Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on October 17, 2005, 07:34:25 PM
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Not just any old neck:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/21633.jpg)
Neat combo there!
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here we go again !!!!!!!!!!!!!
thanks m.....
oh man - that looks sweeeeeeeet
just like i pictured it in my minds eye....
your ears must have been burning mica- just spoke to val 7.30 ny time
this is sooooooo cool... ty,,,,,,,
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Looks like no scarf joint, correct?
Curiouser and curiouser. You get all the cool basses, man. All our bass are belong to you.
Brad
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A volute! Way to go Jeff. The ph and ebony look striking together. Now the journey has begun. Enjoy the next few months as you watch your young 'un evolving.
Bill, tgo
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guys
this is news to me too!!!.....i didnt even notice it
shows ya what i know- i guess val had his hands in this one- but checking greggs egg- there is a volute on the tribute guitar-so i guess alembic is keeping the design
we never discussed volutes ( which i loves from my standup days)
thanks brad,.,,, i consider that a major compliment.. dumb luck i suppose...
something tells me this bass is going to be super special. especially if i can nail down this inlay...if you saw my misc post- this one is dedicated to my pal scooter the cat who i miss every day.......(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/21644.jpg)
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so many roads to lead me home......
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Tasty Jeff, very tasty... I like that alot.
Tom
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I love the dedication. I still miss all my old pets terribly. Hope the bass proves a worthy tribute; it couldn't be in better hands. Best of luck!
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bill
what a truly wonderful thing to say
ty
(Message edited by flaxattack on October 18, 2005)
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interesting colours in the neck jeff. so will this one be a set-neck?
graeme
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Jeff, it's from the heart. Mine have been as good friends as I've ever had, and I wish they were all still here. I was really, really moved by your dedication. Hopefully Scooter will live on past our time thanks to this bass. Once again, best of luck and take care.
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bingo jacko........!
(Message edited by flaxattack on October 20, 2005)
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last photo we took of scooter days before she passed
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/21673.jpg)
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(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/21676.jpg)
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Aw, Jeff, my heart goes out. She looks like one cool cat....
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susan has decided to go with a neck through on this one. so some lucky person will get this set neck someday......
a neck through will be faster to produce as there will be testing required for the neck joint on a new set neck model....
but i will be out to see alembic next friday. seems bill-lbpesq- has a ticket for me to see phil at a small club next thursday night in frisco. so what the heck, off we go into the wild blue yonder.
thanks bill - she surely was,,,,,
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the neck that wasnt
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/21920.jpg)
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so far my choice for top woods- we are going to go with a burl(redwood?) back after seeing one in progress- see thread in main post area
this has a wonderful red hue to it when acetoned
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/21923.jpg)
(Message edited by flaxattack on October 30, 2005)
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(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/21926.jpg)
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Nice woods Jeff.
Graeme
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Flax, any cat that can teach her human to play fetch deserves to be memorialized with an inlay.
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thanks foth- lmao
wait til you see what susan came up with....
cats under the stars...
abalone rays(less of them)- a larger black tahitian mop cat- abalone pedestal(smaller) to drop the figure in the circle- and stars above the rays, with a small green jewel for the cats eye.,
in an ebony circle and for now placed in the same spot as the wolf
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the tribute body will be larger than the guitar with longer horns for better balance and i hope to keep the rounded bottom.
was good to get out there and go over things in person.
the body will be
mahoghany core with maple pinstripe lam-vermillion wider lam- maple pinstripe lam- and bookmatch to center coco for the top, covered pickups and burl redwood back-bookmatch to center on the back is tbd-
i thinks that will be a first for alembic- coco top/burl redwood back
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cough.... cough...
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Hey Jeff, you taking some kind of medical exam?
Bill, tgo
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hernia bill.......
lol
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Any new updates on the bass?
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There are worse ways to develop a hernia... ;)
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chip has been away and the new neck is not done yet...
i am probably changing the top wood to the burl maple sun burst in the woods thread and coco the back and then changing the accent lams
am waiting on susan's drawings of the body shape and inlay...and then ron for the cost of adding an active bass control ...
this is going to take a while..... :-)
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goin back into production i am i am
val and i made several changes
1- body woods will now be those beauty burl maples both front and back-i chose #4 and #6
2- lams will be - mahog core/maple pin/verm strip/purple pin/burl maple tops
3- am moving to series electronics with a master volume and bass boost switch
4- i may dump the inlay as this wood is just so darn pretty to my eyes
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Flax, I visited the mothership tonight to pick up my Series I. Of course I had to check out the Tribute. HOLY MOTHERPLUCKINGSHOOT this is one helluva bass! (and you know how I feel about the Jerry batwings). The THG knobs are absolutely PERFECT! Do I smell a repeat COTM? I think you like.
Bill, tgo
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Tina says she's waiting for her new coffee cup. LOL
Bill, tgo
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we'll send you 2 if the website gods prevail....
thanks bill
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its leaving the mothership wednesday......
we all know what this moment is like.....
oh oh what i want to know- where did the time go?
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Flax, some of us don't know what this moment is like, but hope to find out someday, the sooner the better! LOL
As for Scooter - May the Four Winds Blow Her Safely Home. Congrats.
Bill, tgo
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Congratulations Flax.
Bradley
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Way to go jeff. Looking forward to seeing the finished pics.
graeme
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Me too!!
Post lots of pics Jeff.-and I mean LOTS!!
So many of us are waiting to see this masterpiece.
Enjoy
George
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mica said she would be taking lots of photos...
hmmm?
thanks guys
is it friday yet?
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Move over here jeff.It'll be friday 5 hours before New York ;-) Mind you, transporting it will take several weeks longer ;-(
Graeme
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NOT TO MENTION THE VAT!!!
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i love ups
give them something expensive and they never fail
my 2 day shipment will be here in norwalk this morning
same thing they did when i shipped wolf back to alembic
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But it's not Friday yet! You'll have to leave it boxed until tomorrow;-)
Graeme
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Good morning Flax. Is it soup yet?
Bill. tgo
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check out my thread in misc
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Well, Jeff may not have it yet, but this should help the wait I hope:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/34326.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/34327.jpg)
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WOW- Excellent choice on the wood knobs Jeff.
Beautiful isn't quite sufficient in this case.
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DAAAaang!
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FANTASTIC JEFF! PLAY IT WELL.
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Sweet bass Flax!!
Beautiful body shape - exquisite wood.
Congrats!
Tom
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shit
i wasnt gonna look and i saw toms name
so i thought
HOLYMOTHERPLUCKENSHOOT
SEE YA in 2hrs or so,.
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ding dong alembic calling
oh yes she has arrived
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Holy spit, Flax!!!
The only superlatives that come to mind all seem woefully inadequate!!!
What an awesome custom design! It's a Tribute, all right -to you and Alembic!!!
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Wow, Flax! You've certainly raised the bar with this one.
Enjoy it for years to come.
Regards,
Jonathan
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Flax:
Congrats on the new baby. Enjoy it in good health.
Happy Chanukkah!
Kevin
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Awesome!
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Whoa, Jeff, that is AWESOME!!! Stunning wood and beautiful detailing!!! A fitting tribute indeed. Congrats!!!!
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OMFG! Beyond words. Mind-boggling. Just when I think Alembic can't top itself....
Enjoy, my brother in Alembicizing!
Paul (still putting my eyes back in their sockets)
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Another work of art. Fantastic!
Happy Holidays indeed.
NLP
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Congrats Jeff!!!
now for a CT Alembic pow-wow.....
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Hey, will there be a pic of this bass together with Justin's Further?
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Why is this bass for sale at Bass Central for $9999 delivered?
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It was the wrong neck shape for Flax.
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There was a miscomminication about the string spacing. This bass got the regular comfort taper.
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Flax sent me a nice e-mail about why it's up for sale.. now if I only had $9999 to spare
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There's nothing like a series, Jeff. The notes just punch into you, even at low volumes. Good choice!
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As Homer Simpson might say:
mmmmmmmmm, burl.....
Nice choice. Can't wait to see it.
Tom
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hard choices for which on top- we still be going with bookmatch to center and p/u covers and continuous backs. photos in the wood bank are more detailed
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/23191.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/23192.jpg)
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I KNOW I have a strange way to look at things but am I Seeing a face with eyes closed in the left piece? Radiant light is coming from behind is head.
The Radiant ...seems like a name for this project?!
Paul TBO
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Flax,
Both pieces are beatiful, but #6 looks like the face of a cat to me. I think it would make a perfect front, but even moreso given this bass being dedicated to scooter. This will be another bass that all in the group will be eager to watch the progress of.
Best Wishes, Pete
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Jeff.
I'd go with pete on this one - no 6 would make a perfect front for your scooter tribute. Can't wait to see the finished piece.
Graeme
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oh for sure #6 is the
shroud of scooter... thats the main reason i jumped on it
reminds me of the lions roar custom too
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i would just like to wish my woods a happy and dry new year,,,,
peace
lmao
:-)
(Message edited by flaxattack on December 29, 2005)
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happy new year, woods!
looks like another classic already.
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Jeff- The above photos of your cat freaked me out a litle. I have a 17-year-old tortoise shell cat named Louie, who looks ALOT like Scooter. I've been dreading losing Louie for awhile now, as she's getting to be pretty old. Needless to say, I can relate to your loss, as well as your wish to dedicate an instrument to Scooter.
By the way, I also want to ask you a question about Dire Wolf. Are you completely happy with the sound and feel of the B string with a 32 scale? I'm thinking about a shorter-scale Alembic 5-string myself...
Happy New Year to all!
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Hey Jeff, I have to second that earlier statement by Foth about the notes on a series bass just punch into you . I couldn't agree more! You will not be diappointed. Mike
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very happy tom...
its not floppy at all... imho
the only thing i find is a need to be precise with tuning and i attribute that to the length
but other than that i love it
ask val also.,. hes played it...
i also widened the edge of my neck by 1/16 on each side so i could have some room for play on it.the jtb is the same neck dim.
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Tribute bass pix, pix, pix...where for art thou? Inquiring minds wanna know! LOL!
J/K, Mica.
Cheers,
Kevin
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dont go pissin people off on my behalf kman
lmao
i have the patience of a saint- yeah sure...
hny
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Whaddya think...you're the only f'n comedian on here? Huh? Huh? Hah! Huh? LOL!
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val
you get my emails?
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Yes, I did, you got mail too.
Valentino
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i got yours too...
and you got mine... lol
and mary took care of my shirt order,.,,,
someone i know left it on their desk
i wont mention names....
its a maple desk with a purpleheart stripe
near the front door...
frazkenracken crackenfracken gee
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lmao
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testing
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i needed one more post to archive the old stuff
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how many posts are required?
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Archive kicks in every 30 posts.
Valentino
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some new pics please?
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pics? we are still waiting on drawings for the body shape....
i believe susan was to be working on them today. val is out and i have not been able to get in touch with susan yet.
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I've been answering phones all day - maybe the one I missed was you?
You are correct however that the new drawings are being worked on. Probably will be ready for pics in a day or two.
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thanks mica
no.... mary got me- i think i have a mary tie line...
but i love talking to mary- she is a ray of sunshine and she knows my voice...
please... i know susan was on a call to denmark,so having seen the instruments involved etc etc,i know the importance of that call...
I would really like to get moving on this please-
a lot of time has passed, and i have been a good boy and deserve a toy....
:-)
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Jeff:
In due time we will both have a couple of grand toys! LOL
Bill, tgo
(Message edited by lbpesq on January 24, 2006)
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More than a 'couple of grand' Bill, unless you two are getting special discounts ;-)
Graeme
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Jeff:
I said hello to your wood for you today. Subtle, with lots of character. It's going to look quite impressive when the finish hits, I suspect.
Bill, tgo
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thanks bill
jeff
tso
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tso?
Bill, tgo
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y'know, like general tso's chicken.
We could look for other expansions of the s, but I'll not start.
Brad
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the sick one
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Hey Jeff,
Here's that drawing I said was floating around earlier today:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/24598.jpg)
Upper horn reaches about between fret 15 and 16.
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Tasty.
Can you fit Series electronics in that? Room enough for a humcanceller?
Is that a 5-string layout? Comfort taper?
Brad
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Hi Brad,
That would be yes, all around.
Valentino
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val,
i was hoping to have the body rounded at the bottom just like the guitar
not that it looks bad-
see my emails for some other q's
thanks or posting mica
group- feel free to chime in....
(Message edited by flaxattack on January 28, 2006)
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Reminds me of Brent's custom tribute
http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/859.html?1097770150 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=7315)
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thanks much for checkin that out jon
much appreciated
(Message edited by flaxattack on January 28, 2006)
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Hi Jeff,
Gotta be honest and say I really like the 'offset kinda like a jazz bass' bottom.Guess I like shapely things.However as this bass is in tribute to your much loved and greatly missed pal Scooter,it has to be right for YOU and no-one else.
I've only just read your 'Prayer Answered' post about Scooter.Boy,did I well-up.Last year our cat,Tabitha was found to have early stage intestinal tumours and the prognosis was not hopeful.Then she disappeared.We sadly accepted that she'd taken herself somewhere quiet to go to sleep for the last time.10 days later she appeared at the back door looking terrible.She smelt as if she'd been stuck in a garage and indeed there were smears of oil on her.
I was overjoyed at her return but very concerned about her condition so I found an emergency vet,(it was a Sunday),and took her straight in.Jeff,I can't tell you how I felt when the vet told me she'd have to be put to sleep.She'd vanished,then come home to us and now within the hour she was gone.I'll always feel bad,being the one who took her to the vet.I never considered the idea that she wouldn't make it.
I'm sorry group,this is way off the thread.What I'm trying to say Jeff,is that given how much Scooter meant to you,go with what's in your heart mate.
Best Wishes,
Simon.
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thanks simon
my condolensces
i still think about scootie ...
feel good that she came home to see you and that journey was not easy- but love is a powerful drug..
am kinda bouncing ideas off line
but i might like just making the bottom a bit more symetrical and flat across the bottom bouts
hopefully susan can give me the 2 options in a redraw and make the final decision off them as i see they did a lot of work with brents drawings..
the plan right now is to go with an ebony peghead and inlay a cat silouhette in mop or abalone between the tuners
am not going to inlay the body as i feel the burl maple is stunning by itself and anything would take away from it.
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Jeff
Very cool....Can't wait to see the results.
Rory
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Jeff,
Gotta agree with you there. That bass should have a rounder, more symmetric look to it.
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Hi Jeff,
if I understand what you 're asking, I'd say that a more symmetrical flat bottom would come out looking a lot like the bottom of a Further, but bigger & a tiny bit curvier, perhaps. Is that what you want?
Valentino
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Isn't this going to be like Phil's bass on Dead Ahead? Was that an Irwin or other alembic builder?
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hi val i know i appreciate ya looking in on the threads on your weekend... ideally this
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/24625.jpg)
if we were to further it.. yes thats exactly what i was thinkin driving around today= perhaps with a little more rounded bottom
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/24626.jpg)
tribute is the preference
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i think irwin made phils bass.. but it was an enlarged tribute- was heavy as hell acording to phil as it was a maple body...
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i guess i am not fond of the offset bublbous butt
lol
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/24629.gif)
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me no like this
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/24637.jpg)
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I see your point here Jeff. i like the bulbous lower bout on the Rogue but it just doesn't look right on the Tribute. just my 2 cents(in your currency) but I'd prefer something nearer the coco-bolo tribute shape you posted above. Whatever you decide, take your time - you have to live with it for a very long time.
Take care.
graeme
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Maybe it's the location of the bridge and the resulant volume of wood below it, but the bulbous bout does look much better on the guitar than on the bass illustration, IMHO.
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Just my .02 worth, I'd keep to the original Tribute bottom shape as much as possible because I feel that the symmetry lends itself better to having a carved top.
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Jeff,
Looking at the most recent pic you posted I'd have to agree with Graeme and your good self.The shape on the drawing posted by Mica works for me as an outline but once the controls and inlay are added it looks quite different and 'not quite right'.A more symmetrical shape is easier on the eye.It's a bit like Ferrari unveiling the 360 as a station wagon (imho).The guitar above is still beautiful,hey it's an Alembic after all,but personal preference....etc etc.
However,as Graeme says,don't rush to decide.Something as special as this deserves such attention.Thanks also for your words about Tabitha,they were much appreciated.
Best Wishes,
Simon.
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I also like the first tribute shape you posted -- more symmetrical, which is how a cat's face is anyway.
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thanks guys. i have a phone scheduled with val round 6pm est.
i was jammin fiday night when he called to tell me the sketch was up- couldnt see it.
i like balance and symetry. at the least it will sit in the guitar stand better-lol
its a tribute bass- therefore it should look like its big brother...anything else is is a (fill in the blank)body with tribute horns- thats not what i am looking for
now we do need to remember 1 thing- balance
and thats very critical also
gee would an omega cut take off some weight?
think out loud again...
btw- much thanks for the chiming... i think we're all on the same page
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Would the extra string length of the Bass leave enough room for an Omega? Again, if it's a tribute 'replica' you're after, an omega would look out of place. How about having the body chambered?
Graeme
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I may be the only one~ I dig the illustration!!!! I know the top isnt carved, but are you still going to have an arm contour?
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if you mean an elbow cut- no- we feel the classico type edge will not require it
graeme - good point
possibility on the hollow core
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Here's the Tribute shape on your neck dims
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/24689.jpg)
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i think we have a winner
if you think the balance will be ok
(easy access to the 19th fret is fine if that helps the neck placement = 21st is as far as i need to get to)
then i am good to go-
lets hollow out the core please
guess we have time on control placing
since i have no point of reference= is this the same size as the guitar or bigger?
dim across lower bout?
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The balance should be good, upper straplock at about the 14th-15th fret. Access is good up to 21st fret.
The body will be hollow like all Tributes, and this is the same size as the guitar.
Control placement will be bit tricky with the Anniversary set-up but James does not think there will be a problem. He did say that we'll probably have to do a custom layout for the controls.
Glad you like it...we're movin'forward..
Valentino
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electronics as i have it
side jack
series w/master volume
bass boost/mid boost/p,u selector
i lost my tribute guitar,,,haha
how wide is it? seriously...
i like this set up- w/a master volume
q-v ...m
q-v
switches
q-q b/m/pu
here is a fine example
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/24700.jpg)
yes moving fwd is a beautiful thing..
we'll work on the wood placement etc when we get there.
btw- am i bkmtch to center on back?
thanks val and chip
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and of course we might do something like this again
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/24703.jpg)
(Message edited by flaxattack on January 30, 2006)
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Ok, never mind, I had forgotten that you decided to go to Series.
I'll have to get together with Chip & James and figure out if the body's big enough. We may have to enlarge it a bit.
Valentino
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was thinkin along the same lines...
not much though?
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boy do i feel stupid!!!!!!111
its anniversary electronics....
poor val - i feel bad for messin with yer head
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so we;re kinda set....
anniversary w/master volume and bass boost switch and remove the mid boost switch, bkmtch to center on the back for now.
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can jeff get an update please?
are we going set neck again?
or neck through?
something?
thanks
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woohoo
chip is a cutting da woods........
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as some may care to know
apparently they have decided that this can be done as a set neck - so that old neck of mine is back in play.Which means bookmatch to center is automatic. so since my order was the 4 options 25% off i have asked val about getting gold plated hardware in its place. after seeing justins further,i changed to a burl peghead front and back.there will be a cat reposing on the top of the peghead and the logo will be placed belwo it. still awaiting on ron for electronics as i would like to have anniversary with master volume and either EMW or just a bass control knob. i dont even remember if i am getting a p/u selector... havent even thought about placement and i think i am wanting gold knobs.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/27019.jpg)
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Jeff,
This bass seems to change configuration often.
Brad
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well it is a first for alembic and i know they wanted to be sure the set neck would work which usually requires some test models be made to ensure the joint is strong enough- this is why they opted for a switch to neck through but after consultaions with chip and james they now felt it would be fine.... :-)
sometimes having to wait is not a bad thing....
you see things others have come up with
but at this point i think we are pretty much set...
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Yeah, I was just messing with you. I'm glad you had so many changes, since it makes me feel not so bad for changing everything 27 times. At least I'm not the worst one.
Hey, I've even refrained from asking for pictures! As I'm sure you are already painfully aware, this is a difficult task. I'm bringing a digital SLR to the mothership, and I'm going to shoot my limit.
Brad
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So, Jeff,
What scale length are you going to go with? 32?
How do you think it'll balance? It looks like the upper horn will be further back than the Dire Wolf.
All in all, I have to say that looking at this thread is bad for me. My gear budget is somewhat expended for the next 30 years or so, but I'll admit to, like Jimmy Carter, having lust in my heart.
I'll try and get some pictures for you of whatever basses you have at the mothership when I'm there.
Brad
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32 again
we changed the peghead to g-d-a
and e-b. the b will go in the second slot to give it some more length and increase the tension a bit.
balance is a best guess at this point- val thinks it should be ok- the horn will line up at the 17th fret i think. the fretboard is extended onto the body
please feel free to visit the boys...
i dont expect photos from mica for a couple of weeks
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We could start a pool, but I'm guessing it's going to hang at 2 o'clock or so. Looking at some of the photos you (Bill?) posted earlier (when you were playing with Bill TGO), I don't think it'll be an issue for you.
It'll probably be better than a small standard or large standard without an extended upper horn.
Why the switch to a longer pull (2+3 Tribute vs. 3+2 on DW) for the B string? I know others have done this, but I thought you were happy with the DW setup. Variety is the spice of life, maybe?
Brad
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Brad:
I ain't no bass player, but I believe the idea is that you want to make the lowest string longer so that there is more tension on the string to bring it to pitch. That helps keep it from flopping around. Shorter strings have less tension to reach the same pitch. That's why it is easier to bend notes on a Gibson (24.75 scale) than on a Fender (25.5 scale) guitar. It is also why Hendrix played a right-handed strat turned upside down long after he could have afforded a lefty. When you string a right-handed strat backwards, the high strings are now on the closer machines and thus shorter, have less tension, and as a result are easier to bend.
Bill, tgo
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(I started a hijack here, with discussion of why nut-to-tuner distance does not affect string tension. The original post has been moved in its entirety here (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=20159), where we can continue that discussion.)
(Message edited by bob on April 09, 2006)
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Bob,
There you go again, sullying up a good argument with facts.
Brad
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oye vey...surrounded by rocket scientists again......
the only reason for the extended length of the b string is not tension related per se. the tension on Dw is fine as bill has seen it and heard it... however tuning is so precise that a hair turn on the tuner is more pronounced...thats the only difference i found from a 32 to a 34 length...
the tension on the dw b string is more than say my michael kelly acoustic b which is a 34...and the guages are .136 vs .105
please dont jam up my thread long discussions on stuff not pertaining to the production...
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Bob, start a thread up with your thoughts from above and let's discuss it, just not here. I have some thoughts that arise from your comments above.
-bob
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Done, see fourth post prior.
My sincere apologies, Jeff. It was late, I was tired, and wanted to get some things written down - but that's a lousy excuse for just being too lazy to figure out the formatting again and link to a new thread.
I leave you to jam up your own thread :-)
-Bob
(Message edited by bob on April 09, 2006)
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Chip's been very busy with your bass, starting with the neck:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/27371.jpg)
This:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/27372.jpg)
will get glued on this:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/27373.jpg)
with the other side lookin' like this:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/27374.jpg)
and the other end is pretty too:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/27375.jpg)
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oh my.................oh my..........
mica
im stunned...... chip- i love you man... you got it perfect on the back....its scooter!!!
and the peghead is gorgeous.. glad i changed my mind
loved the presentation too.... :-)
this made my day
-
Sweet! Love the neck laminates Jeff! You're going to be one very happy guy pretty soon.
Graeme
-
Nice Flax!
-
its nice to be able to peek in once and awhile and stare
and stare
and stare,,,,,,,,,
-
Hi Jeff,
My oh my!
-
thanks hollis
can a guy get a photo update on his birthday?
:-)
its saturday.....
i am such a slut,,,,,,, lmao
-
Happy birthday Jeff! So how old this time? Any truth to the rumor you went to High School with Moses? You wanna photo? Here's a photo:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/27710.jpg)
Bill, tgo
-
LoL! Next time Bill, give him his own sheet of music. He won't have to read over your shoulder then ;-)
Graeme
-
WOW, thats a great photo BILL,...............
.......................makes me feel young!
Where's the Alembic? the Tele. is cool though!
-
Happy Birthday Jeff. All the best to you!
Albert
-
Olie; check out the bass.
-
moses was a ridin up on a guitar bill......
his spurs were a jinglin and the door was ajar.
he was a freshman when i graduated,,,,,,
the horror
the horror...
thanks guys
only one present i want
my stinkin finish sucking direwolf,,,,,,,,
( one should note that only a higher power has control of that.)
frazenracken crackenfracken i MISS that thang
btw-
i was asked to join 2 bands today
twas a good day.
-
Starting the journey to carving...
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/27858.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/27859.jpg)
Plates getting assembled:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/27860.jpg)
Chip is just getting the veneers selected and cut for the plates.
-
THANK YOU FOR SUCH A WONDERFUL PRESENT!!!
CHIP CHIP CHIP.....
i love those squinty 'cat eyes above the neck pickup.the top wood is gorgeous
they both look seamless....
wow....
:-)
-
Looks excellent my friend.
-
Looking good Jeff. Happy Birthday indeed.
A question for those that know - how do Alembic fill the holes in the wood, particularly the ones above the square electronics cavity and the 'cats eyes' Jeff mentioned?
Graeme
-
Okay, I admit it! I'm two days late to say...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFF!
All the best, and you're getting another hunk of the best right here.
Mike
-
if i am not mistaken jacko
the only filler they use is the actual spray finish..they will spray until it fills up
those one the back are scooters eyes....if you take a look back at the original pieces
and i won an alembic fx-1 on ebay,,,,,
-
I thought Alembics were all natural, No fillers, binders, etc. LOL .... by the way Jeff looking good.
Keith
-
actually according to val- they do use super glue to fill in as it is thick and clear and basically saves on spraying on tons of finish to fill pockets..
-
val also advised that this is the initial carving and when the neck is joined to the body
the actual 'classico carved edge will be routed out......
and thanks to all....
-
it's almost a shame, very cool looking triple crown thing going on
-
What size is the edge radiused at?
-
beats me-
remember this is not the finished carving,,,
take a look at the classico bass and thats what will end up on this....
-
Should be a shoe-in for a future COM...and a beaut to boot!
Happy Belated B'day, Flax!
-
mica
can i get an update please....
on both?
:-)
-
Here's your bass in carving:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/29206.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/29207.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/29208.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/29209.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/29210.jpg)
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Flax, peek over to my thread. I saw your bass today.
Love the neck. Is that cherry between the ebony and purpleheart?
Bill, tgo
-
Oh Boy! This is going to look really special pretty soon jeff. Bet You're glad you went with the backplates too.
Graeme
-
COOL!
A new classic!
Paul TBO
-
vermillion- bill
body lams are purple stripe-verm lam-maple stripe
yes graeme i am and i went with wood p/u covers too
paul- coming from you that is one heck of a compliment. thanks all- especially chip!
-
Have been following casually but now I'm riveted. Tried to find this in the archive but couldn't--what's the scale?
dw
-
32
-
I LOVE that neck!
-
thanks john, i love it too especially the volute!
hopefully it sounds as good as it looks...
i dont know if anyone else has used a maple--purple-verm-ebony
val left a msg for me last night- its moving along nicely and that if we liked the photos we have seen so far-
we aint seen nothin yet.... his words- absolutely gorgeous and he cant wait to play it....
-
I just realized that the tuning keys are opposite of the norm. 3 on the bottom and 2 on the top. At first glance I thought it was a lefty but after seeing the back saw that it was a right handed. Pretty cool, I love these kind of details!
-
IIRC the 2+3 has been the standard for medium and short scale 5 strings for a couple of years now.
-
Both my MK's are the opposite, then again they are 34 & 35 scale basses. The 35 is a 98 model and the 34 is a 05 Model.
-
Actually there is no standard in regards to the 2+3 on shorter scales. It's all about what the customer wants. Jeff specifically asked for 2+3 instead of 3+2.
Valentino
-
it adds up to 5 anyway you slice it
-
Either way it looks cool. Thats the beauty of Alembic, they build it they way you want it.
-
val said its in spray
thanks olie...
-
I never get to see your bass before it's prepped:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/29815.jpg)
But, at least you can see how most of the thirsty burls are full.
-
oh man.......
mica.... thanks,,, these photos really help me through the wolf joneses....
the bouts look awesome,.especially at the edges so different than previous photos....
its gonna really WOW when the clear goes on....
THANKS
-
It does look great, but I'm still waiting to see it all shiny before Bob sands it for the next coat. There is plenty of clear on it right now. It's hard to see it through the scuffed sanded surface though.
Maybe I will get lucky tomorrow!
-
Flax:
What can I say? Absolutely gorgeous! I LOVE the PH lam. (or is that vermilion too? It looks purplish on my monitor).
Bill, tgo
(Message edited by lbpesq on July 13, 2006)
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Superb!!
You ARE a lucky guy Flax.
Love EVERYTHING about this instrument.
G
-
Flax,
This may be the first Tribute bass, though I doubt it'll be the last. I can't wait to see this beauty when it's done. Congrats!
Regards,
Jonathan
-
BOY
when mica is anxious to see something
it must be lookin good!
:-)
bill yes to both- the lams are the same as the neck
burl top-verm stripe-p/h lam- maple stripe- mahog core
i am truly blessed guys....
-
by the way
there is one guy aside from my pal valentino that never gets enough recognition imho
!!!!!!!!!!!CHIP!!!!!!!!!
i picked the boards we both agreed on top and bottom
but his layouts are what made this so special
thank you chip!
-
Finally, I beat Bob to the sandpaper. Well, actually the bass is in preset for fretting, so it's safe from the abrasives for at least a couple of days. Here's what we've been waiting to see:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/29861.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/29862.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/29863.jpg)
Chip does amazing wood selections and placements. He's the best, and he doesn't try to save every gorgeous piece, he wants to use it up and find more great lumber. Like PTBO's mantra, "There will always be another..." I also was in the drying room, and found your plates with finish:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/29864.jpg)
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Awesome! I am as jealous as I am in awe! What a nice piece!
-
I LOVE this.
-
Wow. Incredibly gorgeous. Congratulations, Jeff, it's a beauty!
John
-
That burl is awesome!
-
i got an anonymous call on my cell to get to a puter immediately.. now i know why
thanks to all for the kind words......
i'm just totally fkn dumbstruck.....
just thinking what this is going to look like when done with the wood truss cover and wood pick up covers,,,,, man,,,,
and that neck!
glad its not a 6 string- lesh would steal this one from me-lmao
(Message edited by flaxattack on July 13, 2006)
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i had wanted to do this when i placed the order for direwolf 2 yrs ago and susan said she wasnt quite ready.i asked to be the first and she kept her promise to let me know when she was ready
THANK YOU SUSAN!thank you thank you thank you..
from the bottom of my heart....
this has gone way beyond my wildest expectations
-
Gorgeous!
I just noticed something for the first time - the Tribute body sort of looks lke the Milennium Falcon! Am I nuts?!
Justin
(Message edited by JERICO on July 13, 2006)
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Flax,
Miami Vintage Guitars has an ad in this month's Vintage Guitar Magazine. To show that they're an Alembic dealer, they've got a picture of 5 different Alembics (4 basses and 1 guitar). Anyway, the Wolf is one of them!
-
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bill, tgo
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as is said ....another classic is born!!!
PTBO
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Beautiful. It looks lighter than Justin's Further. I love the flame maple on the back of the neck. You don't see that very often on a bass.
(Message edited by foth on July 14, 2006)
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do i get residuals from them jonathan>?
nevermind my email
looks like barnes and noble has it
justin lives nearby and when scooter gets here we will do a dueling burl photo
thanks guys....
am lovin this.....
-
....
(Message edited by hb3 on July 16, 2006)
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How about a CT Alembic sound off once the basses make it back home.....
-Jeff (wolf & scooter)
-Jericho (burl further)
-Pat (7 string darling)
-Me (essence, elan, orion)
....... & anyone else I cant think of off the top of my head... Sound like a plan?!?
-
great idea.........
btw my very good friend bill lbpesq panzer stopped by here yesterday as he is in NY vacationing....
his fernandez is a beauty.......
-
Flax:
tsk ... tsk ... tsk
Hijacking your own FTC thread? Shame on you!
Bill, tgo
P.S. We're not downtown anymore. Moved back to the hotel in Yonkers this a.m. I'll call you.
-
Jeff:
I stopped by the factory on my way back from court in Ukiah today. Your Tribute was on James' bench. Every time I see it, it looks even more spectacular. The Dire Wolf is going to get a run for its money! Maybe you can learn to wear and play them both at the same time! Otherwise you may be in for some serious sibling rivalry. LOL
Bill, tgo
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wish i could
maybe i should sell one?
oh the horror
thanks for the update
what was james doing with it?
-
Unspeakable things Jeff...just unspeakable..I almost called the police..
All kidding aside, he started in on the inlaid logo.
Valentino
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Won't be long now Jeff. Bet you can't wait.
Graeme
-
I'm sure that's right!
-
well
i spoke to mica today and we went over my electronics requests.she went over them with ron and we should start getting some layouts shortly
still lots of spray- oh oh lol to go
so i am guessing about 4-6 weeks
crossed fingers
-
mica
any word on the electronics?
-
Here's what Chip was doing late this afternoon:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32107.jpg)
Burl Maple encrusted pickups, anyone?
No, I've got to talk to my dad still about your electronics requests. This I will do very soon and get back with you, along with a proposed layout.
-
Wow. I hadn't realised you were going for wood pickup covers Jeff. Presumably you're having a wood truss rod cover too. This is going to finish up being one very special bass. You'll need to get Burl Maple knobs made up too.
graeme
-
of course graeme
:-)
thanks mica
just got back from phoenix
looks sweet
-
Hey Jeff!
This is looking totally sweet!
I just noticed that the tribute is 14150 and my dragonfly is 14148- I wonder what 14149 is???
I am lovin' the Starfire, by the way...thanks yet again!
Charles
-
i am always glad when a former bass of mine finds a good home
-
i think for right now we are looking at brass knobs graeme
-
Your pickups are catching up nicely in spray:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32686.jpg)
Look really sweet!
Last time we spoke on the phone about your electronics was a while ago. That night is when I took my mom to the emergency room over he broken elbow/hand, and so I must admit I'm foggy on the details. As it's quickly approaching the time to get the electronics layout done, built and drilled, we need to speak again about the functions you wanted (or if you've come up with anything new!). Let me know what's a good time to chat.
-
Hi Jeff, Nice to speak with you today. I got your email too, and here's the first two rough drafts for control layouts:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32791.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32792.jpg)
and also here with labels:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32793.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32794.jpg)
I only tried with the side-mounted jack so far (and I know you want brass knobs on the bass). These plans are not refined, but should give a general idea of which direction is worth developing more. The bass boost control (switch or pot) can be either to control the neck pickup only or for the combined output of both pickups.
-
missing the master volume mica
we could go with a front jack if that helps
-
Hi Jeff, Yeah, I heard from Valentino on Friday about the master volume control and also about seeing it with gold knobs. Here's what I came up with to cram all that in the body shape:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32826.jpg)
and with labels:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32827.jpg)
-
Heck Jeff. I think you'll need to go back to college to take a degree in advanced knob twiddling!!
Graeme
-
think we are very close mica
is there room to move the neck controls down twds the outside and follow the flow of the edge?
we could move the led switch if that helps with the symetry and put the q's at 8 oclock?
thanks
-
Follow the contour more like this?
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32861.jpg)
It sort of wipes out the side mounted jack to follow the curve with so many controls. And again with labels:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32862.jpg)
If possible, just like with the DW, I prefer if we can keep the regular relationship with the filter/Q switch distances so that if you need servicing in the future, you won't need a custom module. Let me know if we are closing in on this. Your bass is stuck in my office until the control layout is done.
-
wow mica
thats not what i had in mind- but....
thats starting to grow on me....
last request-
can i see this with the bass boost near the input jack and the other controls moved up
so it would be from right to left
mv,nv,nf,bv,bf,bb
if you think the pu selector would look nicer somewehre else?
thanks
so whats so bad haviing a gorgeous hunk of bass in your teeny weeny office?
lol
-
Well, it would look the same, just the names would be changed. However, it seems that having the neck pickup controls split like that would be more confusing.
I'd like to drop the pickup selector all together since you're asking. Where I put it was what felt logical - sort of between the two sets of controls for the pickups. I actually like the pickup selector and the whole layout best from the October 30th mock-up. But this is your bass, you'll need to decide what will be most practical for you.
It's not bad company, your bass. Just no work is progressing until the layout is done.
-
having the neck pickup controls split like that would be more confusing.
am a bit confused on this comment
the q's would move up also....
they are both nice layouts
the one from the 30th might appear to be easier/faster to make changes in flight so to speak
the 31st leaves more wood showing
can we move the pu selector out to where the bq is now?
-
I know we discussed it with a couple of different configurations, but my understanding was the the bass cut/boost control was only for the neck pickup, that's why I kept trying to keep it with the neck pickup control group. I didn't get that the switches would move from your reaction to the last mock-up I posted.
If I move the pickup selector to where the bridge Q switch is, where should the bridge Q switch go? I'm sorry that I'm having such a hard time visualizing what you want. Maybe you can draw a doodle for me? Thanks!
-
Thanks for calling. After our discussion, here's what I came up with:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32908.jpg)
Because the Q switches and the pickup selector are different sizes, it looks a little funny to put them the sasme distance apart. Here's the layout above without labels:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32909.jpg)
and here's what I mean about putting the Qs centered at each set of controls:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32910.jpg)
It makes the Q switches look really far apart and not following that curve. Let me know if we've got the go-ahead for a real-life drilling template. Are you taking suggestions for your woorden knobs yet?
-
i like the first layout form 11/1
my only concern is the neck q right above the filter- maybe move it just a hair after 12 oclock? or
if you dont feel it will get in the way of filter changes
am ok with this
suggestions for wooden knobs? absolutely
thanks
-
mica
spoke to roger- we came up with this
mahoghany shaft
burl domed top
ebony dot
might go for a verm lam
2 set screws :-)
-
Sounds like the icing on the cake Jeff. Can't wait to see those knobs.
Graeme.
-
Jeff,
It was only a matter of time before somebody asked to *see them* I suppose. Hang in there, so to speak... ;)
To pretend to get back on topic, this is one nice nice bass..
John
-
After we spoke last night, Jeff, I came up with this slightly different version:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32958.jpg)
Everything has a good healthy amount of room around it for fiddling, I don't think you'll hit one control on the way to another. With the pickup selector between the Q switches, it makes another logical divsion of the controls and the spacing on the inner arc of controls is even. I hope you like it!
-
looks great and i have one more idea that should make sense
put the bass control below the pickup selector
so it will be from right to left
mv,nv,nf bcb, bv, bf
then the qs are by their respective controls
and i cant see them interfering and in fact would let me make changes faster
so i am good with this one
-
a little headsip mica
roger should be shipping the knobs monday
-
hi kids
any updates before the holiday>?
thanks
-
Hi Jeff, no updates for now, but there should be something to report next week.
Have a great Thanksgiving
Valentino
-
This looks amazing!
NLP
-
is it soup yet?
hanukah is coming and i have been a VERY good boy this year....
lmao
-
Well, James is rubbing it out as we speak; if all goes well it might be ready next week.
Remember to breathe. ;)
Valentino
-
in......... out....... in.......... out....... in....... out........ in......... out..........
16 months since i ordered it... i think i can make it.....
i had a feeling we were close
its all good val
thanks
-
Jeff, that doesn't sound so much like you're breathing, but if it gets you by... ;)
ASCII porn?
-
i KNEw someone would go there.,,,,,,,
lol
-
Lookin' sweeeeeeeet! Do I see THG wooden knobs on the horizon?
Bill, tgo, sikwy (still in ket west, YEA!)
-
on the horizon?>
they been sitting at alembic for 2 weeks billyboy
but now that i broke my fast
the led ones sound cool.....lol
think you should head over there wed or thurs...
;-)
-
Man!!!Has it really been that long? Hang in there. You know its worth the wait!!
NLP
-
am totally cool norm,
yes i flew out to santa rosa last august to begin this
its easier to wait for an alembic when you already have one-lol
-
It's easier to wait for an Alembic when you already have one...
I'll second that, Flax!!!! I don't think I could survive the torture without the Little Bear.
-
Agreed.
Buying an Epic has increased my patience. I'm thinking seriously about starting to play the double bass. That might help, too.
Bradley
-
well if things go as planned
scooter may be heading to ct end of week
brad if you are thinking bout double bass take a good look at the ns design
www.nedsteinberger.com (http://www.nedsteinberger.com)
i have the 5 string cr-5m
and they pop up on ebay
-
Jeff,
Good news on Scooter!
If I'm going to do the DB thing, I think I'm going to go all the way-- rather do that, and then switch to something like the Steinberger than try the other way. Besides, the acoustic thing is appealing.
You'll have received two basses for my not-yet one. I'm going DB shopping, that's it.
Bradley
-
Can't go wrong With DB. Strengthens fingers, adds a mare to the stable, makes you use your ears too..There is another thread going on just that right now.
You are patient no doubt.
Flax...very cool!!!!
-
It's a stunning beauty, Flax, and adding a bass control to the modified Signature electronics is a winning electronics package for sure!
And yeah, it sure is less stressful waiting for a custom Alembic when you've already got one. 'Course I just ordered mine, but I'm mentally just kicked back and waiting for when my time comes!
-
thanks charlie
just hoping it sounds as good as it looks
even though its an alembic, am antsy to hear it of course. i am always twiddling with the bass so it made sense(thank you mica)to add it on the bass
the minor trade off was no stereo jack and that was no big deal in my eyes
-
val thinks it might be finished friday....
-
That's today!!! Fingers crossed for you Jeff.
Graeme
-
same here graeme
hopefully the photo gods will deliver
:-)
-
mission scrubbed,,,,,
game called because of rain....
truss rod cover needs another coat of spray
-
After we spoke, I actually got around playing it.
It sounds real good Jeff, quite punchy. I think you'll like it...lots.
Valentino
-
Rub it in, Valentino.
i.e. You'll like it a lot, I'll just be playing it here for a while. There's an issue with the, um, truss rod cover, yeah that's it...
Bradley
-
lmao
good one brad........
the old truss rod excuse
why didnt i think of that......
-
Not quite as good as the Chewbacca defense, but possession is 9/10ths.
Just ask Bill, TGO.
Bradley
PS- I know that jokes don't work if you have to explain them, but the word play around possession was too good to miss.