Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: mica on July 18, 2005, 04:32:20 PM
-
Finally! The perfect piece of wood for your project:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/19835.jpg)
From a distance, you can see the nice distribution of Birds-eyes and the nice gently quilted pattern
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/19836.jpg)
Up close, you can see the Birds-eyes are nice and dimensional. It's very hard to find a piece of wood this wide (10 onches) that is clear of defects and mineral deposits (those grey and brown streaks).
-
Mica, Susan,
many many thanks for this great news!
I already knew that it is most difficult to find a big enough piece of Bird?s Eye Maple for my Dragon Wing. Wow, the wait was worth it. This piece is really gorgeous. I think it will be a great Dragon Wing in classic JE style!
I am really eager to see it developing!
Many thanks and many greetings to you all!
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Wow, nice piece, and the second pic is great; such incredibly fine detail in the wood. Congratulations, Oliver, John would be proud........
-
Chris,
many thanks for your kind words. After my two Spyders I thought a Dragon Wing in the classic JE Spyder style would be great. Of course not the spiderwebs, I have them already on my Spyders. But the classic bird?s eye maple top and back, the vintage amber color, same electronics than on my Spyders, dummy hum canceller, big hat knobs and pickup selector and master vol on the front lower horn. What do you think?
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Ollie,
I'm jealous already! That's a beautiful piece of wood for what is undoubtedly going to be a beautiful bass.
Now, where did I leave my checkbook and Alembic order form ....
Best regards,
Alan
-
Oliver, what do I think about your plans? I think Ausgezeichnet!
On a sentimental note, it's funny how the Bird's Eye Maple figuring almost resembles teardrops, which many of us shed following John's passing. A fitting tribute, indeed....
Best of luck with this project!
Chris
-
Oliver,
Classy concept. Very cool. It's going to be awesome.
John
-
Susan,Mica,Val,
any updates on my Dragon Wing?
Many greetings and many thanks
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Hello Oliver,
Chip is in the process of putting it together.
It's moving along...
Valentino
-
Val,
any possibilities to see some actual photos of it beeing in the make?
Many thanks
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Hello Oliver,
I am afraid pictures are going to have to wait a bit. Mica is swamped these days and frequently out of the office. I will pass on your request but do not be surprised if you don't see pictures for another few weeks. Things will be back to what passes for normal around here late next month, hopefully. In the meantime hang in there...it's always worth it.
Valentino
-
Oliver,
I haven't been keeping up with FTC for a while now and wasn't aware of your Dragon Wing project. Congratulations, I'll have to keep an eye on this beauty as she develops.
Sam
-
Val,
many thanks for the info. Of course I will wait as I know that it is worth waiting....
Sam,
many thanks for your kind words. I am sure it will turn out as I have planned it to be.
Chris said in a mail before that the bird?s eyes remind him of tears we all cry for John, still...
So maybe I should call it TEARS FOR JOHN....
I am really eager to have my 3rd Alembic with this bass and a slightly smaller case than the Spyders have. It is really a hard job taking two huge Spyder cases to the rehearsals..... :-)
Many greetings
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
This is a few days old, but I spied your neck before the veneers were glued on:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/20439.jpg)
Chip had the template on the work in preparation for finding the right spot for the decorative faces.
More to come!
-
TEARS FOR JOHN is an excellent and fitting name, Oliver. It's quite a tribute.
Sam
-
Mica,
wow, this was fast. Many many thanks for another great picture! Mica, was it clear that I wanted to have the headstock veneer front and back like on Johns Spyders and not a matching veneer to the body?
I think yes, but I just wanted to make sure.
Sam,
yes I also really like the name. This was a great idea from you.
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Peghead veneers in place:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/20670.jpg)
The shiny places are glue spots, and of course will be sanded away before we spray. The Vermilion is a really nice color.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/20671.jpg)
Nice Bird's-eye Maple on the back veneer. Lots of "tears for John." Will of course post more pictures as interesting things happen.
-
Mica,
many thanks for the update and the pics.
If I understand right we now put a vermillion veneer on the front of the headstock and a bird?s eye maple on the back of the headstock? Originally I had planned to have it like on Johns and my Spyders with a double veneer on front and back of the headstock. BUT I have to say that I like the idea with a vermillion veneer on the front and a bird?s eye on the back.
What do you think/suggest?
Many greetings and many thanks
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by a double veneer, since usually there are 5 veneers on front and 5 veneers on the back in this style of peghead.
We made a number of instruments for John with a number of veneer arrangements. Some had a different veneer on the front and back, some matched eachother but not the body, some matched eachother and the body. I'm very glad you are liking it - how did we know?
-
Mica,
sorry for my bad explanation. With double veneer I thought about the same veneer of vermillion for the front and back of the headstock. I think Johns Spyders (like my Spyders) all had the same vermillion veneer on front and back of the headstock?
So I think your suggestion is great:
body front and back - bird?s eye
headstock front - vermillion
headstock back - bird?s eye
What do you think?
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Another Masterpiece for our friend from Dueren! Congrats., Oliver! John would be very proud.
Cheers,
Kevin
-
Kevin,
many thanks for your kind words. I am really eager to see how it will turn out. But I am sure that it will turn out well.
BTW: the Tears for John will of course also be played live with our WHO tribute band as I am currently already doing with my Spyder 4 and 8 and Johns personal Ovation Acoustic bass. Acoustic?
Yes we are doing Behind Blue Eyes acoustic....
Many greetings from Dueren
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Bitte Schoene!
This should be another beautiful bass to add to your collection. I'm glad you're playing them instead of just admiring them.
That's good news about the tribute band. Do you have a website and/or sound files so the rest of us can have a listen as to what you and your new band are up to?
How are things in Deutschland at the moment? I hope the economy is better now. One of these days I'm going to ignore the strength of the Euro and get myself on a plane and come to the other side of the pond. A beautiful 22yr old blonde, blue-eyed Bayerischer (von Munchen) student in the motorcycle class I taught last weekend named Ramona reminded me of what I'm missing by not coming to Europe, LOL!
Prost!
Kevin
(Message edited by kmh364 on September 04, 2005)
-
Kevin,
many thanks for your kind words. Unfortunately we don?t have any website nor audio files yet. We are strongly rehearsing besides our daytime jobs because we want to hit the stages PERFECTLY. We currently have 20 numbers rolling and we are currently working on five more to have a good basic set. My all time favorites are REAL ME and 5:15. But we will also do THE QUIET ONE with me on lead vocals... :-)
As for the economy here in Germany it is still not the best. If you ever come to Germany let me know. We have to meet.....
Many greetings
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Behind Blue Eyes is very nice acoustic. I saw it done on an episode of a popular tv series a couple of years ago. Anthony Stewart Head was the actor who performed it.
Sam
-
Cool, Oliver!
Thanks for the offer...I may take you up on it one of these days.
When things are Komplett, you must give us a listen to the band!
I hope you are also doing one of my favorite John-penned Who songs: Success Story from Who By Numbers! Who can forget that great video vignette from The Kids Are Alright movie, with JAE using gold records as clay pidgeons and a Tommy gun instead of a shotgun for skeet shooting practice, LOL! That's a good one for your 8-string Spyder!
-
Kevin,
Success Story is not yet in our repertoire but I am investigating....
We are already doing TRICK OF THE LIGHT which I play of course with my Spyder 8 and it is really powerful.
Yeah, the video out of TKAA is really great.
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Ahh, Trick of the Light...from the last great Who Album Who Are You, IMHO...another great tune!
Be warned...once you play the verse of Success Story on your Spyder, you will be hooked. H*ll, I played it on my Orion 4 and couldn't stop playing it for an hour, LOL!
-
Dear Mica,
any new photos on Tears for John?
Many thanks and many greetings
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Holy Cow!!!
Oliver, I was somehow unaware of this project until I stumbled onto this thread today.
Tears For John is a beautiful and proper name for this instrument, and she certainly seems like she's coming along nicely. I'm sure she'll be worth waiting for.
Glad to hear you have your band together and are working hard on your presentation. I'm jealous that you're planning on doing so many of John's songs - right now our band is sticking to a Greatest Hits philosophy as we rarely play shows that are longer than an hour long - barely enough time to get in the most well-known songs (With the combination of Won't Get Fooled Again, Who Are You, and Baba O'Riley coming in around 19 minutes, you can see what I mean). LA audiences are picky and tend to 'zone out' if we play something they don't immediately recognize.
Anyway....the bass looks great so far....congrats to Ollie and kudos to Mica, Val, and team for yet another Alembic masterpiece in the making.
Cheers, Mike Bisch
-
Mica,
wow, this is really a slight sight of a beauty.
I am dying to see it completely.
I will be for vacation from saturday morning cet so I would
be very happy Mica if you could post a complete pic tomorrow
so that I have something to watch at during my vacation. :-)
Many greetings
Oliver
-
It's done!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/28322.jpg)
Looks and sounds great. Hope you have a nice vacation.
-
Wow - that is a truly beautiful instrument. Congratulations!
Peace
Tom
-
Mica,
wow, really stunning.....
The result is really awesome. Many many thanks to the complete team.
And... I am sorry that I have caused so much trouble during the building of this bass.
This bass already got it?s name: TEARS FOR JOHN (as you all know).
And I really think this is a bass John would be proud of.
Oliver
www.whoareyouband.de (http://www.whoareyouband.de)
-
Mica,
forgot to say:
many thanks for the prompt posting of the picture and many thanks for the good wishes regarding my vacation.
We are going to Italy this morning; but it will be a hard time for me as I will only have rare access to the web.....
Oliver
-
Oliver:
I saw your axe hanging on the wall at the mothership yesterday. A true piece of art. If it sounds half as good as it looks, it's going to be one heckuva bass. Congrats and play lots of good music in good health.
Bill, tgo
-
Wonderful!! Congrats!
-
Congratulations Oliver. You really do need to work on your timing though. Vacations are supposed to be relaxing and re-energizing. I don't see how you can accomplish either one knowing your bass is on the way. :-)
Keith
-
Let me tell you that my 6 year old son was MIGHTILY impressed with that latest picture!
-
Nice bass Oliver! Your spyder is now taking pride of place on my studio wall and will get out to an occasional gig (occasional only because my back isn't up to wearing it regularly!)
Trev
-
Nice bass Oliver! Your spyder is now taking pride of place on my studio wall and will get out to an occasional gig (occasional only because my back isn't up to wearing it regularly!)
Trev
-
Another Monthly Featured Custom, no doubt...
Wonderful instrument. Congrats to the impatient owner! May John's spirit bless it!
-
She's a real beauty, Ollie! Please post TONS of pix when you get her back home in Deutschland!
Cheers,
Kevin
BTW, Tears For John has my vote for COM!
-
Beautiful.
-
Mica,
would it be possible to see some more pics on Tears for John?
Would be great.....
Oliver
-
WOW
-
Mica, Val,
may I ask you if you could take some more pictures for me?
Only if you have time.
Many thanks
Oliver
-
Mica, Val,
may I ask you if you could take some more pictures for me?
Only if you have time.
Many thanks
Oliver
-
Here's the back:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/29694.jpg)
-
Stunning! I'd love to have that up against me at a gig!
-
John,
I am also eager to get it!!!
I don?t have it already and I think it will be fun playing it on stage....
Oliver
-
Mike, mate,
long time no see. Many thanks for your post and your kind words.
I am sure that Tears for John will turn out well.
As for our band, WHO ARE YOU, things are running well. Still no keyboarder found but it is working.
Still no gigs yet but we are close to do a test gig with invited friends and interested people.
We always said that we want to do solo material as well. We are doing for example Rough Boys and Give Blood from Pete as well as Trick of the Light and 905 from John. Trick of the Light of course with the Spyder 8. Originally we had done 905 acoustically but yesterday we did it with two acoustic guitars and me playing the Spyder 8, not distorted but with a Defretter, Chorus and Delay to lay a broad base soundwise and it was really amazing. To play the 8string as a base instrument on this song. Very interesting variation. The songs I like most are of course The Real me and 5:15.
And of course, following our band?s name, we are doing WHO ARE YOU. And especially Won?t get fooled again is really powerful....
Take care mate
Oliver
-
Oliver,
Glad to hear things are progressing as well as they are.
If your drummer is willing to play to a click, I know someone who can provide you with very precise backing tracks to a lot of the keyboard-based songs. They were created using the ARPs and Lowreys Pete used. They sound amazingly authentic. We use them and they work great. Let me know if you're interested and I will provide you with the website.
Cheers, Mike
-
Mike,
yes please....
We already have backing tracks and I think these are the same that you use but we have the problem that the click on some songs is mixed on both channels so that we have no chance to separate them....
Maybe you could help us with these other tracks....Plse let me know.
Many thanks and many greetings
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
IMHO, the NYC-area needs an international Battle Of The Who Cover Bands to assault the general populace! Who's with me on this (no pun intended)?
-
Oliver,
If you're using the tracks from Rich Rowley, we have the same problem - the click bleeds through slightly on WGFA during the beginning but isn't really audible through the rest of the tune. Hasn't really been noticable for us, except in the studio (ugh).
KMH,
I've been pursuing your idea for a year now. Hard to get all the bands together in one room, since they come from all over. Failing that, I also tried to put together a Who Tribute supergroup - of course, each band wants all their members represented - again, a stalemate.
So for now, each area of the US will have to just live with the Who tributes they have! Lucky for us, my band appears to be the only one west of the Mississippi.
And it would seem Ollie has a lock on Germany!
Mike
-
Mike/Ollie,
I'd be happy just to find a band to play with. I live in musical hell (Fayetteville, NC), where if you don't play country, blues, or I-want-to-eat-your-children death metal stuff, there just isn't anything. Consider yourselves lucky to be playing the stuff you are - I have to content myself with plugging in the Ipod and playing along to my Who collection.
Mike,
I'll be in LA at the end of the month - I'm doing some recording with my brother who lives in Culver City. Maybe we can hook up for a beer or something.
Best regards,
Alan
-
Alan,
I don't envy you regarding your musical situation. I am lucky to live in an area that is somewhat, barely, tolerant to what we do. And I mean BARELY - we have to go out of town to get any shows of substance. I hope you find some players who share whatever vision you may have.
I would love to meet up with you at month's end. Let me know when you're here, the beer's on me.
Mike
-
Alan,
When you posted I-want-to-eat-your-children death metal stuff, I had this mental image of how you might present such a dish (you being a chef and all). Some sort of flowery cut veggies with a light sauce perhaps? Or more of a Chowder?
Good luck with the musical landscape. Things do tend to go in cycles, so maybe you'll get a musical reprieve soon...
Mike,
When I lived in LA in the mid '80s it was sacrilege to play anything other than originals. No pressure there, eh? So I ended up playing a lot of crappy original music. Could have really used a WHO band!
I think it's time somebody yelled for more pictures of Oliver's new bass!
John
-
John,
It still is sacrilege to play anything other than originals here. I personally would never ever have considered playing in a tribute act if it wasn't The Who, and even then, we had to be GOOD (still working on the 'good' bit). The tribute band thing is quite comical. Most popular tributes here are to The Doors or 80's hair bands. Some enjoy a 'kitsch' following because they're so bad that they're good! There is absolutely NO traditional Top 40 cover band scene here whatsoever. Very strange.
So...we are based in LA but must leave town to get work. Ironic. The talent pool to get the band happening is here, the fan base and the appropriate venues are not.
OK enough about tributes....more about Ollie's new bass!!!
Mike
-
F*k 'em if they can't take a joke! LOL! Gimme well played covers anytime. Originals are only good if they're good and you're familiar with them and actually like 'em (does that make sense?). And, since we can't have Moonie and Thunderfingers anyway, I'm all for the sincerest form of flattery, i.e., (Who) imitation...substituteion, if you will, LOL!
All you Spyder/Dragon Wing guys should get together and do sort of a modern Alembic/JAE jam along the lines of Spinal Tap's Big Bottom!!!!
Mine goes to ELEVEN, LOL!
Cheers,
Kevin
(Message edited by kmh364 on September 23, 2005)
-
A brief continuation of the thread hijack regarding cover / tribute acts... In Chicago (downtown), originals are just about REQUIRED (like LA)! But twenty miles out in any direction (except into Lake Michigan) (okay... three directions) you can hardly get club owners to even give you a chance without doing covers, and talent agents prefer straight tribute acts because they are an easy sell.
Mike
-
John,
The idea of serving up someone's children (regardless of how much some parents might feel at certain times) is a daunting idea for any chef or cook.
I would serve up children like this:
Assemble children in room with XBox (have to get their attention, don't you know?)
Inform them to sit down and pay attention
Whip out an Alembic
Tell them that this is how it should be
Then tell them this is how it will be
Nothing like sowing the seeds early. And without garnishes .....
Odd occurrence today ... I had a new dishwasher (spulgeschirrmachine, Ollie) put in my house today. One of the installers was a guitar player. He noticed my Ovation acoustic-electric hanging on my living room wall. I invited him back to my bass room and began to show him my collection. Of course, my Alembics came out ... he was blown away, and we started talking about music, what we like to play. I told him I like classic art rock, and of course, The Who. Well, he took the bait, and he's supposed to call me about setting something up. We'll see, I guess. Never envisioned it when my wife and I were in Sears the other day looking at dishwashers!
Kevin,
I'm up for a Spyder/Dragon's Wing Owners meeting somewhere. Just say the time and place, and if my schedule (and budget!) permit it, I'll be there!
Alan
-
(Edited at the request of the poster to delete out-of-context remarks, which seem to him inappropriate in the history of what will undoubtedly turn out to be another fabulous instrument for Oliver.)
(Message edited by davehouck on October 11, 2005)
-
Alan,
You've got a few excellent plans there!
John
-
Mica,
any news on my bass?
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Mica,
any news on my Dragon Wing?
Any new photos?
Many thanks
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
No Oliver - else I would have posted some pictures. There is a question however: what color did you want the side LEDs? We have some confusion over this part. The neck and body are ready to glue together, once the LEDs are in place, so more pictures soon!
-
Mica,
many thanks for your posting.
Regarding the side LED?s your mom had suggested some time ago that amber side LED?s would match great to the vintage amber tint.
I had talked regarding the details with your mom some time ago. So if there is any confusion plse let me know in advance to avoid any wrong details.
For example I had asked your mom to have the same neck profile and dims than on my Spyders or the extra master vol knob on the front horn etc.
Oliver
-
Hello Oliver,
I have a couple of questions for you; the lower horn is not very thick, therefore if you want the selector switch and master volume in it, we have to make the horn about 1/2inch wider, because otherwise the components just would not fit. The alternative would be to go with the standard configuration. Let us know what you want to do.
We also would like to know if you want the old style top hat knobs like you have on the Spyders or if you want the collet knobs.
Talk to you soon
Valentino
-
Val,
many thanks for your mail. Originally Susan had told me that it would be no problem with the vol and selector switch on the lower horn, but I see the problem. I definetely want the master volume and the pickup selector switch on the front horn. So how will this then look like? Possible to do a drawing of it? Also, already told, I definetely want the old style hat knobs as on my Spyders.
I hope that the wider front horn will not destroy the design. So I must see a drawing or something.
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Very good. What is your preference as to which of the two goes on the tip of the horn?
Chip is making a drawing, and you'll see it in a few days.
Valentino
-
Here's the plan for enlarging the lower horn about 1/2 inch in width to accomodate the controls:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/21523.jpg)
The lower contoured part of the shape is the original form. The upper part is where the changes are. Here's the same picture with arrows to illustrate this point:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/21524.jpg)
We've used the footprint of the hat style knob in both positions, since we're not sure which you would want for vollume. You may find you would prefer a pointer knob for the pickup selector. It seems to be a natural shape out at the end of the horn, but you'll let us know what you prefer.
-
Mica, Val,
many thanks for the drawing. This looks great.
I want the position of the master vol and the pu selector like on Johns Spyders. The master vol close to the pickup, followed by the pu switch located towards the end of the horn (same position than you did on Mike Bisch?s overhaul).
But plse keep the two knobs as close as possible together. On the drawings the lower position seems to be to close to the edge of the curve of the horn. As said before, it should look like on Johns Spyders. As for the selector switch, I already told that it has to be a pointer knob.
As said before I had written and discussed all this before with Susan. So if this is lost plse ask and ask and ask. I don?t want to risk that the specs will differ due to bad communication.
Many thanks and many greetings
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Mica, Val,
did you see my last message?
Oliver
-
Mica, Val,
no news on my bass?
Did you see my last posting with the specs?
Oliver
-
Hi Oliver - you're right, there is no news on this project to show in pictures. Chip making a new template for the body is not really a photo opportunity. He's got lots going on, and not every project gets worked on every week. Design work is especially that way, we have to make sure the design is right, like reviewing for construction conflicts. Once the template is done, the body can be glued and cut - stuff will go very fast after that point.
The specs for your bass are not lost as you expressed concern over, you well know that they were exchanged several times by email, have you misplaced your copy of them? When we have a question about something ambiguous or something that comes up during construction, we are not shy to ask, which is why we asked in the first place.
BTW, on the drawing from the 12th, the large circle was for the size of the pickup selector plate. However, since there will be a backplate for access to the master volume control, this plate will not be needed. It will look much cleaner without the extra brass plate, and you'll get to enjoy more of the wood. Hope you like this idea!
-
Mica,
many thanks for your mail and sorry if I have confused you. Of course I trust in you all, you are artisans....
The idea is great. I really appreciate.
Another thing:
As for the master volume control on the front horn it would be no problem if you need to position the hat knob a bit towards the neck pickup.
Many thanks and have a nice weekend
Oliver (Spyderman)
(Message edited by senmen on October 28, 2005)
-
Is it possible that you can mark one of the photos from the 12th with your preferred placement for the master volume control? I would rather have it placed in the exact spot you prefer, thanks.
-
Mica,
I think they are perfectly in the two drawings. Only the selector swich, as said before, would be better to move a bit into the direction of the volume pot. I understand that you did the drawing with a base plate in mind, but it would be nice to have the selector a bit more centered on the horn.
Oliver
-
Mica,Val,
no news on my bass since more than one month?
What is going on?
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Oliver, my friend, I'm not the one waiting so it's easy for me to urge patience. A masterpiece like Tears for John should be done meticulously. This will be an awesome tribute in time.
Sam
-
Oliver -
Remember the great John Lennon when he said Patience is a virgin.
Your brother, Mike
-
Let this be a time while you wait to further your craft. Sometimes a squeaky wheel does not get greased right away. It can sour relationships. Let all your communications be filled with happiness and not any tension. I waited for 7 of my 11 babies. Some in excess of 11 months. I think Rami holds the title for longest wait. Deep cleansing breath, deep cleansing breath. There is no way they will forget about you.
-
Oliver,
I won't suggest that you be patient (it IS awfully close to Christmas, after all), but do keep in mind that the basses that take the longest are often the most unbelieveable of instruments. I'm thinking of Hartmut's doubleneck and Rami's wonderful seismic masterpiece. Let the elves ponder yours as long as necessary and harvest the fruits of their active imaginations and magical alchemy when the time is right. You KNOW it's coming, and you know it's going to be awesome. I'm certain even John had to wait....
John
-
Guys,
many thanks for your wise words. You are right.
Mica, Val, sorry for the pressure. It was not meant that way.
Sorry!
Plse let me know when there is any update.
Many greetings
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Chip finished the template for the new shape, and we just want to verify the placement of the controls:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/22988.jpg)
The master volume is where it was on the plan and the pickup selector switch is as close as we feel is practical to use. Let us know if you like it, and the project can start going in full force.
-
Dear Mica,
many thanks for your post and the picture.
Would you mind if we put the selector switch a BIT more towards
the end of the horn, away from the knob. Not tha much, maybe only a half inch or so.
Plse let me know.
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Bob's got the word for moving the pickup selector about a half inch farther from the master volume for routing.
The body halves are assembled, fresh out of the clamps last night:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/23371.jpg)
Should be scooting right along now.
-
Mica,
many thanks for your mail.
Wow, this looks really great! Thank you so much.
BTW I have sent you a mail regarding an input module.
Did you receive it?
Many greetings
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Sorry, this was a double posting...
(Message edited by senmen on December 16, 2005)
-
Hello Oliver,
no pictures yet, but I thought you'd like to know that body & neck are together. Next, carving. Saw it today as I went by it in the shop. Looking good.
Valentino
-
Val,
many thanks for the update.
I start to get nervous to see it....
Happy holidays to you all.
Oliver (still Spyderman)
-
Don't be too nervous, things are going pretty fast now!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/23872.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/23873.jpg)
-
Mica,
wow many thanks for the update. This baby looks really cool. The already given name Tears for John fits perfectly.
BTW this is our new homepage of our WHO tribute WHO ARE YOU:
www.whoareyouband.de (http://www.whoareyouband.de)
Unfortunately only in german language at the moment, but some real nice pics of my Spyders.
If you have time, take a look. An english version will of course come soon.
Many thanks Mica !
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Mica btw,
will the black points and the bblack edges disappear?
Oliver
-
...double post..
Oliver
(Message edited by senmen on January 04, 2006)
-
Oliver,
I'm assuming you're talking about the burn marks on the edges. These are from the router (pronounced rooter ). They get sanded off.
Brad
-
Around the edges the black burn marks will be sanded away. The bookmatched dark knot will not, it's a part of the wood. Here's a look up close:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/23882.jpg)
This piece was the most heavily figured, and usually there are many more blemishes than these two small dark ones. With BEM, there's usually grey or brown mineral streaks and on such a wide piece as this one is, this really looks quite good. James and Chip were remarking on what a nice piece this was as I was taking this picture.
-
Brad,
many thanks for this info. Is this also the case with the two black spots on the top?
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Mica,
many thanks for the info. Yes of course, the wood is gorgeous and the two eyes fit to Tears for John.
Simply stunning.
Many thanks
Oliver
-
Very nice!
-
Hi, Oliver,
things are progressing, eh ? Amazing wood, a true tribute to JAE, indeed !
Hope to hear from you soon, man !
Christian (the faker)
-
Christian,
sorry for my late reply. Very busy at the moment, hot rehearsal time again and soon we will go to the studio to do a demo tape.
How is your new baby doing?
Mica, Val, any new pics of my baby?
Oliver (Spyderman)
www.whoareyouband.de (http://www.whoareyouband.de)
-
I'm not at work today, had a bit of a problem with an eye, but I spoke to Mica and I believe there is nothing new to see (no pun intended), Oliver; do you think Mica would post all those updates and not include one for you if there was one?
Patience my friend, you got pictures just last week.
Valentino
-
Hello, Oliver,
glad to see that everything is okay (despite the workload). Just ask a book keeper what he is doing in January :-) I just returned home from work (at 10:30 pm)... huh, really early today, LOL !
My 27 year-old baby, ahem, Lady is doing fine, I hope she is content with her new home, too... But this thread is about your gorgeous DW, I am as nervous as a racing horse in the start box to see the progress on your great tribute bass. All the best to you in the meantime,
Christian
-
Hi Val,
sorry for pushing. Yes I know that Mica is updating everytime if there is any news.
It is really hard to wait for this beauty. It will be a really nice one.
What do you think?
Many thanks for your great support.
Oliver (Spyderman)
www.whoareyouband.de (http://www.whoareyouband.de)
-
Oliver, my brother in waiting, take deep breaths.
All Alembics will arrive someday. Maybe not tomorrow or next week, but they will get done.
Look on the bright side-- at least you have the two Spyders: I don't even own an Alembic (well, unless you're counting the refrigerator magnet) yet.
Brad
-
Preventive post...
No picture updates Oliver, but the bass is coming along, currently in spray.
Valentino
-
In Spray is a REALLY good sign Oliver!!!
Sit tight!!!
She's coming......she's coming......she's coming.....
-
Here's a look with the sealer coats:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/24469.jpg)
and that gorgeous wood up close:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/24470.jpg)
-
Mica,
YOU MAKE MY DAY!!!!!
Wow, this is really gorgeous!!!
What a difference from the raw white-ish wood color to this great tint. The bird?s eyes really jump in ones face.
I understand that this is the sealer coating; will it be darker after final finishing?
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Probably not much. Over time, most wood gets a little darker, including the Maples, but this won't be much darker.
-
Mica,
thanx for the quick answer.
The wood is really gorgeous.
Plse allow me one other question:
as for the aft strap lock I ordered it located in the mid behind the bridge.
What do you suggest for the front strap lock?
At the upper horn or on the back on the neck heel?
Also as for the input jack:
better in the rims as on the normal DW?s or like the Spyders on top?
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Upper horn, Oliver, no question.
On the back of the heel it would make the bass tilt forward; I doubt you'd like that. Also it would not balance as well.
In regards to the jack, since you are getting the mono/stereo jack, that needs to be top mounted.
Valentino
-
Val,
AGREED.
That makes sense..... :-)
Thanks mate
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
WOW !
what a difference the spray makes... hey, I remember that there was a song out in the air many many years ago, LOL ! Oliver, this is outta this world ! Soooooo cute, simply....
WOW !
Christian (the faker)
-
Wow indeed! This is looking very nice Oliver. Congratulations.
Graeme
-
That top is stunning! I was totally underwhelmed with the raw wood UNTIL I saw it finished. What a gorgeous piece of wood!
-
Yeah,
I had the same thought. Seeing the raw bass side to side with Rick?s new DW it looked really unspectacular.
But now I have to say, the wood grain is phantastic and I am eager to see it completed with the pickups, the hum canceller dummy, the big hat knobs, the top mounted input jack and the master vol and pu selector on the front horn.
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Wow. Spectacular. A fitting tribute meant to be played loud.
-
We should have expected this though. Alembic Always seem to be able to work their magic on even the dullest piece of wood and have it turn out to be fantastic.
Graeme
-
Graeme,
yeah you are right. It looks that gorgeous now. No comparison to the raw whiteish wood.
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Your bass is getting closer:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/25406.jpg)
It's ready to get the custom electronics pattern drilled, so that will probably be by the end of the week, then back for a few final coats.
-
Oliver,
Looking very, very nice. I think I even see my dragonwing ogling yours in the background. Can't say I blame it...
-Rick
-
Mica,
wow, Tears for John will be great !
It is really looking great.
Rick,
many thanks for your kind words. Yeah, it seems that they are still together there, our DW?s.
Oliver (Spyderman)
www.whoareyouband.de (http://www.whoareyouband.de)
-
Oliver,
What a beauty! You must be supremely happy, and deservedly so. I very happy for you, my fellow Who aficianado. Take care, my friend.
Jeff.
-
Mica, Val,
any update?
Oliver
-
Mica,
any updates on my bass?
Many thanks for a short info.
Oliver (spyderman)
-
Amber vintage tint in place:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/26278.jpg)
Which looks really nice. This picture is a bit more yellowy than in person. It looks exactly like a 1976 bass finish in perfect condition.
Next stop - holes for the electronics!
-
MICA,
you thrill me!!!
Wow, this looks really great.
Many thanks.
Did you see my other thread regarding an 8string Dragon?
Or shall I send you a mail?
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Nice. Wish my Spyder had that same vintage finish.
-
Ditto to what Mike said. I never quite understood why the Spyders were natural flamed maple and not amber tinted bird's eye. Guess it's simply the difference between a tribute and a replica.
In any event, this finish is spectacular!
-
Wow Oliver, 30 years of aging in 1 day! Your bass has passed through the Mists of Time. It's almost older than you and it hasn't even been born yet!
-
Mica,Val,
before routing the holes for the 20th Anniversary electronics and the extra master vol and selector switch on the front horn would it be possible to take a picture with dummy knobs laid on the bass in its planned position so that we would have a chance to do a change before everything is routed?
Many thanks for your support.
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Mica,Val,
another question:
would it be possible to do a fret inlay with TEARS FOR JOHN.
Plse let me know.
Oliver (Spyderman)
-
Oliver:
I saw your bass in person this afternoon. You're going to be VERY happy. The finish is just plain gorgeous!
Bill, tgo
-
Bill,
many thanks for the update.
You make me really eager to hold it in my hands.
Many thanks mate
Oliver
-
This is a nice top.
-
Oliver,
Why do you post here then send multiple emails to everyone on the same topic?
As you know we are a small company providing a great product as well as a great deal of service. There are many customers, pictures, inlays etc. to be attended to on any given day. This is in addition to general business phone calls not directly related to the instrument construction. In other words we are running a business. We can't always answer things the day they are asked.
I myself was not in the office until Wednesday this week, that being said please consider the following:
The instrument has been fretted for sometime & since fingerboard inlays go on before fretting, it's too late without additional expense.
In regards to the knob placement- we had already provided you with mockups that you approved of, so the question was settled. We made a custom horn to accomodate the knobs where you wanted them. There is no room to put them anywhere else on the instrument.
While we could pull some frets to accomodate an inlay this would be costly with no discounts as it is labor. Though we always endeavor to handle things with great care, if the finish edge was damaged or the LED wire was severed in the process, we would not be responsible for the repairs since we are recommending against it at this juncture. That would mean an entire new fingerboard and LED'S removal and installation. Do you really want to risk that?
Everyone wants pictures but there is a limited amount of time available for this. It is a consideration that no other company provides gratis. It is based on time available since everyone at this company is involved in the production of the instruments and they are the first priority. We can only continue this practice if everyone is patient and reasonable in their requests and expectations in this area.
Valentino
-
Guys,
the Dragon Wing is up for sale.
Plse see the For Sale thread.
Many thanks
Oliver
-
Aw...can't we all just get along?
-
Hugh, DUDE, (a little salt in the wound perhaps?)
-
not at all....I'm truly sorry to see this.....can't we chalk it up to April Fools?
-
Thats what I'm thinking too. We'll see!
-
(Message edited by flaxattack on April 02, 2006)
-
....and the plot thickens...
-
Whatever is happening, it should be an issue resolved between Oliver and Alembic. I think it would be for the best if the rest of us refrain from speculation for a while. I am saddened to see this even leak onto the boards, especially in an FTC thread.
-
Fair enough. I'm done.
-
This shouldn't have been brought to the Club, starting with Valentino's message IMHO. It is and could've been (and could've stayed!) a personal dispute, by using e-mail instead. The guessin' isn't very nice to Oliver, and that's a VERY polite way of saying it...
Wilfred
-
How 'bout them A's! I think The Big Hurt, Frank Thomas is gonna have a GREAT year! I smell World Series!
Bill, tgo
-
There's a certain post on this thread that should probably be deleted (I can think of a second one too, but it's a little less harmful and a little more official). Perhaps an apology from the poster to his subject would be in order as well.
-
Guys,
I can tell you, it is not a money thing, it is just some kind of behaviour I cannot accept.
The post from Val is acceptable for me, another private email I got definetely not.
Flax,
yes I had posted before sometimes that I wanted to sell the Spyders out of financial problems, but these problems had been solved some time ago.
In the meantime I was thinking to get the DW as my main stage bass as the Spyders are getting to heavy for me now beeing more often on the road than before and in rehearsal for 2-3 times per week.
Guys,
as said before this will be definetely my last Alembic. Period.
If someone wants to send his apology to me, then I would be happy for this.
But there is one person from which I got the personal mail that has to overthink the general position towards us Alembic customers. But I think I will never see an apology from this person.
Sorry, but this is the most I will tell here as this normally should be a private conversation between them and me but as Val started to open this it is kind of official here.
Oliver
-
i will remove my post
but as an fyi- isent no private emails
-
And the A's have great pitching too!
Bill, tgo
-
several espn'rs have picked the A's all the way....
-
Flax,
many thanks for your post. It was not you with the private mails.
This was another person who will now that he/she is meant when reading this post.
Thanks again mate
Oliver
-
Oliver,
I don't know what's going on behind the scenes, nor do I care to know.
The one thing I am sure of- this is a beautiful bass- one for the ages. I'd hate to see you let go of this bass based on a non financial decision. I've watched this FTC thread since the beginning. I'm excited to see this instrument nearly finished. I hope Tears for John ends up in your hands and that you enjoy it- Play in good health.
Toby
-
Oliver I agree with Toby, this is an awesome bass. So are your spiders.
I honestly thought this was an April Fools joke. I couldn't see any other way that VAl would open a can of worms like that here. Anyway if it's not a joke I hope you can work it out. Everyone has a bad day every now and then. I'd love to hear how your spiders sound. Any clips available.
(Message edited by olieoliver on April 02, 2006)
-
Bob See makes some great points:
- it should be an issue resolved between Oliver and Alembic.
- it would be for the best if the rest of us refrain from speculation for a while.
- [it is sad] to see this even leak onto the boards, especially in an FTC thread.
But I'm going to jump in here anyway.
I agree, you really don't want to see this type of discussion in an FTC thread. More broadly, I tend to think that thread hijacking, while accepted in our club, should probably not be over-employed in FTC and Showcase threads. But here I am hijacking an FTC thread.
And I agree that we should refrain from speculation and that this is a matter to be resolved between Alembic and Oliver. But I do want to make a few comments that I hope will be helpful.
I have been focused much more than usual on work recently, and while I am now caught up on reading all the posts, I was lagging behind the past few days. I read the For Sale section before I read the FTC section. It was a bit of an eye opener to see this bass listed for sale. My immediate reaction was that Oliver didn't just wake up one morning and decide he was no longer interested in the bass; that something must have happened and that there might be more on the subject in the FTC thread.
So then I go to the FTC thread and find Val's post. My initial reaction was that the post was out of character for Val. Then I read Oliver's response that the bass was for sale. At that point it does appear that Oliver's sudden decision to sell the bass is an emotional response. And it does seem that Val's post, while detailing certain technical matters, was also an emotional response to email correspondence.
There are a lot of important issues here.
The people at Alembic have a desire to build custom high quality hand made instruments for their customers. They also have a desire to communicate with their customers in a manner that will ensure that the instrument meets the customer's expectations and that makes the whole process enjoyable for everyone concerned.
The customers have their desires too. And while these desires differ among customers, generally they desire to own a custom high quality handmade instrument built to their specifications. Often, this purchase is substantial economically.
The greater the desire, the greater the potential for frustration, anger, resentment, etc. In any endeavor, it seems helpful to keep this in mind. It is understandable to have an emotional reaction when things don't go the way we hope. In life, it will be the case that things will not go the way we hope. And it will be the case that we will have emotional reactions. There is nothing wrong with that, it's how our minds have been programmed by our life experiences to work. But it is also the case that often we don't have to react immediately. We can recognize the emotional response building and we can choose to breath. We can take a moment, and give ourselves the opportunity to treat ourselves and others with understanding and respect.
In the present case it seems from the context of Val's message that Val, and perhaps the Alembic staff generally, are expressing some level of frustration. The text of the message suggests that the volume and content of the correspondence being received by Alembic staff from Oliver had, in the overall context of a small staff running a business with lots of custom order customers, become overwhelmingly frustrating. It happens. You want to do a good job, you want to have great patience; but time is short, you're falling further behind on all your work projects. And there are difficulties inherent in communicating with anyone who, rather than being in the shop with you, is half way around the world. Sometimes you feel that you aren't getting through; and the frustration builds.
Anyone who has followed this thread and other related threads has a good idea of what this bass means to Oliver. His attachment to this project is very high. It is understandable that he would have an emotional reaction. He's very far from the shop and can't walk in and examine the construction. He's sitting at home second guessing all the decisions he's made in this project; inlays, the positions of the controls, etc. He has a strong desire to make sure the bass is everything it can be.
I tend to think that perhaps part of the reason that Val chose to make a post rather than an email in this case is that his message is not directed only at Oliver but to all of us. I think he is reminding us that it's a small staff, and there is only so much that can be accomplished in a certain amount of time.
I think all of us here in the forum have a great respect for the people at Alembic and the way they do business, the way they care for their customers. As has been discussed here before, electronic communication is not as easy as face to face in person communication, which is itself in many ways problematic. In the present case, Val seems to be saying - hey everybody, lets slow down for a second; there's only so much we can accomplish. And given that context and in the particular case - these multiple emails and posts aren't helping.
It's understandable.
And it is understandable that Oliver would have an emotional response. He has a lot of attachment to the project.
So, to Oliver and to Val, at this point I would suggest, just breath. Be understanding of and compassionate to yourself, your thoughts and actions. And be understanding of and compassionate to the other parties too.
As far as demanding an apology, it seems to me that this, in life, accomplishes little. It seems to me far more beneficial, in any situation, to open one's heart to the situation and be understanding and compassionate. Here on the internet we can't know what other events are happening to the people we communicate with on the net. We don't know what illnesses, family tragedies, economic hardships, etc. are happening at this very point in time to the people that we are currently communicating with. We can't know where they are emotionally. We don't know if they just got off the phone with someone who had very bad news. All of us suffer; and we are all deserving of understanding and compassion. It just seems to me that opening one's heart is a far more rewarding practice than demanding apologies.
It's a small shop, a small staff, and there are a lot of people with custom orders who are calling, emailing and posting about their projects. It is understandable that each of these customers is focused solely on their project, but it only takes a second to pause, breath, take a step back and take an overview of the situation. We all know that the Alembic staff takes each of our projects to heart and that they do care about their relationships with their customers. And we know that they have a lot projects going at once and that they are doing their best to accomplish them. Anger, indignation, and generally negative feelings will not improve a situation. Acting on negative feelings only serves to exacerbate a situation. It does seem to me that everyone should take a breath, open their hearts and get back to the rhythm.
-
Oliver, I experienced great frustation over perceived delays in my custom. The fact was, however, we (myself and Alembic) never agreed on a set time. It really seemed at times to drag on, and I seriously considered cancelling the order.
I'm glad I didn't. They're great craftspeople, and they're great people. I think you know this. I'm sorry if things are heated. Maybe they've made mistakes... maybe you have. I don't know, and as Dave said, I shouldn't speculate.
I just hope you work it out, because it would be sad if both you and Alembic are hurt... I'd much rather you and Alembic be happy. I'd urge you to work it out, if possible. I mean no disrespect, by my own admission, I don't know a lot of the facts, and I don't have the inclination to overly speculate.
I'd just like to hope for a happy ending for everyone. Speaking from my own experience, I was frustated by what I perceived to be an unduly long wait, and long periods of silence between updates. In retrospect, I wish I had been more supportive of them. They did an incredibly fabulous job of building my dream -exactly as I wanted it. They did a couple very nice extra things to placate me, and there is no doubt in my mind that doing the best job possible for ME was as important -if not more important- than making a profit. They showed this in their actions... it was never in doubt.
Yeah, I experienced some serious frustation, but in retrospect, it isn't clear that it was an issue of anybodys fault. Yeah, there were some communication issues, but ultimately they didn't do me any wrong. I probably should've had a clear understanding or agreement regarding the timeline of construction with them from the start. But without that, it was nebulous. But they weren't bad guys, and neither was I, and I'm glad that I didn't yield to my frustation and back out -that would have been bad Karma for me, and I would have missed out on the instrument of a lifetime. In retrospect, it seems so clear that I have this awesome instrument that they did the most wonderful job of making, and I don't feel bad at them for the frustation I felt -I feel bad myself that I didn't handle it better. I'll always be grateful for what they've given me, which far outweighs the brief frustation I felt.
They're great people; I hope you can work it out. If they have made mistakes, I hope you will choose to forgive them. I hope you will try to make things right and give them the chance to do the same.
I wish you the best, brother. Respectfully, Mark, the 8-String King.
-
Guys,
many thanks for your comments.
Yes it was at first that I reacted emotionally.
But I wanto to clearify that it was not Val?s post that made me mad.
I knew that it is time critical with the bass beeing in its last building stage and therefore I had posted my request on this forum at first, later by personal email to the Alembic staff.
I got no response on either way and I had the feear that something would not turn out the way I wanted it to be.
So I tried to recheck.
As said before, my reaction has nothing to do with Vals post. He is a great guy.
My reaction was only caused by a not acceptable personal email I got.
Unfortunately Val had opened this can on this forum and I wish he would have not done because as you all see, this is a thing that should be cleaned between Alembic and me on a private email base.
Oliver
-
Guys,
I have settled my mood down to a normal level.
Sorry for all the confusion but I really was annoyed at first and
it was an emotional reaction.
Many thanks for all the nice emails I got who tried to convince me
to keep this bass.
So to make long things short:
I will keep the bass...
Oliver
-
Oliver,
Hip Hip Hooray!!
I am very very glad to hear that you're going to be playing this bass for years to come. Like I said above, I've drooled over this thread since the beginning and I'm almost giddy at the thought of it being done. I can't imagine the sense of anticipation you must be feeling.
Enjoy the bass and thanks for the positive update
Toby
-
Cool!
-
I'm very happy to hear it, sir! I think it's clearly a win-win -instead of lose-lose.
That bass looks freaking AWESOME!!! And it belongs in YOUR hands.
Happy trails!
-
its about time cooler heads prevailed
and i dont have to buy this one
lol
-
James is preparing to drill the electronics. Now we have the side jack for Anniversary electronics available in a side-mounted version. Do you have a preference for the side-mounted or face-mounted output jack?
-
Hi Mica,
glad to hear from you.
I would prefer the top-mounted jack if possible.
Oliver
-
Top mounted jack it is. The nut was getting cut yesterday, so your bass will probably be finished by tomorrow.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/28238.jpg)
-
awwwww man!! What a tease!
I've got dialup- I saw the last post was Mica and that it was a photo, so I waited 5 mintues for the finished photo to load. I SO thought I was going to see the finished product. *sigh*
Congratulations Oliver. Enjoy!