Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on July 20, 2006, 11:56:37 AM

Title: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on July 20, 2006, 11:56:37 AM

The neck, in the presses:
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/30102.jpg)
 
Flame Maple, Vermilion, Cherry, Vermilion, Flame Maple. This is the scrap end of the neck, and the colors will liven up once we start sanding and scraping.  
 
Should have the pics of the template on the top and back lams by tomorrow.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on July 20, 2006, 02:49:44 PM

Thanks Mica.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on September 07, 2006, 01:10:56 PM

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/31163.jpg)

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on September 07, 2006, 01:13:19 PM

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/31167.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/31168.jpg)

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on September 07, 2006, 01:16:36 PM

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/31173.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/31174.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/31175.jpg)

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on September 07, 2006, 01:18:23 PM

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/31178.jpg)

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: Bradley Young on September 08, 2006, 07:35:37 AM

Is that quilted cocobolo on the headstock?!?
 
Bradley

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: valvil on September 08, 2006, 04:26:39 PM

Yes, it is; the top & back too, not just the peghead.
 
Valentino

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: Bradley Young on September 08, 2006, 05:54:32 PM

That's further than my pocketbook would allow.
 
It will be beautiful, I'm sure.
 
Bradley

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on September 08, 2006, 11:37:18 PM

Mica, Val, Chip et al.,
 
Thanks for everything. Koco is really coming along. Yes, there you have it. We have a name folks! Boy, am I excited!!!!!
 
Val, thanks for getting back to Bradley. My traveling has made it hard to post comments as fast as I would like.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on September 22, 2006, 02:08:54 PM

Peter just received your guitar in carving, and brought it to me for some photos. Here's what it's shaping up to be:  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/31708.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/31709.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/31710.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/31711.jpg)
  Mom and I have been working on the artwork for the fingerboard/body inlays. I've got the first Kokopelli digitized, so the mock-ups won't be too far behind.  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/31712.jpg)

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: Bradley Young on September 22, 2006, 03:57:11 PM

Michael,
 
That is one awesome guitar.  Can't wait to see it with finish on it.
 
Bradley

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on September 23, 2006, 06:51:14 AM

Thanks Bradley. I can hardly wait myself.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on October 05, 2006, 06:20:11 PM

Ready to route:  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32187.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32188.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32189.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32190.jpg)
  Since the top is sanded, you can finally see some of those amazing Coco Bolo quilts!  This is going to be on hold a few days while I'll work out a control layout for a side-mounted jack (it takes up alot of room inside).

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: adriaan on October 06, 2006, 01:13:29 AM

Assuming it will have the FX loop - can't it be done with an XLR? Perhaps easier to fit in sideways, compared to two jacks?

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: laytonco on October 06, 2006, 06:14:43 AM

Michael,
     You played with Willis? Could this be the same band that my friend Daniella Dee Katzir sang with?

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on October 06, 2006, 12:29:02 PM

Adriaan,I'm actually going with one 1/4 inch input and no FX loop. I've asked for a variable boost switch to be incorporated into the electronic set up.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on October 06, 2006, 12:31:49 PM

Gil, The Willis I played with is out of NYC. We never had a Daniella sing with us.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on October 20, 2006, 01:39:43 PM

You also wanted to see the upper horn area, (mostly) cleared of sanding dust:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32552.jpg)

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on October 31, 2006, 07:38:54 PM

Front is now routed:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32888.jpg)
 
I know you're dying to see this when the finish hits it, so I'll try to get pics of wet finish when it happens

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: Bradley Young on November 01, 2006, 09:51:33 AM

And, when she says, you're, I know Mica means, everyone that reads this thread.
 
Pics!
 
Bradley

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: rockandrowe on November 01, 2006, 03:04:36 PM

Michael, I can't wait to see it finished!

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on November 01, 2006, 05:23:42 PM

Guys, I couldn't agree with you more. Mica, thanks for everything again. And you are right, I am dying to see this with some finish on it.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on November 03, 2006, 02:30:46 PM

Last night Peter was sandind the peghead:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32968.jpg)

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on November 09, 2006, 04:34:24 PM

This photo was from Monday. Today was the first chance I got to send it to you:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/33265.jpg)
 
I'm afraid it's not quite got the sealer coats yet. Still needs to get the holes drilled for the electronics.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on November 10, 2006, 06:10:07 AM

OK, so how did you manage to decide which wood goes on front and which on back?  That is some seriously spectacular grain, all the way around!
 
Peter

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on November 11, 2006, 12:17:58 PM

It was a very tough decision. When you see the top with some finish you'll see why I chose this piece for the top. -Michael

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on November 16, 2006, 04:48:36 PM

For tonight I've only got the back for you:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/33462.jpg)
I couldn't swing around to the front since everything was still wet in the drying room. I'll try and snag a shot of the front for you tomorrow.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on November 16, 2006, 08:28:14 PM

OH MY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Peter

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on November 16, 2006, 10:34:42 PM

Absolutely amazing!!!! Thanks for the photo Mica. I can't wait to see the front.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on April 23, 2007, 05:50:00 PM

Here's the back laminate:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/38968.jpg)

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on April 27, 2007, 01:49:12 PM

Thanks for the photo Mica.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: osoloco69 on April 28, 2007, 01:18:22 PM

This is very possibly the nicest guitar ever....It has the most amazing wood I have ever seen.  I'm wondering if this is going to be the custom of the month?  If not, mica please, please take some fully finished shots of the front and back.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: osoloco69 on April 29, 2007, 05:51:27 PM

I noticed that the pickup inlay was not able to go down, but I was wondering why it is not possible to have a pickup cover made of real ebony?

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on April 30, 2007, 05:02:00 PM

Mica et al. had a good point as to why not to do the pickup inlay. Should I ever change the pickup, the inlay would be for naught. So, we decided to leave the note on the body.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on May 01, 2007, 06:26:26 PM

Of course it's possible to make the pickup covers from ebony, we make other wood covers. Michael wanted to keep the gold hotstamping on the pickup, and that can't be done on wood.  
 
Even good ideas don't always make it on a final build.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: the_mule on May 04, 2007, 01:32:14 PM

That looks hot, stunning woods and certainly a COTM candidate if I were to pick 'em.
You must be over the moon seeing this beautiful guitar taking shape as time goes by.
 
Wilfred

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on May 04, 2007, 08:05:32 PM

Thanks Wilfred. I'm very excited and looking forward to getting this baby into my hands.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on June 01, 2007, 10:17:51 AM

I know the last couple of weeks have been agonizing for you, Michael, but Koko Lee got officially rubbed out yesterday. Here's James mid-process:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/40542.jpg)
 
When he started the first rubout, he sent it back to Bob for some additional coats of finish, some woods are just more thirsty than others.  
 
Koko Lee will bee resting today and over the weekend, and get buffed early next week. It's getting mighty close!

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on June 06, 2007, 06:25:23 PM

After buffing and final assembly, we can officially announce Koko Lee's birth:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/40749.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/40750.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/40751.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/40752.jpg)
  These are just quick snapshots, but I hope you can see how great the guitar turned out. There's still lots to be surprised by when you open the case, nothing quite prepares you for the look of Quilted Coco Bolo.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: 2400wattman on June 06, 2007, 08:24:48 PM

My God that is beautiful!!

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: crgaston on June 07, 2007, 12:17:33 AM

That is just so astoundingly cool...the colors on the inlays are sooooo nice, the wood is outrageously luxuriant, and the omega crown headstock...man...
 
The stuff of legends.
 
Enjoy it,

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: rraymond on June 07, 2007, 07:45:24 AM

Good golly, Miss Molly! That's a mazing!

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: the_mule on June 10, 2007, 03:33:46 AM

Fantastic!
 
Wilfred

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: tom_z on June 10, 2007, 07:15:19 AM

WOW!! Fantastic guitar. Congratulations Michael.
 
Peace
Tom

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: David Houck on June 11, 2007, 04:05:32 PM

Congrats!!

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on June 12, 2007, 04:53:15 PM

Thanks guys. I am really excited.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mele_aloha on August 08, 2007, 09:14:53 PM

Can't help myself!
 
Michael, I just can't keep my mouth shut. How is your beautiful guitar sounding and doing these days? I just have to get some chat going in here again as it's been a quiet summer.
 
I love your choices in wood so much and they are the basic combos that I have coming on my Series II bass.  
 
My Quilted Coco Bolo might be cousins with yours so I thought I would share my drooling over your thread pictures here. What a beaut-
 
Hope you are enjoying as I really enjoy the pictures.
 
Aloha, Paul

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on August 10, 2007, 02:23:43 PM

Paul,
 
It is hard to put into words how much I'm enjoying this instrument. I'm still blown away by the tone, the playability and the electronics, not to mention the absolutely amazing craftsmanship.  
 
I was just at The National Guitar Workshop's Jazz Summit in Connecticut and had to leave by new baby at home. Took the George Benson. But, I really missed my Alembic. I am going to spend some quality time with it this weekend.
 
I am looking forward to seeing yours completed.  
 
Michael

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mele_aloha on August 10, 2007, 06:51:29 PM

Thanks for the reply Michael. Maybe we'll get something going here! I'm truly happy for ya. Those inlays are amazing and a conversation piece in themselves.
 
Aloha, Paul

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on November 17, 2006, 04:53:11 PM

Got a front shot, wish I could get the lighting better, it's hard to see how awesome it looks:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/33489.jpg)
  In a little closer, you can start to see the 3D appearance of the wood:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/33490.jpg)
 The flash skewed the colors some, but I think you can still get a good idea of what's going on.   Have a great weekend!

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: rockandrowe on November 17, 2006, 07:10:04 PM

Fantastic!!!

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on November 17, 2006, 08:26:58 PM

Mica,
 
Thank you for the photos. The top looks amazing. I'm blown away.
 
Michael

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on November 18, 2006, 11:32:51 AM

pant lust drool

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: the_8_string_king on January 13, 2007, 02:19:17 PM

Wow!!! That is really something else!

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on January 13, 2007, 03:29:31 PM

Thanks Mark. Hopefully we'll see some inlay work soon.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: applejuice on January 24, 2007, 04:00:02 AM

HOLY AWESOME!

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on February 23, 2007, 01:05:49 PM

Here's the peghead photos, yes, some are blurry of course!  This one is without a flash, so the Flame Maple edge doesn't blow out this close:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/36638.jpg)
   This one is with the flash, so you can see the Quilted Coco Bolo better:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/36639.jpg)
    Here's just the logo without the flash:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/36640.jpg)
   One of the back of the peghead with flash:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/36641.jpg)
   And the first little taste of the fingerboard inlay, an eighth note in abalone, but the colors aren't showing too well - it's a pretty piece!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/36642.jpg)

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on February 23, 2007, 01:21:18 PM

Thanks for the pics Mica. Very Nice!! I'm stoked!!

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on February 28, 2007, 07:55:02 PM

Mica,  
 
The depth of the Coco Bolo on the peghead is absolutely stunning. I'm floored!! Please thank Chip for picking an incredible piece of wood.  
 
Michael

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on March 01, 2007, 02:28:21 PM

The first kokopelli is getting close to completion:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/36818.jpg)
 Important - this is the back of the inlay, so things like the black mother of pearl will look better from the other side.    James wore the appropriate shirt for inspiration:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/36819.jpg)
   Enjoy!

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: bassjigga on March 01, 2007, 02:32:15 PM

Cool inlay

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: jtussing on March 01, 2007, 03:27:20 PM

What a beautiful guitar.  I can't wait to see the inlays in place.  Wow.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on March 01, 2007, 07:23:23 PM

Thanks guys. And James, Thank You!!! That t-shirt is perfect inspiration. Mica the pics are great. You're the best.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on March 06, 2007, 07:29:20 PM

The other koko (backside of course!):
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37147.jpg)
 I know it's hard to only see the back, but the front has even more glue obscuring the shell, so it's harder to see anything. James left these in little baggies, and I dare not risk removing them for fear of losing a tiny piece.   Here's the notes:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37148.jpg)

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on March 07, 2007, 01:42:16 PM

Mica,
 
Thanks for the pics. Everything looks great and I'm really excited.
 
Michael

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on March 08, 2007, 02:51:56 PM

The notes are in the fingerboard:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37203.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37204.jpg)
  First koko is going in the board in a day or two.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on March 08, 2007, 07:17:43 PM

Mica, I'm blown away!!! The inlay is absolutely fantastic. I can't wait to see the Kokos in place.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on March 13, 2007, 01:12:43 PM

Kokos are in place:  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37453.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37454.jpg)

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on March 13, 2007, 01:17:25 PM

Here's the whole thing:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37458.jpg)

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: jtussing on March 13, 2007, 06:14:29 PM

Absolutely stunning.  What an amazing instrument.  Words just don't work.  Wow.
 
- Jim

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on March 14, 2007, 05:22:17 PM

Thanks Jim. You're right, words just don't work.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: paulman on March 16, 2007, 07:24:26 AM

Yes, only music will suffice to give honor to this great, great peice of working art!

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on March 16, 2007, 01:26:00 PM

Body inlay in place, prepped for the next coat of finish:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37588.jpg)
I'll get you another one soon before sanding.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on March 17, 2007, 08:48:12 AM

Thanks Mica. I can't wait to see the far shot. Everything looks great.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: mica on April 11, 2007, 04:46:41 PM

It doesn't look too different at the end of spray compared to the beginning of spray, at least in snapshots. But today I saw your guitar in the rubout room, waiting for the finish to complete the final curing before it gets rubbed out:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/38616.jpg)
But at least you can see the abalone notes under shiny finish!

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on April 11, 2007, 08:17:56 PM

Fantastic Mica!!!! There seems to be a naturally occuring sunburst and it is just blowing me away.

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on April 13, 2007, 06:16:41 AM

Mica, Any shots of the back?

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: lbpesq on April 13, 2007, 07:36:49 AM

Michael:
 
This Further is turning out absolutley stunningly.  Gorgeous wood and I love the notes popping up here and there.  And, of course, I'm very partial to the maple/cherry/vermilion neck recipe.  Congrats, and don't forget to breath until it's finished!
 
Bill, tgo

Title: Re: Michael's Custom Further
Post by: guitarbeau on April 13, 2007, 10:42:22 AM

Bill:
 
Thanks for the encouragement. I'm turning blue, but I know it will be done soon enough.
 
Michael

Title: Body inlay
Post by: mica on March 13, 2007, 01:21:04 PM

So now's the moment of truth, time to inlay the body. Here's the initial placement of the last three inlays:  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37464.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37465.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37466.jpg)

Title: Body inlay
Post by: mica on March 13, 2007, 01:36:13 PM

And also spread out a little more:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37470.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37471.jpg)

Title: Body inlay
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on March 13, 2007, 03:41:43 PM

This is just too cool for words.
 
Peter

Title: Body inlay
Post by: mica on March 13, 2007, 04:26:43 PM

And one other slight variation:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37477.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37478.jpg)

Title: Body inlay
Post by: guitarbeau on March 13, 2007, 08:15:18 PM

Mica,
 
You're going to think I'm nuts, but after all our discussions today, I keep going back to your original positioning from today. I like the closer grouping because of the way it flows from the last note on the fingerboard.  
 
Maybe we straighten out the middle note, but not too much.  
 
Call me when you get into the office and we'll discuss, but I think we're ready to finish this guy up.
 
Michael

Title: Body inlay
Post by: guitarbeau on March 16, 2007, 05:01:59 PM

Thanks Peter.

Title: Side mounted jack and LED switch
Post by: mica on October 18, 2006, 01:31:56 PM

Here's the layout for the slightly modified electronics:
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32484.jpg)
That big square is the free area needed for the side-mounted jack.
 
This keeps the knob and switch locations the same as a normal Further. This will be much easier when it's time for servicing in the future.  
 
The LED switch is frequently located where it's indicated on the picture. It's far enough from other functions so I don't think you'll hit it on accident, but close enough so it doesn't look isolated from the rest of the controls.  
 
If this looks good, it will be routing time for you.

Title: Side mounted jack and LED switch
Post by: mica on October 18, 2006, 03:18:28 PM

Here's the LED switch, slightly moved:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32517.jpg)

Title: Side mounted jack and LED switch
Post by: mica on March 15, 2007, 07:46:11 PM

Here's the layout after moving the middle filter control over to make a traingle out of the filters and not a parallelgram out of the four controls:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37558.jpg)
 
It looks good, and I think it will give the separation you wanted for using the controls. I've also reversed the positions of the LED switch and the boost switch. Let me know if this looks good enough to drill.

Title: Side mounted jack and LED switch
Post by: lbpesq on March 16, 2007, 01:36:32 PM

Mica and/or Michael:
 
What does the boost switch do?
 
Bill, tgo

Title: Side mounted jack and LED switch
Post by: guitarbeau on March 16, 2007, 03:52:51 PM

Bill,
 
I'm adding a boost switch to allow me to punch out of the mix when I need to. The pot will have a variable gain which I can access in the electronics compartment.
 
Michael

Title: Side mounted jack and LED switch
Post by: guitarbeau on March 16, 2007, 03:55:20 PM

Forgot to mention that the boost is a clean boost.

Title: Side mounted jack and LED switch
Post by: lbpesq on March 16, 2007, 03:58:51 PM

Sounds like a built-in stratoblaster.  What is the range of boost you can get?
 
Bill, tgo

Title: Side mounted jack and LED switch
Post by: guitarbeau on March 16, 2007, 04:54:26 PM

I'm assuming that the range of boost is similar, if not identical to the stratoblaster.  
What do you think about the positioning of the boost switch?
 
I asked Mica to do the mock up above, but I'm considering putting the boost where the LED switch is. Thoughts??

Title: (x) Pickup inlay (skipping)
Post by: mica on January 03, 2007, 02:03:10 PM

James finished the first couple of experiments with the inlay on the pickup. These were done on a cosmetic second MXY, but the material is the same (ABS plastic).   This was the unsuccessful cutting with a very sharp knife:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/34931.jpg)
  Heating the inlay into the plastic makes a distorted surface, that can't be restored to the light texture:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/34932.jpg)
  He's going to try another round with Tony with the polyurethane cast style of pickup. This is the kind without the gold name. I'll let you know when they've got that experiment completed.

Title: (x) Fingerboard Inlays
Post by: mica on October 06, 2006, 04:13:46 PM

Hi Michael,  Here's the two kokopelli figures for the fingerboard:  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32248.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32249.jpg)
  We'll be assembling these with the rest of the details shortly.

Title: (x) Fingerboard Inlays
Post by: guitarbeau on October 09, 2006, 01:22:45 PM

Mica, What do you think about morphing the most recent Kokopelli into what I'm including below?

Title: (x) Fingerboard Inlays
Post by: guitarbeau on October 09, 2006, 01:24:44 PM

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32285.jpg)

Title: (x) Fingerboard Inlays
Post by: guitarbeau on October 09, 2006, 01:27:02 PM

Or coincidently (maybe not)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32288.jpg)

Title: (x) Fingerboard Inlays
Post by: mica on October 20, 2006, 01:32:31 PM

Here's a couple of revisions of the lower Kokopelli. The first one is a little wider, and has closer to the stance of the one you liked:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32548.jpg)
  This one is a little more hunched over:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32549.jpg)
  Let me know which has more of the "feel" of what you're looking for, and I can start the final art and material mockup.

Title: (x) Fingerboard Inlays
Post by: guitarbeau on October 20, 2006, 04:43:35 PM

Mica,
 
I love the top one. Let's go with him.
 
Thanks for the revision. This inlay is going to be sooooo cool!!
 
Michael

Title: (x) Fingerboard Inlays
Post by: mica on October 24, 2006, 05:16:26 PM

Cool, glad you like him! I've got to work on the leg/boot relationships a little, but I'll show you the whole plan together with that improvement.

Title: (x) Wood Positioning
Post by: mica on March 10, 2006, 12:46:58 PM

Hi Michael,  Here's Chip's suggestions for getting the top, back and peghead out of that one big piece of wood.  For the top:  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26061.jpg)
  You should be able to see the sapwood will be avoided. I like the set of "eyes" and the pinching of the grain near the pickups and bridge.    for the back:  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26062.jpg)
  It's got those nice "pinches" again.     And for the peghead:  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26063.jpg)
  It's got all the neat characteristics of this wood crammed into one area. We'll cut both the front and back veneers from the same part.    Let me know if these placements look good to you, or if you've got some other ideas.

Title: (x) Wood Positioning
Post by: mica on March 14, 2006, 12:41:33 PM

Hello there, Michael!  Here's the remarked pieces:   Top:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26246.jpg)
     Back:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26247.jpg)
    Only way to get the peghead out of the same board with this placement is by bookmatching the front:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26248.jpg)
 Which would actually look a little cooler since the center will get sanded away, bringing the pinches in closer.     If you want to get a non-bookmatched peghead with simlar placement, this is about the only other choice:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26249.jpg)
 Note, this is a really quick Photoshop bit. The perspectives don't exactly match, but it should give you a rough idea. If you prefer to view it in your mind's eye, here's the two files:  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26250.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26251.jpg)
  We are probably on the phone discussing this by now.

Title: (x) Wood Positioning
Post by: bsee on March 14, 2006, 01:00:09 PM

Awesome - I so wanted a bookmatched peghead.  Go for it!

Title: (x) Wood Positioning
Post by: mica on March 14, 2006, 05:56:02 PM

After some Quickie Photoshop work:  Top:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26269.jpg)
 This is just flipping the image - it will look slightly different when we do it for real. This is just to see if you like the general idea.     Back:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26270.jpg)
 This will help you make your decision about the back laminate - if we're going to use this layout or the straight grain at the center. This one is also a a mirror image.

Title: (x) Wood Positioning
Post by: guitarbeau on March 14, 2006, 09:13:49 PM

Mica, thanks for all of your help. I'm looking forward to seeing the layout after our discussions.

Title: (x) Wood Positioning
Post by: guitarbeau on March 14, 2006, 09:31:39 PM

bsee, didn't go for the bookmatch. Or, at least not yet! I've been concentrating on the Zebras.

Title: (x) Wood Positioning
Post by: bsee on March 14, 2006, 09:36:20 PM

Hey, you got some really interesting wood there.  I don't think you can make a wrong decision about layout.  Go with your gut and be guided by the experts.

Title: (x) Wood Positioning
Post by: guitarbeau on March 16, 2006, 11:17:32 AM

Thanks bsee

Title: (x) Wood Positioning
Post by: mica on March 16, 2006, 06:45:47 PM

From our conversation earlier this week, I think this will be the final layouts.   For the top:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26339.jpg)
     For the back:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26340.jpg)
    For the peghead:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26341.jpg)
  Let me know if all looks good from where you sit.

Title: (x) Wood Positioning
Post by: guitarbeau on March 18, 2006, 10:48:57 AM

For Reference:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26387.jpg)

Title: (x) Wood Positioning
Post by: guitarbeau on April 29, 2006, 08:46:22 AM

Susan, Mica, Valentino, Chip and everyone else at Alembic,
 
Thank you so much for all of your hard work so far. I'm so excited. I have no doubt that this instument will take my playing Further.
 
Guitarbeau

Title: (x) Wood Positioning
Post by: mica on July 28, 2006, 06:28:30 PM

Chip evaluated the newest laminate nominations:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/30283.jpg)
   Here's his favored line for the top:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/30284.jpg)
 Of course, it's hard to see, but there is quilted figure on every square inch of this top. Not much contrast, but deep, jewel-like color and intense figure.   And for the back:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/30285.jpg)
 He was able to scoot the template a little into the more quilted end of the board, he thought you'ld like that to tie into the top laminate more.

Title: (x) Wood Positioning
Post by: guitarbeau on July 28, 2006, 07:46:07 PM

Mica,
 
I love both positionings. We are good to go!! Will it be possible to get the front and back of the peghead from either of these pieces?  
 
Thanks,  
Guitarbeau

Title: (x) Wood Positioning
Post by: lidon2001 on July 28, 2006, 11:03:50 PM

Stunning wood.  Magnificent.
 
T

Title: (x) Wood Positioning
Post by: dadabass2001 on July 29, 2006, 07:42:42 AM

Mike,
I love the quilted coco bolo for your top. Incredibly stunning!
 
another Mike

Title: (x) Wood Positioning
Post by: guitarbeau on July 30, 2006, 08:22:44 PM

Thanks T and Mike. I'm very excited about this project. I can't wait to see how it all comes together.
 
Michael

Title: (x) Wood Positioning
Post by: guitarbeau on July 31, 2006, 09:39:44 AM

A cool photo I wanted to add for reference.
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/30350.jpg)

Title: (x) Wood Positioning
Post by: guitarbeau on August 01, 2006, 06:22:23 AM

A better shot:
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/30360.jpg)

Title: (x) Wood Positioning
Post by: edwin on October 19, 2006, 09:59:41 PM

Am I the only one who sees Jesus in the bottom right of the back woods???????
 
 
 
Edwin

Title: (x) Quilted Coco Bolo Sidebar
Post by: mica on March 24, 2006, 03:22:22 PM

Hi Michael,
 
Here's that diversion you were asking about:
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26564.jpg)
 
Even though it's pretty rough, you can probably tell the color is rather dark and the quilted figure is pretty deep.  
 
We will be slicing the last stick of this wood open shortly for another project, so I can show you more when the pieces that that bass are selected.

Title: (x) Accents
Post by: mica on March 17, 2006, 01:24:53 PM

Here's a closeup of the regular Further accent laminates:
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26360.jpg)

Title: (x) Accents
Post by: mica on March 17, 2006, 01:37:52 PM

On yours, the side view will stack up like this:
 
Coco Bolo top
Maple veneer
Purpleheart veneer
Maple veneer
Purpleheart veneer
Flame Maple core
Purpleheart veneer
Maple veneer
Purpleheart veneer
Maple veneer
Coco Bolo back