Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on April 07, 2009, 08:22:09 PM

Title: Jon's Quilted Maple Dragon Wing
Post by: mica on April 07, 2009, 08:22:09 PM

Peghead rough shaped:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/63363.jpg)
  Body and back accent laminates in big clamps:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/63364.jpg)
  Top and from accent laminates ready for the next step:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/63365.jpg)
  I'll have some more pics by the end of the week for you. Looking good!

Title: Build Record
Post by: funkyjazzjunky on April 08, 2009, 09:42:15 AM

Oooohhh
 
Who is the fortunate owner?

Title: Build Record
Post by: briant on April 08, 2009, 03:14:07 PM

I must make it a point to not watch this build (yeah, right).  I've been lusting after a dragon wing for a long time.

Title: Build Record
Post by: adriaan on April 08, 2009, 05:01:43 PM

Brian - why not make it an omega where you can take a U-turn and watch the build progress anyway?

Title: Build Record
Post by: jon_jackson on April 08, 2009, 05:31:27 PM

Thank you for the pictures, Mica.  I've been anticipating this for quite a while and am very excited that it's underway.

Title: Build Record
Post by: artswork99 on April 08, 2009, 07:33:39 PM

Jon,  
Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your bass getting underway! A vicarious thrill for many.
Best,
Art

Title: Build Record
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on April 08, 2009, 07:48:00 PM

Whip me up some dragon lotion!
 
Peter

Title: Build Record
Post by: fish on April 09, 2009, 07:12:36 AM

Great stuff Jon/Mica;
 
I cannot wait to see it finished.
 
I hope you like it as much as I like my maple DW.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/63410.jpg)

Title: Build Record
Post by: briant on April 09, 2009, 09:32:41 AM

Brian - why not make it an omega where you can take a U-turn and watch the build progress anyway?
 
That was horrible... and I laughed way too much at it. :-)

Title: Build Record
Post by: adriaan on April 09, 2009, 10:10:08 AM

Agreed - puns don't come much worse than that. And I'm proud of it too. Aarrgh ...

Title: Build Record
Post by: jon_jackson on April 09, 2009, 11:10:27 AM

Peter - Great reference.  I'm a fan of Frank myself.
 
Dave - Starburst was one of the instruments I checked out when working on the specs for mine.  Beautiful.

Title: Build Record
Post by: mica on April 09, 2009, 04:52:32 PM

A couple steps closer now. Body to neck:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/63423.jpg)
  Prepping the top and accent lams:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/63424.jpg)

Title: Build Record
Post by: mica on May 12, 2009, 05:38:34 PM

Zooming along with sealer coats and ready for the inlaid logo:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/65102.jpg)
 
I have a feeling we'll hear from Oliver before too long.

Title: Build Record
Post by: mica on May 12, 2009, 05:54:21 PM

Back view, too:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/65120.jpg)
Bird's-eye Maple looks sweet!

Title: Build Record
Post by: hydrargyrum on May 12, 2009, 05:59:05 PM

I like the neck woods you chose.  Very rich looking.

Title: Build Record
Post by: tbrannon on May 12, 2009, 06:08:01 PM

Sweet!!  I love the back laminate and I like the purpleheart-ebony-purpleheart combination without the accent laminates.

Title: Build Record
Post by: David Houck on May 12, 2009, 06:31:17 PM

Beautiful top!!

Title: Build Record
Post by: gregduboc on May 12, 2009, 06:39:04 PM

I know that the top is magnificent, but there is something about that back.... I just can't look away....  
 
And that is a phrase that would make my girlfriend kick me in the face....  
 
Stunning, congratulations!
 
Greg

Title: Build Record
Post by: jon_jackson on May 12, 2009, 06:39:50 PM

Mica, I am literally sitting here with tears in my eyes looking at this. It is gorgeous.
-Jon

Title: Build Record
Post by: hendixclarke on May 12, 2009, 08:09:55 PM

Jon, your last statement hit me with a huge surge of joy.  
 
I am so happy for you too.

Title: Build Record
Post by: hendixclarke on May 12, 2009, 08:23:19 PM

Look at the bass, just look at it...  
 
Look at that fabulous bass of yours...  
 
I knew that just one look at it, this was the bass I adore...
 
A Sammy Davis Jr. Swing remix...

Title: Build Record
Post by: hydrargyrum on May 13, 2009, 06:53:38 PM

I love how you can just catch a glimpse of the quilt top through the electronics cavity.  Play it in good health Jon.

Title: Build Record
Post by: senmen on May 14, 2009, 11:10:58 AM

Jon,
you will get an awesome bass.
 
Greetings from a brother
Tears for John
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/65176.jpg)
 
Oliver (Spyderman)

Title: Build Record
Post by: briant on May 14, 2009, 11:39:34 AM

That bass is gorgeous.
 
I want a 5 string with a nice bookmatched to center buckeye burl top.

Title: Build Record
Post by: jon_jackson on May 15, 2009, 05:24:24 PM

Buckeye burl would be an excellent choice for a dragon wing.

Title: Build Record
Post by: mica on June 19, 2009, 08:45:27 PM

Still in spray. Here's a shot with the bass prepped for the next coat of finish (so still sanded):
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/66471.jpg)

Title: Build Record
Post by: sonicus on June 19, 2009, 08:56:39 PM

I bet that Dragon will growl when it flies out!  I like that design.

Title: Build Record
Post by: mica on July 13, 2009, 05:03:29 PM

Getting close to the finish line. Now the bass is rubbed out, ready to get the high gloss buffing next:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/67347.jpg)

Title: Build Record
Post by: mica on July 31, 2009, 04:33:21 PM

In setup, just getting the slots in the string nut cut:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/67999.jpg)

Title: Build Record
Post by: jon_jackson on August 01, 2009, 04:38:41 PM

Interesting shot.   I don't think I've seen a picture of the nut slots in progress before.
 
Are we at the Stay The Course...Almost Done stage?  ;)
-Jon

Title: Build Record
Post by: mica on August 11, 2009, 04:41:06 PM

The bass is done:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/68562.jpg)
 
It's hanging outside my office at the moment. I need to complete my inspection and photos, then Mary must give it her final blessing before it's ready to ship. If everything goes well on those fronts, we should be ready to ship to you early next week.  
 
My dad said today that this bass compels you to look at it.

Title: Build Record
Post by: David Houck on August 11, 2009, 04:48:55 PM

That's a very nice quilt and it looks great on that body!  Congrats!!

Title: Build Record
Post by: jedisan on August 11, 2009, 05:13:08 PM

Ron always seems to hit the nail on the head, compels you to look at it. Really, I find this top to be quite mesmerizing. Jon, congrats on a stunning instrument.

Title: Build Record
Post by: jon_jackson on August 11, 2009, 05:44:20 PM

WOW!
 
That reptilian quilt is exactly what I had in mind, but Mica and Susan found it the first time.  Thank you so much; I love it.
 
I can't wait to see the back.
-Jon

Title: Build Record
Post by: sonicus on August 11, 2009, 07:10:53 PM

Very nice _ Yes, that quilt is superb !   CONGRATS

Title: Build Record
Post by: Enzo on August 11, 2009, 08:11:11 PM

Not my favourite shape ( oh well ! ) but I have to admit that this bass is truly a work of art ! Getting close to the delivery I would start shaking

Title: Build Record
Post by: andbassforall on August 12, 2009, 02:40:56 AM

A true gem. Enjoy!

Title: Build Record
Post by: georgie_boy on August 12, 2009, 05:41:15 AM

Like Enzo, not my favourite shape, but probably the best quilt I've ever seen!
 
Enjoy her
 
George

Title: Build Record
Post by: senmen on August 12, 2009, 09:35:45 AM

Jon,
 
I like the shape!
Cool bass.....
Many greets
Oliver (Spyderman)

Title: Build Record
Post by: jon_jackson on August 12, 2009, 12:52:45 PM

Thanks Oliver.  Me too!
-Jon

Title: Build Record
Post by: jacko on August 13, 2009, 04:29:50 AM

I love the shape, so much so that I'm seriously considering discussing a 5 string option for my 1/2 century in 2 years time. The Quilt on this one is fantastic too.
 
Graeme

Title: Build Record
Post by: jazzyvee on August 14, 2009, 01:38:12 AM

Jacko I think you should have one, maybe with series electronics to make it a really special 1/2 century treat. I tried one out at the UK Alembic dealers place last summer with signature electronics and it sounded incredible.
 
Jazzyvee

Title: Build Record
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on August 14, 2009, 08:21:59 PM

Man, if there was ever a piece of wood that screamed dragon scales louder, I'd love to see it.  Perfect match of model & figure, if'n you was to ask me.
 
Peter

Title: Build Record
Post by: jon_jackson on August 25, 2009, 04:41:14 PM

Mica, oh Mica, may my dragon please come out to play?

Title: LEDs
Post by: jon_jackson on June 13, 2009, 06:15:38 AM

Mica, in reading some of the recent Club comments about the brightness of side LEDs and your note about a three-way switch (off-low-high), would you please install a three-way LED switch on my bass?  Thanks.
-Jon

Title: LEDs
Post by: mica on June 14, 2009, 01:57:22 PM

Hi Jon,
 
We can add a 3-way operation switch. Just make sure you use it regularly. The lubrication in the 3-way switches can dry out if not used and make an intermittent contact. The best way to avoid this is to use it! If you do get spotty performance from the switch, usually just a good flick or 20 will restore the function and dislodge the offending particle.