Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on May 16, 2005, 05:37:42 PM
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You've seen this stuff in person already I think, but here's some photographic evidence:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/18476.jpg)
Sanding always makes the figure fade back a bunch. In person you can tell it's super duper.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/18477.jpg)
Crazy cooky swirlies!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/18478.jpg)
Before they are plywood, here's the larger plate fallouts from your guitar.
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Mica:
What is this, torture? I finally get a thread ... I gasp out loud ... goosebumps appear up and down my spine ... I hold my breath ..... click ..... AND THERE IS NOTHING! BWWWWWAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!
Don't worry, I'm sure it's on the way. Now I know how the kid felt when he woke up on xmas morning to find a pile of horse manure in his bedroon and immediately jumped into it exclaiming Hooray, there must be a pony! My pony is on the way. Just a matter of time now. I just have to wait ... be patient .... I can do it ... I think.
Well, at lest this is better than getting my teeth pulled, right?
Bill, the patient guitar one
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Mica:
I swear when I first clicked there was nothing! Our postings must have crossed in the netherworld of the net. Thanks for the pix. You wouldn't believe how exciting it is to see this! (Or maybe you would, you've probably heard this before). Now my poor wife will have to listen to me blather about this all night. Well not really all night - we're going to the Fillmore tonight to see John Prine. Hey, my FTC thread and John Prine on the same day! Life is indeed good!
WOW (... breath in ... breath out .... in .... out ...)
Bill, tgo
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Wow Bill, looks great so far. Very interesting to have a maple top and a cocobolo back. The cocobolo is breathtaking - too bad there has to be a back - two beautiful pieces of wood.
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I picked out the cocobolo in person. It just floored me - very unusual and dramatic pattern. The maple is no slouch either. It comes across better here:
http://alembic.com/club/messages/2344/14170.html?1106395272 (http://alembic.com/club/messages/2344/14170.html?1106395272 target=_top)
The pattern will be flip-flopped on the peghead - cocobolo front and quilted maple back. The May, 2002 COTM had cocobolo top and quilted maple back. The peghead on that one was ebony with the maple on the back. See it here:
http://alembic.com/info/fc_scf.html (http://alembic.com/info/fc_scf.html)
This is gonna be BIG fun!
Bill, tgo
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Here's those flip-flopped parts:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/18820.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/18821.jpg)
The outline is not where your peghead will be - Chip reconsidered after he drew that. And the whole fron tof the neck:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/18822.jpg)
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Mica:
It's hard to tell from the picture, and the need to redraw, but this looks a little like the Rounded Crown peghead on Further & Beyond in the custom archive. I hope that's not the case as I prefer the standard Further pointed crown (Bless its pointed little head!)
I was also wondering why it looks like some of the vermilion lams are missing, then I realized, DUH, truss rods! Thanks for the pix. This is very cool.
Bill, tgo
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Oh, that's no rounded crown, it's the real thing - just floating off the edge on the back of the peghead. See how the curve folds back on itself - that's the Crown for you!
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Ready to carve the neck feel:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/19425.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/19426.jpg)
Not sure if you got my message, but it's on hold until Tony can a) speak with you or b) feel your reference guitar neck.
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Wow, this is looking fine Bill. What a shame to hide that gorgeous Coco Bolo round the back though. You're going to have to learn to spin your guitar during solos ;-)
Graeme
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Bill,
Whenever you play this guitar live, you'd better have a mirror behind you, because that back is far too pretty to be enjoyed only by your stomach!
Jonathan
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But remember, those who play with mirrored stomachs shouldn't play Rolling Stones songs.
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I just got back from NY and four days without a computer. I hadn't checked the site yet and I had to go to Santa Rosa today, so I stopped by and checked out my Further and WOWWWWW!!!!! It was very cool to actually hold it in my hands. Thanks sooooo much to everyone at Alembic. The guitar is coming together beyond my expectations.
Graeme & Jonathan:
You guys are right, the back piece is pretty spectacular, but the front is going to have the wonderful 3-D effect of quilted maple - my personal favorite. I think I picked out a piece that will hold it's own with the cocbolo once the elves do their magic.
This is fun!
Bill, tgo
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I got lucky, just barely before Bob was going to prep:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/19481.jpg)
Now the front is begining to shine. The fan-shaped quilts are highly dimension and just outright beautiful. I stepped over to take a picture for Hardy, and on the way back, the back was already prepped:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/19482.jpg)
That Bob is quick I tells ya!
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It's weird. You see pictures of the pieces in-progress and think Yummy; that's going to be a really neat guitar.
You see pictures of the beastie assembled and you think Yeah, that's a really neat guitar.
You see pictures of the guitar under finish, and you think Holy Crap! That's un !@#$%^* Un!@$#%^*believable guitar!
Seriously, Bill, you and the crew have absolutely nailed the perfect balance of all-out WOW and completely understated elegance. There's a huge amount of stuff going on, visually, but it all balances out and supports the overall look. Without going one step overboard, she's a museum-quality piece.
Major congrats!
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Oh my . . . you can get lost in that top! Very nice!
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Wow Bill, that's looking really nice. May I ask if it was Custom Further for Charles that inspired the vermillion laminates? It was that one that made me choose birdseye.
Nice to see so many guitars!
Mark
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Nick:
Thanks, that's exactly what Susan & I were going for. (Actually I wanted everything, and Susan tastefully held me back or, at least helped me to see the light).
Mark:
You got it right too. Charles' choice of Vermilion looked very tasty and Susan confirmed what I thought, that the Vermilion will likely give it a warmer sound than the purpleheart.
I'm in Carlsbad, NM on vacation. The hotel has a computer in the lobby YEE HAA!
Thanks for the new picture, Mica. I'll be up to visit her in person soon enough. Also, the folks at Guitar Resurrection in Austin say hi.
Bill, tvgo (the vacationing guitar one).
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gorgeous
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Backplates in the drying room:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/19852.jpg)
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As Homer, (Simpson, not the Odyssey guy), might say: Hmmmm, cocobolo lollipops!
Bill, tsgo (the salivating guitar one)
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Bill,
GULP! etc.!
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any updates billy
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I believe I'm in line for inlay art. I suspect the folks at Alembic are going to be a little busy and distracted for the next week or so and they're also trying to get Scott's Further done for a gig he has next Saturday. Then there's one not too intricate inlay job in front of me and then it's my turn! I'm hoping to have it in time for a gig I'm doing on November 5th. (Annual benefit for SAMM - Sonoma Alliance for Medical Marijuana - in Sebastopol). Come on down!
Bill, tgo
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next year!
lol
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how bout some inlay shots?
inquiring minds dont have a ftc yet and need to live vicariously through bill's custom
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Still waiting. I suspect the folks up in Santa Rosa have been VERY busy of late - notice that we are past the ides of October and the September COTM is still up on the main page.
Bill, tgo
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I think Jeff may have started something. I too will take this opportuinity to wish my forming Further a Happy New Year:
I'm sure you'll be partying with all the other Alembics in various stages of construction once the elves lock up and the lights go out! Have fun, but be cool. And oh yeah, this is your LAST New Years in Santa Rosa. To paraphrase some of my people, Next year in Oakland!
A great New Year to everyone on this board. May all your dreams come true and get delivered without any damage! LOL
Bill, tgo
(Message edited by lbpesq on December 30, 2005)
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Bill,
After seeing Larry Robinson's work on the Fernandes, I'm anxious to see your Further. Gonna be a tough act to follow.
Happy New Year!
Jonathan
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hey wheres some photos on the inlays?
inquiring minds would like to see.......
i loves inlay progress shots
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the further!!!!!!!!!???
now thats original bill,..........
please.........
put the weed down and step away from the volcano....
hey brad
i use that line with annie whenever i buy a toy....
take it easy honey... i could be BILL!!!!!!!
thanks for the comps on scarlets front brad...
billy name it
i am so glad i am a lawyer so i dont have to work for a living,,,,,,,,,lol
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Maybe call it time? As in: things take time.
Bradley
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It's done!
Bill, tgo
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i know
i just saw it on cnn~~~~~~~~~~
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Flax, would that be the Cannabis News Network? LOL! Enjoy the guitar Bill!
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Bill--I hope your new guitar is everything you hoped it would be visually, and especially sonically. Enjoy!! Maybe some of us northern Californians will even get to hear and see it at a future gathering!
Eric
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maybe he should name it
REEFER?
i think its a good candidate for a coffee cup bill
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In reference to the inlaid quote as well as the exquisite quilted top, may I suggest simply Woody.
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Jonathan:
It that your original idea, or did you read my post #2451, about 15 posts above? If the former, great minds think alike. As of this morning Woody is in the running, along with Leaf, Peace, World Justice & Peace, Esquire and Expensive (the latter two are my wife's suggestions). My wife also thought of Patience but it's already been used by the 10/06 COTM. Nominations are still being accepted.
Bill, tgo
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i like.........
FRED
no reason i just like it
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Bill,
It's simply a case of great minds thinking alike.
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Jefflaxshim:
Late last night, after I FINALLY wiped the Further down and tucked it into it's case for the night, Tina, (senior management), suggests I name it Jesse after our beloved cat that went to the great litter box in the sky last December. I told her you would have something to say about that as you'd already commissioned Scooter. We had a good laugh over it.
Jonathan:
Aren't we wonderful! lol
Bill, tgo
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tina wins
good name........i endorse it buddy
scooter was decommissioned after the f-up tribute
although
i am toying- oh no-with the cat inlay again....
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So Bill,
WHERE ARE THE PICTURES?????
(sound of beer bottles banging on a table)
Ken
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Well I thought Bill was gonna post some, and mine are for the Featured Custom (yes you will see many more when it's a Featured Custom) but for now, here's Bill opening the case:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/41401.jpg)
He's laughin' and moving fast! Jason tied a big red bow around the case that was impossible to release. Mary had mercy and brought in the scissors. Then Bill sat down and played for a while:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/41402.jpg)
Maybe Bill wil post a few more this weekend to ease the bottle clanking.
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Congrats, Bill!
What a long, strange wait it's been...
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Bill,
guitarus photografiericus maximus, carpe jugulum.
I don't think that babelfish will translate so:
Post many photos soon so we don't have to choke you .
Bradley
Yes, there is a Terry Pratchett reference, Virginia.
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Congratulations Bill!! Looks like you'll be occupied with this baby for a while. I eagerly await detailed photos from your camera and/or Mica's. I would love to hear your assessment of the Further electronics. Enjoy!
I banged a few bottles tonight in honor of your new Axe of Justice.
Peace
Tom
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Yes, PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES! ! ! That's a beautiful addition to your collection, congrats!
- Jim
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Congrats!!!
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Thanks, everyone. Well, here I am making the 200th post on this thread ... what a long strange trip indeed! As one might suspect, since I picked it up Wednesday evening, I've been spending a lot of time playing and just darn staring at my new Further. (My wife is beginning to question my sanity. On the other hand, my 12 year old has had a similar reaction all weekend to his new Air Jordan's!) I took some pics today and am posting below. My first impression upon seeing this intrument was indescribable. Even having visited it often during incubation, I was still not prepared for the finished guitar. WOW! Just WOW!!!! I've been playing the last few days mostly acoustic, though I have plugged it into a few different amps along the way. Acoustically this thing has been a wonderful surprise. You can literally feel the vibration of each string right through the guitar! You actually feel the vibrations through the wood as you hold it. Another discovery is the sound coming from the back of the guitar. I guess it has to do with the chambers in the body, but it almost sounds like a muted acoustic guitar FROM THE BACK! It's pretty cool. As for makin' noise, unfortunately both my bands have been off this past week. That's o.k. as I will be bringing it up to Santa Rosa this week to get a new nut. The neck on this was copied from my Strat, but the spacing of the strings cut into the nut wasn't (my strat was up there summer of '05 for a couple of weeks). As you can see in the shots below, there is plenty of real estate on the fret board outside the E strings, so I'm going to get the strings spread out a little more so these fat fingers can fit. One other mod I'll be getting is an internal dimmer pot for the LEDs. They are quite a bit brighter than the ones on Big Irv, my '77 12 string Series 1. I'd like them a little less bright. Anyway, here are some pics. Unfortunately the gold and gold MOP in the scales didn't really come out. I suspect Mica may be posting some better ones in the future? Well I'm heading back to the Further. As for names, here is the current list of possibilities in handicapped order: 1. Justice 2. Woody 3. Peace 4. Leaf (the inlay I forgot to show below, but it's in the thread above) 5. Esquire 6. Jesse 7. Expensive 8. ???? Bill, tgo
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/41482.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/41483.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/41484.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/41485.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/41486.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/41487.jpg)
(Message edited by lbpesq on June 25, 2007)
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Congrats Bill, another beautiful (understatement!) Further. I too have been surprised by how much a Further resonates to the string vibrations without damping them. Do I detect that your body is a twelve layer sandwich? Eleven not good enough? I'd be interested to here how she compares to your Series I guitar.
Mark
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Oh Man Bill,
I just melt at the site of your beautiful instrument. It is like looking at the best thing anybody could ever have. Literally, I would love to have a Harley, but even though I always use Harleys when comparing my bass on order when explaining to my friends what I am doing, there is just no honest comparison. These instruments are finer than the finest Harley. Finer than the finest jewelry one has to offer. I think at this point I would have to go as far as saying that I would much rather hold a custom Alembic than a brick of solid gold.
You are so lucky, you must be on cloud nine and having a hard time sleeping. I can't wait for mine either.
And Furthermore it is always nice to see the baby with it's new father! I love to see the owners with there piece. You really go well with it. I mean that!
Finally, I would have to check with Bradley on this (LOL), because my English isn't to well, but I think I would name it Stealth. Is that what the name of that Air Force jet is? I know I haven't played it but from taking your word for it I am sure it deserves it.
Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!!.
Aloha, Paul
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Wow, Bill!
That is just beautiful!
I'm starting to think we're in a Golden Age of Alembic with all the amazing work they're doing the past couple of years, especially with the inlays. Enjoy it!
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(In a Keanu Reeves Bill & Ted voice) Whoooa! Excellent! The CB P/Us & knobs on the quilt is a stroke of sheer genius. Congrats.
Peter
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Dig the truss rod cover too!
Brian
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Thanks for all the good thoughts. My wife tells me she caught me falling asleep playing the guitar! She came into the room and I was sitting on the couch around midnight with my eyes closed playing. She said I would stop playing like I was asleep, and then sort of wake and start playing again!
Maiden voyage tonight. First band rehearsal since delivery. 1.5 hours to go. I'm excited!
Bill, tgo
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You're wielding the FURTHER of JUSTICE!
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Or perhaps the Just Further.
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Further of Justice +1/+2 against prosecutors.
heh.
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So how did rehearsals go Bill?
Graeme
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That is one of the prettiest backs I have ever seen. congratulations Bill.
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Bill, congrats. That quilt top just makes me stop breathing and stare for a minute. Beautiful!!
Rich
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Time to bring this thread back to life. I got a call from Valentino today. My inlays are in progress! It won't be long now. Yea!!!!!!!!!
Bill, tgo
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Betcha can't wait bill. Looking forward to seeing this one finished.
Graeme
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That's an extremely classy instrument.
John
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whats another 3 months or so?
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Quarter of a year?
1/280th of an average lifespan?
An awful lot of accrued patience?
Is this a trick question, Jeff?
Of course, I'm a few days shy of 15 months, so my nasal passages have completely dried out from breathing in-through-the-nose, out-through-the-mouth. Guess that's what I get for being a Type-A personality with a 45 second attention span.
The above is humor, I realise that making an Alembic takes time.
Brad
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i was being faceitous.....
bad humor from the east coast
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We present the California-centric world inlay:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26568.jpg)
This looks really awesome - the colors are great.
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Jeff,
I was just yanking your chain.
Mica, that looks more like a Seattle-centric world view.
Brad
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West Coast view - that's the ticket!
This is cool, and this one is just the beginning. I hope the judge in Ukiah gets to my case early enough so I can stop by on my way back and drool on it in person next Monday.
Bill, tgo
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Hi Bill, Here's the world placed on the fingerboard:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26986.jpg)
It's not inlaid, and yes, this is at the third fret rather than the first, but we're looking for the proper orientation before we set it in at the first fret. Parts of the scales:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26987.jpg)
James cut the balance from golden mother of pearl, then we did the pans and chains in 18K gold. Then the recess for the scales:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26988.jpg)
Now scales are installed:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26989.jpg)
There's still some glue drying, but you can see how cool the design came out. It's nice golden colored all over. The lighting made the top edge look washed out - it isn't. Let me know on the world orientation and that will get dropped in in Monday. James should also be finishing the 24th fret inlay on Monday, and so frets are in this guitar's immediate future.
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Looks like this guitar balances well!
Love the earth!!
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So,
Is the scale supposed to refer to your profession, or as a way to measure, um, stuff?
hahahaha.
Brad
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Wow, counselor!
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Mica:
My b-day is Sunday, so this is a great present! I looked at it and thought 3rd fret??!! and then scrolled down and saw your post. This looks very cool. I'm in court in Ukiah on Tuesday so I'll try and stop by on the way back. I can't wait to see it in person. As for the orientation of the world, I like the way it is on the first picture above, the post of March 24th.
Dave: Cute, very cute.
Brad: This is the Scales of Justice The stuff will be on the back of the peghead. hehehe
Bill, tgo
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bill that looks killer... do you have an inlay for the bribes judges take? lol
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mica/val
out of curiousity..how do they and what is used to route the recess in the board
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A hand router with a bunch of different bits and a guide to keep the depth consistent.
Valentino
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if that was james at the controls?
that man has the hands of a neurosurgeon..
i assume there is a template for the routing..
but the lines are so straight etc. truly the work of an artisan....
:-)
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Bill that looks great!!
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I have been doing some levelling, fretting, and fret marker inlays, and I'm getting ready to do some logo inlays.
There aren't any routing templates like the ones we use for the body construction, the pieces are placed on the fingerboard for tracing, and then cavities are routed out by hand, as Val said, with a dremmel, base, and multiple bits.
Even though he's left-handed, James is a great teacher for this kind of work. It's amazing to see this piece come along.
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Peter; thanks for the first hand account!
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yo billy.....
wassup?
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Bill's already seen these in person, but I took some other progress shots to share and document anyway. First, the world, inlaid and revealed:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/28752.jpg)
Also the 24th fret inlay:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/28753.jpg)
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I love that world Bill; makes me think of Standing on the Moon. Your wait must be nearly over.
Mark
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great Inlay! what's missing is A star in northern Cal representing 'Santa Rosa'!
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Inlay for the back of the peghead getting potisitioned for scribing:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/29194.jpg)
This is actually the back of the inlay - you can see the paper pattern between the inlay and the peghead, that's the front side, but who wants to look at paper when you can see shell.
Big inlay next. Stay tuned!
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simply freakin gorgeous billy boy....
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Thanks Flax. I stopped by today after hours to drop off my bass player's broken SF-2. I went back in the spray room and saw the completed inlay. WOW! Then, I turn around and, lo & behold, hanging right in front of me is the Scooter Tribute Bass. Way cool. I can't wait to see the top under finish.
Bill, tgo
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Wow!
It looks really three-dimensional , seems like a shame to sink it into the finish ... And on the back of the peghead?
Anyhow ... wow again!
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I've seen an inlay like that before! Looking really sweet Bill.
Mark
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far out seems appropriate!!
PTBO
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The grass is always greener on the other side of the Further. Will this make the back of the headstock too high?
(sic)
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Not necessarily, but it does reinforce the scarf joint!
Bill, tgo
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William...William...William. Between the coco bolo and this exquisite inlay, you're gonna need to play that thing backwards!!!
Really a beautiful instrument.
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Mmmm, scarf joint...aagghhhaaaa
All kidding aside, this is one gorgeous guitar. Makes me dream of when I will have my custom Further built.
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is it soup yet?
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Flax:
No soup for me! Still doing the waiting for the inlay shuffle. Thanks for asking.
Bill, tgo
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Bill,
You and me both! Breathe in through the nose, out through the mouth.
Count to 10... happy place.
Bradley
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how bout count to 1000
wolf is back in spray for the umpteenth time
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Jeff,
I'm not even going to try. You win, hands down. In my defense, I am days away from my 20 month anniversary of ordering.
Bill, I heard rumor that the fabled machine/tool (that will make all those letters for your final inlay) was getting near to the mothership. Hopefully it won't take too much longer.
Bradley
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Bradley:
I just checked. My FTC thread precedes your's by about 3 weeks. May 2005 vs. June 2005, so we're almost twins! Sounds like you've been talking to Susan. Oh well, the wait is sort of like looking for parking in a downtown area. The search for the spot is all-consuming, frustrating, a major hassle. But once the parking spot is found and the car parked, you walk away completely forgetting the time spent searching. At least that's what I keep telling myself (and I may have mentioned it once or twice to our poor suffering friend Flax, too). Someday the three of us will be able to hoist a brew and laugh about this. (Does this qualifiy as hijacking my own thread? LOL)
Bill, tgo
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We'd appreciate it if you'd stay out of this Bill. We're here to talk about your guitar, not to talk about your guitar.
To be or not to be. THAT is your guitars question.
What a useless post. I'm sorry. I'll stop now.
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Actually my guitars' questions are more like
To B or not to B, but instead to C, or maybe Em, or Gmaj7, or how about Dsus4?
Hey, by the way Brian, I've got some of your brass on my Alembicized Fernandes, courtesy of Gary Brawer. Check it out here (scroll to the pics near the bottom of the thread):
http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/27907.html?1152125927 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=20043)
Bill, tgo
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So Bill, who gets their's first, you or Jeff? Watching both of your threads is not unlike watching a Lamaze class... ;)
John
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i wasnt about to go there.......
lmao
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I don't think that these threads are anything like Lamaze class.
I have been doing my hee-hee-hoo breathing exercises, though.
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Well, I guess Jeff won.
Bill, tgo
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sort of.....
oye
;-)
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I'm in the also ran category.
Bill, it'll arrive when it's finished.
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One must maintain a very Zen like attitude. How long does art take? As long as it takes! And the silver lining is that during the time I've been waiting, I've developed treasured friendships with the people at Alembic and on this board. I feel as if I haven't just commissioned a custom guitar, I've joined a family. Well worth the wait.
Bill, tgo
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Well as a 'family' member, can I borrow a coupla hundred bucks;-)
Graeme
that's money btw. I don't want to make a giant venison casserole;-)
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Uggh - I am now wiping coffee off my monitor and cleaning my keyboard.
Giant venison casserole struck me as so funny!
Thanks for the morning laugh, Graeme.
Peace
Tom
PS - Giant Venison Casserole could be a good name for a band.
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Isn't that Ted Nugent's new band?
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Graeme:
Thanks for the laugh. For that alone I'd lend you the simolians. I do have a policy that all loans are personal, face-to-face, though, so let me know when you'll be in town.
Bill, tgo
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it'll probably be 4 - 5 years Bill. I'm saving hard and senior management has said we can come over to choose the woods personally etc. (I think she's after a trip to california myself)
Graeme
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ya know bill
i am really tempted to order another tribute
just so i can beat you twice....
haha
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LoL ;-)
Graeme
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Flax:
Howzabout a Further bass? Also, this time don't cheat and drop the inlay! LOL
Bill, tgo
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ok i would an an inlay bill
but i dont like the further body...
for a bass that is,.,,,
i like batwings......
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Driving through Sandy, OR several years ago, I came across a sign in front of a little country store that proclaimed, Hot, tasty Gizzards! I thought that'd be a great name for a blues band!
Reid
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Flax,
Please don't order another bass.
After you received three basses for my one, I would be forced to take drastic action.
I kid!
Bradley
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Just wanted to wish my Further a Happy New Year... this will be its last in Santa Rosa. Next year in Oakland!
Bill, tgo
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Just a little further, and she'll be home.
Happy New Year.
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A hippie exotic sandwiched wood in oakland?!?!?
Sounds a Further future!
Happy New Year
PTBO
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be careful what you wish for bradley.....
;-)
RUN BILLY RUN!!!!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/34950.jpg)
YES! that IS a live bigass bunny wabbit
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Dude,
Is that guy one of Bill's clients?
Bradley
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on the right or left?
have we hijacked bills thread?
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Yea, you guys hijacked it, and ran even FURTHER away from its intended purpose.
Oops!
Further.
Guess I'm back on track now.
Can't have that!
While I've never represented either of the above, I have had one or two clients claim to have seen and talked to the one on the right, who I believe is seeking a medical cannabis recommendation ... I thought I heard him say What's up Doc?
Bill, tgo
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bill
that was a real thumper.......
bad bad......
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Ha! That one had me hopping.
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Very bunny! Keep 'em coming. I'm all ears! lol
Bill, tgo
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I'll hop right on it.
Maybe we should just LOP this discussion off before it goes any FURTHER.
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I love the hare raising humor here! BTW, awesome guitar, too!
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Mica:
I just saw the thread about colored pickups. Can I get a choice of colors?
Bill, tgo
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Bill,
Good minds must think alike.
Mica,
PTBO mode on:
pics, pics, pics, pics
Bradley
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Mica:
See 2 posts above. Can I, can I, can I?
Bill, tgo
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Bill-
Let me guess- you're wondering if a nice herbal green would be possible?
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There are colors available. These are all in the cast polyurethane compound, which isn't near as durable as the black ABS plastic shells.
All the colors of polyurethane change over time. The lighter the color, the more noticeable the change.
It just so happens that I recently got a smaple kit of the original BSB color of the pickups. Here is the first test pouring:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/35226.jpg)
As was true in the past, lighter colors show some inconsistencies. What color did you have in mind?
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I really didn't have a particular color in mind, I just never thought of it until it came up in another thread. You know me, I like stuff that's a little different. I don't think green would work too well with the amber tint, but the above color might be cool. What colors are available?
Bill, tgo
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I think that it'd be cool to have two or more colors mixed together (like a tie-dye-sort-of effect) would be great. Like brown and white, or gold sparkles, or black and red.
The goal wouldn't be to have them mix, but sorta swirl together. Apropos of Alembic's roots?
Could you do a metal flake, or would that freak out the magnets? You could use a non-ferrous metal.
Alternately, what about patterns-- put a shape in the bottom of the mold, and pour another color over it?
Or how about lasers? Everybody needs more lasers.
Bradley
PS- the last suggestion was a joke, but for the rest I'm really serious.
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Here's our splash finish, affectionately called clown vomit:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/35230.jpg)
This is how the different colors of the polyurethane look as Bradley described. Remember I said the colros get darker over time? This was originally a cream color background, and after about 15 years, it's sort of a nicotine stained putty color.
I don't have a photo of it, but Tony has made some rising sun designs in red and white that looked pretty cool.
My uncle Bob does incredible artistic finishes, including cool stuff with gold particles. I'm sure it can be applied to a pickup. Keep in mind, that the pickup is in an area that will likely wear, so over time, you may lose parts of your painted on design.
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Mica: You have me thinking. We'll talk next time I'm up that way. Thanks.
Bill, tgo
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There is a picture of one of Henry Kaiser's guitars in the Warmoth strat gallery that has a Clown Vomit pickguard with matching Alembic activators.
http://www.warmoth.com/gallery/guitar/strat/henry_kaiser.htm (http://www.warmoth.com/gallery/guitar/strat/henry_kaiser.htm)
I think they look brilliant.
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Hm, anyone for paper marbling patterns?
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It was hard to pass up the clown vomit (my 11 year old was lobbying for this choice), but I'm going with cocobolo covered pickups. I may live to regret this! LOL
Bill, tgo
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They're both excellent choices for covers, Bill. The cocobolo matched with the headstock will nicely frame the art work on the fingerboard.
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Here's the material mock up of the line art I emailed you earlier today:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37756.jpg)
White mother of pearl for the engraved ring, black mother of pearl and golen mother of pearl inside. The orientation matches the rest of the inlays (stand perspective). Here it is, scaled on a regular Further guitar:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37757.jpg)
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w00t!
I can't think of a more deserving guy, except me.
(Message edited by byoung on March 20, 2007)
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aces back to back billy
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Mica & Susan:
EXCELLENT! PERFECTO! WORTH THE WAIT!
Let's do it.
Bill, tgo
(Message edited by lbpesq on March 21, 2007)
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Love the sentiment Bill. Can't wait to see the finished result.
graeme
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Looking awfully good there, Bill!!!
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Cool!
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awh crap bill
looks like youre gonna beat me out the door,,,
not even shim could win.......
:-)
is this a bad time to tell you james fell off his bike and broke his arm?
:-0
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just kidding
we all be in a mess of ---- if that happens
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Thanks guys. It's been a long strange trip, but the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is in view. Flax, the above, alas, is but a mock up. The actual engraving should take place next week. This is getting exciting again.
Bill, tgo
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Bill,
Looks like you're going to beat me out the door, too. Sigh.
Congratulations, though, and it looks great.
Bradley
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Bradley:
I believe my order did precede yours by about 3 weeks. Which decade was that again? .... just kidding. I expect yours won't be far behind.
Bill, tgo
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Ahhh. That explains it.
Bradley
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There's some shell cut tha tyou might be interested in seeing:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37879.jpg)
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deleted post- picture is there after all.
(Message edited by tbrannon on March 22, 2007)
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That picture was from this morning. This one is from this afternoon:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/37886.jpg)
There's still lots of work left to do - like the engraving. That's just an adhesive film to show where the letters will be. There's also film and markup fluid to remove, and sanding left to do, but you should be able to get a good idea of how it turned out.
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Mica:
Thanks for the update. As C. Montgomery Burns would say: EXCELLENT!
Bill, tgo
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Wow!! Excellent inlay, Bill! I don't know how I missed this earlier. Very Seegeresque.
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Tom:
Thanks. You've pegged the lineage: Woody (This machine kills fascists) to Pete (This machine surrounds hate and forces it to surrender) to me.
It's been a LONG time coming, but ultimately worth the wait.
Bill, tgo
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You saw it engraved a few days ago, but now it's been filled and it's living in your guitar:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/39142.jpg)
It's just got the epoxy covering it now. Still needs to get sanded smooth and the last few coats of spray. Here's the whole body:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/39143.jpg)
I love it!
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Wow! Looks like light at the end of the tunnel, Bill!
Absolutely gorgeous! The quilting, and the quadruple pinstripes just look awesome!
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Cannot believe how long you've had to wait Bill: looking mighty fine!
Mark
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Thanks guys. Art takes time! It's not finished yet, but we're getting close. The wait would have been a lot more painful if I wasn't lucky (smart?) enough to live near Alembic, so I could regularly visit. Next up: amber tint.
Bill, tgo
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That is a very handsome-looking axe, Bill. The inlay is really awesome, on several different levels. Hang in there--that last finishing touches stage can be the hardest part of the whole wait sometimes--it doesn't look like it will be too much longer!
Eric
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Bill,
Congratulations, and glad to see you on the home stretch.
I'm happy for me! *snicker*
Bradley
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Bradley:
I'm happy for both of us. We've been patiently waiting, and soon we're gonna be the proud poppas of two very exceptional instruments. As I said some 2.5 years ago: This is fun!
Bill, tgo
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Exactly!
Although I think it'll be funner when it arrives.
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Hi Bradley,
I'm working with Mica today on the body banner and type. Then I'll quote you on the Maxx inlay.
Moving forward.
Susan
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Thanks Susan!
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Homestretch, now with amber tint on the front Quilted Maple only:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/39575.jpg)
I know you already saw this, Bill, but a photo never hurts!
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Mica,
Forget about Bill, these photos are for the rest of us who can't wait to see the updates! =)
Lookin' good Bill. Lookin' REAL good.
Toby
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WOW!!!!!
This I haven't seen before. I saw it hanging in spray and all masked, so this is very cool. It's also amazing how the peace inlay changes with lighting and angle. This is EXCITING!
Thanks,
Bill, tgo
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Stunning! It is so hard to believe that it's a flat surface. The tint really enhances that maple.
Mark
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Stunning Bill. Almost makes me wish I played guitar.
Graeme
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got to agreewith Graeme on that Bill
She is absoluetly stunning.
G
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I LOVE the tint. This is going to be quite an instrument!
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Thanks guys. I've always loved the 3D effect of quilted maple - Wolf was always my favorite Jerry guitar - and an amber tint always seemed perfect with this wood. It's been a long strange trip, well maybe not that strange. Since I originally began discussions with Susan about this guitar back in October 2004, I've met and made many new good friends, both up in Santa Rosa, and, through this club, across the four corners of the earth! I've acquired a '76 Series 1 guitar and a '77 Series 1 12 string, an SF-2, another SF-2 and an Epic 5 for my bass player (he paid for 'em, but I found them for him), and dropped Alembic guts into another three instruments. I've certainly gained quite an education about all things Alembic. Now that I'm in the home stretch, part of me feels like when I'm approaching the end of a really good novel. Part of me almost doesn't want to reach the end. Of course a MUCH bigger part of me is chomping at the bit to get this puppy in my hands and plug her in. The obvious solution is, of course, staring me right in the face: just order another custom! Unfortunately the solution isn't as obvious to senior management. LOL! My fallback will probably be a couple of mods to the '76 Series I've been thinking about. Now if I can just remember to breath!
Bill, tgo
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bill bill
sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet. if maple sounded good on a bass i would use it.
i cant believe you are going to beat me out the door vs. scarlet......
its a keeper
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Ahem, ahem. I think maple DOES sound good on basses.
It do look sharp Bill.
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I think we are dealing here with the OMR factor, as in Old Man River. It has to do with the revolution of the earth, sun spots, gravitational pull of the moon, and the kinetic energy created as the spelling of the word Mississippi is attempted in second grade classes across America. The result is that the sound of maple on a bass differs east of the Great River (Flax) as opposed to west of the Big Muddy (Olie).
Seriously though, my understanding is that the effect of maple (or any wood, for that matter) on the sound is very apparent on a bolt-on or set neck, but not so much on a neck-through. As long as it sounds good on this guitar, it's all good! I did change the standard Further neck recipe by substituting Vermilion for Purpleheart in search of a warmer tone.
Bill, tgo
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Usually my wifes gravitational pull on my wallet is what determines how mush I spend on wood lams. LOL
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LOL!
Bill - that is a truly beautiful instrument - grats!
Justin
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Bill,
Too cool for school. The amber looks sweet.
Bradley
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Bill,
The amber tint on that quilted maple is amazing. To quote Ruby Rhod, it makes it, pop, Pop, POP!
Heck, the inlays aren't too bad, either! Enjoy!
Reid
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Bill,
Definitely a great call on the tint!
Brian
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Mica:
In case you see this, I was wondering if my locking tuners have come in yet? Tina & I are in Aspen until next week. It's COLD here!
Bill, tgo
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bill
scarlet is ready!
lmao
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Not funny, Shim.
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Well, it has warmed up quite nicely in Aspen. My seminar is almost over and I'll be attending a barbeque at Owl Farm (Hunter Thompson's ranch) this afternon where a jam will be happening.
FlaxShimBoy: IIWY, I wouldn't start laughing until Scarlet is actually delivered AND passes inspection!
Mica: Any word on the Spertzel tuners?
Bill, tgo
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(I'm a bit behind, but catching up.)
Wow!!!!
It occurs to me that this guitar will be a bit difficult to play what with resting your arm on all those sharp ridges.
The combination of the quilt and tint (and artistry) are stunning.
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Yes indeed, you've got locking tuners, and they are even on the guitar. Now we play the waiting game for pickups and the late addition truss rod cover, but you can see how patient your machine is being:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/41071.jpg)
These must be 2 of your pickups:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/41072.jpg)
But when I wiped them off (not very well), I think the top one is actually the middle pickup judging from the grain. I didn't want to go into the spray booth to see other one since Bob was painting not too long ago. Good stuff!
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Bill,
The vertical grain in those coco bolo PU covers is really going to look sweet with the neck lams. Nicely done!
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Cool!!
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Oh Boy! That's looking pretty sweet Bill. Love the pickups.
graeme
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WOW! Thanks, Mica. They look awesome! It won't be long now.
Bill, tgo
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its a keeper billy and i need to eat my words on the coco covers
have you named it?
you should only play happy notes on this beauty
ps- gonna sell off your excessive inventory?
lol
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As for a name, I've been mulling world justice and peace for the three front inlays, top to bottom. Maybe Woody, since the quote inlaid around the peace sign is the descendent of This Machine Kills Facists, the quote Woody Guthrie wrote on his guitar. Or perhaps The Elephant because elephants have a looooonnnnggg gestation period (lol). Or The Waiter (not because it serves food). I'm certainly open to suggestions.
As for the excessive inventory, have you been talking to my wife? You buyin'?
Bill, tgo
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Bill,
Those coco covers shore do look purdy.
Since I'll be waiting longer than you, you can't actually have this name, but I've taken to calling my bass Godot.
*snicker*
Bradley
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Bradley:
Thanks for the morning laugh. Somewhere Mr. Beckett is undoubtedly smiling.
or, in the words of those 4 British lads: It won't be long yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Bill, tgo
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Bill, Bradley...
I believe the three of us are in the same graduating class! Word on the street is that I'll have Big Stubby home in the next week or so.
Regards,
Jonathan
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bill
guitars have names of animate objects
get your *** out of the volcano!!!!!!!1
give it a legit name like
i have so many guitars i ran out of name for this one
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and if you wood have waited i would have donated some of the quilted coco for your pickup covers........
lmao
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How about YAG?
Yet another guitar.
I hear that's what his wife is calling it anyway.
Bill,
Could you please take a family photo of all your guitars? Next time I feel the need to buy a bass, then I can say, well, look at the bright side, honey, at least I'm not this guy.
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Actually, the most common way in which I have been referring to it when it comes up in conversation is as the no, it's still not finished guitar, or my guitar that lives in Santa Rosa. I can't wait to have the problem of coming up with a new name. Howzabout the Further? As for pics, I don't have nearly enough stands, the instruments are mostly split between home and studio with two currently at the mothership, one at one luthier's and another at another luthier's. I'm afraid if I got them all together at once it would push my wife over the edge. As they say: out of site, out of mind. lol
Bill, tgo