Figuring out a Custom

[godoze]

I have just started trying to spec my new Alembic.
 
Some things are confusing me. For instance, I think that I will be ordering a Rogue but I see that there are body shape options. Is this actually the case ?

[the_mule]

That's correct, you start with a basic model, and continue to build it up with options, including different body shapes. Sometimes you'll find that there are different ways to reach your goal, at different costs. With some models specific wood types are standard, while with other models you have to pay big $$$ for the same laminate. You might want to play for an hour or so with the custom quote generator...
 
Good luck,
Wilfred

[godoze]

Interesting. So For instance then what make a Rogue a Rogue if you change the body style and the electronics package ?
 
Oh, and are the prices listed on the quote generator actual selling prices ?
 
Thanks !
don

[the_mule]

The moment when a Rogue or other 'standard' model changes into a custom is very vague to me, maybe Mica or Val can tell you more about how that works. For examples you should visit the Showcase section. But as a simpe example you can have a Series bass with Rogue body, just as a Rogue with Series electronics. Just keep an eye on the most important differences between the models (like number of body laminates and standard woods). The prices listed are the selling prices when purchased directly. USA-based dealers like Bass Central or Bass Northwest most likely can offer you a deal below the c.q.g. price. But for that you should contact them directly off course, preferably after you've determined what you want for your custom order...
 
Wilfred

[dnburgess]

I tell prospective customers that every instrument is custom (i.e. Alembic does not have a warehouse full of finished instruments) and that a model is a particular grouping of body shape, electronics and neck. Change more than one of those things and you are most likely talking about a different model.
 
There are, of course, many more variables - but they tend not to effect modelness.
 
David B.

[rami]

Hey guys,
 
When I had my customs made, I was already in love with the Rogue.  I already had a 5 string that had become my all time favorite Bass. If the house was on fire - that's what I would grab first!
My customs HAD to be Rogues - only enhanced by my choice of woods, number of strings and scale length.  They kept the standard electronics, body and headstock shapes.  Same with the current custom I'm having made - this time it will have Series II inspired electronics minus the pickup switch and master volume (which I find to be a little redundant). For a little extra flash, we decided on red LEDs as well.  But that's really about all.  Besides a few enhancements, it's still recognizable as a Rogue.
I think that once you start changing bodyshapes and going for radical electronics, you're really building a custom Bass that may have been inspired by an existing model but has evolved into something that has little in common with it.

[godoze]

As it stands I am going for a Rogue with a Balance K heart Omega Body, 3 lam purpleheart and maple neck, Coco bolo top, MOP ovals, no LED's, and I think that's it... oh, and it's a 4 string.
 
I am thinking about Signature electronics...

[godoze]

Now I am thinking i can save money with a King or Clarke model...
 
OY!

[mikedm]

godoze,
 
Sounds like a nice project. It's certainly difficult to decide when a custom really becomes a custom, have you discussed this with anyone at Alembic or an authorized dealer? From what you've described, it sounds like you'de be better off starting with a MK Standard as your base model, especially if you're seriously considering the signature electronics. I think a Rouge with your options will price higher, just a thought and I may be wrong.
I talked to a local dealer about a custom Alembic and they start pricing based on the electronics you wanted; I don't know if that's how Alembic starts pricing.
Being able to interchagne almost every feature can be a challenge, albeit a fun one. I'm looking forward to whatever you build, go, man go!
 
Mike

[bsee]

You also have to look at the monthly special that's in play to really decide what starting point makes the most sense.  For example, if you didn't care about a back laminate, you might do better adding purpleheart to the neck of a signature standard and taking the cocobolo special for the top rather than starting from a deluxe model.  There are many permutations.

[godoze]

I agree. I am leaning heavily towards an MK or SC with the coco top special and ph neck lams.

[godoze]

Wow. I am suffering from serious option anxiety.
 
I think i have this figured out and then i see another bass that makes me rethink what i want.
 
Here is my plan:
 
MK standard
Coco top (from the special)
Balance K point
ph neck lams
 
But then I see the Orion body which I really dig and then I think well, I can get away with that. and now i am just totally discombobulated.
 
Am i alone here or is it this way for everyone ?

[bsee]

Yep.  Body styles are a particular headache when it comes to selection.  Then the money question kicks in and you start wondering whether or not you should spring for luxury items like plated hardware, neck inlays and LEDs.    
 
One thing that stands out for me is the extra care one must give to certain body shapes.  Do you want to be concerned with the extra care that comes with having a point or omega on your bass?  I love the look of the omega headstock on Valentino's custom, but I tap my headstock on a cymbal a couple times a year and would mind a broken piece a lot more than a nick or ding.  I suspect the same would be true for pieces sticking out from the bottom of the body.  
 
The reality is that most people don't get to order too many $5K custom instruments in their lifetimes.  The cost of making a mistake here is pretty large since you will probably lose more than $1K in resale value the second you take delivery.  Do your best to make sure that you will want to own what you order forever!  
 
-Bob
 
(Message edited by bsee on November 11, 2004)

[mikedm]

godoze,
 
I recently traded away my Orion for a 20th Anniversary. I miss the body, excellent balance even with a five string. I think the Orion is one of the better looking bass bodies Alembic offers. So, do me a favor and have them build a neck thru Orion. Yeah, I know that's the Europa body, but the Europa has curved cutaways where the body meets the neck and the Orion is one smooth arc from top to bottom. Or nicely ask them to modify the Europa template...
There is a good mix of traditionalists and post modern Alembic owners around here when it comes to what looks like an Alembic.
Owning a classic bodied Alembic is quite a bit different than looking at one. For me, it's like holding a piece of history. But I must say that the smaller upper horn and larger body has been an adjustment for me.
 
Bob makes a practical point regarding resale value. I don't think I'd order an omega body, I was more interested in a neck thru and Anniversary electronics than the omega feature. Although it looks mighty damn nice and it's mine all mine.
 
More information than you needed. But it's a delightful problem to have...good luck!
 
Mike

[the_mule]

http://www.rikkersgitaarbouw.nl/database/details.php?Base=showroom&Node=4
 
FYI: this is how a neck through Orion 5 would look like, well kinda, the beautiful flow of the horns that defines the Orion shape isn't quite good. It's a Dutch builder who made a special one-off instrument as a custom order.
 
Wilfred