New Autumn Delight dream

[David Willard (dreamer)]

I figure that the first thing I need to decide is the body shape.  Since I play now and have been a fan of the Spector curved-body bases for some time, a good starting point is the Spector inspired body shape of Autumn Delight.  I saw that this bass began life a SI.  Does this have to be the case?  For example, if I wanted Europa electronics would I use the Europa as a starting point for price?

[mica]

We can put that body on any neck through model for a custom order.  
 
Upgrade woods are double the price since the top is doubly thick to allow for the curvature. The shape itself doesn't have a standardized price, so I'll quote it along with the rest of your specs as you progress to the other decisions you need to make.

[David Willard (dreamer)]

I had a couple of revelations last night.  I think the pictures of the Burl Redwood that are posted for Matt's Custom 4 String (in Factory to Customer) and  a post from Rami to be sure to have your name engraved or some other way to personalize it are the main drivers.
 
My background has always been toward electricity, I was an electrician in the Navy and I am going back to school for electrical engineering in the summer.  Right now my dream is shaping up with this theme.  I am leaning toward some type of active-looking red top wood, possibly the burl redwood, ebony neck lams, ebony headstock with inlaid Alembic logo, red side LED's and some type of original fret inlays (probably some type of electrical symbols or something similar).
 
The overall red and black theme are like positive and negative electrical connections.

[Paul Lindemans (palembic)]

Hallo David,
 
welcome!
A black and red bass where the colours are still the natural from the wood itself??
Seems as a good concept to go !
 
Paul

[David Willard (dreamer)]

I have been doing some reading and have come up with a couple of questions.
 
1).  I thought I read somewhere that cocobolo is not considered an upgrade for the Europa, is this true?  I looked on the Europa options page and it is $800.
 
2) When ash is used for the main body is there any issue with neck heaviness, since the body is so light?
 
3) Is it possible to order a bass with no inlay's, then send it back to have the inlays done at a later date?  If so how does the cost on doing the inlays after initial construction compare with doing them during construction.
 
Thanks.

[mica]

1. I've got so much to update on the website. Coco Bolo is not an additional charge on the Europa and the Signature Deluxe models.
 
2. There is no significant concern because the main contributor to balance is the position of the upper strapholder.  On any model with a longer upper horn (Essence, Europa, Rogue for example), it's essentially a non-issue. I suppose on a body like the Small Standard it would be more of a concern.
 
3. Sure, but you'll probably want ot hol doff until the bass needs refretting as it will have to be refretted to do it properly. You're probably looking at $350-450 additional labor and fretting work on top of the price for the inlay.

[David Willard (dreamer)]

Mica-
Please post the dimensions for an Essence.  I am looking at some top woods and need an idea of what size I would need.  Also include dimensions for bookmatch to center.  Thanks.

[Matt Bulmer (prime)]

Hi David
 
I asked this question myself a few months back.  
 
That thread was moved to the archive, but here is a link:
 
http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/2240.html?1037067600
 
I'm looking around for some nice burls for you. Let me know if there are any other types of figuring you might want if the color was right.

[David Willard (dreamer)]

Thanks, Matt.  Whenever I ask a question I know it isn't the first time.  I am sure Mica gets tired of answering the same questions over and over again.  It's nice to have such a supportive club to fill in the gaps.
 
The figuring isn't as important as the color.  I am looking for a dark red, almost a blood red with some type of dark contrast.  The color of Mica's Kingwood Essence looks good, but all of the infomation I find on Kingwood says that it is purple.
 
righteouswoods has some red and black Macassar Ebony that caught my eye, but I wanted to know some dimensions before inquiring.  Thanks for your help.

[Matt Bulmer (prime)]

No prob. This club is pretty nice. I don't think I've ever seen a club where the members don't come and jump all over you for asking a question that has already been answered. That's why I hang out here. Everyone here is very cool and helpful.
 
Ok as far as the blood red color. Well there's Bloodwood. It is about as blood red as I've ever seen a wood get. I've only seen it used for accent lines and such but it is indeed BLOOD red. Also called Satine or Cardinalwood. And there is always Vermillion.
 
You might want to try www.gilmerwood.com. They have some amazing woods there as well as pics of alot of different species of wood. The pic I posted of the Burl Amboyna was from them. I was considering getting a top and back set from them. EXPENSIVE though. It has to be brought out of the jungle on elephants, if you can believe it.
 
Matt

[Valentino Villevieille (valvil)]

Bloodwood has actually been used by Alembic as a top. For an example of it check out this featured custom.
http://www.alembic.com/info/hkguitar.html
 
 
Valentino

[Matt Bulmer (prime)]

THAT'S where I saw it. I knew I'd seen an instrument with a bloodwood top before I just couldn't remember where. It's been so long since I looked at that featured custom that I totally forgot about it.  
 
Thanks Valentino.
 
Matt

[mica]

One of the goals of having this club is to make some great FAQs. So don't worry - you're helping make the website better for  everyone.
 
I've always loved the sense of community at Alembic - the internet makes it possible for everyone else to enjoy it too!
 
Bloodwood STAYS red.  Vermilion ages and get browner over time. It still looks reddish, but more of a brick red after a few years.  
 
There are so many beautiful woods in the world. My Kingwood bass looks more purple in real life (that was the only day it was in the sun). Now after a couple of years, it's alos aged a little more brown, though the purple color is still evident.

[David Willard (dreamer)]

After some more thinking I think I will lean a little more on personalization.  I have had a few basses over the years and they have all had a feature that I liked.  So I am thinking about getting some of those features combined in my Alembic dream.  And I am looking for some ways to cut the cost a little.
 
Instead of ebony neck lams I am thinking about getting a single doubly wide walnut laminate or maybe 2 regular ones separated by a thin maple veneer.  This feature reflects back on the Ric that I had.  I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this type of laminate, or an idea what the cost would be.
 
I will put up some more ideas as they firm up.

[mica]

Walnut neck laminates will run the same as Purpleheart ($200-250 unless the model already has them). Walnut is not as stiff as Purpleheart, and will move more. This isn't really a problem, because you can adjust the movement with the truss rods, we just want you to be aware of this before we build it.  
 
Looking forward to learning more about your ideas. Combining your best of features means you're sure to like what we build, just like what Michael did on his last bass.