Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on January 12, 2006, 11:54:42 AM

Title: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: mica on January 12, 2006, 11:54:42 AM: Here's the plan with your Heart Omega carving:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/24057.jpg)
And also a view of your tom laminate bookmatched, since when you visited, you only saw the stick:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/24058.jpg)
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: the_8_string_king on January 12, 2006, 12:01:58 PM: Wow!!! That's quite a stunning board-pair.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: tom_z on January 12, 2006, 12:25:20 PM: WOW! Thanks for the update, Mica. The plan with the heart omega looks beautiful - looks like plenty of room for the inlay. And the top laminate is fantastic - more dramatic than I remember - absolutely beautiful!

There's a wonderful resemblance.

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/24061.png)

Thanks again. =D

Tom
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: jerico on January 12, 2006, 04:55:51 PM: The omega is going to look v.cool.

Justin
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: foth on January 13, 2006, 02:43:00 AM: I was wondering who that was staring out of the wood!
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: adriaan on January 13, 2006, 03:08:20 AM: I wonder if a bigger size for the cutout wouldn't work better - the 'opening' seems to be too small for the size of the tips, makes them look a bit heavy.

But I'll admit it's not as weird as a Stinger Omega on a Small Standard bass.

Have you seen the heart omega on this Rogue in the Alembic Store - http://store1.yimg.com/I/alembic_1867_2876339 (http://store1.yimg.com/I/alembic_1867_2876339) ?
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: bigideas on January 13, 2006, 11:41:10 AM: it's a very nice looking guitar. i love the wood. i was actually wondering when/if this shape (or the plain omega) would end up happening ever since i saw the wolf copy thomas lieber built pete sears (it however is a bass.)

http://lieberguitars.com/psBass.htm (http://lieberguitars.com/psBass.htm)
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: mica on March 10, 2006, 10:52:53 AM: In carving now:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26047.jpg)
And a detail of the delicate heart:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26048.jpg)
A line drawing always looks a little "beefier" than the real thing. I suppose it's because the roundover isn't represented in a 2D drawing.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: palembic on March 10, 2006, 10:58:50 AM: Veeery nice indeed!

PTBO
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: jalevinemd on March 10, 2006, 11:14:03 AM: That is the wildest friggin' top I've ever seen!!! I can't wait to see this one when it's finished, Tom.

Congrats.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: jerico on March 10, 2006, 02:12:12 PM: Hey - that looks stellar!
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: tom_z on March 10, 2006, 04:17:48 PM: Beautiful!! Thank you Mica, I appreciate the update very much. And thanks gents - I think it looks great too - very exciting. It's difficult to tell, but the figured (striped) ebony fretboard should blend right into the body perfectly.

I love the heart omega - you're absolutely correct, Susan, it's proportioned for this body just exactly right. Thanks!!

=) Tom
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: mica on March 10, 2006, 04:22:05 PM: Yeah, with the strong lighting in carving, it's hard to see, but the striped Macassar Ebony fingerboard looks like it's growing out of the body, super cool.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: David Houck on March 11, 2006, 08:08:18 AM: Wow!!
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: mica on March 14, 2006, 06:17:30 PM: Routed, sealed and prepped:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26281.jpg)

It's not much to look at with the lighting and the sanding, but I figured you'd want to see how it was progressing.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: tom_z on March 14, 2006, 09:46:02 PM: Beautiful shape - absolutely lovely contours. I think the heart is perfect. Thank you, Mica!

Tom
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: adriaan on March 15, 2006, 04:28:21 AM: Agreed on the heart - like Mica said, the line drawing just made it look beefier than it actually is. Very nice!
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: strangerones on March 16, 2006, 09:08:06 AM: That's purty.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: olieoliver on March 16, 2006, 09:16:09 AM: That is a cool top. I love the heart cut out.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: tom_z on October 29, 2007, 10:19:18 PM: Bump - hey Mica - how are we doing on this? It's been a while.

Peace
Tom
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: tom_z on June 17, 2008, 11:46:51 PM: Mica - I'd love to hear from you.
What can you tell me about my guitar?
Thanks,
Tom
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: tom_z on May 14, 2009, 02:34:26 PM: Here's the next generation limbering up for their trip to Santa Rosa.

How are we doing on the inlays Mica?

Tom

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/65180.jpg)
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: hydrargyrum on May 16, 2009, 05:39:19 PM: Tom I think this is shaping up to be my personal favorite further. I love your wood choices, and the heart turned out great. What a lovely instrument.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: artswork99 on May 16, 2009, 06:18:00 PM: How nice!
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: tom_z on May 16, 2009, 08:35:56 PM: Thanks! It's really a nice guitar. We went to Santa Rosa last summer and I got to see and hold it in it's current state - no elecs or hardware. Just waiting on inlay art now. I'm looking forward to playing it some day soon.

Peace
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: mica on June 19, 2009, 01:46:17 PM: That day is approaching fast. Here's the inlay art that Tom approved:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/66458.jpg)
But one thing... I need to move the cervical spine down a touch to be more anatomically correct. With materials roughed in:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/66459.jpg)
The abalone will certainly look a bit different on the real one. This is James' next inlay project. Should be beautiful in person. I'm really looking forward to this inlay.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: darkstar01 on June 19, 2009, 08:09:55 PM: that's an awesome inlay, and that top is incredible... this is shaping up to be one of my favorite guitars in recent memory.. congrats, tom.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: jalevinemd on June 19, 2009, 08:38:04 PM: What an amazing concept for an inlay!
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: tom_z on June 23, 2009, 12:51:33 PM: I love the inlay concept too. Susan's creative eye and amazing intuition never cease to inspire. She designed this after a couple conversations and an email or two. It perfectly captures the spirit we were going for - and yet the final drawing was almost a complete surprise. I love how she created the curved bottom edge to follow the contour of the heart omega.

Now, after seeing Mica's rendering I can hardly wait to see it in person!
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: mica on August 11, 2009, 05:25:27 PM: Fingerboard inlay in the bag:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68579.jpg)
And in the board:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68580.jpg)
You will be amazed at the shell in person. It's so beautiful.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: tbrannon on August 11, 2009, 05:42:27 PM: Oh WOW!! That is beautiful.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: David Houck on August 11, 2009, 06:27:37 PM: Wow! and Beautiful! are my reactions too!
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: tom_z on August 11, 2009, 10:41:02 PM: Toby and Dave - you beat me to it and took the words right out of my mouth.

Thanks Mica - love the inlay and forgot how beautiful the fretboard is too! Should be on the home stretch!

Peace
Tom
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: mica on December 29, 2009, 01:23:14 PM: Leaving us today:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/74757.jpg)
Infinitely more lovely in person.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/74758.jpg)
As I told you on the phone, this is a very emotional piece. When I even think of this inlay, it makes me get goosebumps and when I see it, it really moves me to tears. I hope you love it and I can't wait to hear your reaction when you receive it.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: darkstar01 on December 29, 2009, 02:53:43 PM: this may be my all time favorite alembic. absolutely beautiful.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: sonicus on December 29, 2009, 03:27:42 PM: Beyond words______.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: mica on December 29, 2009, 03:40:58 PM: I just got my last look at Cosmo. I wish you could all see it in person.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: tbrannon on December 29, 2009, 03:50:42 PM: What a masterpiece.....
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: pauldo on December 29, 2009, 04:30:42 PM: The heart shape of the the cutout underneath the inlay . . . . very emotional.

Angels with fur.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: pace on December 29, 2009, 05:33:26 PM: Cosmo was the name of our boxer, who we dearly miss....

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/74784.jpg)
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: hb3 on December 29, 2009, 05:36:59 PM: That should be a Custom of the Month...or year....
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: tom_z on December 29, 2009, 07:09:20 PM: Thanks for the positive notes everyone.

Just got home to have a look - Mica's photos knocked my eyes out! . . . then . . . moments after opening the web browser the phone rings - it's Mica with the tracking info . . . Now, see if I can hold my breath for a couple days while it's traveling here. I can't wait to see and play it. Amazing!! Thanks for the pictures Mica!! Talk to you later this week.

(Message edited by tom_z on December 29, 2009)
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: lbpesq on December 29, 2009, 07:13:49 PM: Tom:

Congrats! An incredibly beautiful instrument. Just remember to keep breathing once it arrives!

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: ajdover on December 29, 2009, 07:24:22 PM: Tom - if you think the pics knock your eyes out, wait 'til you open the case. Trust me!

Congrats,

Alan
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: artswork99 on December 30, 2009, 06:08:29 AM: How very nice. Congratualtions Tom!
Play it Healthy!
Art
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: hydrargyrum on December 30, 2009, 06:34:11 AM: Best Further Ever.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: the_jester on December 30, 2009, 10:56:42 AM: ...there's even this Western, laid-backness about it.

The colors support this warm sense of security and comfort of a very friendly, but defined trust as one would have for a sharp object that fits in the pocket.

In other words, this guitar is super cool.

(Message edited by the_jester on December 30, 2009)
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: David Houck on January 02, 2010, 08:15:06 PM: The pictures are stunning!
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: funkyjazzjunky on January 04, 2010, 11:00:00 AM: Alembic has amazing talent.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: tom_z on January 04, 2010, 11:30:39 PM: This beautiful guitar arrived today!! It was all I could do to pry it from my hands to write this.

What an amazing instrument! It is stunning in appearance and tone. Upon opening the case my heart stopped - pure beauty! The inlays are absolutely sublime. The depth and richness of the shell is not like anything I've seen - it fairly shimmers and moves before your eyes. Front to back, top to bottom the wood is gorgeous and craftsmanship flawless.

Then I plugged it in.

I was pretty sure there would be no big surprises here. I already have an incredible Skylark with exceptional tone and versatility and I'm very familiar with the Alembic electronics. But . . . the combination of neck-through construction, the three-pickup configuration, this particular wood recipe, and the indefinable mojo - spirit - soul that was built into the guitar by the artists and alchemists at Alembic truly created an unexpectedly rich tonal palette. There are tonal similarities to the skylark, especially in terms of clarity and definition of notes, but there seem to be richer overtones, a bit more sustain and even broader variety of tone. I'm looking forward to exploring it's possibilities.

Thanks to all for the kind words on this thread - I'll post some photos in the showcase when I get a chance to to take some in good light.

Deepest heartfelt thanks to Susan, Mica, Mary, Ron, Bob, James, and all of the artists who contributed to creating this incredible instrument.

Peace and Happy New Year!
Tom
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: artswork99 on January 05, 2010, 09:35:47 AM: Tom, Thanks for taking the time to describe the feeling. That is awesome! All the best, Art
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: flaxattack on January 05, 2010, 10:11:59 AM: ABSOLUTELY STUNNING TOM-

I havent posted in the ftc in a long time because so many instruments look so good they roll into one.
THIS ONE IS SPECIAL

MAY YOU PLAY THIS IN GOOD TIMES AND FOND MEMORIES OF A FRIEND AND COMPANION.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: tom_z on January 05, 2010, 09:01:25 PM: Thanks Art - I really didn't think I could be so completely blown away again. There's really nothing like opening the case of your first newly built Alembic for the first time.

Jeff - I really appreciate your kind words. I believe this one got started around the same time as Scooter, which I remember was also a tribute to an old friend.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: artswork99 on January 06, 2010, 05:46:04 AM: Tom,
I can only imagine, it must be an exhilarating experience and one that proves patience. Even the Alembics that I've been privileged to own, meet and play create a heightened experience knowing what's gone into them.
Best, Art
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: flaxattack on January 06, 2010, 08:19:49 AM: quite a wait tom and as usual worth it
yes scooter was a tribute to my kitty who passed away 4 yrs ago last week. brought back memories.funny i had written that in the original thread but removed it.....
scooter unfortunately had a major production booboo
which resulted in scarlet being made. scooter ended up in the hands of another alembician who;s name i have forgotten.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: paulman on January 06, 2010, 11:59:02 AM: Anyone got a towel??? *drooling*
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/75153.gif)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/75154.gif)
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: tom_z on January 10, 2010, 04:26:39 PM: Nice day to take a few pictures.

There are a few more in the Showcase.

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/75273.jpg)
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: the_jester on January 10, 2010, 06:00:30 PM: It must feel real nice to finally say: Finally!

Your guitar is so very beautiful.
Title: Re: Tom's Custom Further Guitar
Post by: artswork99 on January 10, 2010, 07:07:30 PM: I love that top... that picture is so cool, it appears that the dark portions are almost melting ;)