Waddaya think of this?

[steven mateer (fretless5)]

ok   my idea  
black
black coco bolo fantasy shape body,   black neck ,  black peghead ,   darkest wood available for neck    ,   black hardware  ,  and black strings with red leds on the top and front of the neck   ,   5 string ??

[James L. Martin (malthumb)]

Steve,
 
Sounds sinister.  Would you really paint the coco bolo black?  It's such a beautiful wood in it's natural state.  On the other hand, even if you do paint it, you'll still have the sound of coco bolo.  Take my word for it, when Alembic describes the sound as complex, it is exactly that.  Black would fit the mood of the coco bolo sound, but darn it, I'd still wanna see that grain.
 
Peace,
 
James

[James L. Martin (malthumb)]

Steve,
 
Do you go by the same screen name on Talkbass?
 
Peace,
 
James

[Rami Sourour (rami)]

Check this out!
 
http://www.alembic.com/info/FC_stealth.html
 
The blackest of black!!!
 
I'd still keep the wood grain though.  I think it's a shame to paint any Alembic bass.

[Michael DeVincenzo (jlpicard)]

Rami, I couldn't agree more! To me,Alembic is all about WOOD!! and some of the most remarkable wood that Mother Nature has to offer! Sorry if I offend anyone but...a painted Alembic??? No Thanks

[Michael Delacerda (dela217)]

Hey guys!  I feel exactly the same way about paint over that beautiful wood.  I own a series 1 (that I have been trying to sell by the way)  that is black over macassar ebony.  What a shame.  If it were not black, I am sure I would be more inclined to hang on to it.  I sometimes get tempted to send it back to get refinished.  But I think I should just sell it to some one who would appreciate the black.

[Daniel Tracey (dannobasso)]

I know that all who own these pieces of art enjoy the wood. There are some musical genres where these basses will not be accepted as authenticas a part of the music. Though I do not agree I understand. I am a part of a dark punk band called Doomtree. www.doomtree.com I (with extreme help from Mica) had an almost black Excel 5 finshed for this project. I also sent back my 83 Spoiler in solid Koa and maple to be finished black for a stage spare and am looking to have a twin for the Excel 5 ( but with ebony board instead of pau ferro) made. I would never use a bass other than Alembic. But I have to consider the reaction of the audience to what I use. Could you imagine Stanley using a Hondo? Jimmy Johnson a Hartke? Won't fit. I stillhave all my other babies in coco bolo, flame koa, quilted maple, figured walnut, flame maple , and rosewood to keep me company. At least I will not sell out like others (some very famous folk I may add) and use an inferior instrument because I'm getting paid to. Perhaps Mike, you could post a picture of your black bass for consideration?
Danno

[Michael Delacerda (dela217)]

I just posted a picture of my black bass in the Swap Shop section.  

[Josh Miley (rabidbassist)]

Just a thought but couldnt u stain it black instead of painting it? that way you could see and feel the grain but it would be black.

[Paul Schmitz (pas)]

Painting or staining Coco Bolo....Heresy!