ETA on basses...

[mike1762]

As has been alluded to above, I think most people just know that Alembic makes high quality instruments and that they have made a substantial investment in one for themselves.  I suspect in their mind's eye, they see a large factory full of luthiers and CNC machines churning out product.  It was only after I spent some time on this forum that I realized that is not reality: they are a relatively small operation with MUCH higher standards than you might have yourself. David's low post number would indicate he might not fully understand that. I also think his main complaint is not so much the wait itself, but the overly optimistic initial ETA.  But again, with a small operation things happen and some projects have to be put in a holding pattern.    
 
(Message edited by mike1762 on January 13, 2010)

[dannobasso]

There's a lot less wood shavings and sawdust. Papercuts maybe, carpel tunnel maybe but no bandsaw incidents. But I don't produce either basses or code, hence the redistribution of wealth.  
 
All I know is the more they work on your basses the less they work on mine. But to understand these things is to be more at one with the universe. Breathe deep and chant quietly to yourself and serve your inner customer.

[rami]

I often think about another Alembic custom.  I sincerely love all the great and talented people at Alembic - but I don't think I can handle the emotional rollercoaster of the process again.
 
I'll just be grateful for the collection I've acquired over the years - I still have them all!

[southpaw]

A certain bass manufacturer in Santa Ana, CA is at a 2 year back order. And that is for a standard production bass, nothing custom. Also they refuse to take orders for left handed instruments at this time! Patience is truly a virtue...until you get an ulcer from stress!  
Hang in there, you will forget about the wait when it is in your hands.

[the_jester]

Let's put it this way...
 
Some people out here are waiting for the perfect bass and/or guitar, and some people with means -- will even wait until hell freezes to get what they want.
 
If you think I am talking about just new instruments, WRONG. Used/Vintage instruments are also sought after -- and in some circles, the competition to acquire them are fierce, and to some people, they are willing to wait decades, to finally snatch one.  
 
Eat your heart out #12!
 
So, depending on what side of the fence (custom/vintage, or both) you are on, to be one of the lucky elites to be rewarded with both (a custom and/or a vintage Alembic) I am sure, almost 100% of those people, are happy and thanked their lucky stars for having the skills of patiences, to acquire a dreams for a lifetime of joy.
 
Lastly, how long does it take to find a diamond in South Africa's diamond mines? Will you wait to find this answer when there are so many diamonds on the open market?
 
Well, if you are fortunate enough to wait and possibly get a diamond from one of those African pipes, and the time it takes to have your custom diamond cut, you are indeed very fortunate by virtue of being in the position to wait.
 
Dave, I say these things to you with respect and not as an antagonist.
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
 
(Message edited by the_jester on January 13, 2010)

[mica]

Hi Dave (and everyone),
 
I received your emails from January 4 and January 12 (the date of your last post on this thread) and I'm sorry I did not attend to your inquiry sooner. Your bass hasn't advanced much since the last photo I emailed to you. Everything's been a bit slow due to the metal NC machine needed some TLC from my dad.  
 
He's repaired the machine, and my uncle Bob is making tailpieces, for your bass and others of course. My dad had to balance his time between electronics upgrades for Series I and II instruments and the much needed repair on Nancy (the NC machine).  
 
Probably the most frequently asked question is what is the delivery date? Until it's in the box and waiting for the carrier to pick it up, I honestly do not know.

[peoplechipper]

Wow, I'm impressed how far this thread went off the rails then jumped back on...
We all have to remember that we ALL hate to wait, so being realistic is important to both sides...I've been on both sides and I admit I'd hate to wait for me to get things done, but I try my best and I hope my customers understand, especially as I do goldsmithing after work...once again, good stuff takes time; and praise the Lorne (Lorne Greene, my soon-launched cult) for that, as if it all came easy, we'd never truly appreciate it...Tony

[FC Bass]

I paid full on April 24 2009 (except for the unquoted features) and see a Series instrument finished well within the build time of mine (and some others)
Almost a year later still no design/quote for the 12th fret inlay and clueless about the roadcase (price/features)  
 
Now the Euro has devaluated extremely compared to the $, so the unquoted features will be (a lot) more expensive and there's the loss of interest over an amount of $ that's not for the faint hearted. (since April 24 2009)
That's about enough waiting money for a used Alembic (!!!)
 
Needles to say I'm disappointed... :-(
 
Edit: Disappointment turned into excitement, the inlay is going to be? you?ll see  
 
 
 
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on February 19, 2010)