Custom Balance Point 5 string

[fivestringdan]

Susan told me when we were discussing spec that she wanted this to be the bass I always wanted to play. She got it right. Thank you Susan, Mica, Mary and everyone at Alembic. Not only is this bass a dream come true but the end of a long search for an instrument that completely satisfied my idea of what a bass guitar needs to be.

serial number: C 14884
model name: Custom Bass
model number: CLB5
top laminate: Ziricote
body woods: Mahogany, Maple-Purpleheart Laminates
neck woods: Maple-Purpleheart-Ebony
scale: 34"
fingerboard: Ebony
inlays: Mother of Pearl Ovals
side markers:Violet LED's
body shape: Balance Point
finish: Clear Polyester
pickups: Fat Boy
controls: "Anniversary Electronics" 2 Volume, 2 Filters, 2 Q switches/3pos, Mono/Stereo switch, 1/4 output, Pickup selector, on/off switch LED's
birthday: July 14, 2023
Custom Options: Inlaid Logo, chrome plated hardware. peghead beveled front & back.

[fivestringdan]

Some build pictures.

[fivestringdan]

Gig shots!

[bigredbass]

I can absolutely testify that Susan Wickersham has an almost telepathic ability to take what you think you want and make exactly the Alembic better that you ever thought you'd see.  Just the Best.

Been there, done that, got the merit badge, and will never forget how well she took care of me.

JW

[fivestringdan]

Indeed! My conversations with Susan will always be a treasured memory. The joy it inspires when I share with my friends the first time Susan called!

I can absolutely testify that Susan Wickersham has an almost telepathic ability to take what you think you want and make exactly the Alembic better that you ever thought you'd see.  Just the Best.

Been there, done that, got the merit badge, and will never forget how well she took care of me.

JW

[edwardofhuncote]

I recall only one conversation with Mica's Mom during the construction phase of my Custom... and it was quite memorable. I was in my shop when the call came. What followed was sort of a condensed version of everything that's important about building a bass guitar before we build it, followed by some great stories. To this day, I can only think of one detail, _and only one_ that I would have done that we didn't. Still may, one day. I guess that's a pretty good result.


Your Custom looks great Dan. 

[fivestringdan]

Thank you, Greg!

Here is a shot from the first gig!

[hieronymous]

Congratulations! That is so awesome. Personally, I'm a fan of the 2+3 headstock arrangement - that's what I have on my Stanley Clarke 5-string. I'm also a fan of the Anniversary electronics - that's on my SC as well. Good to see that it's getting gigged out so soon!

[David Houck]

That's a great looking top; congrats!

[goran]

Gorgeous bass... just perfect

[hammer]

Glad to see you are getting your new bass out into the public and gigging with it. When I've acquired new basses (whether they've been new or used) I've convinced myself I needed to play them at home for the first year just to make sure that I felt comfortable with them. In retrospect, they were so nice, and I was so worried about the getting them damaged or stolen that I was scared to take them out into the public.  Good to see this form of anxiety hasn't affected you. It's still my ax to bear. 

[fivestringdan]

Thank you all for the comments.

Brian, a couple of things. I still feel the way you do but as a musician in NYC told me when I asked why he was touring with an early 60's Gretsch drum kit in perfect condition he said, "You only live once". Having insurance helps with the sting!
 

Glad to see you are getting your new bass out into the public and gigging with it. When I've acquired new basses (whether they've been new or used) I've convinced myself I needed to play them at home for the first year just to make sure that I felt comfortable with them. In retrospect, they were so nice, and I was so worried about the getting them damaged or stolen that I was scared to take them out into the public.  Good to see this form of anxiety hasn't affected you. It's still my ax to bear.

[rv_bass]

Beautiful bass, love the wood grain and color

[fivestringdan]

Thank you.

Susan sent two tops to choose from. Both were beautiful. This top had a lot more fun stuff happening. After I picked it Susan mentioned that it was her favorite from the two as well. It really popped out when the finish is applied. I still find cool things in the grain.

Beautiful bass, love the wood grain and color