Author Topic: My "DREAM" Alemric. (Read 1463 times)

csissom · « **Reply #15 on:** May 02, 2006, 08:54:35 AM »

Hey Tony... if you need to sell that Distillate, let me know!

Not trying to be a vulture or anything here, just trying to help the cause in whatever small way I can! ;-)

Curt

(pennies a day!)

s_wood · « **Reply #16 on:** May 02, 2006, 01:28:05 PM »

Ajish:

If I answer your questions, you better not blame me if you get in trouble with Ms. Ajish!

Anyway, the best way to get information from Alembic is to call them and ask! You will be blown away by how friendly and helpful Val, Mica , Susan and Mary cab be. If you go the the custom quote generator you can guesstimate the list price for what you want minus the extra cost for the custom body. Only the folks at Alembic can tell you how much that will cost, but it won't be nearly as much as you would think. I would be happy to tell you what the Alembird cost, but that was at least one price increase ago and I don't want to mislead you. It's ok by me if you call Alembic and get them to tell you the list price of that bass today.

Here's the quote generator:
http://www.alembic.com/cgi-bin/quote/quote

You can save some money for sure by waiting around for a monthly special that lowers the cost of one of the options you've selected. That's what I try to do with my custom orders, and sometimes those specials can be worth $1,000 or more off the list price. Once you actually nail down the details and place the order you will have to put down a deposit, but the timing and amount will vary depending upon your dealer.

As to how long it will take from deposit to final delivery...well, it depends. My experience with the Alembird is not typical as it was always a back burner kind of project for both Alembic and me. There was a long period of time where basically nothing happened on the prject because both Alembic and I were busy doing other things.
I have a couple of other Alembics, so I wasn't in a hurry because it's not like I didn't have anything else to play. Anyway, from the time we re-focused on the project until the time it was done was about 6 months...and then Susan and I didn't like the color of the finish, so they stripped the bass and refinished it, which added maybe a month to the thing.

So, that's my long-winded way of saying: 1) a custom body shape takes a little while longer than the average job; 2) only Alembic can tell you how long a project will take; and 3) it will take longer than they say if they need the time to make it perfect. You know, the only thing worse than salivating for a bass that's being built is bumming out about your brand new bass that isn't perfect. Because Alembic only does perfect, sometimes things take a little while longer.

Pennies a day, dude.

ajish4 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 05, 2006, 05:11:15 AM »

Pennies a day.....

I really like the way that RINGS!

Steve:

Thanks for all the information. That's a lot of typing there!

I'm going to sell off a few basses that I'm just not using, NOT THE DISTILLATE Curt, sorry buddy. I just have TOO much invested into this bass at this point in time.

I don't think I'm going to be able to do anything SOON but I'm going to start stashing a few $$$'s away over the next few months and see how it goes.

I'd hate to waste anyone's time over at Alembic, but I'd love to have a target price so I at least have an idea if it's way out of my reach.

I'll keep your all posted....

Pennies a day..........

Thanks again!

Tony

ajish4 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 15, 2006, 08:49:51 PM »

I've been doing a lot of thinking about the AlemRic, I've even thought of testing the water by purchasing a set of Alembic Pickups and electronics and putting together a RIC body with the Alembic pickups.

I picked up a set of MXY56 pickups on Ebay with all the electronics. I have a 4004Ci Rickenbacker that has the pickups mounted on the surface of the bass. I didn't realize how BIG they were, but the price was right! I WAS playing with the idea of putting it together just to see what it sounds like.

BUT THEN...I found this old post...In it, Mica states Custom pickups masters are $350, and the silicone mold is $75. Once they're made, we can make as many of the custom shape you want.

Does this mean if I give them the exact measurements of the stock High Gain Rickenbacker pickups and have Alembic make a set of Europa electronics that will screw right into the existing Ric pickup space? Has anyone ACTUALLY done something like this? I don't want to do any routing to a 4003 and I'd rather NOT use my 4004Ci. If so, I'll be selling the MXY56 system and order a set of new electronics from Mica.

I can get my hands on a Ric Body really cheap. If I can get the electronics made, it would be a great stand in until I can go for my EXOTIC wood AlemRic. But I'd really just want to drop the new pickups right in and screw them down.

Any thoughts? I'm really not a hands on kind of guy, but am I missing some major pitfall here of does this sound doable?

Posted on Thursday, June 20, 2002 - 2:31 pm: on a post called MXY pickups for my Tobias.
-------------------------------------------
MXY pickups for 5-string basses are 5x1.22 inches. These will fit strings widths up to 3.50 inches above the bridge pickup. $480 for a standard set with either 3 controls (volume, pan, filter) or 4 controls (volume, pan, bass, treble).

Custom pickups masters are $350, and the silicone mold is $75. Once they're made, we can make as many of the custom shape you want.

Depending on the value of the bass, you may find an existing shape that can be fit with a minimum of routing to save some money.

The pickups are intended to work with our electronics as a system. We don't so any testing with other electronics, so we don't have experience with mixing them.

(Message edited by ajish4 on May 15, 2006)

(Message edited by ajish4 on May 15, 2006)

mica · « **Reply #19 on:** May 16, 2006, 07:46:18 AM »

Good news - we already make the shape you need for the 4003. Two of the neck pickups should work for the 4004Ci. You can use these pickups with your existing electronics, or have electronics made to fit the hole pattern already in either of the basses.

ajish4 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 16, 2006, 10:37:17 AM »

Mica,

YOU'RE THE BEST!

THANK YOU!

I'd prefer ALEMBIC wiring. Are they ACTIVE or Passive? Are you able to put a Q switch with them? Are they in stock or do they have to be made? And lastly, cost?

THANK YOU SO MUCH. I'm really excited. Now all I have to do is decide WHICH bass I will use. I'm leaning STRONGLY in favor of the 4003. There is a lot more room in the cavity and more options available with the wiring. I'd also like to get some that insulating silver paint if you sell that too.

I'm getting static interference with my RIC but not my Alembics. One of my main reasons for wanting to make the change.

Thank you again!
Tony

ajish4 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 18, 2006, 04:21:14 AM »

Hi Mica,

Email sent.

Thanks again!

Tony

s_wood · « **Reply #22 on:** May 18, 2006, 07:42:29 AM »

Tony:

I would strongly advise you to use one of Alembic's several electronics set-ups along with their pickups. Alembic's tone controls are second to none in terms of their musicality, and they are a big part of that classic Alembic tone. I'm pretty biased in my opinion, for sure, but to me the difference between Alembic's electronics and any mass-produced stuff is like the difference between a fine California cabernet and Gatorade.

Signature electronics are one way to go - 2 volume controls (or a master volume and a pan) and 2 filters, each with a 2 position Q switch. It can be a stereo setup if you like. If you go to Alembic's web site and look at the description of each bass model under the Products section you will see a description of each type of electronics. Of course, Alembic will build you pretty much anything you are willing to pay for, so you can mix and match features, too.

Pennies a day, dude.

Good luck!

ajish4 · « **Reply #23 on:** May 21, 2006, 06:55:55 PM »

Steve:

Advice taken. I've emailed Mica and I'm still awaiting a response. I'd imagine they are really busy so I'm waiting patiently. I'd go with the wiring as well as the pickups should I go this route.

I really like the Distillate/Europa setup. Mica said they have RK pickups that will fit right into a RIC cavity. I just don't know if they are acitve or not and if I could use the Europa wiring setup with these pickups.

I'd like to keep the control setup on the RIC. I'd like to LOOK like a RIC on the outside, but SOUND like an ALEMBIC with all the goodies hidden on the inside.

I don't want to go BIG bucks being this would only be a transition bass to hold me until I can save my PENNIES A DAY for the big day.

I'm in NO rush, the longer the better. The more time to save my PENNIES!

Thanks again for all your help and imput. I've a feeling we'll be talking more if/when this project takes shape...

PENNIES A DAY....I have to tie that into the AlemRic project name!

(Message edited by ajish4 on May 21, 2006)

jagerphan84 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 21, 2006, 07:24:12 PM »

Well, as far as I know, Alembic's pickups are ALL active and intended for use with Alembic electronics.

I've got a Distillate as my main axe, and a custom with Europa electronics as well. I can attest to the versatility and ease of use for both setups (which are very similar, except the pickup selector vs. pan).

Sounds like a cool project!

ajish4 · « **Reply #25 on:** June 25, 2006, 10:08:51 PM »

http://cgi.ebay.com/RICKENBACKER-4003S-WITH-CUSTOM-ALEMBIC-FEATURES-4003_W0QQitemZ220001657682QQihZ012QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

OH man, am I in T R O U B L E.....

David Houck · « **Reply #26 on:** June 26, 2006, 05:33:50 AM »

Hee hee!

southpaw · « **Reply #27 on:** June 26, 2006, 09:50:39 AM »

ajish4, be careful about building a bass resembling a RIC. Rickenbacker shapes are all legally protected, body, headstock, truss rod cover, tailpiece... RIC Corp. is fanatical about protecting these shapes and if you read the Rickresource Forum, you will see they are always taking action against EBay fakes and unauthorized parts.
I think you are better off dropping Alembic Electronics in your own Rick, no hassles from anyone.

s_wood · « **Reply #28 on:** June 26, 2006, 10:53:40 AM »

Tony:

This is YOU, man. Go after it, and we'll be rooting for you.

ajish4 · « **Reply #29 on:** June 26, 2006, 02:09:38 PM »

I said it before, I'll say it again....I am SO in trouble....

The wife is going to KILL me.

Looks like it's time to sell off some more of the collection. I've been a REAL bad boy and the CC's show that without a doubt.

Paul: Thanks for the heads up about the Rickenbacker policy. I am familiar about RIC's policies and I wouldn't do anything to violate it or jeopardize Alembic's position either. It is after all, a DREAM post. A personal fantasy if you will. I try to support both companies as much as possible and would never do anything intentionally to hurt either one. To me, they are the personification of what can be done when people CARE about what they make. They are from a bygone(sp)? Era where craftsmanship really mattered and the people making them put a lot of themselves into their products. I respect that and I try to support that.

If I were to proceed, it would be something more ALEMBIC than Rickenbacker, but enough hint of a RIC but as not to violate either companies policies. I just love both company's and their basses are all I play. A match made in heaven in my eyes!

Steve: Thanks, I appreciate the support! I'm going to do my best to make a run at it. I've already been in touch with the seller and I asked him a lot questions. It SOUNDS perfect! Not to mention, I LOVE the S body without the binding!

SIGH. This is going to hurt. I once heard it said, I don't know if it was on this forum or not, but there is a LOT of wisdom in it.....
QUOTE: Forgiveness is easier to get than permission.....I?ve also heard it said from my wife that ?bruises heal, but the scars could still remain?!

Dave: Thanks. Now that?s support! LoL!