New guitars in the Alembic store section

[zappahead]

Man, theres some nice looking Skylarks in there and a new Orion Baritone. Good stuff!
 
I really like both the Oceanburst Skylark and the Zebrawood Skylark. Great looking guitars. Its nice to see some new guitars in that section, its been a while,

[bassman10096]

I like both Skylarks, too.  Particularly the Oceanburst.  Really pretty.
 
The first bass listed really caught my eye, too(Superb walnut 4 string MK standard K-style w/heart omega).  
 
Here's why:  I'm just about to receive delivery of a 4 string K-style (w/heart omega) in coco bolo. I had seriously considered going with walnut instead of coco bolo when I ordered.  The piece of walnut on the bass in the store has exactly the figuring and coloring I would have chosen.  I think it looks great and will be a beautiful instrument for someone - But I'm finally totally sure I did right to stay with coco bolo!  I love the wood on my new instrument and no other would do for me!!  
 
Bill

[zappahead]

Bill, I dont think you can go wrong with coco bolo or walnut. Both, especially from Alembic, look great and sound even better.  
 
Is this the currect featured custom that you are referring to?
 
I agree on the Oceanburst as well, what a nice looking guitar that is. I think Alembic has hit a home run with the Skylark. Its a great looking guitar and a very appealing compromise for a person who wants an Alembic at a very reasonable price. You would be hard pressed to find a better guitar in that price range.

[bassman10096]

 
 
(Message edited by bassman10096 on August 03, 2004)

[bassman10096]

It just stopped my heart for a second to see the other wood (almost exactly the type of piece) I nearly chose in the shape of my bass.  But it's a positive to realize I wouldn't change from the coco bolo for anything.  No, my bass isn't the Featured Custom.  That's Kevin's 5 string (in a lighter coco bolo).  He's the guy the K style is named for.  It's only fitting.  It was the design process for his bass that resulted in the new body shape.  I had followed his process along and, as soon as I saw the prototype, I ordered the K style as well.
 
My bass (http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/10335.html?1084610320) is 4 string, darker coco bolo, has brass plates rather than continuous wood, brass rather than gold hardware, purpleheart rather than ebony lams, heart rather than standard omega cut and stock Alembic knobs.  Otherwise, I think the electronics and other details are pretty much the same as Kevin's.  Mary is just waiting for delivery of a case before she can ship it to me.
 
The waiting is pure misery.  But there's a very big pot of gold at the end of this rainbow...
 
Bill

[zappahead]

I just took a look at your bass, thats a great looking instrument. I think I might like the darker coco bolo you chose to the original K model in the featured custom for this month.  
 
Sounds like you made the right choice. Its only natural with a purchase like this to have one eye on the grass on the other side, but something tells me when you get that bass in hand you wont have any regrets.

[hollis]

I'd give up any of my other guitars (some of which cost way more than my Skylark), rather than let go of the Skylark.
 
When I think of the dollars that have gone into other guitars over the past years......  I could have easily paid for a couple of series guitars...
 
Oh well, live and learn.
 
Enjoy

[bassman10096]

Thanks.  I can't wait to see the color of my wood up close again.  There are a lot more red, orange and black swirls and figures than the pictures show.  That's exactly what I wanted - rich and a little subtle.  I like Kevin's wood and lots of other, lighter coco bolos as well.  One of the cool things about CB is that different pieces can have very different looks, but all share a common thread of richness and intensity.
 
Hey Hollis:  It's frustrating to revisit past instrument spending decisions.  Inevitably one can come up with a far more worthy purchase that could be/could have been made, if only...  
 
Bill

[kayo]

Bill:
 
You are right about second guessing past instrument decisions.....  
 
I had been discussing with Val the possibility of retrofitting my Rogue with LEDs and adding a custom inlay onto my fretboard - even possibly swapping out fingerboards.
 
To make a long story short - at the end of the day the cost of doing these retrofits/modifications would practically put me in the price range for a whole new bass.  For me, the moral of the story is never look back.  
 
Kayo

[bassman10096]

Amen.