Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on February 27, 2007, 07:02:07 PM

Title: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mica on February 27, 2007, 07:02:07 PM: This was the wood you selected for the top of your Further guitar:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/36758.jpg)
With the template for size reference:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/36759.jpg)
And a closeup of the figure:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/36760.jpg)
I understand from Bob that the body should be assembled next week.
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mica on February 27, 2007, 07:05:05 PM: I also saw the neck in progress this afternoon. There's still a lot of work to go, but it should be ready when the body is completed.

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/36764.jpg)
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: jacko on February 28, 2007, 03:11:52 AM: Wow, that's some beautiful maple. Even rough sawn the figure jumps out.

Graeme
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mica on March 01, 2007, 05:15:31 PM: After it's sanded, the Maple looses some of it's oomph, but here is the stack getting ready for body assembly:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/36874.jpg)
The three dimensional grain will pop out again once the finish hits it.
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mica on March 23, 2007, 06:01:51 PM: The body is well under way:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37910.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37911.jpg)
The fingerboard is on the neck and the peghead is rough shaped now too:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37912.jpg)
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mica on May 25, 2007, 08:25:47 PM: I wrote to Mike about this when it happened, and now for the Club update. When carving the neck last month, a big, ugly snot showed up near the 12th fret. This was not something that we could tolerate:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/40309.jpg)
So we had to chop off the body and get a new neck constructed:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/40310.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/40311.jpg)
The new neck is ready for veneers and its fingerboard next week, and should get back in carving the first week of June. It's got even heavier figuring than the first one. Back on track now!
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mgreen on June 04, 2007, 07:30:49 AM: Ok, are we all set with the rest of the specifications, regarding inlay, peg head etc?
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mica on June 07, 2007, 06:17:08 PM: Here's the back of the peghead:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/40794.jpg)
It's Purpleheart like you requested. Don't mind the glue spots, rough shaping and the burn in the Cherry - they are only temporary.

I'll be happy to call you to review the rest of your specifications. Just tell me what time works well for you.
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mica on June 15, 2007, 06:41:51 PM: Your guitar is in carving now:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/41037.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/41038.jpg)
Sorry there's a little motion blur on these photos, but you can still tell that things are movin' right along.
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mele_aloha on June 18, 2007, 09:43:35 AM: Was that snot in the neck due to a cold? LOL
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mgreen on August 05, 2007, 11:35:00 PM: can i get some feedback please. I am in Europe and would like to know status. Thank you.
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: tbrannon on August 06, 2007, 06:12:57 AM: Michael,

In case you missed it, Mica just added a baby boy to the family. She's been away from work, but if I read correctly is planning on being around sometime soon.

I know it's an expensive call, but a phone call would probably get you a quick answer.

Hang in there =)

Toby
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mica on August 21, 2007, 05:29:40 PM: About half-way through finish now:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/43309.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/43310.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/43311.jpg)
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: the_8_string_king on August 21, 2007, 08:18:53 PM: Pretty. Awesome. Pretty Awesome!
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: jacko on August 22, 2007, 12:47:13 AM: Just Pretty full stop. I love the further guitar shape and this quilt sets it off perfectly.

Graeme
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: lbpesq on August 22, 2007, 06:58:41 AM: Lookin' REALLY good!

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mgreen on August 23, 2007, 05:37:30 PM: I'm real concerned that the book match is not close. I assume it will not be too noticibe once the electronics and wolf are added but I have serious reservations.
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mica on August 23, 2007, 07:13:21 PM: The short story is that I don't think you will be disappointed with the grain of your guitar in person, it's an absolute stunner. Here's a longer explanation:

The bookmatch is a regular old bookmatch. The only wood missing is the kerf of the bandsaw blade and the minor sanding to get things flat. Even though a lot can happen grain-wise in that small space, Quilted and Flame Maple don't really ever look bookmatched if you look closely. Here's some more pictures of your guitar.

This one is pretty straight on and with a flash:

(http://alembic.com/club/messages/631/43409.jpg)

If you concentrate on just a small area, you can see the symmetry of the bookmatch:

(http://alembic.com/club/messages/631/43410.jpg)

Enlarged for an even better view:

(http://alembic.com/club/messages/631/43411.jpg)

And again from a slightly different angle:

(http://alembic.com/club/messages/631/43412.jpg)

What shows up with the figured Maples is the grain direction. It's the changes in the direction that make the interesting and shimmery effect we all enjoy. When we slice across a plane, a given area of the left side of the bookmatch has the grain going up, while the same area on the right has the grain going down, but before we cut it, the grain was continuous.

It's sort of hard to visualize, but think of Les Paul guitars you've seen, with the Flame Maple bookmatched to center. On one side, the same shape of figure looks light in color, and on the other side of the bookmatch it's darker. Look at the back of this one on Gibson's website (http://www.gibson.com/en%2Dus/Divisions/Gibson%20USA/Guitars/LesPaul/Supreme/) and you'll see what I'm talking about.
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: flaxattack on August 23, 2007, 08:52:45 PM: is wolf getting a brother? coool!!!!!!!!!!!
lol

it looks fine- its not btc
the symmetry is in the angle of the grain away from the neck not the actual appearance of the figuring
both sides dont match exactly in appearance
but if you look at it- the grain is fine and it evens out perfectly by the brisge pickup
one thing for sure, Bob knows how to lay out wood
he's pretty much taught everyone at alembic.

(Message edited by flaxattack on August 23, 2007)
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: jacko on August 24, 2007, 01:02:49 AM: It looks perfect to me. Especially in the last pic. You're going to be very happy when you see it in person Micheal.

graeme
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: David Houck on August 25, 2007, 06:31:39 PM: I love that last pic!! Beautiful!
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: trekster on August 27, 2007, 05:50:42 AM: I love the explanation.. to me it even becomes more evident when you bookmatch a piece of spalted maple that also has figure.. in some ways mirrored, and yet.. heh.

--T
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mgreen on August 27, 2007, 07:22:39 AM: Yes, the new pics are amazing. Thank you for the additional post!! I have seen some funny things with lighting and angle that can really change the way maple can look. Thanks again.
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mica on November 06, 2007, 06:37:20 PM: Glue can be alarming at this stage, but thought you'd want to see a pic of the inlay in process:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/45656.jpg)
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: flaxattack on November 08, 2007, 09:52:58 PM: my wolf brotha!!!!!!
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mica on November 28, 2007, 06:38:15 PM: Peghead inlay:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/46225.jpg)

Both the cloud in the logo and the lightning bolt are in gold mother of pearl.
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mgreen on December 04, 2007, 07:07:50 AM: Looks great Mica! Perfect size.
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mica on December 07, 2007, 08:19:44 PM: Still a little glue in place, but you get the general idea:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/46475.jpg)
We've never carved this many letter in this small a space. It might be hard to tell in the photo, but this is a very nice golden color slab of shell.
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mica on December 07, 2007, 08:29:37 PM: Wolf inlay is done as well:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/46481.jpg)
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: flaxattack on December 13, 2007, 10:20:16 PM: what
no drool?
the gentler of the wolf den,...
looks great
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mgreen on December 27, 2007, 05:16:08 PM: Is it too late to add Guitar Hero? controls?
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mica on May 16, 2008, 04:22:07 PM: Already safely in Michael's hands, here's the finished shot for the rest of the folks that have been following this guitar:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/51933.jpg)
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: jacko on May 16, 2008, 04:29:00 PM: Very nice.
Play it well Micheal.

Graeme
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: David Houck on May 16, 2008, 07:29:54 PM: Great guitar!
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: flaxattack on May 16, 2008, 10:06:06 PM: another member of the wolfpack is born
thats a sweet guitar mike
play it in good health.........
regards
direwolf
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: lbpesq on May 17, 2008, 08:54:08 AM: Suhhhhwwweeeeeettttt! Of course one might suspect that I'm partial to Furthers. This one looks real nice. Enjoy (I'm sure you will!)

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: mgreen on June 27, 2008, 01:34:41 PM: In response to the last few post, I must tell you that what really impreses me about this guitar is that it sounds as good if not better than it looks if that is possible. While we all know Alembic products sound amazing, I did loose sight of that during the production process.

I was playing it last night, and it truly inspires creative playing as promised by Sue and Mica. Now that some time has passed from the construction process, I can really just enjoy this guitar. I did make one major mistake. I made the guitar too nice! It was very tempting to get caught up in all of the custom possibilities. I don't even think about taking this masterpiece out of the house. But since I got to have that sound when I play out I'm now considering a stock model Tribute.

Perhaps Mica can post a pic of the back of this guitar. The matching flame maple back is quite amazing. A few of the other features that you may not notice, locking gold tuners, purple heart wood on the back of the peg head, and an internal dimming switch for the LED's. Also, the gold mother of pearl throughout is a great unifying touch. If anyone has any questions or needs advise let me know.
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: californiaman on June 27, 2008, 06:16:24 PM: Michael,
you are truly blessed.
I'd be inspired too, it I were you.
Todd
Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further with Inlays
Post by: David Houck on June 28, 2008, 04:57:28 PM: Michael; if you want, post some pictures in the Showcase section of the board.
Title: Fingerboard inlays
Post by: mgreen on March 28, 2007, 07:34:44 AM: Mica, I think I'm ok with abalone inlay. I assume it will look like the Dire Wolf in the archive. Now don't laugh, but can my name be in gold in the mother of pearl inlay? This way it will match the hardware.
Title: Fingerboard inlays
Post by: mica on March 30, 2007, 03:57:46 PM: Yes, the Dire Wolf (http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_direwolf.html) in the Custom Archive has a mix of abalone ovals with mother of pearl for the nameplate.

For the nameplate, the black will match the fingerboard. To inlay gold will be pretty elaborate (read: expensive). When James gets back next week, I can ask him about the technical difficulties to accomplish this. I'll let you know.
Title: Fingerboard inlays
Post by: mgreen on October 11, 2007, 06:12:48 AM: Mica, please confirm that we are making the change to gold mother of pearl for the neck inlays, name plate, lightning bolt and the top of the Alembic logo inlay. Thanks.
Title: Fingerboard inlays
Post by: mica on October 11, 2007, 09:49:38 AM: Gold it is - I updated the work order yesterday after we spoke.
Title: Fingerboard inlays
Post by: flaxattack on October 11, 2007, 12:20:59 PM: chachink........
lol
so nice to be remembered and referenced...
Title: Fingerboard inlays
Post by: lbpesq on October 11, 2007, 02:05:55 PM: Michael:

I think you're going to like the gold MOP. I have it on Woody, current COTM. VERY tasty. And, as proven by your choice of a Further, you obviously have excellent taste.

Bill, tgo
Title: Fingerboard inlays
Post by: mgreen on October 17, 2007, 10:33:49 AM: Yes, I'm glad I saw the pictures of yours. Can't wait to see mine!
Title: Tuners
Post by: mgreen on April 16, 2007, 09:40:05 AM: Mica, lets go with your recommended Sperzel tuners in gold. Give me an update when you can. Any new pics?
Title: Lightning Bolt
Post by: mgreen on March 27, 2007, 07:12:14 AM: Ok, I'll add the lightning bolt on the front of the peg head. I'll think about your comments on the neck inlay. When do you need a final decision on that inlay?
Title: Lightning Bolt
Post by: mica on March 30, 2007, 04:00:42 PM: I started a new thread for the fingerboard inlays (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=7516) so they won't get overlooked with the peghead inlay.

I've got it on my schedule for Wednesday to redraw the lightning bolt with the proper proportions for the guitar Crown peghead. Check here in then for a preview.
Title: Lightning Bolt
Post by: mica on April 05, 2007, 12:04:10 PM: Here's the bolt mock up I finished up yesterday:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/38436.jpg)

This is obviously on a different Further's peghead. Scaling it down from the 5-string Crown bass peghead turned out great. There are three pieces of mother of pearl in this inlay.
Title: Lightning Bolt
Post by: mgreen on April 06, 2007, 08:18:56 AM: Good. I like it. It dosen't overpower the logo and it fits nicely between the strings. Excellent work.
Title: Lightning Bolt
Post by: mica on April 06, 2007, 11:50:48 AM: Glad you like it. This design looks especially good on the Ebony front veneer.