w/ Walnut wings. The 7 is definitely a workhorse and a keeper, as I'm sure Roberto's Rouge will be!!!  
 
If I was to do an Alembic 7, I envision a 32 Zebrawood bookmatched-to-center Dragon Wing...
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on January 29, 2010, 10:29:37 AM
pace,
the string width above the bridge pickup requires an AXY7 sized pickup.While the neck area is fine with an AXY56.
Yes,the AXY7 will be a Fatboy.
regards,
rob
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on February 17, 2010, 04:05:14 AM
any updates, mica?
thanks.
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: mica on February 17, 2010, 06:51:28 PM
I saw your bass getting the frets put in, so we are more than halfway through the finish process - yay!
 
This photo is from a couple of weeks ago, after the holes were drilled for the electronics:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/76607.jpg)
The Lacewood figure opens up really nice along the lower edge.
Title: Re: Robert's 7-string Custom
Post by: roberto on March 05, 2010, 06:56:57 AM
I saw your bass getting the frets put in, so we are more than halfway through the finish process - yay!  
 
desperately waiting for the rest of the half to be finished.
robert
Title: Pickups
Post by: mica on August 20, 2009, 05:28:57 PM
Hey Robert,  
 
I want to change the pickups a little bit. Do you mind if the neck pickup is the regular 6-string size MXY pickup and the angled bridge pickup is the 7-string size MXY? The 6-string size will cover the string spacing fine since you have a narrow neck width.  
 
If we use the 7-string size in the neck position it will interfere with the normal battery compartment placement. Because of the size of the body and the electronics (maybe with a new change you emailed me about) I can't move the battery easily.  
 
Let me know if this is OK with you and I'll check more on the electronics mod you requested.
Title: Pickups
Post by: roberto on September 07, 2009, 09:55:16 PM
Hi Mica,
how's the bridge pick up plan that you suggested gonna be?
thanks
Title: Pickups
Post by: roberto on September 14, 2009, 11:17:10 AM
please move the neck pick up 5mm towards the bridge. and place the coil as far as possible towards the bridge.
thank you
Title: Pickups
Post by: roberto on September 26, 2009, 06:23:24 AM
Hi Mica,
I hevent hear any response nor update as to my bass building or pick up position change. Pl let me know, if there is any problem with the change.  
thanks
robert
Title: Pickups
Post by: roberto on October 08, 2009, 06:04:33 PM
BTW, what's the bridge pickup size gonna be?
robert
Title: Pickups
Post by: mica on October 20, 2009, 03:52:37 PM
There's no way we can make the 6-string sized pickup work with the angle for the bridge pickup. Actually, it wouldn't work if there was no angle because of the spread of the strings. So the bridge pickup has to be the 7-string size. This can get routed on the regular routing run on Thursday, so to confirm once again since we can only cut the wood once:
 
1. neck pickup is AXY56 (1.75 x 5)  
 
2. neck pickup is moved 5 mm closer to the bridge. That puts the center of the pickup to the end of the fingerboard measurement to 3.784 inches (96.11 mm).  
 
3. The neck pickup AXY56 coil is to be cast at the bridge facing side of the pickup
 
4. the bridge pickup is an AXY7 pickup (1.75 x 6.00) at the angle you described.  
 
Please give me this confirmation of details, and we'll get the routing completed and your bass on to the spray department.
Title: Pickups
Post by: roberto on October 20, 2009, 05:25:58 PM
point1.2.3 is fine
point 4: since it is an AXY7, can you replace it with  a FATBOY AXY7 like I requested? let me know the upgrade cost please.
robert
Title: Pickups
Post by: mica on October 20, 2009, 05:42:56 PM
I will check tomorrow if I have FatBoy magnets in that size. If so I'll let you know by email.
Title: Pickups
Post by: mica on October 21, 2009, 02:29:10 PM
I do! I'm so happy, because custom ordering magnets can take donkeys years (a very long time!).