(x) 99OW12185

[dtothec]

Mica
I bought this Orion and wanted to get some history on it?

Thanks!
Darrell

[mica]

Hi Darrell,

Here's the details from the instrument file:

serial number: 99OW12185
model name: Custom Orion
model number: OLB5Custom
top: Zebrawood
accent: Maple pinstripe
body: Mahogany
neck: 5-piece Maple with 4 Walnut pinstripes
scale: 34" long
fingerboard: Ebony
inlays: one custom inlay @ 12th fret in mother of pearl
pickups: Alembic MXY56
controls: "Europa" volume, pan, filter, Q-switch, bass cut/flat/boost, treble cut/flat/boost, mono side output
finish: polyester gloss
hardware: chrome plated
originally made for: Custom order through LA Bass Exchange
birthday: September 29, 1999

There were MANY changes on this order while we were building it. The inlay was originally going to be a bass clef, but he changed it to the "lead" from Koch's alchemy woodcuts in Book of Symbols.  The finish was originally going to be the satin natural polyurethane usually found on the Orion (like the one we finished a few days later in your collection), but he changed it to the high gloss. The tailpiece was originally going to be the bird, but changed to bar. I think that's it!

[dtothec]

Thanks Mica! It is a beautiful bass that looks and plays like a Rogue with a set neck. The lines in the wood are so straight and the finish looks like glass! It's pretty cool that my two Orions were finished 5 days apart and the serial numbers are 5 numbers different which I didn't realize until I made the request.

[edwardofhuncote]

That's a pretty bass Darrell... I remember it well. 

The hard part about a stable like yours is picking which pony to ride! 

[dtothec]

Thanks Greg! I usually use the Maple Orion for practice but will gig with any of them depending on how my back feels.  For the first time that I can remember I am content with the basses that I have. I was considering buying one a couple of weeks ago and someone beat me to the punch, it made me realize that I really am happy and love the tones that I can get with what I have. At gigs I have had bass players come up and compliment the tone and others that know what an Alembic is but have never heard one live are impressed! I am happy to be a part of this group of people that have the best bass made in common!