Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on May 23, 2007, 07:23:39 PM
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Hi Todd, This is the Buckeye Burl that mom and I picked out for your bass. First, for the top:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/40201.jpg)
and then the back:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/40202.jpg)
So, at first, it might seem better to reverse which is the top and back, but since there are no knobs or electronics on the back, and you've got continuous wood backplates, I thought it might be nice to keep the more blue/cream that you requested on the front. These are successive slices from the same slab. You can see the similarities, but also you can see how abruptly some of the figuring changes in just a small thickness. Hope you like these!
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I see a very ugly woman in there. Run away! Run away!
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I see grizzly bear all the way....
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Me too!
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if your seeing the nostils of the bear in the center, that's where I see the eyes of the HIDEOUS DRUNKEN BAR WENCH!
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Great choices Mica. I cannot wait to see what it will look like with finish!
Actually, it's a bit too nice, because now I just can't bring myself to ruin that grizzly bear on the back. If it's not too late, please change my order to BTC on the back as well. I'll post this in the changes / aditions section also.
Thanks again Mica, talk to you soon!
Todd
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We were seeing a bull dog in one of these. Never can tell! Added the BTC back on this per your request.
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Here's the embryonic neck:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/41042.jpg)
and a little closer up:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/41043.jpg)
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Body construction is chuggin' right along now:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/43301.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/43302.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/43303.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/43304.jpg)
This is fresh from the clamps, and there's still plenty of shaping work to do, but your bass is looking more and more like a bass every day.
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Wow, this looks awesome, another phenomenal Buckeye Balance K!
Are you getting an Omega? And hey, what's the accent laminate between the Buckeye and the Maple veneer on the top? Looks like it could be... Coco Bolo?
What a beauty!
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looks like purpleheart to me, check the far righthand end. I think the dark patches will be excess glue.
i agree though, awesome looking bass.
Graeme
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Mica, I've got to say that I'm speechless! Thanks very very much for the update. I've just got to say what a great feature this is, to be able to see the bass in the various stages of being built is very special indeed!
King, yes I'm getting the Omega. The accent laminate is Purpleheart. Hadn't thought of using cocobolo there, that sounds like it would have been really sharp though! Here's the specs:
Series II 5 String
32 Scale custom neck
Balance K Omega body, tummy and elbow contours
Center Ebony neck laminate
Side LED's in blue
Buckey Burl BTC top and back
Gold plated hardware
Custom tailpiece (basically a 5 string version of the bird of prey)
Continuous wood everything, including the truss rod cover
Inlaid logo with shell
Black Tahitian MOP ovals
Initials inlaid at 12th fret
Series II electronics, modified to allow for complete operation on battery power (I often use a wireless system)
I think that's everything. I've never owned or even played an Alembic before, and I'd really like to thank Susan for helping me through the customization process, and making it a LOT of fun. I have a Tobias Signature 5 string (pre gibson) and a Spector USA NS5XL as my current main basses. I really like both of them, especially the Tobias as the 35 scale of the Spector is a bit long for me, but when the oppertunity came to order my dream bass I decided to go wiith Alembic,and I'm already really glad that I did. I can't wait to get my hands on it!
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Some rounding over completed today:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/43508.jpg)
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oh how i cant wait to see spray on this baby!!!!!!!!!!!
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You and me both But as they say, half the fun is getting there!
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How long will the batteries last for though? I also have wondered how to solve the Series/Wireless problem.
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How long will the batteries last for though? I also have wondered how to solve the Series/Wireless problem.
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Sorry for the double post. I was wondering has anyone made a triple omega balance? I bet that would look great, too. Coco Bolo with the pistol grips.
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What I've heard is that a pair of 9 volts will last about 10 hours.
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That's what I was told to expect also, maybe a bit longer
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Hi Mica!
If you get a chance, I'm absolutely frothing at the mouth for any new pictures you could show me
Thanks,
Todd
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From last week fitting the plates in carving:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/44203.jpg)
and this week with the first sealer coats sprayed:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/44204.jpg)
Hope you like it as much as I do!
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AWESOME!!! My kind of bass!!!
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Omg, I'm totally speechless...
Thanks very much for the update Mica. I knew it would look even better with finish, but this is just staggering. I could not be happier!
Todd
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WOW Todd,
That is just beyond words. I love that top. It's a good thing I didn't see this material before I made my last change or I would have changed again to this!
Good Luck, It is beautiful!, Paul
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One question regarding the back. There looks to be a big piece of the buckeye missing on the upper horn. How will that be filled? Just wondering?
Graeme
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That looks like a piece of inlaid bark to me, which I really like the look of. Mica was telling me that often those pieces aren't stable enough to leave in, and in those cases they either inlay another piece or if it's small enough fill it with finish. Looks like in this case the area was stable enough to leave
Todd
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Wow!!
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Cool ...AND HOT in the same bass!
Must be an Olympic
Paul TBO
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That's really something to behold!
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Dave's response was honestly my first reaction too!
That sure is beautiful and Todd, you sound quite happy!
Play it healthy for many years Todd!
Art
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Very sweet looking. Buckeye burl is so...special. Congratulations, man. You have a lot to look forward to.
Bill
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Thanks very much for the kind words you guys. I remember before I placed the order I was very confliced about going with the Buckeye or Coco Bolo, but as I see this coming along I'm more and more sure that I made the right choice for me.
The Buckeye that they provided for me is spectacular. I am so excited about this project and seeing it in the various stages of being built is such a nice bonus. The wait is killing me, no doubt abgout that, but each day it gets closer. I can't wait to see the next batch of pics and see what it's looking like now!
Best regards everyone,
Todd
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Lots more finish on it and preset for the plated hardware:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/45134.jpg)
It's hard to tell too much difference between a couple of sealer coats and 12 coats later in a snapshot, but in person you can really see it.
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Sweet. No-one will believe that's real wood. Looks like a slab of polished marble.
Graeme
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While I don't think I would ever buy a buckeye instrument - it's just not me - I'm sure glad other people do, 'cause I love to look at them. That's amazing!
Peter
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WOOOWWW TODD, WHAT AN AWESOME BASS!!!
I mean the one behind yours!!! HahaLOL, It's mine of course.
Just joking Todd, as I have written earlier above, I love your bass. My next one will have to definitely be buckeye. I am so intrigued by it. Gorgeous!!!
The pair of them look really nice!, Ya?
Aloha, Paul
Congradulations!
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Hi Paul! I noticed that was yours behind mine there too hehe. Looks like yours is a bit ahead of mine, I don't think the frets or the inlay are done in mine yet.
Funny that you should mention that you're thinking your next one will have to be buckeye, because the more I look at yours (and the other QCB beauties like Flax's) the more I'm thinking that one of those will be in my future as well. The one thing with this bass that I wish I had maybe done differently is that I wish I'd gone a little more elaborate with the neck laminates, something more along the lines of what you have would have been really amazing. Next time!
They certainly do make a heck of a pair! Would be neat to get a shot of them together when they're both done
Todd
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Todd, I must tell you to stay on top of your battery usage and change them before you think they are done. The sound does'nt distort a little when they need to be changed, your rig will sound like every driver has crapped out on you. Happened to me with my old S1 and I thought I was going to have to recone 8 10s for a few seconds before I realized what was really going on. BTW Love that Buckeye!!
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Don't feel bad, Todd. As one of the (relatively) early pioneers of pushing the envelope/boundries of neck laminates, I can tell you from personal experience that while the Maple/Purpleheart/Ebony combination is no longer as exotic as it once was... and has become almost a standard feature... it LOOKS AND SOUNDS GREAT!
The classic combo of Maple and Purpleheart is a proven recipe which looks and sounds great. And the powers that be at Alembic have determined through their experience that substituting Ebony for one, two, or three of the Purpleheart laminates provides most of the sonic benefits.
So... your bass is going to sound GREAT, and look great... and even if the neck isn't as spiffy and wild as some other recent necks such as Paul's and mine are... it's not likely you or anyone else'll notice... with that stunning Buckeye Burl top and back that you've BTCered!!!
I LOVE Colo Bolo for looks... AND sound...
But... I think my favorite woods for looks are probably a very close tie between Buckeye Burl and Burl Amboyna!
Congrats again, your bass looks freakin' AWESOME!!!
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Inlay is cut out:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/45653.jpg)
Will use silver binding on it like we discussed today.
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The logo looks mighty nice:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/46303.jpg)
and your knobs showed up from THG this week:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/46304.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/46305.jpg)
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That inlay's damn artful, Mica. Nice job.
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Mica, you guy scontinue to amaze me.
Absolutely gorgeous job in the inlay and logo!
The knobs turned out fantastic too, I can't wait to see what the final result will be when all these things come together.
Todd
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That logo is outrageous. I want one!
Graeme
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Hi Mica!
Just got back from the holiday. Would love to see a new pic or two if you have the time to take them!
Talk to you soon,
Todd
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Should be the last of the finish drying here:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/46642.jpg)
Will get you a new report on Monday. Still hoping for a pre-Christmas delivery!
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Just before the stuffing begins:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/46782.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/46783.jpg)
This one won't quite make it for Christmas, but it will follow soon after. Ron's working on something special for Todd, but Santa should be showing up shortly after New Year's Day.
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Thanks so much for the pictures Mica! That's the first shot of the back that I've seen so far with finish, and I've got to say it's even nicer than I'd anticipated.
I'm really excited about what Ron has planned for the electronics, it sounds perfect. If I don't talk to you before, have a fantastic Christmas, and please pass on my best to your folks and everyone else there
Todd
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Amazing!!
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This just gets better and better Todd. Can't wait to see the back with the plates in place.
Graeme
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Hi Todd,
Mica told me about how Ron is customzing you a set-up for your lights on stage with being wireless. Sounds really rad and sounds like they got something nice up their sleeve to fix you up like no others. And if anybody can do it they can.
My friends have been raving about my lights just in the picture so I know you are going to be the talk of the Universe with that beautiful bass all lit up! WWWWoooooeee.
Good luck man, it won't be long. Just try staying down in the lower elevations where there's more Oxy-gin. Lol
Mele Kalikimaka, Pablo
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I can still see that grizzly bear on that gorgeous BTC back! The sheer beauty of the recent group of customs (yours, Mele Aloha, and others) is boggling.
You're a lucky man, Todd!
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Hi Todd,
Here's the picture of the tailpiece we were just talking about:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/47381.jpg)
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That thing is just gorgeous. The logo is a thing of beauty alone!!
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Wow Mica, the tailpiece looks great!!
Talk to you tomorrow, can't wait to hear exactly where we're at with the electronics!
Knowing it's sooo close to being done the anticipation is killing me
Todd
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Loaded:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/47482.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/47483.jpg)
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Whew, is that a beautiful piece of work. Todd, enjoy! Play it Healthy!
Art
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Wow Todd. Beautiful. Play it in good health.
Bill (the other one)
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Amazing! I love looking at this bass!
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This is incredible! I can't wait to see it finished and sporting the THGs.
graeme
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WOW!! Absolutely gorgeous! Love the dark>light shift. Congrats.
Bill, tgo
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Thanks guys, it really is turning out even better than I'd hoped.. I haven't spoken to Mica yet, but with any luck at all she should be launching today!
Todd
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The bass left the mothership yesterday, and I'm waiting right now for the call from my customs broker to go pick it up. The anticipation is almost unbearable and the phone can't possibly ring soon enough, but at the same time it's in a small way sad to see this part of the journey come to an end. Talk to you all soon when the case has been opened and it's in my hands!
Todd
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I picked the bass up Friday afternoon, and I've got to say that when I opened up that case, it literally took my breath away. Visually, it exceeded any expectations and the pictures, as great as they look, do not do it justice. I've honestly never seen anything that can compare!
I plugged it in an began playing, and again, had all my expectatins blown out of the water. I had never picked up, mush less played ANY Alembic before that moment (I've never had the oppertunity) and just can't believe how special it is. They nailed the neck dimensions I requested, the medium scale is wonderful to play, and the sound is unlike any bass I've ever had. The total control that the series II electronics provide is phenomonal. The tone is so clear, and I know that I've be tweaking it and learning the subtleties or the controls for months to come. The custom electronics that Ron designed work flawlessly.
I'll be posting some pictures to the showcase section soon, I'm just waiting for the THG's to arrive. I will try to attach the picture Mica sent me of the finished bass to as she put it help ease the pain untill it arrives
I'd like to take this time to again thank Mica, Susan, Ron and everyone else that worked on this project. And I'd be willing to bet that this won't be the last bass I order, not when the end result is something this special.
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Beautiful bass Todd- no wonder you're enjoying it!
Do you mind clarifying what the 'custom' electronics are on this bass?
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Absolutely gorgeous bass, Todd. Congrats! What happened to the THG knobs shown above (Mica's post of 11/30/07)?
Bill, tgo
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Congrats!!!
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The THG's are on the way to me now. The good folks at the mothership, in their haste to get the bass shipped and thereby stop my daily, pain in the butt think it will ship today? phone calls just forgot to put them on for me. Not a big deal at all, so I asked Mica to just toss them in the mail.
As for the custom electronics Ron designed for me, what he basically did was allow for the bass to be run entirely free of the external power supply. I use wireless a lot when I perform, so asked when I ordered the bass if this would be possible. Basically, the lowest switch is a 3 position toggle, with one position for use with the power supply, one off, and one with everything running on batteries. I am happy to report it works flawlessly
Take care all, and thanks again for the kind words.
Todd
(Message edited by Deburgh on January 21, 2008)
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Todd:
Now I'm confused. Doesn't a Series II instrument, like a Series I instrument, automatically run on batteries when a 1/4 cable is plugged in and the power supply cable isn't? So why the switch?
Bill, tgo
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Todd,
Stunning. The THG's will just be the little rosettes on the icing! Congratulations, and enjoy her for years to come!
Mike, tho =]
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Bill, because without the switch, the LEDs don't come on without the power supply. The switch is only for assigning where the LED power comes from.
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Thanks Mica, you beat me to it
Todd
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Todd,
Congratulations on an incredible bass, and welcome to the Buckeye Burl club! That is an amazing tailpiece, and she has THE sexiest back I've ever seen. Just be prepared for the multitude of questions/comments when you bring her out in public....super-models always draw alot of attention, you know what I mean??
Best of luck and best wishes.....
Chris
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Woof. What a beauty. Congratulations Todd.
Bill (the other one)
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One of the most beautiful basses I've ever seen
Stunning!
G
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Todd,
SOOOOOOO, where is the play-by play? What does she sound like? Play like? we want SOUNDBYTES!!!!How bout some pics with the THG's on her, too =)!
Oh, well, I understand. I probably wont put mine down for a coupla weeks after I get it, either.
Enjoy! They're only brand-new once! Plenty of time later for that stuff!
Have fun, Mike, tho =]
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There is a bear or a dog or some such creature peaking out of the back of your bass, Todd!
Beautiful, beautiful bass. Congratulations!
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Hi Todd,
Here's the mock up for your initials at the 12th fret:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/45030.jpg)
This would put the letters in white mother of pearl directly in the ebony fingerboard with a silver oval to match the black mother of pearl ovals on the rest of the fingerboard.
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That looks perfect Mica!
Thanks very much, please proceed with this and don't change a thing
Todd
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Hi Mica!
Is it too late in the build process to have continuous wood pickup covers? If not, I would like to have that added to the order please.
Thanks,
Todd
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Hi Mica!
As I posted in teh discussion area, I would like to change the back of the bass to BTC. That wood is just too gorgeous to split up!
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I know what you mean! We added this to your order. This will look great on your bass.