I have a feeling that given that most Alembic instruments are different from one to the next, so too are our experiences. I've only had one Alembic bass Custom built (as opposed to CUSTOM built, using Joey's definitions). I've also had two basses repaired / upgraded. Those three direct experiences resulted in three different levels of performance, but the same level of handling by the folks at Alembic. When I use the term handling, I mean it not in a bad way, but as an attempt to use one term to describe the interpersonal communications. The people I spoke with, most often Mica, ocassionally Mary and a few times Susan, were very consistent in being very nice and very personable. They understood what it was I was asking them to do and what the status / progress to completion was at the time that I spoke to them. They sometimes made promises that they did not always live up to, but I'm convinced that they always had every intention of living up to them when they made them. Kinda like the guy from the old commercial I can do that....I can do that....I can do that....How am I gonna do that? I never doubted their sincerity.
My bass was built in pretty much the same timeframe as was originally estimated when I ordered it. Since this forum didn't exist then, I didn't go through the whole picking out wood, looking at logo modifications, alternate control functions and/or layout part of the process. If this forum had existed, I probably would have, though. I changed my mind on a couple things, but they didn't significantly impact the delivery time. The crew went out of their way to set up specific delivery instructions to have it drop shipped to me, rather than having it go to my dealer first, since I was going on vacation and wanted to take it with me. Mary even drove it over to FedEx because it had missed that day's pickup schedule. I would imagine that anything I order now what take longer than my first one.
When I had 74-84 sent home for a make-over, it took more than a year. First, understand that it was a basketcase when I bought it for $475. The price should tell you something about the condition. What took most of the time was that while it was out there, most of the physical work done, I decided to have the electronics upgraded to the new quiet circuitry. It gave Ron fits. It was at the time the oldest instrument that he'd attempted the upgrade on. I had more than my share of Alembics and other basses to play, so I didn't press them. When it was completed, it was right. Unfortunately, since it was gone so long, I got used to life without it and eventually sold it. I ocassionally regret that.
When I sent 87-4431 home, it was to have the LEDs replaced. They were only working intermittently. There was also some other small problem that I don't remember, but whatever it was, they fixed it. This one took a little longer than I expected. Mica was very forthcoming in telling me that since it was a repair, it would take a back seat to the new instruments that were in the shop at the time. If I were using the instrument to earn a living, I'd have probably pressed the issue, but I wasn't and I didn't.
I've always found that Alembic responds a lot better to phone calls than emails. That goes from my early experiences of trying to find out info on the Spoiler that was my 1st Alembic to finding out when the logo straps were going to be available. I just adjusted my behavior to take that into account. If it was important, I called. If it could wait, I'd email. I recognize that is of little solice to those of you that are overseas.
I'm saddened to hear the issues Rami is going through. I often wondered what was going on, since the threads on Rami's New Fretless seemed to go on for a couple years. Judging by the number of Alembics Rami has, I can't imagine that they are simply blowing him off. Even if he never buys another instrument, the collection that he has makes him a significant opinion leader and potential brand ambassador. Every effort should be made to keep him happy.
Peace,
James
