Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on May 23, 2007, 06:21:21 PM

Title: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: mica on May 23, 2007, 06:21:21 PM

Here's the wood I was telling you about on the phone. These are successive slices from the same slab. For the top:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/40160.jpg)
   And for the back:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/40161.jpg)
   It's a little hard to see the outlines, so I've drawn a yellow indicator to show you where to look. I only traced the larger body half on each.   Hope you like these - mom and I thought they would be perfect for your cool nordic bass.

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: berniek on August 30, 2007, 11:21:56 AM

What happened to this bass?

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: mica on September 21, 2007, 11:36:02 AM

It's been quietly chugging through the shop. Here's where it was a couple of days ago:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/44265.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/44266.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/44267.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/44268.jpg)

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: the_8_string_king on September 26, 2007, 07:17:02 PM

WOW, this looks really great, and is going to look TOTALLY awesome when the finish hits!!!  Buckeye's a GREAT looking wood, unsurpassed in appearance!
 
You really designed a killer bass, sir!!!  I've always been fond of Essence basses with the electronics package... the old big things come in small packages thing.
 
Your bass is going to totally smoke, in looks, versatility of the electronics, and sound... the Ebony neck lams will blow you away.
 
P.S. if you're not getting the 3 position Q switch, I recommend kicking out a couple bucks extra... the added versatility is considerable.  The standard 8db Q setting is pretty strong... with a 3-position Q, you can get a softer setting in addition.  The Signature Deluxe I just got has 3 position Q switches that go 0/6/9 dbs, like the Series I, which is really great!
 
I look forward to seeing the finish hit your bass!

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: artswork99 on September 26, 2007, 08:50:48 PM

An incredible thing to do...  watch the craftsmanship of Alembic using wonderful items from nature to make such gorgeous musical instruments.  
 
Enjoy it Roger!
Thanks for the experience,
 
Art

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: mele_aloha on September 27, 2007, 10:30:50 AM

Looks like frikin Granite! Awesome!!!!
 
I think I'd name it El Capitan.
 
P

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: mica on February 07, 2008, 06:27:05 PM

Any day now...
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/48376.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/48377.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/48378.jpg)

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: briant on February 07, 2008, 07:05:29 PM

Oh. My. Lord.
 
That is officially the most beautiful instrument I have ever seen.  That is simply gorgeous.

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: David Houck on February 07, 2008, 07:44:33 PM

Pretty amazing!

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: jacko on February 08, 2008, 04:49:09 AM

I really do love these dark buckeye instruments once the finish hits them. The all ebony neck lams go really well too. Gives me lots of ideas ;-)
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: basstard on February 11, 2008, 05:48:25 AM

Chrome hardware would be an obvious choice here, I think - it would match the colour perfectly!

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: briant on February 13, 2008, 12:32:33 PM

I come here every day now to look at this bass.

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: mica on March 31, 2008, 09:18:35 AM

Any day now...
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/50220.jpg)

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: mica on April 09, 2008, 11:58:06 AM

Totally finished and arriving at your doorstep this Friday:
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/50609.jpg)
 
As I said on the phone, you'll be amazed at the wood in person. There is sooo much going on that these snapshots just can't reveal.  
 
Roger wanted me to relay his appreciation for the comments and feedback of the Club. He hasn't been able to set up an account yet, but that will probably change soon.

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: foth on April 09, 2008, 12:32:08 PM

Wow!  That's really elegant!

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: jacko on April 10, 2008, 12:42:48 AM

Beautiful! the buckeye has a real 3d look, especally just above the controls - looks like it's been folded over. Incredible!
 
Graeme

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: georgie_boy on April 10, 2008, 06:47:29 AM

Awesome!!
Jacko was just saying to me last Saturday how much he likes the Buckeye
 
Have to admit---so do I
 
G

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: briant on April 10, 2008, 09:36:28 AM

That bass is going to make me order another custom.  It is nothing short of amazing.

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: David Houck on April 10, 2008, 10:24:37 PM

Amazing!  Congrats!!

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: 262632 on October 18, 2008, 07:59:06 PM

Hello, Mica & Members
 
Just a note to let everyone know my Essence turned out fabulous in every way!  I've owed many one-offs including three Alembics that were very nice but the crew out did themselves one this one.  When I ordered it I knew it would be the last bass I would have built (for health reasons) so I put much thought into the design and with Mica's guidance it turned out perfect.  
 
You don't see it in the pictures but there are blue LED's running up the left side of the fretless fingerboard.  You should see and hear peoples reactions when I hit the LED
switch!!!  I wish I could post a pix of it but I haven't found anyone capable of taking the picture.
 
Thanks to all of you for your support and suggestions during the build.
 
Peace, Roger

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: psychicpet on October 19, 2008, 09:17:16 PM

absolutely gorgeous bass Roger. and no doubt sounds even better.

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: 262632 on October 20, 2008, 08:35:46 PM

Hey the_8_string king - just to let you know. I did upgrade to the Europa electronics to get the Q switch and quick tone change switches.  Great suggestion.  Thanks!
 
(Message edited by 262632 on October 20, 2008)
 
(Message edited by 262632 on October 20, 2008)

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: 262632 on October 20, 2008, 08:43:55 PM

To everyone - Staff and club members-Once I held my bass and heard it's unique tones, I got sentimental and settled on an worthy name for it.
 
My Blue Moon In honor of my high school sweetie, Lyn.  Thanks for the best 37 years of my life.

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: David Houck on November 21, 2008, 05:29:51 PM

Congrats again, Roger; and I love the name!

Title: Re: Roger's Custom Essence "Alfheim"
Post by: 262632 on January 01, 2009, 04:45:23 PM

Mica,  
The Truss rod cover is on it's way along with a cashier's check to cover the new one with my name and nickname engraved on it.  I'll look here daily to see when you get it.
 
Happy New Year!
 
Regards,  Roger

Title: Name change & engraving
Post by: mica on September 21, 2007, 11:46:46 AM

Roger's changed the name of this bass from Alfheim to Nifelheim. We'll also be engraving this on the truss rod cover.

Title: Original Specifications
Post by: mica on May 23, 2007, 05:47:15 PM

Hi Roger,
 
Here's the confirmed list of specifications for your custom ordered Essence bass Alfheim
 
Essence 4
2 Ebony neck laminates
fretless unlined
comfort taper
side LEDs in blue (3 at the 12th, 1 at the 1st, 1 at the 24th)
Crown peghead
Buckeye Burl top - blue (80% blue)
Buckeye Burl back - blue (80% blue)
Hard maple body
gloss body / satin finish neck
Essence body shape - tummy contour
chrome hardware
recessed silver logo with shell
bridge block
half moon tailpiece
Continuous Wood Backplates
Europa electronics
hardshell case  
 
We've also been talking about a possible 24th fret inlay - tree of life - live oak.