Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on January 18, 2007, 07:19:47 PM

Title: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: mica on January 18, 2007, 07:19:47 PM: It's a neck!

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/35489.jpg)
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: 5stringho on January 18, 2007, 07:43:30 PM: Hi, Mica!!

Ummm, er, eeh, uhhh, which Mike might this rough but beeeyooooteeeful piece of wood someday in the near future belong to???? Just checking !!

Mike
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: mica on January 18, 2007, 07:49:34 PM: The particular Mike in question is.... YOU!
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: 5stringho on January 18, 2007, 08:00:07 PM: Yayyyy! Looks great! Thanks for the thread. I'm glad I inadvertantly took tomorrow off, as there is NO WAY I'm gonna sleep tonight!!

Thanks again Mica, talk to you soon. Have a GREAT weekend!!! Mike!...........
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: the_8_string_king on January 19, 2007, 08:33:53 PM: IT HAS BEGUN...!

Congrats, 'Ho!

You gonna love d'yebo-knee!
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: jtussing on January 20, 2007, 06:29:44 AM: Now that is a nice looking stick they've created for you, Ho! Mmmm. Ebony neck lam.

The neck for my mk-5 deluxe wasn't made in this batch because I was still fussing a bit over neck measurements, but we're done now so I expect it will show up sometime soon.

Looks like we'll get to watch our little monsters hatch together!

Regards, Jim
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: 5stringho on January 20, 2007, 08:59:15 AM: Thanks, Jim and Mark! Yea, we can watch our little monsters develop! Can't wait to see Jim's FTC underway.
Mark, Please leave me a little choice CocoBolo if you would! I agree with you. I would really like to find another board like the one on Matt's Stanley Clarke. For me, that is the epitome of what I would like to have! What a GORGEOUS piece of Coco! Make's me foam at the mouth! And the yebo-knee should do the trick!
Look forward to watching the progression on both your basses!! Enjoy, The 'Ho.....
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: the_8_string_king on January 20, 2007, 09:50:21 AM: Hey, hey, let's not start plucking each others 'Bics just yet!
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: 5stringho on March 04, 2007, 09:00:42 AM: Hey, Mica!

Just want to touch Basses (no pun intended )on what I'm looking for in my CocoBolo, before things get too far along. I really like the swirly, circular patterns, and the Eyes. That is what Cocobolo is about, to me.
For examples, as stated in an earlier post, I really like Matts CocoBolo Stanley Clarke. What a gorgeous piece. I love the cocentric patterns on the bookmatching, looks great.
But I also like the Dec 03 FCM, and also, the July 04,Eyes out of this world. Very pretty, swirly,defined. Makes me drool. Well, Ok, I drool most of the time anyway. I'm a bass Player!
But, that should give you a general idea what I'm looking for. I promise I'll try not to be too big a Pain!!
Thanxxx a lot, have Fun, Mike.....
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: mica on March 06, 2007, 07:13:20 PM: We didn't have any special instructions on the order for Coco Bolo on your bass, and the body was assembled on February 22! I didn't see your request here in the build record for any sort of a change or clarification, so we just kept plunking along to get your bass made. Here's where things are at as of last night: Front:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37125.jpg)
Back:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37126.jpg)
Like I said, mom added those little pinstripes:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37127.jpg)
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: tbrannon on March 07, 2007, 01:08:16 AM: It might not be swirly, but that is gonna be a killer top once the finish hits it.

Lookin' good!
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: jtussing on March 07, 2007, 04:43:30 AM: Mike,

This is going to be a beautiful bass guitar. I really like the pinstripe in the body and the grain on the Coco Bolo going to stand out very well under the finish if other basses I've looked at are any indication. Didn't know you were getting the heart! Our necks will be nearly identical!

Regards,
Jim
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: jags on March 07, 2007, 05:11:00 AM: what type of neck is that?!. it has some weird linesor cut halfway up to about the 12th fret. it seems like two totatlly diferenet thicknesses,one for the second set of octaves,and a normal thickness for the usual playing field. the purpose?
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on March 07, 2007, 07:04:07 AM: My guess would be that they've carved the bulk of the neck, but haven't done the heel yet.

Peter
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: valvil on March 07, 2007, 11:35:04 AM: Peter's right.

Lots more carving to do. Looks like it just got routed and it's about to go back to carving.

Valentino
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: 5stringho on March 07, 2007, 11:52:49 AM: Mica...
Please watch for an e-mail from me in a day or two...

Thanxxxx, Mike
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: 5stringho on March 07, 2007, 07:22:00 PM: Hi, Mica

Email just sent, 722 PST Please look for it!

Thanxxx, Mike
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: jags on March 08, 2007, 02:14:09 AM: thanks val.was very curious. i wasn't sure, i thought maybe someone didnt like to have the small notes so close together. i thouht if that was the case they wanted a thicker neck at the bottom to spread their hands out a bit. i figured that was too weird. but who am i to say,people play these beauties backwards, or upside down. everyone is different in their own special way. thanks bud
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: 5stringho on March 08, 2007, 11:36:40 AM: T.B. and Jim- Thankx for the flowers!

Mike
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: the_8_string_king on March 08, 2007, 07:01:59 PM: It's lookin' pretty pretty, theh, 'Ho!!!
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: 5stringho on March 09, 2007, 11:41:37 AM: Why, thank you, Mark! 'Preciate it.
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: georgie_boy on June 18, 2007, 08:45:29 AM: It's ended up in Scotland!!

Yipppeee!!

Sorry

That was for both Graeme & myself
(not bin very well lately)

G
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: the_8_string_king on August 22, 2007, 11:44:10 AM: Hey, Ho! (or should that be, Hi, Ho?)

Haven't heard from yuh in a while... what's up? Are you going ahead and getting another custom with a Coco Bolo top that's more to your liking? I hope so. If so, what's the status?

I assume you've seen mine... I couldn't be more pleased with it... and it's pretty far along now... shouldn't be too much longer! I can't wait!
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: 5stringho on August 22, 2007, 06:12:14 PM: Hey King!

Thanks fer checkin' in! Like I sed, I just been keepin' a low profile, but last week a little Momma Bird in the mothership told me chips are flyin' again! Lookin' forward to having some new stuff here on the old FTC soon. Keep an eye out for it .)!

Thanks again fer checkin' in to see if I was still kickin'!
TTy Soon, Mike (the 'HO).......
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: 5stringho on September 12, 2007, 11:56:15 AM: ??????
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: the_8_string_king on September 24, 2007, 08:59:14 PM: Hey Ho, I gotta recommend something to ya...

You should consider getting a pair of bass & treble knobs added to the Signature electronics like I did... the additional versatility they add -to the Signature electronics and 3-position Q switches- is mind-boggling...

It's just perfect... you can get a really wide range of tones with the 2 filters and Q switches -especially if you upgrade 'em to 3 positions- but being able to increase/decrease the overall bass & treble on top of it gives it much more tonal control then the Signature electronics are capable of by themselves.

It didn't cost that much to add this option... and it was well worth it!!!

Thanks for the positive vibes on my FTC thread... I've been checking yours out from time to time, looking in to see if new pictures have been added, now that the chips are flying again! I'm sure there'll be something up soon! I look forward to seeing your Coco Bolo... hope you get something as awesome as I got... I'm one REALLY happy camper!

Well, time to go pluck some more...
Title: Re: Mike's Custom Signature Bass
Post by: 5stringho on September 27, 2007, 06:38:16 PM: Hey, Mark!!

Thanxxx for the heads-up. I hadn't really explored that possibility, but I trust your expertise, and I sent an e-mail to Susan this morning inquiring about doing this to my Bassoooon. I'll let ya know what we come up with!!
Now, quit readin' and get back to Pluckin'!!!

Thanks again, TTY soon, Mike (the 'HO)....
Title: Control Cavity
Post by: 5stringho on October 03, 2007, 07:42:31 PM: Hi, Mica or Susan,

In light of the enhancements of the electronics package in this bass compared to the original, I guess we'll need to discuss the control layout in the near future. Close as I can tell, this beast is going to have one 4-way switch, two 3-way toggles, two 2-way toggles, and 7 control knobs, correct? Whew.
Also, since things are not too far along yet, I think we still need to make sure everything is set on the final work order. Let me know when a good time might be. No hurry. Also, thanks a lot for the recent enhancement Mr. Felton discussed with you. I really appreciate it, and think that will definately make a BIG addition to an already sonically diverse instrument!!

Thanks again, TTY soon, Mike....
Title: Flame Maple Neck & Laminates
Post by: 5stringho on March 13, 2007, 06:19:13 PM: Hi, Mica!

Just a quick question for future reference. On Signature Basses, is there an upcharge for Flame Maple main beams ala Sept.06 Raging Bass? Have you noticed any problems with the flame necks? Some say the flame wood is too soft for necks, compared to the standard rock maple. Any Input? I LOVE the way it looks. Also, is there an upcharge for a Purpleheart pinstripe on the headstock veneers, to mirror the body?? Just thinking...... Thanks for your help!
Mike.....
Title: Anniversary Electronics
Post by: 5stringho on March 04, 2007, 08:19:22 AM: Hi, Mica!

Know your swamped, but I'd like to discuss a few possible Electronics Changes. Thinking about going with Anniversary Electronics instead of Signature, with possibly a Master Volume added also. If you could let me know the upgrade charge for these options, it would be appreciated. Also,I probably want 3-pos. (0+4+8dB) Qs, if you could let me know on those, also.
Thanxxx a bunch, have fun, Mike.....
Title: Anniversary Electronics
Post by: mica on March 06, 2007, 07:02:55 PM: We'll have to work around the existing holes, because the bass was routed on February 27th. We might have to add a separate battery compartment since the master volume would naturally want to fall where the battery goes. But there's still time to do it if you want to.
Title: Anniversary Electronics
Post by: 5stringho on March 07, 2007, 05:29:32 AM: Hey, Mica,

I'll have to think about the Anniversary and Master Volume add. The Master Volume is a little more than I was anticipating. But, I DEFINATELY want the 3-pos. Q's, regardless of the electronics package I wind up with. I'll let you know this week what I decide....
Thanxxx again, Mike....

(Message edited by 5stringho on March 07, 2007)
Title: Anniversary Electronics
Post by: mica on March 07, 2007, 06:08:43 PM: I'll get the 3-position switches noted on the order. Let me know about the other upgrades.

The master volume pot is the most expensive pot that we buy. It's also the one that gets installed the least. In your case, we'd have to add a battery compartment, so it's got everything batting against it as far as price is concerned. This is the same MV that gets installed on a Series II.
Title: (x) Neck Finish
Post by: 5stringho on March 04, 2007, 11:52:51 AM: Hi again, Mica!

While we're discussing a few things, I just want to let you know I've decided I would like to have the Ultra-Fine Satin Finish on the back of the neck. I just like that feel the best. But, I still want the rest of the Bass in the Hi-Gloss.
Thanxxx again, Mike.....
Title: (x) Neck Finish
Post by: mica on March 06, 2007, 06:26:31 PM: Confirmed the work order is written this way, gloss finish with satin neck feel. We like the satin finish neck so much these days, you have to ask for it to be glossy!
Title: (x) Neck Finish
Post by: 5stringho on March 07, 2007, 05:16:33 AM: Hi again, Mica!

Excellent on the satin finish. You guys are like mind readers! I have both finishes on different basses, but I really like the satin feel best. Matter of fact, after this one is done, I'll be sending the Excel back for an EMW conversion, and I'll probably have the back of the neck re-done to satin....
Have a great day, Mike.....
Title: (x) Pinstripes
Post by: 5stringho on March 04, 2007, 08:32:12 AM: Hi again, Mica!

I know I've not been real concerned with Gingerbread on my Bass, but what would be involved with Purpleheart Pinstripes between my Maple body Lams and CocoBolo top and back? Would that be included in the Deluxe, or is there an upcharge? Also, If it wouldn't make any difference, I'd like to have Birdseye Maple for the Body Lams. I think it would look good with the contouring, where you could see the eyes. Any feedback?
Also, please make sure my Work Order specifies the Hollow Core. I know it's standard on the Deluxe, but I just want to be positive. I'm not gettin' any younger (UGH!).
Thanks a lot, Mike.......
Title: (x) Pinstripes
Post by: mica on March 06, 2007, 06:46:24 PM: Adding a small accent veneer like you've requested is not an extra charge on the Sig Deluxe. In fact, it's a good thing you have similar tastes to my mom, because she was thinking the same thing and wrote your work order up the very same way!

I can't use Bird's-eye Maple for accent lams - there no guarantee that there would be eyes falling right on the little 1/8 edge for you to even see. Actually, your body was constructed on February 22, so it's already got the regular Maple accent lam - check the build record later for a photo update.

Hollow is standard, and indeed your work order instructs for a hollow core construction.
Title: (x) Pinstripes
Post by: 5stringho on March 07, 2007, 05:12:18 AM: Hi, Mica!

Thanxxx for the update. The birdseye was really no big deal, anyway. Just a thought. But that's pretty cool about the pinstripe And, my back thanks you for the hollow core!
Thanxxx again, Mike.....
Title: Few Possible additions.....
Post by: 5stringho on January 23, 2007, 06:03:37 AM: Hi, Mica!!!

Been hashing over a few things, and wonder if you would be so kind to ask your Mother about prices on some things I'm considering?
I'll most likely be doing 3-position (0+4+8dB) Q switches, and maybe a Fatboy P/U in the bridge position. Retail cost on these options would be appreciated.
Also, the frets I would like to have installed are .041/.085 size. This is straight off the Lakland website. I believe they are referred to as Vintage Skinny, and I really liked them on my Lakland (R.I.P!)
Thanxxxxxxx MIke