Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Factory to Customer => Topic started by: Chris R. Gedney (76ac070) on June 09, 2002, 12:28:29 PM
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Hi Mica!
Just a thought...any possibility of posting some in progress shots of all of the work being done to 76AC070? You're welcome to decline if you think that the deconstructed, unfinished photos would be too traumatic.
Cheers!
Chris
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I thought you didn't want to see it happening. But from your post I'll guess you've changed your mind. Here's a shot of the stripping in progress:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/661.jpg)
The bass is in spray now, so it will be a while before any other interesting photos are available.
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WOW!! Stop, no more, PLEASE!? Just kidding....tell me, is it a wet sanding process. Is it done by hand or machine? I can't wait to see what the finished product by The Masters looks like! Thanks for the update...keep 'em coming at your leisure!
Chris
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Stripping is completely done by hand. It takes a good 8 hours of elbow grease. The little wet looking spot is the original finish, the rest of the bass has already has all the old paint removed and is covered in dust.
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First round of finish and the recessed humx plate.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/746.jpg)
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WOW! What a difference between the 1976 finish (still visible in the PU/HMX cavities?) and the 2002 finish. The contrast between the schedua/cherry and the purple heart/walnut is spectacular. I can't wait to see everything unwrapped with the Tree of Life inlay showing!! Thanks for the pix - keep 'em coming!!
Chris
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Amazing!!! Makes me want to send up the '81 flame koa for a refin.
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Mica - one more question (for now) - I am unable to get close enough to the photo to discern - is the HMX ring the one that was on the bass when I sent her to you - or is it/are you making a new one to your specs? The one that was on there was not particularly well tooled and may look out of place when everything else is completed to Alembic's high standards. Naturally, the decision is yours to make!
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Mica - NOW my brain is getting in gear! How about this? (correct me if any of my assumptions are incorrect) Being that the position of the HMX is critical relative only to the PUPs and not the strings (since it serves no microphonic purpose) - could we recess the HMX enough to accomodate a brass plate which, since the routing is already complete, would completely cover the HMX and end up being approximately the same width as the PUPs? It could either be pressure fit or recessed screw fastened. This would certainly look much more seamless and custom and MUCH LESS like an afterthought and a cover for the mistake that we both know that I made years ago. Of course, my only concern is whether there is some magnetic interference - only you and Ron can determine that as I never bothered to dissect the circuitry! ;) I like the idea but the decision will be yours.
Cheers!
Chris
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That is the new recessed humx ring fit on the bass now. My dad was actually already a little worried about the brass ring interfering with the hum cancelling, but got that worked out. I think we should steer clear of the completely concealed humx and just let it do its job. We could make a thin wooden plate that would not affect the humcancelling. I actually think the little brass ring looks cool - it really looks like a vintage Alembic that way to me.
It's neat you can still see the old finish in the bottom of the cavities, glad you noticed.
Steve, refinishing from us ain't cheap at $750, but we do completely strip the old paint off, sand out and scratches or dings in the wood and refinish with clear or tinted paint. It also includes a fret mill and cleaning the brass parts. It makes the bass look and play like new. Here's the tough part for you: we need it for at least 6-8 weeks. Maybe with your Spoiler you could part with your first love for a couple of months, but that might be a wee traumatic for you.
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Mica - as previously stated the choice is (collectively) yours. You all know far more than I do about the functions of the various components. Thanks for the answers and, as you have indicated, stick with the ring!
Chris
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Mica...750 is completely reasonable. I am torn, aside from being a bit broke at the moment...;^)...part of me would love to see a new finish, but I think a larger part of me wants her to grow old gracefully. When you open up the case, you see an Alembic that has done a helluva lot of gigs, much like Doc's dad's Series. There is just a certain vibe that 21 year old chunk of koa has that I really don't want to mess with. She would be real pretty, though, with a makeover. I must say she is growing old with much more grace than I!!!
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Say, Mica -
When you have a chance, if you wouldn't mind looking in the file and telling me the precise order date and birthdate of 76AC070? I'm gettin' real old ;) and I'm attempting to reconstruct my own file on her for posterity. Also, Susan at one time tried to explain how my instrument might have wound up with such an odd serial number - it leads to some serious confusion when attempting to explain the AC - have you any input on deciphering this apparent enigma?
Thanks!!
Chris
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Any news on the cost for the refret and the binding? Also, the previous post questions still burn within me for answers. ;) (wink wink) Thanks again for all of yours and James' attention to detail on this monumental task!
C YA
Chris
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The original $500 estimate for refretting with the binding is amended to $400. James pulled out the frets on Monday. Now he's replacing the previously replaced ivoroid inlays with the antique ivory recovered from a piano. It's been going a lot smoother than anticipated, so we actually got the reduce the price.
The AC was a series of numbers used sporadically to designate a custom instrument. These are not on the main sequence of numbers, and this idea was completely abandoned by 1978. Most instruments with an AC serial number code will be elaborate like your bass.
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Any new photos since the 14th? I'm really chomping at the bit to get her back, so the occasional photo helps to assuage the feelings of anticipation!
BTW - use the same CC for the additional cost (don't forget to credit for the extra bridge that I had asked and paid for earlier that I now won't be using)
Thanks for the anticipated fix. 8-)
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James finished the inlay replacement and refretting today, but it was all taped up and in spray before I could point my camera. I'm afraid there won't be anything of interest to show you until it comes out of spray. It's scheduled to be out of spray on the 8th of July, so that's probably the next photo opportunity.
Sorry I couldn't get you a photo today, but I hope the progress report helps tide you over until the next photos come.
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I know you're anxious to see some more pictures. I managed to get these over the past couple of days:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/1004.jpg)
Top is prepped for next coat of spray, reseating the brass humx ring now that most of the paint is on.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/1005.jpg)
Fully prepped before today's coat went on. Bob thinks that we need 4 more coats. Almost there!
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Very, VERY cool!! She's beginning to look more beautiful than she was when I first opened the case in April of 1976. Do you do people makeovers, too? If you could make ME look that good I'd gladly pay an additional $750.00!!
8-)
Thanks for the pix - you're the BEST!
Chris
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BTW - At what point do you drill for the three new recessed straplock locations? Is that done as part of the final setup process?
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These get installed near the end - about 2 coats from final. It's hard to mask the recessed hole during the finishing process, so we want a minumum of overspray to ream when it's time to seat the straplocks in place.
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Hi, Mica!
Are we there yet? Huh? Huh? Huh? Is she out of spray yet? Huh? Huh? Huh? Are more pix available yet? Huh? Huh? Huh? Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!
I don't know what it is about anticipation that just brings out the child in me! Post some pix when they're available.
Thanks!
Chris 8>)
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From yesterday, a shot of one of the recessed lock locations:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/1100.jpg)
Just one more coat to go, then the cure time, rub out, buff out and electronics upgrade. When you're back, we should be ready to send her home.
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Thanks for the update! I'd like to say that I'll be counting the minutes 'til I get back, but I THINK that the annual trip to Vegas will likely take my mind off of the wait. 8-)
Any favorite numbers for my nights at the Craps table - or should I only play 7 & 6 ?(hmmmmm...that might be a bit tough, though)
Talk to 'ya when I return!!
Chris
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Hey, Mica!
I'm back - and I think that I saved enough $ to have her shipped back!? 8>)
Post a pic of the finished product, if you have one, and I'll call you later on today to make arrangements for shipping.
Thanks!
Chris
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Mica -
I sent you a private email but have not heard back, yet. Any word on the progress with Ron's electronics magic and a target date for sending her back? Any pics available?
Thanks!
Chris
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Hi Chris,
I received your email from Saturday, but as you can imagine, I have three day's worth of emails to catch up on every Monday. You'll find a reply in your inbox next time you check.
Here's the inlay after the bass was rubbed out.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/1339.jpg)
The new antique ivory inlays are a nice white color, really beautiful. This picture is before James cleaned up the adhesive from the board being masked during spray.
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Looks GREAT!! The finish is superb, as well - you can really see the grain of the cherry and the schedua. What a nice job on the binding, too!! Thanks for the pics and the email info. Keep me posted.
Chris
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We're inching along here, Chris. Here's the fingerbaord all cleaned up and the humx in place on Monday:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/1362.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/1363.jpg)
the bass looks just amazing! It's currently on my dad's bench getting the electronics upgrade completed.
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WOW!! That's about all I can say....except that she certainly does look like the throwback to the seventies that she is. What a great facelift!
Thanks for the pix.
Chris
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Mica -
BTW, how has the neck survived the last 26+ years? Is the prognosis good for a long, continued life of very low action - even with only one truss rod? FYI - I use 45-105 gauge strings. I will alternate between flats and rounds as the recording or playing situation warrants.
Also, do you know if my original bridge, which was in the case, was cleaned and polished as we had discussed earlier?
Lastly, is there any special modification to my (custom made) guitar strap necessary in order to accomodate the new strap locks?
Looking forward to hearing that she's on the way back home!
Thanks for everything - most of all your patience with this cantankerous old curmudgeon 8>) !
Chris
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Hi Mica
If you would post a reply to my question of August 10th when you have time, I would appreciate that. I'm about to send my 25 year old strap out for repairs soon. Also, if there are any new pix to hold me over, that would be great, too!
Thanks
Chris
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There is nothing to indicate the neck won't perfom as splendidly as it has. Right now the action is low with the 45-105 strings with plenty of range left in the truss rod.
The bridge in the case was cleaned and polished. We'll also be returning your original tailpiece (the one with the nice repair) all cleaned and polished as well.
You will have to install the straplocks on your strap. I don't think it will involve any modification.
I didn't take any pics of your bass last week. If my dad is still working on he upgrade, I'll get a shot of that for you on Monday.
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Thanks, Mica!
Now I'm comfortable knowing that my instructions will be correct for the leather worker that I'm sending the strap to.
C YA!
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Hi, Mica!
Hopefully everything's OK and you've simply been busy, busy, busy - we have not seen you here on the boards for a few days. Anyhow, did Ron finish the electronics upgrade on my bass yet? If not, do you have a target date? Are there any new pics?
Thanks!!
Chris
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Hey Mica
I'm startin' to wonder what is the holdup? Is Ron having a problem with the electronics? Are you understaffed and overwhelmed with the sheer numbers of fabulous new instruments being built? I'll tell you, I'm REALLY impressed with some of these instruments I'm seeing on these boards...WOW! Kind of puts my simple old '76 to shame 8>(.
Maybe I should risk a divorce and have a new one built....8>)
Anyhow, please send along an update and keep me posted...I really miss the old girl!!
Best to all
Chris
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Hey Mica!
What's up? I'll bet that you're good and backed-up after the holiday weekend! But - I have not heard back from you in over two weeks AND next week marks seven months since my bass has been with you. Any possibility I'll have her back before that inauspicious date? Any kind of informational answer will do at this point.
Chris
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My dad is working on your electronics now. In fact, he had to make an entire new harness for the job. On these older basses, the upgrade is especially challenging, even for him. Ernie and Leonard are also eager for him to finish your bass so he can get theirs done too! I'll be calling you as soon as it's done to discuss return shipping options. Hopefully, it will only be a couple of days more.
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Hi Mica!
Based upon your last post....I've just sold my temporary replacement bass on eBay in anticipation of having my Baby back by this weekend. I have a couple of gigs scheduled, so if there is even the remotest possibility that she won't arrive in NY by Friday AM - please let me know ASAP. If that happens, I'll borrow a bass for the weekend (hope I don't have to, though!). Email or call to arrange shipping when you're ready. Thanks for EVERYTHING!!
Chris
P.S. I guess Ernie and Leonard will be able to rest easy, now!
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I see that Leonard's bass went out yesterday. Guess I got bumped again! What's up - is the electronics job giving Ron THAT much trouble? I'll bet he's cursing me by now ;>)
Any ETA, yet?
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Yes it is giving him THAT much trouble - it's not easy at all. He wasn't making much progress and hit a big block on your job, he decided to finish up Len's bass and clear his mind for your 1976 troublemaker. Until yours, number 84 was the hardest one he's completed.
He's working on it now, and into the evening he's all yours. We can regroup tomorrow and see how much progress was made overnight.
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Sorry to hear that - I don't like being The One when it's something like that! I suppose it just wouldn't be CG's if it didn't put up SOME kind of stink, though - eh? (wink, wink) I guess I'll have to get out there and introduce myself just so you can put a face on it. When I do, though, I'll make it a surprise visit. Wouldn't want you to be too prepared, 'ya know?
I'll wait to hear more from you.
Thanks!
Chris
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Well...................I guess no news and no contact means that things are still not going well with the electronics upgrade - and she won't be making it back for the weekend - correct?
If you would send me an email or give me a call with info on what options are available - short of leaving her out there forever ;) - that would be great!!
Chris
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This weekend still isn't out of the question... Dad trudged through most of the calibration last night, then took some sleepy time (we all need it). Right now he's finishing up with the guys from Switchcraft (we're trying to get some improved jacks) and when he bids them good day, it's right back to your bass.
If he finishes tomorrow, we can overnight her to you. You've demonstrated a huge amount of patience on this project (both times!) and we'll cover the return freight to you to help compensate.
Your only option right now is handle the home stretch wait - you really can't play a half calibrated bass - one pickup will be extremely noisy and completely unsatisfactory.
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Thanks Mica!
I'll keep my fingers crossed. Thanks for the shipping offer as well - that certainly does make me feel a lot more like family! (sniff!)
Make sure you're in there rubbin' the Champ's shoulders to keep him limbered up as he reaches the tenth round!! ;)
Chris
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I'm guessing that Ron was not able to pull off my miracle? I've already made arrangements for the weekend so no need to fret (snicker), but if she's completed tomorrow - please let me know.
Thanks!
Chris
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Certainly. I just asked him for an update not 10 minutes ago to pass along to you. He's still not quite satisfied with his work, even though he's measured some improvements. We're going to take a break and clear our brains in our favorite used book store, then he's back to your task.
Glad you've got this weekend covered (always good to have a plan B). I will definitely let you know if it's ready tomorrow.
You're most welcome!
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It's a no-go today. The way the calibration works is that he travels down a promising path for a while, and if he hits a road block, all the work starts over. Your bass is at his minimum specs, and that just isn't good enough for him (you know that of course).
Hope you have a good weekend and I look forward to getting your bass back to you soon!
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Mica -
Thanks for the update. I just got in from tonight's gig and retrieved the email. Ahhhhhhhhhhh.....you've come to know me well - I wouldn't expect anything less than the perfection that your dad seeks with my instrument. That's why I bought-in to the Alembic philosophy in 1975! Hopefully Ron won't get TOO frustrated and he'll finish up in time for me to have her back by next weekend.
Again - THANKS!
Chris
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Hi, Mica
How's the progress? Do I stand a chance of having her back for this weekend?
Chris
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Here's the tailpiece picture I was telling you about:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/1778.jpg)
Chip made it and decided to not get as scooped out the original - it made the retaining tangs so thin that he was worried about mechanical failure. I think it turned out great. Like the rest of the hardware, it's finished in polished brass and buffed to an extremely high lustre.
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WOW!! She's real purty! I see that the inside / bearing point for the strings is finished MUCH better than the original - seems much more rounded and smoother. I suppose that I won't have to worry as much about breaking G strings, now! That's quite some reflective finish as well - on both the wood AND the brass.
Thanks for the pic. Hopefully our next contact will be for shipping arrangements!!
C YA
Chris
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Hi (again) Mica
I'm admittedly becoming mildly depressed ;>) over the slow progress. I spoke with Susan last week and I completely understand the time consuming nature of the work. But, the instrument that I am currently relegated to using (see the 9/12/02 post) as a result of my blowing the music budget on the refurbishing task(s) is a $150 P-Bass COPY!! Yup, it's a real CHORE to play. Anyhow, I'd really LOVE it if the completion of 76AC070 could be put on the high priority list and - maybe? - I might have her back for THIS weekend??
Whatever the case may be, give it to me straight -I can take it (wink, wink)!!
Best to all
Chris
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Success! Clipping the ring did the trick and dad is HAPPY!!! We decided to put one additional top coat of spray on the bass because of the modification of the pickup ring, but then it's just reassembly. Think you'll be around on Friday to accept the package?
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WOW! Talk about thinking out of the box! And tenacity! Nice to have a guy like Ron on our side.
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What a wonderful birthday gift from the family! It used to be that I remembered today as my birthday and my (former) wedding anniversary. NOW, I can remember it as the day I received the news I've been waiting for (leaves the day kinda open for all SORTS of important stuff, eh?).
Thanks
Chris
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Mica - I called earlier today hoping to hear that my bass had been shipped for delivery Friday, but Mary had no record of shipment. Can I still expect delivery Friday - or will I be waiting some additional time? If there is more wait time, please explain why that is the case.
Thanks!
Chris
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Nope. Apparently she suffered a small rub through on the neck and was sent back to spray last night. It won't be ready until at least Friday, possibly Monday. If it is ready on Friday, would you be interested in a Saturday delviery?
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Mica -
Thanks for the quick reply. I sent you a private email - check your inbox.
Thanks again
Chris
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Here's the latest bad news I emailed you about:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/2070.jpg)
A small chip popped out of the finish above the pickup ring when we were buffing it out. On one side it looks like a lift and on the other like a little hair. It's small, but you know we're picky. I am willing to send it as is with your approval. Otherwise, it's back to spray, and more waiting.
If we're still to try for a Saturday delivery, I'll need to hear from you by 2:00 pacific time so we can get everything back together in time for UPS.
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Mica -
I posted a private email regarding shipping - but just in case you didn't get that one....since the bass did not ship today (right?), I will need to give you an alternate delivery address as I can't take off any more time this week other than tomorrow - which I did do. Oh well!
Give me an update and I'll get you the address.
I'm hoping she finally makes it back this week.
Chris