John Judge new custom design the Raven Resonator Bass

[bsee]

A beautiful piece of art, but it looks fragile and challenging to play.  Looking at this instrument makes me think of the bat bass with the inlaid top wood that shows curves and points that aren't really there.  I realize art is subjective, but I'd find this much more approachable with a more normal overall body style and a top of contrasting wood in the beautiful shape John has drawn.  I think this would look great as a raised top on a body with a shape approaching a softer version of an Exploiter.  Maple over dark walnut, or maybe some kind of ebony over maple or spruce.  Such a design would have advantages in durability, ability to play comfortably in a seated position, and added space for a more complete and functional control cavity.  
 
I tried drawing something, but I suck with Photoshop.  I was trying to add my idea of the true body shape to round some of the edges and, move the controls and jacks into the newly created space and off the attractive design pieces.  That would also make the drawn shape stand out better without the controls imposing on the art.  If this idea resonates a little, maybe someone will take a shot at a drawing, or I can try to print it out and hand draw it to scan back in.

[ajdover]

I've got to agree with Bob here .. don't know if I'd want this for myself.  This being said ....
 
If John likes it and Alembic can make it happen, that, in the end is all that matters.  
 
If it were me, I'd cut down on the number of points in the design.  It may be comfortable playing while standing, but I don't see this bass being comfortable while sitting as designed.  Again, John is the one playing it, so if it works for him, that's all that really matters in the end.
 
John, I wish you the best on this design/project.
 
Best Regards,
 
Alan

[cozmik_cowboy]

If John were having this made for me, I'd agree with Bob - make it an inlay or relief carving, and have less chance of bodily injury.  As I have heard of no such plan on part of the esteemed Mr. Judge & this is all his, I say cool beans - can't wait to see how it turns out.  You threw me a little with resonator in the title, though, John; my first thought was A Dobro-style Alembic!?!?  YEAH!!  Cut me off a piece of that!
 
Peter

[crobbins]

But the Raven still beguiling all my fancy into smiling,  
Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird and bust and door}  
Then, upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking  
Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore -  
What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird oi yore  
     Meant in croaking ?Nevermore?.

[john_judge]

The Idea in general Bob was actually to create a piece of art that would make a powerful statement and to tell the truth here I was really trying to get away from following the Exploiter which to me has about been overplayed as a standard for large back tops and is someone elses design.
I am looking for a powertool of tone and a Bass that makes a statement and is challenging, as far as the points all edges will be beveled and the top back will of course be angled for maxium comfort and arm rest.
So all the points that you see are more exaggerated before rounding over occurs for comfort but while still mantaining the vision of the art in such case as the Bird of Prey.
P.s great words on the Raven Edgar Allan(Parsons)Poe! couldn't have said it any better to sum things up it's about pure freedom and being able to express yourself through a artistic tool of sound and beauty.
Please don't take me wrong everyone, I love the Exploiter, I have an 84 myself but sometimes you have to reach out and go beyond, after all thats how the exployer, exploiter, Spyder, destroyer came into the world and the list goes on and on, simply put it all starts in someone's head then on paper! such is the case of the Raven
 
(Message edited by john judge on June 02, 2009)

[chrisalembic]

I like it!! And I think Birdseye Maple might be a good choice here;-)

[LMiwa]

John,
 
Very interesting concept when you presented it at dinner! You mentioned that you had done 3 prototypes. Do you have recordings/samples of the third one? I think we would all love to hear how this will sound.
 
Loch

[john_judge]

Loch ,Yes I do and will put it together shortly I just want to lay it out properly so everyone can hear how it changes and the blends affect the sound

[keavin]

Sounds like there should be a 'john Judge' line of custom order only alembics???

[bsee]

Thanks for the answer, John.  I see two practical problems that you and Alembic will need to overcome before this design can become a reality.
 
First problem is that electronics, particularly Series electronics, take up quite a bit of space.  You just don't have much available space in this body shape to house them.  Have you guys already discussed and solved this one?
 
Second problem is related to the first.  If you want all the switches on that small area of body, it's going to have to be hollow.  That's a pretty thin piece of wood to begin with and, if you hollow it out, it will lose that much more strength.  Clearly, with all the other points, this is a fragile instrument, so maybe this part being extra fragile is no concern?
 
-bob

[john_judge]

Yes, Mica and I have discussed about widening the body in that area and exactly which electronics that are going to be used yet are not etched in stone. I actually copy protected 3 different drawings with some variables in case of changes in width and Height of the Horn area's but this one is the Basic element of the visual I wish to capture.
To continue the Piccolo discussion
 
Just to explain this design thoughts of how it came about is simply like this...
throughout my travels I have seen 2 guitar players two drummers and two Keyboard players in bands all and most of the time but very rarely 2 Bass players except for Soloist.
 
So my first thought is to make a Piccolo with a mini whammy bar on it. Look at it this way John Entwhistle had it made, for his playing situation was perfect for a Bassist withTownsend slamming power Chords and not much lead behind him but most Bassist don't have that element of music in their Band.
 Thus having A Bass player and Maybe a soloist or even a guitar player can use this to solo on, then you have the option of using Bass and Guitar effects with a whole new Band image of possible two Bass players, or you can use the Piccolo version with an Octave box when needed. Basically the possibilities are endless.
So for the Piccolo Soloist I am leaning toward a 30.75 Scale due to easy string tension and just enough for the whammy bar but neck may have to be Graphite with a locking system, that remains to be seen.
 
I don't know about everyone else but I would love to see a kick ass Bassist playin with a fellow Bassist layin down some dominate 7ths, 3rd's 5th's, Major and minor stuff behind him and some melodic patterns,  or even the guitar player pick's up the Piccolo and he and the Bassist Rock out together instead of he and another guitarist. It be a pretty cool sight to see. I like change! after all if we didn't have change I still be playing a silvertone Bass through a Custom amp and we would not be Alembic owners.
 
(Message edited by john judge on June 03, 2009)
 
(Message edited by john judge on June 03, 2009)

[lbpesq]

Spinal Tap:  Big Bottom.  Three bassists!
 
Bill, tgo

[811952]

Short memory, Bill?
 
Chicago Gathering: Three bassists!
 
John

[john_judge]

LOL! exactly!.. but you do remember when you see it, hear it and feel it!
That's the beauty of it all!
Bill,  I rest my case! LOL!
and John supports my case(Chicago) !
but question Bill, do you think you can enjoy yourself Playing a Piccolo Bass solo  in a group while your Bassist was laying down the groove,  would you find it interesting or challenging in the fact that you can either play it as you would your guitar in a sense or take on another dimension of technique and apply it as you see fit. Not a trick question just want to hear the feel of this from a guitar players point of view regarding whether the Piccolo idea is workable in a band with a guitarist taking a crack at playing it. Please Bill if you would...John

[bsee]

John, you're hovering on the edge of a discussion of instrument roles, and that path will lead your thread wildly astray.  If you want to go there, that's fine, it's your thread, but know what you're getting into...