Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on September 16, 2008, 05:08:52 PM

Title: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: mica on September 16, 2008, 05:08:52 PM
The top wood you selected:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/56264.jpg)
  and the back wood:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/56265.jpg)
  A few days later, the interior of the body:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/56266.jpg)
  Then in a couple of days the entire body in the clamps:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/56267.jpg)
 Note that the block for mounting the pickups will be glued in later - it's there for space only. We have to seal and shield the interior before that piece is glued in place.  And the matching peghead veneers getting clamped:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/56268.jpg)
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: bassjigga on September 17, 2008, 12:02:21 PM
Woa! What a top! I gotta stay away from this site... or burry my wallet somewhere!
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: funkyjazzjunky on September 17, 2008, 01:27:46 PM
OH MY!
 
What a bass
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: andbassforall on September 17, 2008, 01:38:57 PM
Wow Mica,  That's great.  You can just send it off as is now.  Ok maybe you can work on it a bit more.  Thanks for taking the time to put up the photos!
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: LMiwa on September 17, 2008, 03:56:38 PM
I am SO going to be watching THIS one!
 
It's looking a LOT like something I would eventually want to order...
 
What are the custom details - woods, electronics, etc.?
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: andbassforall on September 17, 2008, 06:35:45 PM
Rogue 6-string fretless, unlined, but with sidelines and LED's.  Coco bolo top and bottom. 11 piece neck.  Everything else is pretty standard. Rogue electronics.  I'm glad you folks thus far have liked the top.  I thought it was pretty out there compared to some of the other choices...but that's why I liked it.  I also wanted something a bit darker.
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: David Houck on September 17, 2008, 06:43:30 PM
It may be out there but the finished effect will look great!  For instance, I really like the pattern that follows the curves of the top edge of the top!
 
(Message edited by davehouck on September 17, 2008)
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on September 18, 2008, 04:55:48 AM
Of course we can only anticipate what this will look like under finish, but based on these pictures, I'm going to predict that this will replace Fell's bass (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=7475) as my all-time favorite piece of non-quilt CB!  That is just freakin' spectacular!
 
Peter
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: LMiwa on September 18, 2008, 12:19:33 PM
Wow - 6-string fretless!
 
Is it going to be the classic or comfort taper neck? I can't imagine trying get my hands around a 6-string comfort taper fretless!
 
What's in the body sandwich - cocobolo, maple, mahogany, maple, cocobolo? It sure looks great so far!
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: andbassforall on September 18, 2008, 02:31:23 PM
Hey cozmik.  I really love that bass you put the link up to.  It looks like the milky way had it existed on a piece of coco bolo.  
 
Imiwa.. you are correct about the wood combo I believe.  I had spent a few weeks thinking about the neck once Mica first suggested I do that. I played my other 6-strings. Thought about which one is most natural for me. Factored in the fretless.  I sent her measurements I'd like. I can't remember wether it was called classic or comfort.
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: robinc on September 18, 2008, 06:11:05 PM
that is a fantastic top. I am once again floored by the beauty found in nature!
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: daveski on September 18, 2008, 08:47:12 PM
That is going to really look something, dark coco bolo is a hard one to beat!
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: mica on October 01, 2008, 07:58:39 PM
Wow, this bass has good timing. There always seems to be something interesting happening when I see it in the shop:  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/56928.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/56929.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/56930.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/56931.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/56932.jpg)
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: andbassforall on October 02, 2008, 02:16:33 AM
Oh man,  I just got home from seeing an awesome show.  Now I get to see this. Damn cool. Thanks for the pics, Mica
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: David Houck on October 03, 2008, 05:20:27 PM
This is looking great!
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: mica on October 16, 2008, 06:05:03 PM
In carving:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/57376.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/57377.jpg)
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: psychicpet on October 19, 2008, 09:11:06 PM
wow. stunning 6 for sure.
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: andbassforall on October 21, 2008, 08:38:55 AM
I can hear the tone already!
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: georgie_boy on October 22, 2008, 05:36:58 AM
Gulp!!!
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: mica on November 20, 2008, 07:36:33 PM
In the final curing stage:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/58758.jpg)
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: andbassforall on November 21, 2008, 01:07:25 AM
.........thank you.
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: jacko on November 21, 2008, 04:58:15 AM
That's a pretty impressive top Michael. looks kind of similar to mine (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8583) although mine doesn't have a back laminate.
 
Graeme
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: andbassforall on November 21, 2008, 05:19:10 AM
Wow awesome Jacko. You are very right, the tops are very similar.  I just went for the darkest top I could find, and of course some interesting pattern.  How are you enjoying yours?
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: jacko on November 21, 2008, 05:28:15 AM
She's an incredible bass - feels like butter and gets a huge range of tones. The 'Q' switch adds a nice kick when I need to get aggressive as do the bass and treble switches. You'll love yours when she's finished.
I also have an epic and a balance k (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8725) but the rogue was the only custom build so she's very special.
 
Graeme.
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: funkyjazzjunky on November 21, 2008, 10:20:40 AM
Congratulations
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: mica on January 16, 2009, 08:11:31 PM
Rubbed out and ready for setup:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/60187.jpg)
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: mica on January 19, 2009, 07:16:21 PM
Starting the setup process:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/60311.jpg)
  and one of the peghead since it doesn't seem like I've shown that off since before it was cut out:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/60312.jpg)
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: andbassforall on January 21, 2009, 11:11:44 PM
That headstock is awesome.  I don't know how I'm going to play the bass while I'm just staring at the thing.
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: robinc on January 22, 2009, 12:57:24 PM
love that top. love it love it love it!
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: mica on February 06, 2009, 06:36:05 PM
More pics of the bass next week (sorry to make you wait), but here's one of the hand engraving:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/60903.jpg)
It's really beautiful!
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: andbassforall on February 09, 2009, 01:28:29 PM
That is awesome!
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: mica on February 10, 2009, 08:01:42 PM
Reclining on the sofa, like all 6-string fretless basses:
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/61095.jpg)
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: tbrannon on February 10, 2009, 08:08:49 PM
That is beautiful.
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: dlbydgtl on February 10, 2009, 08:16:12 PM
O.K. That's amazing. John
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: David Houck on February 10, 2009, 09:41:18 PM
Wow!!
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: andbassforall on February 11, 2009, 12:37:35 AM
Just when you thought that bass couldn't get no prettier...
 
I've been constantly stunned by the progress of this instrument.  We all know that when we order one of these basses, no matter what, it will come out amazing.  The see the life it takes on of it's own has made the time it takes to create these instruments and otherwise very worth it.  
 
I believe I'm going to get it around the end of the week or so. I'll Try and sleep between now and then.
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: jacko on February 11, 2009, 12:53:37 AM
Congratulations Michael, that's a stunning bass. You won't be getting any sleep till it arrives, believe me, I know ;-)
 
Graeme
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: LMiwa on February 12, 2009, 09:47:52 AM
That is a REALLY nice bass - absolutely stunning. I can only imagine how it sounds...
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: andbassforall on February 13, 2009, 10:41:12 PM
Today was delivery day.  I tracked the instrument through the UPS site and found that at 2a.m. the bass was just sitting less than 10 miles from my place. I thought, maybe I could just knock on their door and they'd let me in.  I figure security is more tight than that at UPS.  Morning comes and I'm laying in my bed and every time I hear someone go up the stairs in my complex I'm waiting for someone to knock on the door. I swear every time my heart dropped in anticipation.  To make the wait even more challenging the bass didn't show up till 7:30p.m., I must have been the last person on the route.   They got me on the way back instead of the way out.  I was of course, nervous to shower, get food, restroom etc, in fear that I'd miss that one moment.  
 
When the package came, I took my time opening it as if I was pretending I had some restraint.  What I really wanted to do was tear the box open and worry about the clean-up later.  So I get the case out of the shipping box, open the case and kinda just stare at it.  You know how parents think their kid is the most beautiful child they have every seen?   Rightfully so.  That's what I feel like.  I feel like it's the most amazing Alembic I've ever seen.  Many, many Alembics have taken my breath away and many will continue to of course.  The wood work, the laminates, the wood electronics compartment covers, it was all perfect.  The bass beams with personality.  
 
I plugged it in to my Genz-Benz and played a little dinner music for neighbors.  I've played 6-string for many years now, I've played fretless for quite a few years as well.  I was brave in wanting to go the 6-string fretless route.  The bass feels and plays so amazingly that I feel that every bump and bruise of growing pains into this instrument will be ear candy.. all the way up to the 24th fret of the high C.  
 
Thank you to all the forum members for their thoughts, enthusiasm and friendship thus far.  I only hope I can contribute in the same manner.  I will of course thank everyone at Alembic in a bit more of a personal fashion.
 
I hope over the next week or so to take  some photos and post them up on the Showcase section.  So be on the lookout.  
 
If anyone can give me a run down or point me to a direction on the Alembic site or forum explaining the toggles on the electronics of my new instrument, that would greatly be appreciate.  I already love how it sounds and I find all the shaping to be very musical, but I'd love to know more.  
 
Thanks again, and thanks for reading.
 
Mike
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: tbrannon on February 14, 2009, 05:57:42 AM
Mike-  
 
Glad it arrived safely- it is a wonderful looking instrument and I'm sure it sounds even better than it looks.
 
Here are the basic Europa/Rogue electronics: The Europa controls are volume, pan, filter, Q switch, bass boost/cut switch, treble boost/cut switch.
 
The quick tone switches are bass and treble and are not individual switches for the pickups. Each switch provides 6db boost, flat, and 6db cut.
 
Looks like you have an extra switch there- I'm assuming it's for side LED's?
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: keith_h on February 14, 2009, 08:19:46 AM
Congratulations. I look forward to the additional pics.  
 
Keith
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: David Houck on February 15, 2009, 12:19:08 PM
Congrats Mike!!!
Title: Re: Michael's 6-string Rogue
Post by: andbassforall on February 15, 2009, 03:10:36 PM
Thanks so much Dave!.  I actually took it out to my gig last night and played it the whole set.  I've played fretless but never unlined so I didn't know if I was going to have problems seeing the sidelines  Luckily the room was very dark, the stage was very bright so I could see well.  I did get LED's but they are pretty bright and blow out the sidelines when I put them on.  I'll probably have to get a dimmer put in.   I brought a back up bass in case I bombed, didn't want to piss off the artist.