Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on October 31, 2007, 05:18:01 PM
-
Some parts pics I dug up:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/45473.jpg)
Oh this top looks nice!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/45474.jpg)
Neck with the Ebony in the center
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/45475.jpg)
Sandwich with accent lams and pinstripes. I'll make sure I get some new shots for you before the end of the week.
-
Hi, Mica!
THANXXXXXXXX for the pics!!!!!! 'Scuze me whilst I try to compose myself!!
Thanks again, Mike........
-
OK, let's try this again, now that I can sit down!! Can't think of any new words besides WOW, or, OMIGOSH, or HOLY COW, and keep it clean! I'm stunned. She looks better than I imagined, even in the raw form. Can't WAIT to see more!! I'm REALLY happy with her . Lot's going on in the Coco, great color, and the sandwich is delicious!
She's gonna be da BOMB! Keep me posted whenever you get the chance!!
Thank you again, Tty, Mike.......
-
Mike, I can understand your jubilation. That's a nice looking sandwich with the accents. Great looking neck too. That's going to go together vey nice. Enjoy! And play it healthy!
Art
-
Nice top Mike. I'm glad you're getting what you wanted now. I'm also glad I got your cast-off too ;-)
Graeme
-
Oh DUDE! Ho!
Love the top!
Love the lams!
Love the neck!
Love the headstock!
Damn!
:-D
-
Hey, Gang!!
Thanks for the kind words, Art! I appreciate it. Graeme, I'm really glad you got the original. I can tell you really love it and are taking wonderful care of her. Isn't castoff a little harsh , though? I prefer to think of it as allowing someone else the opportunity to have a wonderful Custom Alembic Bass without the excruciating agony of the wait :D !! And Jim, I'm tickled you approve! We have a long way to go to be up to the standards set your Quilted Godzilla of tone! We'll keep our fingers crossed she'll turn out worthy!!
Keep yer eyes peeled. Hope more pics & stuff show up soon!
TTYall soon, Mike (The 'Ho)......
-
Nice bode, deh, Ho!
-
I'll have to come by and check this out once you get it-or we could meet up at Absolute Music or someplace and freak the staff out. :D
Looks sweet so far!
-
Neck firmly attached to body:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/45591.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/45592.jpg)
and lookin' good.
-
That is sweet!
-
HhhhhoooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Da-HUDE! this is really sweet!
You are gonna love this bass guitar!
- Jealous
-
Is it just me, or are that thing glaring at me ????? Looks like Evil Eyes givin' the ol' staredown!!! But is is TOOOOOOO COOL! I'm so excited, I can't decide whether it's me or one of the Dogs that piddled the floor! Don't know what looks better, the front or the back! Excellent color, Just, like WOW!! Thanks, Art and Jim! Yeah, I think I may just like this one
Mica, thank you for the update! I appreciate it! Can't wait to see 'mo!!
Tryin' 2 BCooooool, Mike (the 'Ho).....
-
Ooooh, it looks GREAT... I especially like the concentrics on the upper-back side of the instrument (playing perspective)!!!
-
Thanxxx, Mark!
I hope that in the end, she gets the 8 String King seal of approval!! :D !! There MAY be a few little things that help the odds, stay tuned!
B Cooool, Mike (da 'HO)...
-
Some carving action:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/45826.jpg)
Nice Heart Omega!
-
YOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dude, that's a beautiful little beast cooking there! We'll have to get them together in the fullness of time and see if they mate!
BEAUTIFUL bass guitar dude!
-
WOW!
Thanks, Mica! She's startin' to look like an Alembic! The Heart IS beautifully done. Nice and crisp. Looks wonderful! Can't wait to see her with a little finish on her. And Jim. yeah, we'll definately get the little Beasteeez together when she's done! Thanks for checkin' in on her.
TTY soon, Mike, Tho
-
Ho, hang tough. It's getting close man. Your bass is going to be beeeeeeeeeeeeyutiful!
-
Thanxxxxxx, Jim! Yea, hopefully it won't be too long now. Despite my plethora of other virtues, patience isn't one of them :[ !! Play a few licks on the Quilted beauty for me!
Have fun, Mike, Tho
-
That heart omega looks fantastic. This is going to be a real stunner when it's done!
Todd
-
Despite my plethora of other virtues, patience isn't one of them
I heard that, brother.
In other news: your bass is looking amazing. Love the wood choices!
-
Hey, Brian and Todd, Thanxxx for checkin' in on the beast. Can't wait to see some updates, that old lack of patience thing rearing it's ugly head again :D !
Stay tuned! BCooool, Mike, tho
-
Home stretch time:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/47913.jpg)
-
Wow! Very nice!!!
-
Amazing! Love the figuring in that top.
-
Wooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ho, dat is a BEAUTIFUL piece of wood! You are gonna enjoy this little beast! ! !
-
Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet!
Graeme
-
As Ol' Harry Cary would say; HOLY COW!
Thanxxx for the update, Mica! She looks even better than I imagined she would with the finish on her. The color and contrast is outstanding, the cocentrics, eyes and straight grain variety make for a very complex, but visually pleasing mosaic. Like Jim said, dat IS one beautiful piece of wood! It's almost a shame to have to drill all those holes in it!
Dave, Brian, Graeme and Jim, I'm glad she meets your approval! I appreciate ya lookin' in on her. Stay tuned for the race to the finish line! Is it OK to start getting REALLY excited;)?
Thanxx again, Have fun, Mike, Tho =]
-
Mike, it is most definitely OK to start getting really excited, in fact at this stage I think it's pretty much a reqirement! I'm sure it won't be long now, things seem to move along pretty quickly from this point on.
The bass is looking fantastic, the top is gorgeous and I just love the way the heart omega looks with that central ebony lam.
Cheers!
Todd
-
Mike,
I just love the way your bass is turning out. The top looks to be from the same slab as Thunder & Lightning (COTM Mar. 06). If it is, just wait till you see it in person! Be patient, the wait is almost over.
Regards,
Pete
-
Thanxxx, Todd! I appreciate the compliments and encouragement. Hope you are enjoying YOUR new Beauty!
Pete- I think you are absolutely correct. I can't believe I never made the connection, since I looked at your amazing T&L a hundred times for inspiration and ideas! I imagine she WILL look even better, as most say the pics here do not do justice to the actual finished product when you see it in person. I'm humbled by the thought that my little animal has such an illustrious pedigree! Does that make us in-laws, or cousins by Bass =)?
Thanxxx for pointing the similarities out. It made my day! If mine looks anything like T&L when she's done, it's, like, WOW!!
Thanxx again, stay tuned, Mike, tho =]
-
Simply gorgeous.
Enjoy!!
But why not Series electronics?
G
-
Hey, George!
Thanks for the compliment on the soon-to-be new arrival! Why not Series Electronics? Couple of reasons. First and foremost, it's quite simply the Money issue. As we are all aware of, Alembics are the most wonderful instruments made, but that also comes at a price. They aren't cheap. I'm just a regular schlep that works too much already, and I've had an extremely difficult time trying to justify to myself spending the kind of money this beautiful baby costs and not have wheels or a title! She's probably more Bass than I deserve, and she'll be a LOT better at what she does than the one playing her! I ordered her to beat the Jan. 07 price increase, and considering all the stuff that's gone on in our life since, it made me question my decision even more. Fortunately, it looks like everything is going to work out here in the end. As much as I would have LOVED SII, the Xtra $ for Series was not in the realm of reality at this time. Also, I was not sure if I wanted to be married to the Power source and 5 pin cable. I've since discovered that is not really an issue, but too late now!
On the very positive side, The Custom Electronics package we've come up with should be EXTREMELY versatile and sonically exrtaordinary. I call it Ghetto Series;) It's about as close to Series as possible without the Single Coil pickups and power source. I doubt if MY ears will be able to differentiate. I think the Signature-type electronics package will be wonderful, and if mine sounds anything like Jim Tussings new Quilted Beast, it will be even more than I hoped for! I guess we'll find out soon enough! Besides, only 3 years till the old 50th Birthday, and I already have the Harley's, so I kinda know what I have in mind for my mid-life crisis, and have time to talk her into it =)!!!
Stay tuned, thanks for checkin' in on her.
Have Fun, Mike, tho
-
Hey Mike!
Yes you're right, most people don't opt for the Series electronics because of the price.
I'm not saying that they are any better than others (I heard Jacko's Epic, and it was amazing)
Check my post in Showcase re George waller's Series 1.
If you like single coils then the Series is GREAT; if not, then most other Alembics are just as good.
It's all a matter of taste!
As I've learned from this forum,-never put yourself down and think that you deserve less than the best!!!!
I think my favorite Alembic is the EXCEL with the Fatboy and the FXY.
I bought my Series when I was 47, so there's plenty of time if that is what you really want.
You will be so knocked-out with your bass that you will love her instantly!!
I was unemployed when I got my Series--------I still am!! even with 3 University degrees
As they say-Life's a bitch, then you die!!
Enjoy your bass my friend!!! It will deliver EVERYTHING you want from her-Series electronics or not.
G
-
Mike, I met you a while back at Absolute Music and I bought that Orion up there. Rusty told me you were selling your Excel but now I know why. This is gonna be killer. We will have to get together when my custom Orion is done. Check it out under Dannys Custom Orion in the Factory to Customer section. Good luck with the new bass.
-
Mike, I wanted to keep your Changes/Additions section clean, so I'm posting a response here. If your Excel is clipping your Eden when the bass and treble controls are turned up, you might try opening the control cavity and backing off on the trim pot a little.
-
Thanks, Dave! I'll try that. I've noticed the Eden is MUCH more sensitive than my former Italian amp, which shall forever remain nameless. I havn't had the Eden long, so I need to play with it more and, unfortunately, IT had to go back to the manufacturer, but they are making much more of an attempt to rectify the difficulties than the last one. But that is the subject for another thread! I'll try the trim pot's, though. Thanxxxx again, Mike, tho =]
-
Mike if the cold in Ohio is a problem I'd be glad to hold on to that beauty til summer. That's what friends are for right?
Sam
-
Hey, Sam, you're right. It is still a little cold here. Lemme think about it, Hmmm, NO
Thanks for the offer though!
Have fun in warm, sunny, Florida.
Mike, tho.....
-
Hmmmmmmm. UPS Tracking sez as of 5:11 EST, a 36.5Lb. Package for me from Santa Rosa, California is Out for Delivery from the Sharonville, Ohio facility. Has the big day finally arrived ?
-
Deep cleansing breath, deep cleansing breath, was that a truck?!!! Just the milkman. Was that a truck?................
Congrats and may you forever be inspired.
-
Thank you, Danno. Sage advise from a man of vast experience with these matters! Well, it's 1050, and I hafta leave for work @ 11:30. Tried, to no avail, to get the day off. Holiday weekend, wasn't happening. So, I may have to go before it gets here. I'm truly bummed. My son is here to sign for it if it comes before my Sweetie gets home from work. Guess I've waited this long, another 12 hours won't kill me! I want my wonderful Wife and Son to be here when I unbox it anyway. They're as excited as I am, and, maybe I'm a little whack, but I consider this to be one of the most memorable days of my Musical Career, if not my life. Maybe it's not up there with my Wedding or the birth of my Son, but I'd give it at least a top 10. Here we go again, is that a truck I hear in the distance?????
I'm positive I'll be inspired, I just hope I'm worthy........
-
Hold on Mike its almost here!!
-
I am currently green with envy.
Play it. Love it. Post sound clips as soon as possible. :-)
-
Deep breaths mike;-)
Graeme
-
Thanks, Danny, Brian, and Graeme! I'll be talking to everyone here in about a month
Gotta go, Things to do Have fun, I am!!Mike, tho =] =] =] =]
-
Awesome Mike!
Enjoy the moment, and be sure and let us know how it sounds!
Todd
-
Hey, all.
I knew I said I'd be back in about a month, but life sorta got in the way. Sorry!
Real quick, and again I apoligize for my tardiness, my new Bass is everything I had expected, wanted, and dreamed about. Absolutely visually stunning, flawless in fit and finish, cool little things I never expected (like flame maple in the neck laminates, thank you Susan and Mica!) and bacically, makes everything else in my stable seem like a toy.
Untill recenty, I was playing in 3 bands, and have used her quite extensively live and actually got to do some studio work with her, too. I'll hook up a link soon. Cuts thru like nothing I've ever had before. I'm finally learning all the tones I can get from her, which are quite endless. And, I have yet to find one I really didn't like. I'm tickled to death with the electronics package, and I really don't know how much better she could possibly sound with Series. What she does now is phenominal. And, the sustain is virtually endless, and plays like lubed-up BUTTAH!! Like she was built just for my hand (Oh, guess she was=] Amazing.
As I stated, Life is getting in the way at the moment. I'm in the process of relocating to the Youngstown/Akron/Cleveland area, so, after 30 years of playing in the Dayton/Cincinnati area, I guess I'm gonna have to find some new people to play with when we get settled in. It sucks having to leave friends you've been playing music with for years.
I have plenty of pics in the ol' Digital, but havn't been able to get my future Daughter-in-Law to download and re-size them yet. I'll get them posted, along with a link to the recordings as soon as I can with everything else going on.
Thanks to everyone who has helped me through this whole process, she turned out to be a real GEM!!
Have fun, B Coool, Mike.......
-
Bring that bad sum bitch to an open mic night and watch the jaws hit the floor! Best of luck fortune and safety on the move and may you be gigging soon.
-
Hey, all.
Just wanted to post up some sound bytes of the wonderful mixture of wire, wood and electronics that makes up this amazing creation.
Not real great, recorded in the Singer/Harmonica Player's Brother-in-Laws home studio. Plugged direct into a Mackie Board thru my Ampeg SVP tube DI. Recorded into some type of computer set-up. Kinda dry, but gives a general idea of how well she cuts thru and how great she sounds. I find it really hard to play anything else now. Gigged this afternoon, played 5 sets, and used her for all but 2 songs. Picked up my Warrior, played it those tunes, and strapped the 'Bic back on. The Warrior is a terrific Bass, but, it's not the Signature......
http://www.myspace.com/thefinalsuspect (http://www.myspace.com/thefinalsuspect)
Have fun Mike......
-
Hellooo, Mica!
Wow, she's really coming along and lookin' Schwueeet! Have you had a chance to come up with anything for the control layout? I don't know about you, but it gives me a headache trying to think how I want all that stuff layed out, if I'd like it that way, or this way, or another way, or if it would all fit, etc. =[
I'll see what you come up with. You're the expert and have the experience at stuff like that. Just keep me posted as to what ya come up with, and we'll take it from there!
Thanks for all your help, Have a great day, Mike =]
-
Here's what I've come up with:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/48365.jpg)
I don't think there are many other options for getting all those controls in there, so I hope you like this one. This is just a rough layout, if you approve it, the actual drilling will be measured out for symmetry.
-
Hello, Mica! I really like it, but what about the master Volume control and LED switch=/? Would that REALLY be pushing the envelope? I don't know if i see a place for it in there. Maybe a side-mounted jack would help?? I've been mulling over this for a while,and I'm baffled. Everything looks well-placed and convenient, except for the lack of the master vol. control, and any ideas on the LED switch? Am I expecting to put too much metal on too little wood =)? I would like to have the Master volume, but maybe it's not absolutely necassary. I don't know. What do you think? See if ya can come up with something, I'll continue to rack my little pea-brain, and we'll come up with sumpin!
TTY soon, have a great friday, Mike =]
-
Hey Mike,
Usually when you've got a pickup selector and individual volume controls for each pickup you don't have a master volume. It sort of becomes overkill at that point but I *can* see certain times where you'd still want to have it. I'm guessing there simply isn't going to be enough room in there to add anything else!! That's a lot of stuff. :-)
-
Yes, Briant, is is somewhat perplexing. A veritable forest of knobs and switches; master volume
neck volume
neck filter
neck Q (3 position) (0+4+8dB)
bridge volume
bridge filter
bridge Q (3 position)
pickup selector switch
mono stereo switch
LED on/off switch
overall bass control (like on an Orion)
overall treble control (like on on Orion)
So 7 knobs, 4 mini toggle switches, 1 rotary switch in all.
I've been researching ideas, and I believe it might be possible. Look at Custom Series II basses, notably Dragon Fly, Raging Bass, Hot Lava, Paul's Gorgeous Mele Aloha, and most notably, my bass's Older brother, the Outstanding Thunder and Lightning. These wonderful instruments all have 10 or 11 controls, and most of them have 3 rotary switches, where mine only has 1 with 2 toggles for the Q's. Also, Mine being a Ghetto Series .05, I have no 5-pin connector. Unless the Anniversary cavity is smaller than Series or routed differently, or the Bass/Treble module takes too much interior room,I'm hoping we can come up with a solution that is logical AND attractive.
I would prefer to keep the Master Volume. I play live, and it is much better for fade-outs and adjusting stage volume without screwing up my individual neck volumes that I have found my sound with. That is also why I chose the Anniversary Electronics. Just more control. (Am I just a control freak=[!)I would also prefer not to have anything on the upper or lower bout if it can be avoided.
Anyhoo, Mica is a wizard at these things, and I'm sure between her knowledge and experience and my minute collection of Grey Matter we can resolve this little issue!
Thanks for your input, Brian, Stay tuned!!
Have fun, Mike, tho =]
(Message edited by 5stringho on February 08, 2008)
-
Side jacks take up more room, so that's right out.
The Anniversary cavity is the same size as the Series I/II cavity, but the Series I/II has a separate battery compartment, where your bass doesn't. The bass and treble controls were an add-on, and frankly, I don't think it's possible to add everything in the available space with any degree of comfort. So we've got to talk options.
One option is to convert back to Signature electronics and then you'd have a volume and blend instead of 2 volume controls illustrated. You'd lose stereo too, so that's where the LED switch could live.
You could also kill the idea of the added bass and treble controls. Then there would be enough room for me to play with getting a master volume and an LEDs switch in there in a logical manner.
Or, since the toggle switches take up much less room than the pots and their circuit cards, you could also change the Orion-like bass and treble controls to Europa-like bass and treble switches.
The last and most unattractive option for me is to leave the control list at the 12 stated items. There's only two routes to go there. One is to have things just really too close together, and the other is to route a separate battery compartment to give more room in the main compartment. The latter will take more time, since we've already rubbed out the bass and it will likely need some refinishing after cutting a new cavity.
Digest these options and let me know what you think.
-
Hellooo, Mica. Hmmmmm.Lemme mull this over. I had a feeling this was gonna happen. I think the most logical option is just to trash the Master Volume idea, and see if there would be enough room somewhere for the LED switch. That would leave me with the same tone options. I dunno. Maybe trash the Bass and Treble. Is it REALLY necessary with the Q switches and filters? A separate cavity is definately out, and as usual, you're right. It would just be too cluttered and probably a pain to use, especially live. Let me research this over the weekend, maybe get some feedback from more knowledgeable Alembecians, and I'll get with you early in the week.
Thanxxxxx, Mica, have a great weekend! Mike=`
(Message edited by 5stringho on February 09, 2008)
-
Mike,
I have Signature electronics with the Rogue bass/treble switches.
I can tell you that I have NEVER used the bass/treble switches live and I rarely use them when I'm fiddling around at home. I tweak the filters and Q's constantly, but if I want more bass or treble I just adjust on the amp.
If you're already used to using the controls on your amp to boost/cut your bass/treble response then you might not miss the bass/treble controls on the bass.
Good luck
Toby
-
Hey,Toby-I really appreciate your input. I considered the Bass/treble switches, but on my Excel, I RARELY turn my Bass/treble control knobs all the way up (6dB) boost, and never turn them all the way down, and the swithes are set @ +6dB boost. It would clip my Eden. I set everything flat, and, like you, constantly fiddle with the controls. I've never had filters and Q's before, so I would prefer to keep the Bass/Treble knobs. Me being a control freak again =(. I also change basses quite a bit (which I HOPE I won't have to do once the new one arrives!) and much prefer to not have to change the amp settings. Our soundman whines and snivels.
If we do away with anything, it will probably be the Master Volume. It would be nice, but I have other bass with the individual volumes, and I find a way to work with them. I could probably adjust:}, but I want to explore all the scenarios.
I thank you again for your thoughts, stay tuned!!
Have fun, Mike, tho =]
-
Hello, Mica!! Hope you had a great weekend!
First of all, idea; Do you, or have you, ever used stacked pots? I don't recall seeing any in the archives, but if that's an option, a stacked Bass/Treble set would be fine, and we could keep the Master Volume with a minimum of hassle. Just a thought. I would really like to keep all the controls if we can.
If that idea is not possible, choice #2. From my research and some very helpful input from other Alembic owners, most notably Mark Shepherd, here is what may be an option to work in all the controls in an a attractive and functional manner:
Mark's 8 string has the same number of knobs, and more switches, so I think this will work! I really like the design you came up with, and this keeps the basic configuration while working in the additional Master Volume control and toggle.
Looking at your layout, 1) begin by spreading the knobs on the upper and lower row as far out and close to the cavity edge as possible.
2)Add the Master volume where the Neck volume currently lives.
3) Move the neck volume where the 4-way is now, leaving the Bridge volume as is, just closer to the bridge as earlier stated (you'll see...)That keeps the volume controls all in line and order.
4) Move to 4-way to where the Q's are on the bottom row.
5) Next, adjust the output up just a hair, to make it symmetrical with the rest of the middle row, while placing it as close as possible to the cavity edge towards the bridge end.
6) since the toggles are more space efficient, this should work-Place the Stereo/mono switch logically next to the output.
7)Bridge Q toggle next, bridge filter knob follows.
8) Neck filter knob, with neck q toggle to the left. Move the 2 filter nobs minutely closer together if necessary, but of course as far apart as possible.
9) LED toggle last in line, closest to the cavity edge towards the neck.
10) Bottom row- Bass control, 4-way p/u selector switch, treble control, all spread out symmetrically to mirror the top row.
Mica, you are the expert and know how much can be done, the final call is up to you as to whether this will work or not, but it appears to me to be logical, attractive and functional. What do you think?? Workable?
If not, do you have any other idea's on how we could work this up? I would rather exhaust all options and explore all scenarios before we start deleting things. I hope I'm not being too much of a pain, as it is not my intention. I would just like to have my ultimate Bass! But, I'd also like my own Island in the Caribbean =)
One more minor detail- with the single set of Bass/Treble controls on Anniversary Electronics I believe in Stereo mode they will only work on 1 pickup? If that is the case, which pickup would not have the control? I can deal with that, as I'll probably only run mono for now live, probably using stereo mostly while recording. Just wanna know.
Welllll, just check this all over an let me know whatcha think. I definately don't wanna rout out anything else. I kinda want my bass!!!!!!
Have a great day, and have fun!! TTY, Mike=]
-
Hartmut's doubleneck (http://www.alembic.com/info/doubleneck.html) has concentric knobs, Mike, but I seem to recall (and the search function is going WAY too slow on my computer today, so I don't have a link for this) Mica writing that Ron said he wouldn't do that again.
Peter
-
Or (I know, Oh, Gosh, here he goes again)
1) Top row as stated above.
2) Bottom row as stated above
Middle row:
3) Output as stated above
4) Bridge and neck filters basically same as above, in the center of the spread.
5) Place bridge Q under bridge Volume, sorta between the top and middle row, stereo/mono under Q toggle, between middle and bottom row.
6) place Neck Q toggle in same position to the neck side between the upper and middle row.
7) place LED toggle under Q toggle, between middle and bottom row.
Maybe this is more logical? I drew out a diagram of both, but I can't post it, too big. Gotta figure out how to resize if I can.
Lemme know whatcha think, Have fun, Mike=]
-
Can you email me your diagrams? Then I can make sure I'm really following your descriptions when I try and rearrange things.
Concentric controls are not an option at this time.
Normally, the bass and treble controls would be for one pickup only in either stereo or mono. It is possible to out the stereo/mono switch before the bass and treble controls, so they are always on the tip of the output. This will have it affect the bass (neck) pickup in stereo, but both in mono. It's a little custom wiring harness, but completely possible to do.
-
Got your emails today with the diagrams. Here's how I've adapted your ideas to work with what's under the knobs:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/48611.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/48612.jpg)
A-D should be on a straight line, but this is just for a quick look. Depending on your preference, we could assign the controls not explicitly labeled something like: A neck filter B bridge filter C bass D treble 1 neck Q 2 bridge Q 3 LEDs 4 stereo/mono Also note that the stereo/mono switch is usually installed as a half-height paddle, so it's harder to hit on accident. Another option is to use the layout in my first post on this thread, change the stereo/mono switch to the LEDs switch, and leave the stereo/mono switch inside the bass. You can always take the backplate off to change the mode when you record since you've indicated you probably won't use it much otherwise. Anything you can omit will gain comfort space between the controls. You could also use a volume pedal instead of a master volume, but of course, you need to commute back to it for the overall changes. Just some thoughts. Let me know if you like either of the new ideas, or if this sparks something else entirely.
-
my 2 cents
i would be concerned about the selector switch so far away
since i got one on scarlet i use it more than i thought during tunes.
i dont really think the treble control is necessary as alembics are brighter to begin with and the q filters and switches give me more than i need and once i set the treble at the amp there is more than enough manueverability
maybe put the switches in the middle and move the knobs to the bottom
this is just my opinion....
-
Hey, Flax!
I really appreciate your views and input. In consideration of the B/T controls, I have found, on my Excel and other Basses, I find myself using the Treble Control mainly to CUT the high freq's. Especially when I'm going for an old-school blues vibe, dub tone, or, on the occaisions my bandmates MAKE me play some gawd-awful (gulp) quasi-country crap some drunk invariably asks for (choke, gag). I've also thought a lot about the 4-way placement. Maybe it'll change once I have this bass, but I normally don't find myself changing pick-up's during songs. If I need a different tone, I generally change RH position to closer or further from the bridge. But I DO change tones and P/U's a lot before songs. I think (maybe hope, anyway) having the 3 volumes together will be better for me and my style (whatever THAT is!). I'll learn to deal with the 4-way. But the thought DID cross my mind, especially since you pointed it out.
Anyhoo, thanxxxx again for the insight, and if I'm ever in the neighborhood, I'll buy YOUSE a Beah!!
Have fun, Mike, tho =]
-
Hello, Mica!!
Just wanted to let you know I'm still contemplating the layouts. I'm pretty sure I know which way I want to go, but I want to be 100%. I also want to include my Son in the process,as he will, ultimately, wind up with this beauty in the future. I'll let you know today or Monday at the latest, so the Elves can get to Drillin' and Fillin, and I can start usin' my anti-hyperventilation Paper bag!!!
Have a great day, TTY soon, Mike =]
-
Hello, Mica!
Hope ya had a great weekend. just wanted to let you know, my little pea brain has finally made a decision on this layout thingie. Back and forth, up and down, looked at it from every angle, and here it is!
After much consternation, I have decided to DELETE the MASTER VOLUME and go with the original layout you came up with (post 5114 on my FTC). Like I told you before, I REALLLLLY like that setup. After talking with several owners on and off the FTC, I've decided the Master volume just wasn't all that important, the B/T controls are, as is the Stereo switch. And, as much as I like the layout you came up with including all the stuff, I think, over time, it may have just been too much. On the basses I have with the 2 volume controls, I really don't find myself missing the master volume. The guys I talked to that only had the filters and Qs said they didn't miss the B/T controls, but the ones that HAD them loved 'em. This will also leave a little breathing room. 'Nuff said!
One more little detail- The LED switch. I would like to have it placed between the Neck Volume and Bass control, as far forward as possible before getting into the Battery cavity (toward the neck). UNLESS, of course, you have a better idea!
I know everything will be symetrically perfect when drilled, But I'd appreciate one more final mock-up before we actually drill, if it isn't too much trouble.
After that, as soon as scheduling allows, please have Uncle Bob Drill'em, and Dad fillem!
I'm starting to get excited again
Thanxxx again, sorry to be such a pain! Have fun, Mike....
P.S.-Thankxxx everybody, esp. Mark, Jim, Flax, Toby, & Peter....
(Message edited by 5stringho on February 16, 2008)
-
This is just quick for positional reference, but based on your emails and posts:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/48768.jpg)
Confirm with me and I'll work on bringing the controls in nice straight rows.
-
Hellooo, Mica!
Thanks for taking the time to put together a final mock-up for me. I appreciate it, and it looks GREAT! This is the one. Everything is accessible, well placed, and logical. I knew you would come up with a winner.
Did ya get my strings???
Thanks again, Have a great day, Mike =]
-
no master volume?
wow i think that is a huge mistake
i have one on scarlet and none on wolf
getting the right balance on levels and then being able to turn it up with one knob is huge
the other way- sheeet do i add more bridge or neck oh no= wrong let me do this- where was that setting?
-
Hey, Flax, we'll see how this works out. For the last month or so I've been intentionally rehearsing and gigging with dual volume-control basses, just to see if I would really miss a master. I find that the vast majority of the time I play with One volume maxed, and the other in the sweet spot, just below max. Most of the time, it's Neck max, bridge down. For fadeouts and stuff, I just roll the side of my hand over both volumes. Works pretty good. I also adjust right-hand technique to dynamically raise or lower stage volume. A master volume would have been nice, but, I've found for me, not a necessity. I really liked the layout Mica designed sans Master, and thought the others, though also attractive, were too cramped for space. With the controls we have on this Bass I should be able to get just about anything I want out if it (I hope!) and there's still gonna be a lot of where was that setting? =O
Thanxxx again for your input, good luck in the JobQuest, also.
Have fun, Mike, tho =]
-
I suppose if you really missed the master volume, you could always add a volume pedal to your signal chain (although that is one more thing to drag around). Just a thought.
-
Hello Mica!
Just a quick note- I'll be sending you a set of DR High-Beams (.45-105)out this weekend. It's what I generally use on the animals. Might as well put 'em on from the start. Just put the Alembic Strings ( if ya have a similar gauge set) in the case when it's shipped. I'm sure I can put them on something!
Thanxxx again, Mike =]
-
Make sure you have a B string in there.
-
Make sure you have a B string in there.
-
Duh. 45-125!!!! Thanks for the heads up!!
Mike=]
-
Is there an echo?
-
Your strings arrived.
-
Hi again, Mica!
After reading a few other threads, I became aware of somthing I didn't know about before. Apparently, some of the bridges and tailpieces are coming in a brushed finish, instead of the polished Brass like I have on my Excel. All things being equal, I believe I'd rather have the polished version, if possible. I'm pretty A-retentive about keeping my instruments clean, so once a year hitting it with a little Met-All or Brasso is not a problem.Thanxxx, Mike ;]
(Message edited by 5stringho on January 25, 2008)
-
The standard polished brass hardware has a tailpiece with a sanded finish. Unless you special ordered it on your Excel, I expect it to be sanded (brushed), then covered with clear finish.
We can supply your tailpiece polished without coating, it's just a little more custom that way.
-
Hey, Mica,
The Standard brushed with coating is fine on the tailpiece. It IS that way on my Excel, and looks great. Thanxxx for clarifying that for me.
Have a great weekend =], Mike.....
-
Hello again, Mica!
Just wanted to let you know I'd appreciate it if, when the time comes, You, Mom and Dad, and everybody else in the Alembic Family would be kind enough to sign the interior side of the control cavity plate, along with the completion date. It would really mean a lot to me to have this little piece of true musical history included with the instrument of a lifetime. Thanks a bunch, Mike =)