Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on September 12, 2004, 04:50:58 PM
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This is two ends of the same board that Rory selected when he visited the shop a little over a week ago:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/12648.jpg)
The silver line is where you had specified, but Chip wanted to suggest this placement for the top before he gets ready to assemble the body:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/12649.jpg)
Otherwise he won't be able to get those big swirls included. If you've got a preference, please let me know. Either way, Chip said he could squeak out the top and back from the same board (the outlines are from oversize templates).
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Mica
Let's do it Chip's way I think it works out better!
Rory
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I hate how the electronics always seem to cover up some really nice aspect of the wood. Personally, I think this one might look really cool if you reverse the bookmatch.
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Bob
I know what you mean but what is a guy to do? I will have quite a few knobs and switches this time around but I think this choice will be best for me. Thank you for the imput though! I am really excited about this project and look forward to the results.
Rory
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What I was thinking was that if you reversed the bookmatch, the swirls would better follow the body contours, and that extra swirling on the current bottom piece would end up on the upper horn. Just a thought...
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Mica,
I would like to add a 5pin output as well, can you tell me the possiblities and pro's and con's?
Rory
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Mica
Any updates on this bass?
Rory
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Here's a couple of pictures I collected for you recently:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/13430.jpg)
The neck ready for peghead veneers
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/13431.jpg)
Vermilion body core getting hollowed out Mike spent a good amount of time arranging the controls you've requested:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/13432.jpg)
Of course, you've got Q switches, not the knobs Mike drew in here - the holes and position are the same. It's about the only way we can fit all the controls on the bass. Let me know if it works for you.
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Mica
It looks pretty cool to me the que knobs look pretty good, can I keep them? Thanks for the update.
Rory
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Sorry - CVQ is only for Series II electronics.
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Hi Rory ,
I thin k this bass will be the perfect partner for the KS 6!!!
I wonder how the Vermillion will work together visually with the Coco Bolo ....mmmmm ...quite interesting.
Paul the bad one
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Paul TBO:
Cocobolo & Vermilion go together quite nicely. Check out Tom Z's Ghost Crow Skylark in CB&V:
http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/12937.html?1098102874 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=9242)
Looks pretty fine, don't it?
Bill tgo
(Message edited by lbpesq on October 18, 2004)
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Yep ...I see. Thanks Bill TGO Although I THINK we talk about a full Vermillion body here and the Ghost Crow is Coco-bolo, maple, Vermillion, mahogany. Well ...the colors are really matching!
PTBO
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Paul
From what I have seen it is a great combination. As you can only imagine I am chomping at the bit for this one. I am on my way to Santa Rosa tomorrow for some fine tunning on my Quilted Maple 4 string so I will be seeing Mica and family once again. I will give an update later.
Rory
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Brother Rory,
give the Alembicians a good hug from me!
Long time I didn't spoke to them.
Mmmm ...IS THERE still a Mica, Susan, Mary etc ....????
Anyway ...enjoy the visit.
one day when I'll be grown up and responsible I'll come to visit the farm too!!!
Paul the bad one
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Here's your bass post routing, precarving:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/13689.jpg)
Note, the special peghead carving hasn't been done yet.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/13690.jpg)
Those little piles of dust and debris were remnants from the routing.
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This is going to be a great bass!
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Hey Mica
Thanks for the update! This is looking pretty awesome. I could not have asked for anything better. WOW!
Rory
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Wave goodbye to the KS kid!!!
Great ....although ....I would go for a book match to center look on these smaller bodies
Paul TBO
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Paul
I love the stripes and beleive me the bodies are not that small. Very comfortable to play though! I look forward to seeing this one completed.
Rory
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I'm with you Rory.
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Tony finished carving the peghead detail and brought it to my office to show it off:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/13887.jpg)
He was a little nervous, since this was the first time he tried something like this. BUt he was totally jazzed with the result.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/13888.jpg)
Up by the tip, things look really good.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/13889.jpg)
Down by the string nut, it's got the flare out again to make a flat seat for the adjustable nut. Hope you like!
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This really adds some extra class to the already very classy crown headstock. Possibilities expand constantly, very impressive! Rory, congratulations! Love to see the finished bass...
Wilfred
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Mica
This is just what I was looking for. Please thank Tony for a great job. Is it possible to get a whole body shot with the peghead included? Would like to see the contrast. Thanks always for the excellent work that you do.
Rory
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Wilfred
Thanks for the compliment. This is such a small change I am sure only the sharpest of eyes will catch it but I thought it would be nice to see the sandwich from the front of the bass on the headstock as well.
Rory
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For the most beautiful things you have always to look twice or at least look better!
Anyway: nice touch.
I AM very curious about the dimensions of your bass in Balance K and 6 string. I is a DREAM-project to do something similar on fretless 6 string (with a 4/2 Orion peghead) but I still go for the large body with balance K, or a Europa body with extended horn. I tried Rogues but they are way to small for my feel.
Paul the bad one
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Hey Paul
I am not sure of the dimensions since this is the very first Balance K six stringer to be built but soon as I know something I will pass it on. Do you really think I will give up my Ken Smiths? I only have 3 of them. I do love my Alembics though and can't give them up either! I am really excited about this project. I am thinking about a short scale next, looking for an interesting wood choice.
Rory
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Rory,
That headstock is way cool! A new option is born! I think Tony is in for a bunch of beveled edge headstock work.
Cheers,
Reid
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Fine brother Rory I'd really like to hear more from your balance/weight/comfort insights.
3 (three) Ken Smiths.
MMmmmm ...watch your back door: the dude coming in with the stockings over his head and the toy-water-gun drooling all over the KS's could be me.
oh huh ,...well ...you shouldn't know ...that's the whole concept of the stockings.
Paul the bad one
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Reid
The beveled headstock seemed like a natural to me but I am sure the fine people at at Alembic will be glad to keep churning them out on request. Paul in my neighborhood I am afraid there is quite a few guys with stockings on their heads. I am sure none of them will have your accent though unless you speak Ebonics I will know it is you!
Rory
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If I remember correctly, it's Anniversary electronics, plus the 5-pin connector with power only (for powering LEDs), and bass/treble for each pickup.
No center humcanceller is a dead giveaway.
Brad
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Hey Guys
Thanks for the verrrrry cool compliments. James you can borrow it anytime just leave me one of your series basses to play on. Byoung has hit my electronics right on the nose except for my treble and bass switches will be four position rotary instead of three position toggle. I will be going to Graceland on Wednesday so I can get my last project tweaked and spy on my latest baby. I will bring my camera for more pics.
Rory
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Rory,
You've piqued my interest:
a 3-position switch creates -8/0/+8dB cut/boost.
What does a 4-position rotary switch do (I assume it is a switch, and not a potentiometer)?
Brad
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Brad; the three position switch is normally 6-0-6. And it's not an entirely dead giveaway in that, if one wanted, the hum canceller can be hidden within the body.
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Dave,
You got me! I happened to know that it isn't series electronics (since my bass is going to be very similar to Rory's, I asked Valentino lots of questions while I was at the factory).
I'm still wondering what a 4 position switch will do.
Brad
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Brad
Ron is still working out the details so I am not sure of the specs but it will give me more range in my cut and boost area. I will let you guys know more when I do.
Rory
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I would think so, but why not just put in the variable pots like on an East-Meets-West setup? Was there a meaningful cost difference, an issue with fitting the pots into the cavity, or did you see some advantage to having the precise repeatable settings?
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Bob
It is very convienent to be able to switch a button on the fly and get close to what I am looking for in a live situation. Saves time and tweaking. For me the pre-sets work fine and maybe that is because I have been using them for twelve years or so. A few nights ago I was playing in a nice size venue where people were sitting while we were playing jazz, after dinner we started with dance music and the dynamics changed for the room since people where now right in front of you. I just clicked a switch here and there and I was back in the mix.
Rory
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Hey rory, hows-bout some gig shots of that six string monster when able?
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Amen.
My new bass is going to look similar, so I want action shots! And, of course, the hook-up on the electronics configuration.
=)
Brad
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Hey Guys
I am still waiting to receive the 6 string but I still have two other 4 strings that I use plus a few Ken Smiths for backup. I don't play out as much anymore but I do still take an occasional gig and I have signed on with a local singer songwriter who will be promoting his solo cd so more opportunites for me to get my mug shot taken while playing. Hey Brad I don't see a thread for you bass yet have I overlooked it?
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Rory,
We're still finalizing the details. Hopefully, there'll be something here shortly.
Brad
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Hey Guys I had a nice trip to Santa Rosa today and got to see my six string, all I can say is wow, wow, wow! It was good to see Susan, Mica, Val, Ron, Mary and the rest of the crew. What a great place to hang out if you love Alembics. I had to get my quilted maple 4 string tweaked and they did it while I waited which was very cool since I had planned on leaving it and picking it up another time. I didn't take a lot of photo's this trip but maybe next time. If you think the beveled peg head is cool in a photo you need to see it in person, oh my god!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/16888.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/16889.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/16890.jpg)
Rory
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Great pictures Rory! Nice to see the faces behind the basses. Looks like James has got some left hand upside down thump action goin' on!
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Rory,
What's the scale length on that bad mama jama?
Brad
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Brad
It is 34 and it feels like it weighs a ton but it is da bomb! I can't wait until it is complete.
Rory
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Rory,
I've been 3 months finalizing details on my new bass. Seeing you holding that wicked piece of art has finally tweaked something in me, and I'm feeling like I can't wait now. I know my new bass is going to be Amazing (and that's a pun, as you'll hopefully be seeing shortly).
I know you're absolutely going to love your new bass. You'll have to give us an after-action report. Is she going home soon?
Brad
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Brad
Because of the electronics set-up I imagaine it will be quite sometime yet before my new bass shows up here but it is all good, I've waited 48 years whats a few more months for a beautiful instrument like this. This is the stuff dreams are made of! I can't wait to see what you have come up with for your new bass. Do you mind sharing the details or do you just want to drop it on us when you are ready to get it started?
Rory
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Rory,
I've never been too good at keeping secrets.
My bass is basically going to be like yours, but the top lamination will be bookmatched to center. Also, I'm getting a carved headstock, but with an omega (combine your headstock with Gary's carved omega (balance K)).
It will have three ebony laminations, two purpleheart and six maple in the neck.
I'm hoping to have a custom inlay, details'll be forthcoming. It'll be an amazingly graceful design.
I'll be fascinated to hear what the final deal is with your electronics. I'm thinking about adding bass/treble pots where you have the 4-position rotary switches.
We should just go ahead and call mine a Rory tribute, I think. =)
Brad
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Congrats on a beautiful and stunning instrument. The proportions are elegant and perfect. The Omega cut is outstanding. Play it in great health and inspiration.
Danno
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Danno
Thanks for the compliment I figure if I keep ordering new basses I will catch up with you in about 10 years.
Rory
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No wife, No kids, No pets. The secret of my success. Now if enough people buy my album, I'll get one with Series electronics!
Again Rory, fantastic choice, a true blessing.
Danno
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HOLY &%#@!!!!
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Hey Danno
I just picked up a Series I bass and all I can say is Holy Crap! If you get the opportunity do it! I have been in touch with the good people at Alembic and want to get it refinished but overall it is in excellent shape I just prefer a new look versus the Ole Yeller! I will post pics shortly.
Rory
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You are many times blessed! I will wait patiently for my time like a monk. Nobody can stop at just one!
Danno
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No wonder Alembic makes great lefty Basses, when there are people like James taking care of us behind the scenes, how can we go wrong. The final set up is done properly, not upside down, Thank James from all the backwards guys & gals! Feel free to accidentally build a Spyder or D.W. backwards then call me, I'll take it off your hands reasonably...
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Val or Mica
It has been a while since I have contacted Alembic concerning my 6 string bass. Is there any progress to report? I am in no rush but I am starting to rebound financially so I am bringing her home where she belongs. Please let me know if Ron has worked any magic yet.
Rory
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Yes indeed - I just spoke to dad this very afternoon about your bass - must have made your fingers itch.
When I asked about your custom rotary bass and treble switches, dad told me that he and Tony are working together so well now that Tony can build most guitar/bass electronics that dad designs. That's good news for patient folks like you!
I'm glad to hear you're on the rebound, and I hope that also includes your health.
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Hey Mica
Thanks for getting back to me so soon concerning the bass. My health is good and I am back on track. I hope you and your family are all doing well and I may plan a trip up there shortly to get some work done on the Essence.
Rory
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Hey Rory,
your buddies Henry and Tim came around last week, we had a nice time, finally saw Henry's bass which I think is the one you told me you were trying to get for the longest time; it'a gorgeous piece that has aged beautifully; Henry took good care of it.
Looking forward to your visit.
Valentino
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Hey Val
I would like to come out Thursday if that works into your schedule. I just arrived back home again from Mississippi where I loss my Step dad to brain cancer. It is amazing the damage that still exist in that area it is bittersweet being home again.
Rory
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Tomorrow is ok Rory, anytime between 11.30 and 4pm.
Valentino
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Hey Guys I spent the afternoon with Mica today just chatting. We covered a lot of subjects while having coffee and Alembics. I played a few interesting basses today some which were quite unique. I did not take photo's this trip but I did see almost everyones instrument. The reason for my journey was to pick up my 6 string Coco bolo Balance K. I can only tell you it is a tone monster. Ron, really did his homework to make it work. I am not sure I will be keeping her though as most of you know I am a Series person now. If any one is interested in making me a offer on a brand new 6 string bass please contact me. Please no low ball offers on this beauty! I will take more photo's later. Rory
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32085.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32086.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/32087.jpg)
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With some sealer coats:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/14263.jpg)
and that bevelled peghead:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/14264.jpg)
Enjoy!
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wow
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This is turning out better than I thought it would, thanks for the update!
Rory
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Rory:
I was in the Alembic neighborhood today, so I stopped by to drop off an SF-2 for repair and to check out some wood. I saw your bass with the beveled peghead. I loved it in the above pix, and seeing it in person only confirmed how good this simple mod looks. GREAT IDEA! I hope you don't mind that I'm copying it on a custom Further.
I suspect you are going to like your bass extremely much.
Bill, tgo
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Bill
Thanks for the update and fill free to modify your axe with any idea that I have. I can't wait to see the whole thing.
Rory
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What a beauty! Looks like another prize axe in the making. Good luck Rory.
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Jeff
Thanks, as you can imagine I am really excited about this one.
Rory
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Alembicians and Rory there is 1 thing I would add to this nearly perfect bass design.
I sounds stupid but seen the bevel in the headstock and the maple accent around the body, I would line the outer sides of the fretboard also with a maple accent. Got it. So the fretmarks are in fact instead of white lines on a dark sideline, dark lines on a maple sideline. The effect would be a complete contoured bass in maple aroud dark wood.
I invented such a thing somewhere in the dreaming department somewhere. BTW ...I even went further: I dreamed of a six-string fretless with translucent short fret-sidemarks that came about 2mm like sawn into the fretboard. They must be filled with a translucent material because BEHIND each small fretmark would be a led.
Pretty cool huh?
Mica reacted: pretty expensive too!!! HA!
No this aside ...the ouline of the neck in maple would be cool with this bass.
Too late as idea of course!
Paul the bad one
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James just started the setup on Wednesday:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/14743.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/14744.jpg)
Tailpiece and bridgeblock fitted.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/14745.jpg)
Just starting on the adjustable nut fitting.
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Question for Mica or anyone willing to chime in, It may be just an illusion but the overall body width appears slightly greater on this bass. I know that you try to compensate for the wider necks by redesigning the body shape a bit but do you still end up with a bit more width? If so I think I like it. Mike
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WOW.That bevelled peg head is beautiful.I REALLY like it.What a great bass.
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Great looking bass! The bevelled headstock is a very nice touch.
Mike,
Looks to me (but correct me if I'm wrong) like the body wings on a neck-through are always the same width, attached to necks that have varying widths. Especially on the Rogue and the Essence, I think the 5s and 6s look better (more in proportion) than the 4s - the same goes for the Balance K.
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Rory and Alembicians,
GRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrEAT looking bass!!
headstock bevelage is a new milestone in attarctive bass design.
Adriaan I have to agree in that. Personally I would NEVER choose a Balance K for a 4 string ...it ends up too small for my proportions. For a 6 string it seems sooooo natural to choose a Balance K ...although ...I still have feelings for that good ol' Europa design for 6 strings.
PTBO
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i like the bevel too- Looks great!!!
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Thanks Guys
I have a feeling we will be seeing a few more beveled peg heads in the future. Paul, I am so glad I can do something to meet your approval I was starting to get worried. You are soooo hard to please!
Rory
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Yeah right ...suuuuuuuuuuuuure I am!
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Rory, that's just beautiful, very impressive instrument!
Wilfred
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Wilfred
It is turning out pretty nice, looking forward to the next update. Thanks for the compliment.
Rory
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Here's the layout taped on the bass:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/15131.jpg)
We're going to move the 4 switches to the edge a little bit since they are now rotaries. I've got some knobs that are the same as the pointer knob, but without the point so they are a litle smaller.
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Mica
The knob with the point is exactly what I would like to have. Thanks for the update.
Rory
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Omigosh, that is cool. I love this shape! Like the bevelled h/stock too....it's no good, I need a lottery win really badly! If I ever manage to get another custom Alembic, I think it would be a Balance K.
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Mica
It has been a while is there a photo update with the knobs in place?
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Rory,
I saw your bass yesterday at the factory; I took a picture of it. I can post here or send to you privately. Send me an email. You're going to be very happy with your bass-- it is a real stunner.
Brad
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Hey Brad
Go ahead and post pics if you have them, I would love to see them. Thanks
Rory
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Hey Mica
If you do any photo updates this weekend I would love to see a full clear shot of my instrument. I know where we are at in the build stage, I just want a shot to add to my personal build library. Thanks in advance.
Rory
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I'm not sure what a full clear shot is, but I hope this is close to what you had in mind:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/16732.jpg)
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Rory: Verrrrry nice!
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Rory: Verrrrry classy!
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Rory: Verrrrry interested in borrowing that some time!
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That looks like seriesII electronics /with a bass & treble for each pup?