Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Showcase => Artists and Their Alembics => Topic started by: Googe Endeveronte (goooge) on October 06, 2002, 10:18:24 AM

Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Googe Endeveronte (goooge) on October 06, 2002, 10:18:24 AM: this picture is from portland 1979-those of you who know is notice the osage orange wood has really darkened up and notice that the additional hardware (located behind the bird tailpiece) is on the bass in this picture-looks like individual string saddles-maybe the original tailpiece was replaced-(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/1923.jpg)
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Googe Endeveronte (goooge) on October 06, 2002, 10:22:00 AM: from guitar player november 1977- explaining a bit about the above bass:

Today the Godfather is Phil's spare. His main bass is a custom-made Alembic with additional circuitry designed by George Munday of Pluto Electronics. Phil also uses George's tone-modifying Pluto Pedal, an active filter/boost/cut unit in which two filters can be swept at once. Phil likes it because of its versatility for bass tone modification. Nevertheless, he complains that too many pedals only perform one or two functions. I still have a dream of a computer-controlled synthesizer/quadraphonic bass, he says, and the instrument I'm playing now has the capability of being that. All it needs is the proper interface.

The Alembic has the same pickup configuration found on the Guild: two standard humbuckers and a quad. Though he can get a separte signal for each string, Phil currently is running his signal monaurally. The filters on both the Guild and the Alembic basses allow for 32 tone settings, with a mixing of filtered and flat response signals from the pickups. The filter modules contain controls for Q (resonance), bandwidth, frequency reponse, and filter mode (to allow for lowpass, bandpass, highpass, and notch filtering). The filters are essentially Phil's design, though Alembic built them, and George Munday redesigned them to Phil'specifications.

His favorite tone settings center around the use of the bandpass filter, though he explains that he generally just tries to blend well with what the other musicians are doing. He usually plays with a pick, though on extremely rare occasions he uses his fingers. The Fender Heavy he has relied on for the past few years replaced a Carpe Plexiglas pick he favored until its manufacturer folded. His string choice is D'Addario Half Rounds, gauged at .045, .060, .075, and .090. He previously used Framus and Pyramid strings. He always puts on new strings before going into the studio to record, but on tour he changes them only as necessary.
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Googe Endeveronte (goooge) on October 10, 2002, 08:12:06 PM: Hey Mica-are there any good shots of the fretboard inlays of this bass in your files??I remember first seeing this bass and remembering that I had never seen such detail before(1974) with the exception of (greg lakes'I think) detailed metal zematis guitar.
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Edwin Hurwitz (edwin) on December 25, 2002, 09:50:30 AM: I like this picture, but it's been hard to look at for me so I did some quick color correction to get it back in the ball park. It's quick and dirty, but I hope you like it! If I had a larger file I could do much better.(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/2815.jpg)
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Googe Endeveronte (goooge) on December 27, 2002, 12:40:04 PM: thanks edwin!-I am a freak about this particular bass as I think you are the Godfather-
thanks for the clean up-also- you notice in this picture the part of the body top near his forearm? what is going on there?- I have read that this bass de-laminated-wonder if that is the spot?also he changed the bridge tailpiece to what looks like individual pieces vs the bird tail piece he had originally-
I would love to see a clear pic of all the inlays on this bass too. For one of the all time coolest alembics there are not many pics of this bass around. hmm
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Edwin Hurwitz (edwin) on December 29, 2002, 10:12:39 AM: I am not completely sure, but I think that the part that delaminated was the neck. On the body near the forearm might be just carving. I saw Phil play this bass a bunch in the 70s and it sounded great, although he was usually too low in the mix in those days.

Edwin
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Donald Pasewark (pasewark) on April 01, 2003, 03:35:22 PM: Here's a decent pic of that bass. I pretty sure this is an Ed Perlstein shot.(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/4138.jpg)
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Joey Wilson (bigredbass) on April 01, 2003, 11:03:07 PM: OK. . . I'm short enough of the lore of the Dead, but what the hell is 'Osage Orange'?

Joey
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Googe Endeveronte (goooge) on April 04, 2003, 09:26:09 PM: osage orage is a tree that grows in the midwest-the indians made bows from it- I have heard it called bodark and Bow d'arc-not sure of the latin name-check ebay-usually someone has some for sale
I have some-it is very yellow orangish when first cut-very stiff stuff-brown up with exposure to air/light-
apparently the tree itself is a nasty thing with serious thorns-farmers plant them in rows as a natural fence of types-the tree bears fruit-many people also use the wood to make fence posts-apparently the wood is very rot resistant
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Googe Endeveronte (goooge) on April 07, 2003, 05:07:59 PM: here is a shot before the bass was finished-these pictures can be found in the Historic Pics section of this website (see site index)

anybody got a better shot of the inlays??
also notice the bridge has changed over the years-looks like individual string saddles replaced the bird tailpiece.

Hey Mica- what is the neck of this made out of?- (http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/4254.jpg)
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Googe Endeveronte (goooge) on April 07, 2003, 05:13:34 PM: here is another I found on the harddrive-dont remember where i found this one-says 10-74 on photo- winterland I guess
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/4257.jpg)
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Donald Pasewark (pasewark) on April 07, 2003, 06:09:33 PM: Cool!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Donald Pasewark (pasewark) on April 07, 2003, 06:11:41 PM: By the way, whats the retangluar thing on the lower left of the body next to the omega cutout?
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Googe Endeveronte (goooge) on April 08, 2003, 08:50:15 PM: I have wondered about that myself Donald-hey Mica-????? It looks like a brass plate with possibly a couple of dip switch type things on it- if you have the grateful dead family album- check the picture on page 131- it also shows the replacement bridge on that photo-I have a video of the 78 saturday night live show they did- the bass is REALLY dark-cant really tell about the rectangular thing

One thing of interest on this bass is that besides having 11 knobs- there were also the 10 white push buttons on the upper half of the bass-each with its own red LED light-if you watch the grateful dead movie you will also notice that the back panels are completely removable and the body is just chock full of electronics- man I love that bass!!!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: cdf on December 04, 2003, 08:35:33 AM: I just saw the newly released Closing of Winterland DVD last night, which featured this bass (as well as J. Garcia's Tiger guitar). This is one incredible sounding and looking bass. There are many terrific sequences of P. Lesh and his bass at work. Looks like about as many controls as a 747 ;-) Everyone was really on that night. The mix could be a tiny bit better, but all in all a great DVD, highly recommended.
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: David Houck on December 04, 2003, 09:03:27 AM: I haven't heard anything about this DVD yet. Please tell more.
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: pasewark on December 04, 2003, 11:47:55 AM: go here:
http://dead.net/merchandising/music/DEAM-DECD249/ (http://dead.net/merchandising/music/DEAM-DECD249/)

I was at the Fillmore for the DVD release party a couple of weeks back. I had a great time!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: David Houck on December 04, 2003, 04:14:17 PM: Thanks; I've just ordered it.
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: David Houck on December 05, 2003, 08:04:11 AM: While waiting for the DVD to arrive; I went to Amazon and read the reviews of the four View From The Vault releases. On all, there were ample complaints about the psychedelic visual effects. Apparently these videos were taken from the large screen feeds shown at the concerts; and thus this was all the video producers had to work with. On the Winterland DVD however, the video is from a local public tv broadcast. The reviews I've read report that, while limited by late 70's broadcast tv quality, overall the video is very good. As I have always had a high regard for the music of the Grateful Dead, I've been wanting a Grateful Dead DVD; but I've been hesitant about ordering one because of the many complaints about the DVD's already out there. So I am looking forward to the arrival of the Winterland disk.

Thanks for the tip!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: cdf on December 05, 2003, 09:20:06 AM: davehouk,

I'm sure you will be pleased with this DVD. I have a few others and this is definitely my favorite. As I mentioned in my first post the mix could be a bit better (though my playback system is medium to low quality), but the performance is really terrific, quite good camera work for the time and a real nice song selection.

Enjoy!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: lembic76450 on December 05, 2003, 12:05:45 PM: Dave,
I'm still working my way through, but, it seems to be a very good Jerry night, both playing and singing. The audio is very nice, also.
Kenn R.
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: dela217 on December 05, 2003, 01:38:51 PM: I watched it last night. I am not a Dead fan, but the instruments were great. It was shown last night on the local Public Broadcast Station.
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: David Houck on December 13, 2003, 11:33:12 AM: It came today!!! It's wonderful!!!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: the_mule on January 29, 2004, 09:14:21 AM: I also ordered the Winterland DVD, along with the new version of the Illustrated Trip book BTW. Thanks for the heads up!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: trebor on September 25, 2004, 08:08:47 AM: The picture from 10-74 above was taken during the run at Winterland when the Dead were filming and recording The GratefulDead movie. This thing came out initially on laser disk, then vhs. It is finally being released on DVD, http://dead.net/merchandising/movie_folder/index.html (http://dead.net/merchandising/movie_folder/index.html)

There is a portion of the movie where Phil is showing off his Omega Cut that blew me away when I first watched this back in the '80s. I'm really partial to this film cause I was at two of the shows during that run. If you want to see the Wall of Sound up close and personal, I highly recommend this to anyone, and to those of the Alembic persuasion, it's a must see.

robert FAB
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: bassman10096 on September 25, 2004, 08:53:41 AM: Garcia spent a ton of time editing (read learning to edit) the film. I believe it shows some of the best, up-close footage of the band playing and interacting on stage. In its time, it was a mindblower (At the time, there hadn't been a lot of concerts filmed with a large number of camera angles and sophisticated sound production.). From those perspectives, a triumph. IMO, the overall (meaning, yes, I love Sugar Mag.) songs chosen, did not represented the highest energy the Dead were capable of. Nonetheless, I own the VHS and am debating whether to get the DVD. On the whole - I like The Closing of Winterland DVDs better.

I, too was captivated by the very brief cut in the GD Movie where Lesh shows off the Alembic, playing a few notes and a very cool feedback spot while the stage crew is completing set up. I had seen him playing that bass many times, but the first closeup view I got of the wood, the inlays and the (could it have been more of a unique and dramatic departure from the basses of that time?) omega tail. Chalk it up as another instance where I knew I'd eventually own an Alembic Series 2 (Cut to Waynes World: ...It will be mine. It WILL be mine...).

Bill
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: lbpesq on September 25, 2004, 08:57:57 AM: The Winterland run leading up to their temporary retirement was interesting, but not among their best shows. The most significant part was during the break in the final show when a second drum set was placed on stage and Mickey Hart came out and rejoined the band after they had played for a few years with one drummer. Given where my consciousness was at that particular moment, I wasn't sure if Hart was back and I was seeing double, or I was seeing quadruple and looking at 4 Kruetzmann! Also the movie contains the best approximation of the NO2 experience I've ever seen on film. As for the playing, though, the closing of Winterland film is far superior. IMHO.

Bill, the guitar one

(Message edited by LBPESQ on September 25, 2004)
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: David Houck on September 26, 2004, 08:16:28 AM: Thanks for three very interesting and informative reviews of the Grateful Dead Movie. However, the differing opinions have left me undecided. And that's a good thing; my budget is kinda decimated at the moment.
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: kmh364 on October 01, 2004, 05:48:39 PM: I love that Movie! I promised myself back in the day if I ever got a Laserdisc player, my first disk would be The Grateful Dead Movie. Well, the LD player was a 30th B'day present from my (now) ex-wife and I got that movie first (#2 promise was The Kids Are Alright, and I got that one too). That was 11yrs. ago. I spent many Midnight Matinees at various seedy third-run theatres highed-up out-of-my-mind jammin' to that movie in my youth. Regardless of how great (or not) the performances of that movie are, it is still hot sh*t in my opinion. The Psycle Sam opening animation is worth the price of the DVD alone...ck that cat out up at the stage front jammin to U.S. Blues! It contains lots of extras and extra footage. There is also a companion CD 5-disc set of almost all of the Winterland run. Compared to the LD, the DVD is a bargain and the sound and picture quality will be the best yet. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: hollis on October 01, 2004, 05:55:40 PM: I put in an pre-order this morning....
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: kmh364 on October 02, 2004, 05:51:57 AM: That movie was/is sacred in the Deadhead circles I used to frequent in my misspent youth. Most Deadheads I knew saw the Movie before they could actually see the Dead! You know the drill: it was hard to save up the $15-$25-$35 to get a Dead show ticket, LOL back in the day!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: lbpesq on October 02, 2004, 02:53:43 PM: I just ordered the movie. I had to. After all, I'm in it. Somewhere. Very small. (But that night my mind was VERY big). My DVD source, deepdiscountdvd.com, also listed something I never heard of before. DVD Audio remixes of Workingman's Dead and American Beauty. The descriptions say that Mickey Hart mixed Workingman's and that Sugar Mag on American Beauty is mixed so that Jerry's Pedal Steel is the lead instrument! I never knew Jerry played steel on that particular cut! Anyone else heard these? I though it was worth taking the flyer for less than 12 bucks each. This site is a great source for DVDs. Good prices, no tax, free shippping. Here's the links to the Dead DVD Audios:

American Beauty:
www.deepdiscountdvd.com/dvd.cfm?itemID=WEA074385 (http://www.deepdiscountdvd.com/dvd.cfm?itemID=WEA074385)

Workingman's Dead:
www.deepdiscountdvd.com/dvd.cfm?itemID=WEA078356 (http://www.deepdiscountdvd.com/dvd.cfm?itemID=WEA078356)

Bill, the guitar one
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: David Houck on October 02, 2004, 04:24:15 PM: Bill, let us know what you think when you get them.
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: kmh364 on October 08, 2004, 04:48:44 PM: Bill: Yes, please do! Also, doesn't FOUR Kreutzmann's really in all actuality constitute several KreutzMENN? LOL! Sorry, very corny but I couldn't resist.

Cheers,

Kevin
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: zezozeceglutz on July 24, 2009, 12:06:35 PM: A couple that should be added to the thread for the sake of completeness:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/67742.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/67743.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/67744.jpg)
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: pauldo on July 24, 2009, 03:49:23 PM: woweee!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: pasewark on July 24, 2009, 03:51:56 PM: Great photos!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: moonliner on July 24, 2009, 08:03:54 PM: Lovely to see these photos.

What's a BadAss bridge doing on the bass in the last photo?
There is a story coming I know....
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: zezozeceglutz on July 24, 2009, 08:51:25 PM: Phil was experimenting with the effect of different string anchoring systems around that time. It's also visible in the first post in this thread with individual tailpieces for each string and below with the same. The shot with plate behind the Badass looks to be an intermediate step between the original setup and that shown below from '79 (right before Mission Control was retired). The plate covers the tailpiece mounting holes and there are no signs yet of holes for the individual tailpieces.

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/67757.jpg)
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: tmoney61092 on July 24, 2009, 08:52:38 PM: is that 3 pickups or just a large dummy?

~Taylor Watterson
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: sonicus on July 24, 2009, 09:22:40 PM: I believe one of them (center) is a quad just like the modified Guild Starfire was , right guys ?
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: tmoney61092 on July 24, 2009, 09:27:29 PM: i'm an idiot when it comes to his basses, what's a quad?

~Taylor Watterson
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: zezozeceglutz on July 24, 2009, 09:35:47 PM: One small pickup per string. It interacted with the Wall of Sound the Dead used in '74 to send each string to a different set of speakers when used (very rarely). The white dots on the upper half of the body were designed to select where the signal from each section would go. The switching system was notoriously unreliable so Phil ended up using his earlier modified Starfire a lot.

The quad pickup in the Starfire is potted in clear epoxy so you can see better what's going on inside.
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: tmoney61092 on July 24, 2009, 09:41:54 PM: wow, that sounds intense, would there be any way of deactivating the quad so that he could have still used this as a normal alembic?

~Taylor Watterson
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: zezozeceglutz on July 24, 2009, 10:11:48 PM: He used it normally 90+ percent of the time. The quad seems to have only made appearances during the spacier jams.

There's a Truckin>Nobody's Fault jam somewhere on archive.org that has a really distinct stereo mix where Phil solos with the quad and it's quite the experience. It was a partial show and available streaming only but I haven't been able to find it again while looking
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: tmoney61092 on July 24, 2009, 10:22:02 PM: yea, that bass would be to beautiful to just have it made and not use it(even normally), i will definetly have to try to find that video.

Mica, is there anyway Alembic would do something like this today???

~Taylor Watterson
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: dadabass2001 on July 25, 2009, 07:53:44 AM: Also check out the Grateful Dead Movie for shots of this bass (although he doesn't activate the quad feature, and switches basses during the show).
Mike
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: jseitang on July 29, 2009, 08:07:16 AM: is there a definitive recording of phil's quad sound on some sort of dicks pick or any release for that matter?
thanks
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: cje on July 29, 2009, 12:30:18 PM: I just heard a concert on the Sirius GD channel, and each bass string was panned separately across the stereo field - so I know there's plenty of boards out there where you can hear it. Sorry - I don't remember what show it was, I just remember hearing each bass string come at me from a different direction!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: jseitang on July 29, 2009, 11:04:41 PM: what ????????????????????????
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: hieronymous on July 29, 2009, 11:22:49 PM: I had a tape - JFK '73 maybe? - with a crazy bass solo during Dark Star where Phil was kind of playing a traditional rock and roll line and two strings were on the left and two on the right. Sorry I don't have more details. I haven't noticed the quad effect in any Dick's Picks that I've listened to recently - hmm, good excuse to go back and listen again...
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: mario_farufyno on July 30, 2009, 04:20:57 AM: What does he uses as a Pick???
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwin on August 06, 2009, 02:42:17 PM: These days a graphite Stubby 1.5mm by Jim Dunlop.

Edwin
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: pace on December 12, 2009, 08:43:27 PM: Thanks for the Photos Zez... those pics you posted 7-24-09 are dopplegangers of my next-door neighbor (less the bass, of course)
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: crobbins on May 22, 2010, 09:34:15 AM: Besides the Osage-Orange, what were the rest of the woods used in this bass?
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwin on October 19, 2012, 10:30:59 AM: Here are some pics I just found:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/141446.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/141447.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/141448.jpg)
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: sparechaynge on October 19, 2012, 11:53:41 AM: WOW. Can you disclose the source?
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwin on October 19, 2012, 01:17:05 PM: http://www.rukind.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=311&t=12897

Some nice Hot Tuna pix as well!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: sparechaynge on October 19, 2012, 02:00:42 PM: Huh,hadn't seen those before. I guess I didn't dig deep enough. Whose the guy w/ the cowboy fancy who doesn't look like Bobby? Is it still Bob?
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwin on October 19, 2012, 02:19:08 PM: I'm not sure who doesn't look like Bobby to you, everyone looks like Bobby! Seriously, though, he's the only guy playing the cowboy fancy.
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: sparechaynge on October 19, 2012, 02:49:45 PM: Weird. Guess the beard is throwing me off, he looks like Trey in the 4th pic and the one below the first Hot Tuna shot.
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: mtjam on October 19, 2012, 03:52:41 PM: Please delete post

(Message edited by MtJam on October 19, 2012)
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: mtjam on October 19, 2012, 03:53:57 PM: Thanks for sharing that link, Edwin. Awesome pics! I always like seeing pictures that I have never seen before.

I like the one of Casady with the whiskey bottle on the drum riser. I was thinking recently how you never usually see anything harder than bottled water onstage these days. I suppose that's a good thing to help support our heroes' longevity, but it's fun to remember that glorious 70s era!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: lbpesq on October 20, 2012, 12:06:24 PM: Looks like Tequila to me!

Bill, tgo
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: jazzyvee on April 08, 2013, 09:47:55 AM: It's amazing what you find on you tube. Here is a link to a video about The Dead's Wall of sound and some footage of the inside of Phil's bass and him adjusting all those bass knobs and giving a bit of explanation about his bass strings coming out of different stacks of speakers.

Judging by the thickness of the sheepskin padding on his bass strap that bass must have been really heavy.

Not sure if it's been posted here before but it was an interesting video for me anyway.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PODPgBaiFI4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PODPgBaiFI4)

I'm sure the Dead Heads amongst us will recognise people in the video.
Enjoy

Jazzyvee
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwin on April 08, 2013, 10:09:02 AM: When they released the movie on DVD, they gave out a frame from the original 35mm release and I ended up with a shot from that scene. It's cool to hear that movie in 5.1, especially the DVD remix. The theatrical mix was hampered by some problems from the fact that surround was in its infancy back in the day and the current mix benefited greatly from improved technology and experience (and the expert mastering touch of my friend, David Glasser, of Airshow mastering.).

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/156845.jpg)
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: sonicus on April 08, 2013, 04:32:46 PM: I remember seeing this bass on the work bench when George Mundy was wiring it . George Mundy can also be seen in the movie making adjustments.
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: sparechaynge on April 09, 2013, 06:32:45 AM: Is George the guy with the butterfly t-shirt? I always thought that was Rick Turner.
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: moonliner on April 09, 2013, 05:06:10 PM: Edwin, that is perfect that you got that particular frame. You must have been very happy!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: slicknickhaas on May 26, 2013, 01:25:46 PM: Hey There Guys, just wanted to chime in,

that scene in the movie is exactly what brought me to Alembic, I had to know as much as I could find out about it, it even lead to conversations with Rick Turner, Steve Parish, And Turbo Tom Smith, one of the last people to work on the bass sadly Hacking the electronics out and routing the body for an aluminum plate, Said he's the guy who put the idea into Phil's head about a 6 string bass not sure about that but it did bring one thing to light, both Rick and Tom said there realy wasn't an issue with the bass at the time, guess there was some bad blood between Phil and George about working though and fixing the reliability issues of the bass. or so I'm told, by 79 According to Rick Phil was dealing with some issues at the time. and may have lead to the bass getting hacked. there's no evidence of a delam issue from what I can find. nor a photo of it any point past 79. curiosity got the best of me and I tracked down Tom, Phils tec and the time, according to him once phil had the idea of a 6 string the bass was placed in its case and put in room 4 for safe keeping in 1980 at there place in Palo Alto. the question is is it still there? Rick Turner also stated that if the bass was found he would gladly head up the restoration of it to its former glory, a far better version of the electronics could be built as well, or at least something quality. Maybe its just me but this bass should be brought back to life or at least into the light. it represents a major turning point in musical history, and im sure it means a lot to many of us.

thoughts?
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: slicknickhaas on May 26, 2013, 01:37:03 PM: From Tom Smith,

Nick, yeah I did mess around with that bass. The short story is one day I asked Phil if he knew what gauge size the strings were? (PL) Why? (Me) How about adding two more strings? (PL) I'll find out.
The next day we drove up to Alembic and he ordered a 6 string bass and he refused to ever play the 4 string again. Blame that one on me I guess. At that point I didn't give a shit about doing any more with the 4 string because of his attitude. I wasn't about to argue with him, if you know what I mean.
It had its own travel case and we stored it with all his other basses at Front Street in room 4, his equipment room. I assume he still has it.
We thought we were the first guys to build a 6 string bass.
In 1989 I was in Chicago and saw an ad for a used Fender Thunderbird 6 string jazz bass, oh well.
You no doubt know that he has played a 6 string ever since.

sorry correction, it was at Front Street,

And a what!?
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: jacko on May 29, 2013, 05:17:30 AM: If I've read Tom's note right Alembic made Phil a 6 string bass? that's something I never knew. I'm pretty sure there's no mention of one in Blair Jackson's book.

Graeme
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: slicknickhaas on May 29, 2013, 09:59:49 AM: I find id a little odd, maybe it was in that window of time when Modulus was working a bit with Alembic?

I haven,t put to much research into it, any one have an idea as to what Phil's first 6 string was? I'm still in the grey on that change,

it was mix emotions for me to learn that the stories of the bass getting hacked where true. but it the same sense that explains why its been in hiding all these years.

One person, can't remember if it was Steve or Rick that said it, but much like Jack regrets sell number 1, Phil felt pretty bad for letting Mission Control get hacked. Ive tried to contact Phil though many fronts to ask about it, but never have been able to get a response.
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on May 29, 2013, 01:01:37 PM: Per Jackson, Phil's first 6 (1982) was a 35 Modulus built on a 4-string neck, w/Barts.

Peter

(Message edited by cozmik_cowboy on May 29, 2013)
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: lembic76450 on July 05, 2013, 03:12:27 PM: You know, all the times looking at this bass
I never noticed the logo on the headstock. Are
there any others like this?
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwin on April 29, 2014, 12:11:17 PM: It's back. Rick Turner is starting the process of rebuilding it. He's none too happy with Turbo Tom's experiments.

http://www.rukind.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=421&t=15947 (http://www.rukind.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=421&t=15947)
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: slicknickhaas on April 29, 2014, 02:56:03 PM: YES!!!!!!!!

I've been bugging the powers to be from Rick Turner to Phil about this for 4 years! fantastic news!

can't wait to see the photos!!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: mtjam on April 29, 2014, 03:15:26 PM: That's great news! Can't wait to follow the progress of this restoration.
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: lbpesq on April 29, 2014, 05:27:45 PM: Is the listed serial number, 74-0008 correct? I have #10, and it's a '72. Just askin'.

Bill, tgo
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: pasewark on April 29, 2014, 07:47:37 PM: I can't wait to see this bass restored!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Enzo on April 30, 2014, 06:49:08 AM: That's an exciting news!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: jalevinemd on May 01, 2014, 08:34:37 AM: Who is Turbo Tom?

Tom Lieber?
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwin on May 01, 2014, 08:58:42 AM: Apparently some guy named Tom Smith who got his hands on the bass.
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: dead_head on May 01, 2014, 08:16:43 PM: Hi Edwin, just got my June Bassplayer mag. in the mail. Saw your spot in the Dig My Rig section. I knew that was your setup before even reading the caption. Loookin' goood!!!!! (sorry for the hijack).

Rob
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: jazzyvee on May 29, 2014, 06:10:20 AM: A detailed history of Phil Lesh's Alembic basses with some great stories
http://www.ricksuchow.com/press-group-167.html (http://www.ricksuchow.com/press-group-167.html)
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: hammer on May 29, 2014, 06:58:09 AM: Jazzyvee: Thanks for sharing this. It filled in a lot of gaps in my knowledge of Phil's gear.
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: jacko on May 29, 2014, 07:08:19 AM: That 'fretless' Guild pictured is either fretted or has some pretty hefty fret inlays! Still an interesting article though.

Graeme
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwin on December 07, 2014, 12:08:40 PM: Update from Rick Turner:

I've started in on replacing missing wood. I got some Osage orange and duplicated the neck laminate layup...Osage, walnut, and maple...and inlaid it between the neck and past where the original tailpiece was mounted. Next I'll inlay two pieces of koa to fill in the top on either side of the central neck beam. I decided not to completely replace the top, even though some of the repair seams will inevitably show, but better that than doing more horrendous damage to what is left of the original top. I think I can match the color and grain reasonably with some koa I got from my pal John Reuter ( Roberto Venn School of Lutherie...major Deadhead ).

Still mulling over pickups and electronics. My thought is to bring this bass forward about 40 years and honor much of the original intent while allowing what I've learned in that time to come forth. Yes, it will get a quad pickup, but this time it will be one of my piezos, and the full quad output may wind up as an option. The neck and bridge pickups will be self-hum canceling, and they will be mono/stereo pickups, that is, in mono mode, each will be a hum canceller with coils that sort of overlap for the A and D strings. The effect in stereo mode is a true stereo pan, and in this mode, the pickups buck hum from neck to bridge, neck to bridge. The magnetic arrangement is:
N S
S N

I'll use some filter electronics from John East, and the two channels will stay separate at the normal output.

I'm not even going to try to duplicate all of the micro-processor pickup assignment switching that was touch switch operated on the original setup. That was all the white circles on the bass side of the face. I'll just do inlays there and maybe pop LED's in next to them for kicks.

I am documenting the hell out of this process, and I'm writing this all up for an article for Vintage Guitar Magazine.

Much thanks to George Gruhn for finding Mission Control and sending it to me for the restoration.

OH, it's in the original case as well.
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: slicknickhaas on December 07, 2014, 01:01:51 PM: Thats great news! Thanks Edwin for the update
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: elwoodblue on December 08, 2014, 11:40:38 PM: Cool... thanx Edwin!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: hieronymous on September 19, 2015, 03:10:13 PM: Found some great video from 1977 - hope it wasn't posted before - bass sounds great through good speakers! And it looks like the oscilloscope at the very beginning is Phil's signal!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QE3BTUjrevE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QE3BTUjrevE target=_blank)
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: David Houck on September 19, 2015, 03:52:47 PM: Thanks, Harry; hadn't seen that one before, and it's a good one!
Title: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: serialnumber12 on October 06, 2015, 04:42:03 PM
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwardofhuncote on July 06, 2019, 07:55:10 AM: I am bumping this thread, because apparently Mission Control/Osage Orange is back in some degree of working order. I have no wish to scoop any news that may be forthcoming from HQ, but from the pictures, it appears some Alembic parts have been applied to its restoration. :)

Gruhn's is a publicly viewable FB page:

https://m.facebook.com/gruhnguitars/photos/a.257032270995483/2514061988625822/?type=3

...and the hashtags will get you to pretty good pictures. (which I am hesitant to cross-post here)

I am extremely happy to see a happy ending here. That bass was a pitiful hacked-up mess, and I couldn't help but think about its demise every time I listened to that glorious Summer of '77 tour.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mark 63 on July 06, 2019, 02:33:02 PM: Excellent news.
BTW, is that a 32-inch scale? In some pictures it looks like 34, but on the Facebook picture and the concert poster the neck seems shorter.
(NB: this photo is not from George Gruhn's FB, it's from the website of a club in Nashville, so I'm thinking its fair use.)

(https://i.ticketweb.com/i/00/08/74/41/59_Original.jpg?v=6)
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: David Houck on July 06, 2019, 03:40:04 PM: Are there any good pics, and if so, could someone post a link. I wasn't having much success with hashtags.

edit: Well I finally found a few pictures, but they were small and it was hard for me to make out much detail.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mark 63 on July 06, 2019, 05:31:52 PM: From the Stolen Faces website:

(http://www.thestolenfaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/missioncontrol-christiangrizzard-01.jpg)
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: jwright9 on July 06, 2019, 06:18:03 PM: Looks like a short scale.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: David Houck on July 06, 2019, 06:34:20 PM: Ah! That's better; thanks!
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwardofhuncote on July 06, 2019, 08:03:26 PM: So good to see that bass back together. Even better that it's going to be played. :)
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwin on July 06, 2019, 10:21:24 PM: Quote from: J9 on July 06, 2019, 06:18:03 PM
Looks like a short scale.

It is.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mark 63 on July 11, 2019, 08:55:54 AM: CJ Singer of Nashville's Pretty Ravens says his friend Tony did the work.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzwTUk7gppW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link (https://www.instagram.com/p/BzwTUk7gppW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link)

Maybe, he means Tony Nagy of Gruhn Guitars?

(https://api.guitars.com/files/165475)

Tony started his foray into music with the baritone, tuba, and guitar until finally arriving at a place he felt he really belonged; the electric bass. While at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, he joined a jazz band and started touring regionally. He later toured internationally with artists like Terri Clark, Lee Roy Parnell, and Mark Selby to name a few and his time as a professional musician often informs his work as a repairman.

After moving to Nashville in 1989, Tony helped build the Gibson Guitars repair department from scratch in 1991 and departed as Warranty Repair Manager in 1999. He followed up by starting Nagy Guitars offering full service repair and custom building for a number of musicians currently performing with Blake Shelton, Colt Ford, Tracy Lawrence, Eldon Huff Band and Billy Ray Cyrus and finish work for Jaros Guitars, Low End Bass Shop, Warrior Guitars, and Valloy Guitars. Tony began working in the Gruhn repair shop in 2014 and spends much of his time here doing finish work and soaking up the wealth of knowledge offered by his peers on the Gruhn repair staff. A player at heart, you’ll still often find Tony in studios and on stages around town.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: rv_bass on August 13, 2019, 06:42:27 PM: -
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: rv_bass on August 13, 2019, 06:44:46 PM: This photo says it all :)
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: rv_bass on August 13, 2019, 06:46:23 PM: As does this...
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: David Houck on August 13, 2019, 07:45:38 PM: :)
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwardofhuncote on August 14, 2019, 02:54:28 AM: Quote from: rv_bass on August 13, 2019, 06:44:46 PM
This photo says it all :)

Or... "Is that a pigeon on top of my 36th cab? I'll show him how to drop a bomb!"

No kidding, I've been listening to 5/7-9/1977 the past couple days. That bass just sounds IN-CREDIBLE. The whole band was really on their game, especially Phil, but that bass there... wow. Listen to "Scarlet Begonias" from the Cornell Univ. show on 5/8. I've never heard anything like that, ever. As I understand it, the WoS was retired well before this tour, but however they had the bass amped up, it was working just fine.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mission Control on January 06, 2020, 07:00:53 AM: Anything new on this?
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: wisconsindeadd on January 08, 2020, 07:30:15 PM: Quote from: Mission Control on January 06, 2020, 07:00:53 AM
Anything new on this?

I believe it is still sitting in a glass case at the Gruhn Guitars in Nashville.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: kilowatt on January 09, 2020, 05:34:41 AM: It was, as of the end of October. My keyboard player was at Gruhn Guitars, and was drooling on the display case!

Regards,
Pete
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwin on January 09, 2020, 05:52:48 PM: I saw a post on FB from Rick Turner saying that it's now in private hands. We'll see where it turns up.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mission Control on May 31, 2020, 11:41:18 AM: Ok. So, I'm the guy who bought the bass. It was mostly restored, but still needed a few details to be addressed. Those things are either done, or in progress. If you guys (people on this old thread) are still interested I will provide more details. That said, the bass is safe and in Deadheads hands.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: rv_bass on May 31, 2020, 12:38:31 PM: Welcome and beautiful bass! I had the pleasure of hearing it live from 76-79. Glad it’s with a Deadhead! :)
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: elwoodblue on May 31, 2020, 01:18:28 PM: Wow, congrats and Grate news !!
Yes, more than a little interested...please share when you can ;)
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: David Houck on May 31, 2020, 01:34:02 PM: Congrats! And yes; many here will be interested in more details.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwardofhuncote on May 31, 2020, 01:35:20 PM: Back in, with a grin. :D
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mission Control on June 04, 2020, 04:15:13 PM: Ok. The structural repair done by Gruhn was excellent...., but, Neck, Bridge and Quad pick ups were all wrong. They also used a series 1 tailpiece, and although it was a good choice, not historically accurate. First thing we did when I got the bass, and when I say we, I mean Rick Turner..... was to replace the LEDs in the Koa top (Gruhn had filled them with screws...yuck...). Next, The plan was to create new historically accurate Neck, Bridge, and Quad pick ups....but low and behold...drum roll please.... I was able to find and acquire the ORIGINAL neck and bridge pick ups from ALL AROUND SWELL GUY Fred Hammon!!!! Now, all we (Rick) needed to do was create the historically accurate hum cancelling coils to be able to properly install the original neck and bridge pick ups. They are in progress, and will be made just like they were in 1973. Rick is also building the historically accurate (skinny) quad pick up to go in the correct spot between the bridge and bridge pick up. Rick has already made by hand a historically accurate copy of the original "batwing" tailpiece from 1973. We also confirmed with George Mundy that the Alembic Super Filter installed by Gruhn does the exact same thing the original electronics did (but with less noise) and each knob still does the same thing as well. The bass known as "Osiris" by Phil, Rick, band, and crew...aka "Mission Control" aka "Osage Orange" aka "The Omega" should be completed sometime in July of 2020. Once completed, it will go to Alembic for a final inspection.

I also want to make a note that this instrument was NEVER STOLEN from Phil! After Turbo Tom Smith gutted the pick ups and electronics, he returned it to equipment room #4 at the Front St studio around 1980-1982, then it was moved after Garcia died in 1995 to a storage unit in Windsor, CA by Kidd on Phil's behalf. Sometime between 2012-2014 somebody stopped paying the storage bill and the unit went up for sale. A salvage company bought the unit and sold the bass to Gruhn guitars in Nashville. They did a partial restoration and sold it to me. I am finishing the restoration to take it back to 1974 specs, and I have every intention of getting it out onto stages to be heard when the covid virus allows. God Bless the Grateful Dead.

PS I would post some pix but it does not seem to want to let me.......
PSS HUGE THANKS to Mica and all the Folks at Alembic and to Rick Turner as well for all your help with this labor of love!!!!
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwardofhuncote on June 04, 2020, 05:09:21 PM: I am overjoyed with this news. :)

Thank You for the backstory.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: elwoodblue on June 04, 2020, 05:35:26 PM: I feel an oncoming 'perma-smile' ...

Thanks for the details. Maybe someone can reduce the picture sizes for ya (and us ;) )
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: rv_bass on June 04, 2020, 05:43:17 PM: This is all very cool! Thank you for the information and for your efforts! :)
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mission Control on June 05, 2020, 07:29:13 AM: Ok folks, let's see if these images post properly. They should illustrate most of what was mentioned in my previous post about The Osiris bass aka Mission Control aka Osage Orange aka The Omega..... Let me know if I am missing anything in particular.... Cheers!
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mission Control on June 05, 2020, 11:02:10 AM: Quote from: edwin on July 06, 2019, 10:21:24 PM
Quote from: J9 on July 06, 2019, 06:18:03 PM
Looks like a short scale.

It is.

Nope. 32"
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mission Control on June 05, 2020, 11:03:28 AM: Ok, one more try to post the Batwing tailpiece that is going onto the bass.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mission Control on June 05, 2020, 11:06:28 AM: Alembic Bass Porn........ This is the back of the Headstock on Osiris aka Mission Control aka Osage Orange aka The Omega. Let me know if you guys want to see a few more shots. Cheers!
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mission Control on June 05, 2020, 11:07:30 AM: Quote from: Googe Endeveronte (goooge) on October 10, 2002, 08:12:06 PM
Hey Mica-are there any good shots of the fretboard inlays of this bass in your files??I remember first seeing this bass and remembering that I had never seen such detail before(1974) with the exception of (greg lakes'I think) detailed metal zematis guitar.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mission Control on June 05, 2020, 11:09:01 AM: Quote from: Googe Endeveronte (goooge) on December 27, 2002, 12:40:04 PM
thanks edwin!-I am a freak about this particular bass as I think you are the Godfather-
thanks for the clean up-also- you notice in this picture the part of the body top near his forearm? what is going on there?- I have read that this bass de-laminated-wonder if that is the spot?also he changed the bridge tailpiece to what looks like individual pieces vs the bird tail piece he had originally-
I would love to see a clear pic of all the inlays on this bass too. For one of the all time coolest alembics there are not many pics of this bass around. hmm

The neck NEVER DE-LAMINATED. A myth.....
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwardofhuncote on June 05, 2020, 11:22:53 AM: Thanks for the pictures, Jason. (and the de-mystifications!) I am not getting a thing done while waiting for these to post. ;D

Would you mind sharing what, if any sequence number this bass has? (I had read further back in the thread 0008)
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: KR on June 05, 2020, 09:25:45 PM: This bass, and Jack's #1 are mind-blowing. Alembic knocked it out of the park in every category with this one: woods, craftsmanship, design, art, and an other-worldly electronics package.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on June 06, 2020, 08:54:41 AM: Quote from: Mission Control on June 05, 2020, 11:06:28 AM
Let me know if you guys want to see a few more shots. Cheers!

A few???
We want you to overload the interwebz with pix!

Peter
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mission Control on June 08, 2020, 11:52:08 AM: Quote from: edwardofhuncote on June 05, 2020, 11:22:53 AM
Thanks for the pictures, Jason. (and the de-mystifications!) I am not getting a thing done while waiting for these to post. ;D

Would you mind sharing what, if any sequence number this bass has? (I had read further back in the thread 0008)

Here is a photo. 74 00008

Cheers!
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mission Control on June 08, 2020, 11:54:57 AM: Here is another shot for you guys. The eyes are opals!
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mission Control on June 08, 2020, 12:00:24 PM: I thought you guys might want to see the strap I made for the bass. Each bead was hand sewn into the leather. Enjoy! @beadworkbyjenny
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on June 08, 2020, 12:00:34 PM: 74-000008??

I wonder where that would fall between 73-47 and 74-49? And that sure seems like a lot of 0s.

Interesting; can you and/or your dad illuminate this for us, Mica?

Peter (who will add - nice strap, Jason!)
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mission Control on June 08, 2020, 12:02:26 PM: Quote from: cozmik_cowboy on June 08, 2020, 12:00:34 PM
74-000008??

I wonder where that would fall between 73-47 and 74-49? And that sure seems like a lot of 0s.

Interesting; can you and/or your dad illuminate this for us, Mica?

Peter

Waiting for her to go through old records after the move. .....but it is stamped right on there and Rick Turner confirmed it as well. :)
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: rv_bass on June 08, 2020, 12:39:03 PM: Maybe it means 74- “Quad” 8... 74- 0000 8 :)
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwardofhuncote on June 08, 2020, 01:11:38 PM: Thanks so much for sharing Jason. Wow, that's really something... I've got a guess, but I will wait until she-who-runneth-the-show has time to shed some light on the subject. :) :-X
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: rv_bass on June 08, 2020, 01:20:18 PM: Quote from: rv_bass on June 08, 2020, 12:39:03 PM
Maybe it means 74- “Quad” 8... 74- 0000 8 :)

...so then, 74-48?
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: rv_bass on June 08, 2020, 01:40:08 PM: Never mind, a search of the site suggests that 74-48 is a guitar.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mission Control on June 08, 2020, 03:39:32 PM: At some point I will post all the information I have come up with....which is a ton..... I wonder if I should put it on this thread, or start a new one? Opinions????
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: elwoodblue on June 08, 2020, 04:19:36 PM: The opal eyes are deep.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwardofhuncote on June 08, 2020, 04:40:22 PM: Since it isn't technically "Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic" anymore, you could just start a new Showcase Thread for #74-00008 "Mission Control/Osage Orange/Osiris" or however you decided to title, and link back to this thread just for the continuum.

You probably won't get much argument from any of us whatever you decide! ;D
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mission Control on June 08, 2020, 06:27:57 PM: A shot of the back is a must......
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: lbpesq on June 09, 2020, 01:09:09 AM: Is that an inlay on the back of the peghead? Love to see a close-up. Are the black dots along the edges of each wing inlays? Inquiring minds want to know!

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mark 63 on June 09, 2020, 06:44:35 AM: Have you had any contact with Phil since acquiring the bass?
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: StephenR on June 09, 2020, 09:20:09 AM: Quote from: lbpesq on June 09, 2020, 01:09:09 AM
Is that an inlay on the back of the peghead? Love to see a close-up. Are the black dots along the edges of each wing inlays? Inquiring minds want to know!

Bill, tgo

On the previous page of the thread there is a close up of the back of the peghead and the inlay.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwardofhuncote on June 09, 2020, 09:52:05 AM: Cool thing about inlays positioned on the headstock reverse... usually only seen by the player. They tend to be more personal in nature.

Osiris is the Egyptian god of the Underworld and "Judge of the Dead". [shiver] 8)

*I notice Bill, the herringbone pattern around the outside perimeter of "Mission Control" is the same pattern as seen around the cutout on your #72-10 guitar! Also on #72-001, the Jack Casady bass.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: lbpesq on June 09, 2020, 10:20:58 AM: Quote from: StephenR on June 09, 2020, 09:20:09 AM
Quote from: lbpesq on June 09, 2020, 01:09:09 AM
Is that an inlay on the back of the peghead? Love to see a close-up. Are the black dots along the edges of each wing inlays? Inquiring minds want to know!

Bill, tgo

On the previous page of the thread there is a close up of the back of the peghead and the inlay.

Thanks, Stephen. Don’t know how I missed the whole page! The Alembic logo on the front of the peghead is amazing!

Gregory, any idea why Osiris has a fish on his head?

hehehehe

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: hieronymous on June 09, 2020, 10:38:05 AM: Quote from: Mission Control on June 08, 2020, 03:39:32 PM
At some point I will post all the information I have come up with....which is a ton..... I wonder if I should put it on this thread, or start a new one? Opinions????

My suggestion is to start fresh with a new thread - you can always put a link to the new thread here in this one, so if someone finds this one they can easily find the new one.

And thank you for sharing all of this info and imagery!
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwin on June 09, 2020, 04:09:46 PM: Quote from: lbpesq on June 09, 2020, 01:09:09 AM
Is that an inlay on the back of the peghead? Love to see a close-up. Are the black dots along the edges of each wing inlays? Inquiring minds want to know!

Bill, tgo

The black dots are screws that hold on the back plates.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: lbpesq on June 09, 2020, 04:12:23 PM: The whole back comes off as panels? Sure looks like an impressive design and execution. Of course, nothing less would be expected from Alembic!

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mission Control on June 10, 2020, 07:15:21 AM: Quote from: Mark 63 on June 09, 2020, 06:44:35 AM
Have you had any contact with Phil since acquiring the bass?

No, but I have spoken to Grahame a few times. They are aware that I have kit.
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: Mission Control on June 10, 2020, 07:17:40 AM: Quote from: lbpesq on June 09, 2020, 04:12:23 PM
The whole back comes off as panels? Sure looks like an impressive design and execution. Of course, nothing less would be expected from Alembic!

Bill, tgo

Yes. The back panels each come off entirely. AMAZING design and the body is hollow. Lighter than one would expect..... Cheers!!!
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: edwin on June 11, 2020, 05:18:29 PM: Quote from: lbpesq on June 09, 2020, 04:12:23 PM
The whole back comes off as panels? Sure looks like an impressive design and execution. Of course, nothing less would be expected from Alembic!

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Phil Lesh's Custom Omega Cut Alembic
Post by: adriaan on July 06, 2020, 02:40:18 PM: Several posts were moved to Osiris Bass aka Mission Control aka Osage Orange aka The Omega SR# 74 00008 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=25600.0).