Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on February 13, 2007, 02:24:29 PM

Title: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: mica on February 13, 2007, 02:24:29 PM

Here's the start of your bass, the neck before veneers on the peghead:
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/36232.jpg)
 
I'll post more as interesting things happen.

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: subotic on February 19, 2007, 01:26:09 PM

Hi Mica
 
Thank you very much for posting the pictures :-)
 
Best regards
Ivan

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: bob on February 19, 2007, 09:35:16 PM

Welcome, Ivan, and congratulations on the start of your project!
-Bob

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: 5stringho on February 22, 2007, 11:13:31 AM

Hey, Ivan!
 
The special journey begins! Welcome, and I look forward to watching the progress of YOUR little monster....
 
The 'Ho

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: jtussing on February 22, 2007, 03:59:00 PM

That's a pretty board you have there, Ivan!  Mine should be up here pretty soon too.  The wait is excruciating isn't it?  
 
- Jim

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: subotic on March 27, 2007, 01:24:47 PM

Hi Mica
 
Any new pics of the bass? Just a bit curious :-)
 
Thanks
Ivan

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: subotic on April 30, 2007, 01:34:37 AM

Hi Mica
You ever got the email with my answer about the wood choices? Any new pics?
 
Regards,
Ivan

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: mica on April 30, 2007, 08:21:34 AM

No I didn't, that's why I sent my other responses. Please resend it, and also cc to Susan. Thanks.

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: subotic on May 01, 2007, 10:13:45 PM

What other responses? I'll resend my answer now.
 
Thanks
Ivan

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: subotic on June 11, 2007, 12:34:02 PM

Hi Mica
 
Did you get my last 2 emails regarding the availability of my wood choice and the expected time frame?
 
Thanks
Ivan

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: mica on June 29, 2007, 04:57:41 PM

I didn't have my camera in tow today, but I saw the body of your bass fully assembled, with the interior sealer coat drying. Looks like it will get to be joined to the neck next week.

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: mica on August 14, 2007, 01:19:36 PM

Here's your bass in the carving department, nearly ready to get the finish started:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/43058.jpg)
 
I hope you like the look of the wood.

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: flaxattack on August 14, 2007, 09:23:10 PM

wowie wow wow
looks liquid

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: subotic on August 15, 2007, 03:06:45 AM

thanks for the pic mica. it looks beautiful :-)

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: jtussing on August 15, 2007, 03:30:48 AM

The wood looks awesome. This is gonna be killer!

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: artswork99 on August 15, 2007, 08:31:36 AM

Very sweet!

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: the_8_string_king on August 21, 2007, 10:13:25 PM

Awesome figuring!!!  In fact... it looks VERY similar to the figuring for the BACK of my 6-String in progress -except that it's not BTCered!  Really, it looks extremely similar... did this Coco Bolo come from the same board... are our basses relatives?
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/43316.jpg)

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: subotic on August 22, 2007, 01:59:55 PM

Yes, very similar, but here is the picture of the board that the veneer of my bass was made of.
 
But it would have been really cool to have a bass relative :-)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/43349.jpg)

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: mica on September 20, 2007, 05:50:39 PM

Now your bass is in the final curing stage of finish:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/44207.jpg)

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: the_8_string_king on September 20, 2007, 10:53:24 PM

Looks great!!!

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: jacko on September 24, 2007, 05:11:25 AM

Every time I see one of these with finish on, the difference to the unfinished top is astounding. Fantastic figuring!
 
graeme

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: subotic on September 30, 2007, 03:21:53 PM

Thanx Mica :-)
 
looks great :-)

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: artswork99 on September 30, 2007, 04:24:41 PM

What a stunning top and great heart omega!  The bass looks awesome.  Enjoy it Ivan!  
Art
 
(Message edited by artswork99 on September 30, 2007)

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: David Houck on September 30, 2007, 04:57:15 PM

It does look really nice!

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: subotic on January 10, 2008, 09:11:33 AM

Hi Mica
 
Happy new Year!
Tried to contact you via email, but probably your spam filter eats my emails.
 
So, what is the status of the Bass?
 
Best regards,
Ivan

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: mica on January 10, 2008, 06:56:35 PM

Hi Ivan,
 
I've been waiting to hear back from you. You obviously didn't get the last email I sent that had this picture in tow:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/47527.jpg)
and a price for adding the engraving on the truss rod cover. For the design and the labor, the cost is $400. The next available time to get this work done is the end of February, though we would work the design out much earlier than that.  
 
If you want to proceed with the engraving project, there's two ways to go about it:
 
1. Send you the bass now and send the engraved plate later.
 
2. Wait until the engraving is complete and send the bass to you with the plate installed.  
 
You may also decide to keep the standard plate, in which case we can make arrangements to ship your bass next week.  
 
Let me know what you want to do.

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: David Houck on January 10, 2008, 09:26:08 PM

Wow!  I love the color and contrast of the top!

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: subotic on January 16, 2008, 04:56:08 PM

Hi Mica
 
Thank you very much for the update :-) This is great news.
The bass looks fantastic. Cant wait to have it in my hands, so I think I will postpone the engraving and take the bass now :-)
I have a few ideas of my own about what I would like to have engraved. But I would like to first have the bass in my hands and then try to come up with something that will go with the bass. As soon as I have something on paper, I will contact you.
 
Many thanks to you and the whole Alembic team, for making such a great and beautiful instrument.
 
Best regards
Ivan

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: subotic on January 31, 2008, 02:33:40 PM

Hi Mica
 
Any progress? What seems to be the problem?
 
Best regards
Ivan

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: 5stringho on February 01, 2008, 05:01:05 AM

Hey, Ivan!
 
Congrats! Your bass is STUNNING! Great figuring, beautiful color, and will look even better in person! Enjoy her when ya get her!
Have Fun, Mike, tho =]

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: mica on February 01, 2008, 11:03:14 AM

My emails do not seems to be getting through to you, Ivan. In may last one, I asked that you send me your shipping address exactly as it should appear on the shipping label. I'll be on the lookout for it and let you know when I receive your reply. We should be able to ship within a couple of days from then.

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: georgie_boy on February 01, 2008, 12:18:41 PM

What a beaut!!!

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: subotic on February 01, 2008, 03:05:05 PM

Hi Mica
 
I just sent you my shipping info per email
 
Best regards
Ivan

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: mica on February 01, 2008, 06:30:21 PM

Thanks, Ivan - I've received your message. Look for my reply in a few minutes and let's see if one of the email addresses is successful.

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: subotic on February 01, 2008, 10:24:20 PM

Hi Mica
 
Thanks. I have received your email.
 
Best regards
Ivan

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: subotic on February 19, 2008, 12:52:35 AM

Hi Mica,
 
How is the shipping progressing?
 
Best regards,
Ivan

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: subotic on March 03, 2008, 06:32:32 AM

Hi Mica,
 
The Bass arrived today. There is a tear on the case (about 7 long) but nothing that I can't fix myself.
 
More important is the following. Both pickups are loose! Tightening the screws doesn't work, since then the pickups are not equally spaced from the strings and also the neck pickup  is not parallel to the strings.
 
What is the procedure to align the pickups? Do I have to unscrew the other two screws that are located beneath the pickups?
 
Best regards,
Ivan

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: adriaan on March 03, 2008, 07:11:58 AM

Check the FAQ section here about setting the pickups ...
 
The way the pickups screws are mounted is deliberate: the two screws underneath 'hold up', the two screws above 'hold down'.
 
If the pick-up is rattling loose, turn up the screws underneath gently-gently, until they feel snug.
 
Do not overtighten the screws, or you can crack the pickup housing!
 
To raise a pickup, you loosen the screws that sit on top of the pickup, and turn up the screws beneath the pickup. To lower a pickup, you lower the screws beneath the pickup, then tighten up the screws that sit on top of the pickup.

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: subotic on March 03, 2008, 09:10:48 AM

Hi Adriaan
 
Thanks... I found the user manual. As they say: RTFM
Everything is OK now :-)
 
Cheers,
Ivan

Title: Re: Ivan's Signature Deluxe 5-string Bass
Post by: mica on March 03, 2008, 12:20:50 PM

Glad you got it sorted out with your pickups. Sorry to hear about the damage to your case, but also glad to hear you can take care of it. I hope you are enjoying your bass - it's such a beauty!

Title: Engraving possibility?
Post by: subotic on August 22, 2007, 02:11:04 PM

Hi Mica
 
If I see it right, there is a small metal plate between the neck pickup and the neck. Is it possible to engrave something on it?
 
Best regards
Ivan

Title: Engraving possibility?
Post by: jazzyvee on August 22, 2007, 05:21:08 PM

That small metal plate covers the area where the truss rod is adjusted. Like most things on an alembic this can be modified, made or engraved to your requirements.
 
I guess if it was on a bass you already owned you could remove it and take it to a high street jeweller to have it engraved.
Jazzyvee

Title: Engraving possibility?
Post by: mica on August 28, 2007, 05:39:07 PM

We can make arrangements to do engraving on the truss rod cover. It is made from solid brass, so any skilled engraver can do the work.  
 
For words in simple fonts like block letter or regular script, we take it to a local high quality engraver.  
 
For decorative designs, it is done in-house.

Title: 5 String with a high C
Post by: subotic on August 20, 2007, 01:57:41 PM

Hi Mica
 
If it's possible, I would like a high C (instead of a low B) as the fifth string.
 
Best regards
Ivan

Title: 5 String with a high C
Post by: mica on August 20, 2007, 02:01:39 PM

We can do this for you. Do you think you will ever want to play with a low B in the future?

Title: 5 String with a high C
Post by: subotic on August 20, 2007, 03:23:23 PM

Hi Mica
 
I don't think so. Why? Can you do something differently?
 
Best regards
Ivan

Title: 5 String with a high C
Post by: mica on August 20, 2007, 06:44:10 PM

You would need to order a spare bridge and string nut slotted for the B-G tuning if you thought you might go that way.  
 
If we slot it for E-C tuning, you can always have the slots enlarged by a local guitar repairman for the B-G tuning, but you couldn't go back to the E-C tuning.

Title: 5 String with a high C
Post by: subotic on August 21, 2007, 01:44:54 AM

Hi Mica
 
Ok. Thanks for the clarification. But would it be possible to order the string nut and the bridge at a later time if ever needed?
 
Best regards
Ivan

Title: 5 String with a high C
Post by: mica on August 21, 2007, 08:07:30 AM

Not ones that are fitted to the bass. You could order the bridge (or just the saddles) later and shave them slotted by pretty much any repairperson. The nut blank is a bit more tricky, though a good repair person can do it. The nut blank is oversized, and needs to be fit to not only the width of the peghead, but the shape too.

Title: 5 String with a high C
Post by: subotic on August 22, 2007, 02:04:07 PM

Hi Mica
 
Ok, so if I want it done right I would need to order it now. How much would the spare bridge and string nut cost?
 
Best regards
Ivan

Title: Peghead shape
Post by: mica on June 29, 2007, 04:51:16 PM

Hi Ivan,
 
Your peghead is ready to cut out, but I want to alert you of a change that we've made due to the change in the post size on the machine heads.  
 
Here's what the standard 5-string Crown peghead shape looks like now:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/41635.jpg)
Note the tuning keys are arranged with 2 on the top and 3 on the bottom.

Title: Peghead shape
Post by: subotic on July 12, 2007, 01:40:52 PM

Hi Mica
No Problem. It's unusual but so will the whole bass be :-)
 
Thanks
Ivan