Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on July 31, 2009, 05:12:21 PM

Title: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: mica on July 31, 2009, 05:12:21 PM: Here's that juicy top relaid out to avoid the awful crack:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68048.jpg)
and the pretty back:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68049.jpg)
It will darken up to match the top. It was almost the same color as the oxidized surface of the top before we sliced and sanded. Caught the Walnut you provided just as Kris was sanding it down to the thickness for the accent laminates:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68050.jpg)
And a nice stack of wooden goodies just waiting to get glued up:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68051.jpg)
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: mica on July 31, 2009, 06:10:47 PM: And the neck in glue-up from about a month ago:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68055.jpg)
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: mica on July 31, 2009, 06:18:43 PM: And a couple from after the glue dried:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68059.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68060.jpg)
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: Enzo on July 31, 2009, 08:45:15 PM: Nice pictures Mica. What a sandwich up here, I love the combination !
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: mica on August 11, 2009, 06:38:08 PM: Body parts just hanging out in the press:

What you're looking at here is the top laminate (which will be bookmatched to center) with its accent laminates on the left, and on the right is the body core (with some of the preliminary plumbing done) and the back laminate already glued together.

As the neck is prepared for the next step, these parts are clamped between boards.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: mica on August 11, 2009, 06:40:41 PM: Body parts just hanging out in the press:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68584.jpg)
What you're looking at here is the top laminate (which will be bookmatched to center) with its accent laminates on the left, and on the right is the body core and the back laminate already glued together.

As the neck is prepared for the next step, these parts are clamped between boards.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: mica on August 15, 2009, 12:12:40 PM: Not quite ready to join everything together, but getting closer:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68780.jpg)
All the internal plumbing and that upper body half "rib" you requested are in place. And the peghead bevel forming:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68781.jpg)
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: rickk on August 18, 2009, 04:27:49 AM: thanks Mica, these are looking great, I really like the peghead
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: David Houck on August 18, 2009, 09:12:52 AM: Hi Rick, welcome to the board!
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: dadabass2001 on August 18, 2009, 10:32:04 AM: Hello Rick, and welcome again.
Boy, I could swear there are two tired eyes on the left of the back laminate in the second picture from the top.

Mike
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on August 18, 2009, 10:43:42 AM: Every time I see a new picture(s) here, its like fresh meat to the lions!

I love this bass!
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: rickk on August 19, 2009, 05:43:33 AM: thanks to all and glad to be here. This is my first Alembic so it took awhile to design. lots to learn....but can't wait to get it!
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: georgie_boy on August 19, 2009, 06:43:14 AM: So.
What is this RIB???
What does it do???
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: cje on August 19, 2009, 11:05:51 AM: Good question. My guess is the rib is the routed section in the upper horn. Maybe it's there to bring the weight down, or to adjust how the bass is balanced...?
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: rickk on August 19, 2009, 12:00:33 PM: it is to add stiffness to take out a potential resonance in the upper body half
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: rowka on August 19, 2009, 12:22:16 PM: Why did you think it wouldn't be stiff enough without the ribs?

Just curious.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: elwoodblue on August 19, 2009, 12:48:59 PM: Rowka,
It sounds like this is done to address the tone of the resonance,instead of any concerns about a lack of stiffness.
I would guess the overall tone will now have a few small resonant peaks in the sound, instead of two.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: adriaan on August 20, 2009, 12:56:14 AM: Rick - inquiring minds would like to know ...

There was some discussion about the effect of the chambered body, and I think it was Malthumb who commented that the chambered body made the lows sound more like coming from a tuba. With a non-chambered body, the lows sounded more like coming from a grand piano.

Does the idea behind the rib have anything to do with that?
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: rickk on August 20, 2009, 06:01:55 AM: The rib has significantly less science in it than everyone is thinking and more qualitative estimate. I tend to like the sound of the long scale basses with smaller bodies than the larger bodies. After much trying of various basses and tapping on the bodies I decided that some of the tonal difference was coming from the more hollow sound versus the more solid sound of the smaller bodies. So I added the rib to get the chamber sizes down closer to the smaller body chamber sizes and limit the maximum span of the top and bottom. I also know that this may have had little to do with the differences i was hearing since most of the tonality is in the neck. And I added ebony to this neck, which none of the basses i tried had. Additionally, this bass body is a modified version of the previously featured Hot Lava body and Mica noted that it sounded great, but was a little boomy, so if the body chamber sizes were causing that, the ebony would likely make it worse by strengthening the lower resonance points.
Soooo....I''m holding my breath and hoping the rib will move the tonality in the direction I want.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: rowka on August 24, 2009, 10:04:30 AM: Fair enough.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: bkbass on August 28, 2009, 11:46:28 AM: Or you could simply adjust the filters and amp EQ and call it a day. The subtle differences in the tone due to the so called hollowed out section(s)has very little to do with some mystical resonance tone chamber(s) but everything to do with the overall mass of the instrument. You have a 1/4 top and back wood which would not get the air vibrating in the chamber(s)if you hit it with a sledge hammer. The hollowed out section is to reduce weight more than anything else with the disclaimer that everything is synergistic on any instrument. Need a nudge? Next time you tune up watch the needle, strike a string with and without your finger and thumb on the tuner. You will see a slight increase say 3 cents with your finger on it because it's adding mass to the instrument.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: mica on August 28, 2009, 07:39:57 PM: Top laminate getting prepared for it's future appearance on the bass:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/69572.jpg)
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: rickk on August 29, 2009, 05:28:57 AM: Thanks Mica!
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: mario_farufyno on August 30, 2009, 09:22:04 AM: Wonderfull to see such jewels being born... Thanks, Alembic.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: mica on September 09, 2009, 06:48:31 PM: Been collecting more pictures for you over the past month, so here's a big pile of goodies! In the pipe clamps:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/70199.jpg)
Bob mapping out the routing:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/70200.jpg)
And here routed:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/70201.jpg)
Back too:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/70202.jpg)
Nice sandwich:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/70203.jpg)
More in carving:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/70204.jpg)
Heart Omega partially carved:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/70205.jpg)
I'll upload the sealer coat images in just a few minutes... stay tuned!
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: mica on September 09, 2009, 06:51:41 PM: Here's the bass with the sealer coats:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/70213.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/70214.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/70215.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/70216.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/70217.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/70218.jpg)
I can't stress enough that this bass looks even more beautiful in person.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: artswork99 on September 09, 2009, 06:56:28 PM: Wow!
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: sonicus on September 09, 2009, 07:54:53 PM: I love how this wood glows with warmth.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: elwoodblue on September 09, 2009, 08:31:24 PM: Amazing top,
Nice neck recipe too!
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: jacko on September 10, 2009, 04:34:15 AM: It may just be that beautiful bookmatch throwing me off but I can't tell if this is going to be a balance 'K' or the older full size balance omega?

Graeme
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: rickk on September 10, 2009, 06:15:38 AM: This is a modified version of an older balance point design with slightly different side curvature and the neck repositioned about one inch deeper with the cutaways modified to accommodate this. This moved the nut in closer to the body and shortens the reach to the first fret.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: sonicus on September 10, 2009, 06:28:09 AM: Hi rickk,
Thanks for the explanation, I like the geometry of the lay out, This is going to be a very disreable Bass to play when finished.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: jacko on September 10, 2009, 07:16:17 AM: Thanks for the reply Rick. As you're keen to move the nut nearer, is this going to be a shorter scale too?

Graeme
(just getting some info as I love the overall balance of this body / layout)
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: rickk on September 10, 2009, 09:48:19 AM: This is a 34 long scale, but the repositioning puts the nut about where a 32 would be, so the best of both worlds and a little better balance.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: David Houck on September 10, 2009, 12:23:39 PM: This will be a great bass!
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: keith_h on September 10, 2009, 12:47:07 PM: It always amazes me how the grain pops once the finish hits it.

Keith
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: cje on September 10, 2009, 04:29:17 PM: Wow Rick, that is SOME top! I love it.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: Enzo on September 11, 2009, 08:31:20 PM: This bass is making me have goose bumps. What an awesome work of art !
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: rickk on September 12, 2009, 07:38:16 PM: Thanks for all the encouragement everyone! It is really great to see the wood finally begin to show its grain and detail. It was really hard to see this when I originally looked at the pieces at the factory, but Mica was right, this was a great top set. There is also a lot of detail in the areas that were cut out for the pickups which we will get back when the pickups are covered since they will be continuous too. I really can't wait to see to finished.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: basstard on September 13, 2009, 10:22:42 AM: This is a definition of coolness.

I can only say wow.

(Message edited by basstard on September 13, 2009)
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: mica on October 02, 2009, 06:34:00 PM: You haven't seen the side-view yet:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/71097.jpg)
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: artswork99 on October 02, 2009, 06:54:31 PM: ohhhhhh
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: sonicus on October 02, 2009, 09:58:45 PM: Excellent
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: smokinbear on October 03, 2009, 02:04:00 AM: MMMMMM Can I have a bite??? So beautiful.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: rickk on October 03, 2009, 06:35:47 AM: Thanks Mica, I really like the way my walnut looks in the stack.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: mario_farufyno on October 05, 2009, 05:06:04 AM: Love those sandwiches!
Hmmm, tasty!
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: georgie_boy on October 05, 2009, 06:59:52 AM: Geez a howk o' rat!!!
Scottish for......
I'd like a piece of that please!

George
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: basstard on October 20, 2009, 07:21:28 AM: Purrrrrfection.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: rickk on November 01, 2009, 08:09:38 PM: Hi Mica.......Any new pics??

PS...it's NOV 1!!!!
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on November 13, 2009, 12:28:20 PM: N' all man, it's Nov 13th.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on November 13, 2009, 01:50:44 PM: Rick, you have a nice bass. Although I had not made myself present from this perspective, I am seriously looking at your bass with a slight bit if healthy envy.

Your bass is BADD!

In fact, I believe it is the Baddest CocoBolo/Sexy Alembic ever made yet.

When Mica updates your FTC, I can't wait to see the magic of your bass. Just seeing updates when there's no updates on my custom, is fulfilling because at least, I could see something that takes my breath away.

Sorry but, I can't hold back on not saying something about this wonderfully BRUTE STRONG - TAKING NO PRISONERS; GORGEOUS BASS!

While some basses capture a wave, your bass is an under current of Power Station Power!

Just surviving alone to see these guitars build, is something to look forward to... Its better than any show or movie. Just a few clicks from the camera, becomes an echo to the world in seconds.

My phone rings with every new picture!

(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on November 13, 2009)
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: rickk on November 15, 2009, 02:03:23 PM: Thanks I am really excited about it as well. it is great to hear what others think about it since it is always a real challenge to pick out EVERYTHING and not really know how it is going to look or sound until it is finished. But so far it has exceeded my expectations and I can't wait to get it.

This is my first Alembic, but I have wanted one forever. I tried to make it really special by adding the body accent layers of southern black walnut that I sent to Mica. It was from a table that my dad hand made before I was born. I have been saving the wood for a loooong time to use for something really special. I think it totally came out great with the coca bola and the vermillion and maple pinstripes.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: elwoodblue on November 15, 2009, 04:42:21 PM: Cool, nice touch Rick,
...can't wait to see more pics!
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: hammer on November 18, 2009, 11:16:43 AM: That's one beautiful sandwich there and that's without the amazing story behind the wood which just stunning. I'm constantly amazed at what you guys think about in designing your instruments. Looking forward to seeing more pics.
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on November 18, 2009, 11:21:38 AM: This bass has my vote as the Baddest Cocobolo (4 string) bass I ever seen to date.

I seriously want to see more pictures... Oh my goodness gracious.

What a lolly-pop!

(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on November 19, 2009)
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: David Houck on November 29, 2009, 05:44:38 PM: Incorporating your dad's wood is a wonderful idea!
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 01, 2010, 01:42:54 PM: I would love to see new pictures of this BADDEST COCOBOLO BASS I EVER SEEN!

Please, Mica please don't hurt us with that bass!!!
Damn it hurts, so good!

I see FEATURED CUSTOM EVERYWHERE I LOOK!
MY FTC BUILD IS TRULY IN COMPANY WITH SOME HEAVY HITTERS!

Oh, my lord!!!!

Rickk, watch your back!

Did I croon a song on this thread yet???
I feel one coming on...

Peace and MUCH LOVE!!!!

Hal-

(Message edited by the_jester on February 01, 2010)
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 01, 2010, 03:05:36 PM: One an-ah two...

...Just arrived on the seven ten.
Thought I see thee old gang again.
But you know , how they come and go.
I'm just a stranger in town.
Everywhere, Everyone I see.
Seems to wonder who I can be.
But I swear no one seems to care.
About a stranger in town.

....

Guess I'll leave on the twelve - o - three.
Cant believe that there's no hope for me.
But if I come again,
it will be with my Alembic friend,
even though I will I always be...

a stranger in this town.

What a lovely bass!

Peace and Love,

Hal-

(Message edited by the_jester on February 01, 2010)
Title: Re: Rick's Quilted Coco Bolo Custom Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 01, 2010, 09:20:32 PM: (http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/76009.gif)