Brian's Custom BOP Bass

[mica]

Bass is on its merry way to Brian, but here's a little preview of what he'll find when he opens the case...
 

 
Pictures pale to the real deal, but it still looks pretty up there.

[sonicus]

Wonderful !

[rv_bass]

Wow, incredible bass, with electronics for every situation, love the maple!  Have fun, very nice!

[growlypants]

I'm speechless...AGAIN!!

[David Houck]

Beautiful!!

[5a_quilt_top]

Amazing.
 
I'm a sucker for maple, so this one got my attention right away.
 
Fantastic body shape.
 
Any chance we can see the headstock - ?

[mario_farufyno]

Brian, congratulation, what impressive bass you've got!

[moongerm]

Susan, Mica, Mary, and Will,  
 
The bass arrived safe and sound this AM, whoooo hoooo. I went the week trying not to think about it making it's journey across country as the infant newborn it is, all alone.  
 
I was there bright and early this AM to pick it up rather than have it delivered. When I got home I had to rush to get ready for work but I just had to make sure it was A-OK before leaving. I unpacked the bass and placed the case on the rug.  I paused and stared at the unopened case for a few moments to reflect briefly on the journey to this point along with trying to picture what I will find.
 
As I opened the case I thought wow, this is A LOT more than I expected! It seems a lot bigger in the photos. It actually is pretty lightweight and the size is perfect!  I picked it up ever so gently out of the case to feel it and look over everything. To my utter amazement I found an incredible unknown surprise the elves gave me! My heart was beating pretty fast I must say. THANK YOU SO MUCH!  
 
The bass sits perfectly on my thigh and without a strap, with this amazing body shape it balanced better, I dare say, than any instrument I have ever owned in my life. I began to play up and down to get the over all feel and vibe of the frets. I then quickly threw just about every technique I could and everything landed naturally. I instantly felt at home which is highly unusual for me. This is literally what I have always wanted and wished for! I was on the verge of tears.  This has to be one of the best 4 string basses ever, is the feeling I have. I did not get a chance to plug it in yet as I had to bolt to work but I will report back as soon as I do.  
 
Will Gunn told me several times and I paraphrase, that total satisfaction will be achieved along with all expectations being met or exceeded. He was spot on!  Thanks for all your advise and consultation Will!  
 
Mica, Susan, Ron and the entire staff at Alembic you are all absolutely incredible and I am so thankful and blessed! From the bottom of my heart thank you for doing what you do so exceptionally well!  
 
I will report back with more details, photos, and perhaps some videos if I get the chance.  Thank you also for the kind words Wolf, rv, Growly, Dave, 5a, and Mario.  
 
Peace, love, and blessings, Brian

[moongerm]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  (Message edited by mica on August 08, 2015)

[moongerm]

And a few more.  

 

 

 

  (Message edited by mica on August 08, 2015)

[tbrannon]

Such a great looking bass.  I wasn't a huge fan of this body shape when I've seen it previously with dark wood tops.  I'm loving it with the birdseye maple!!
 
Enjoy it.

[willgunn]

Congratulations, Brian, and what a beauty it is! I'm sure you'll agree with me on another point too, namely, these wonderful instruments ALWAYS end up looking FAR better in the flesh than ANY picture can ever convey! Here's to many, many years of intense gigging for you with this beauty!
 
I must confess, the pictures of the beautiful Bird's Eye Maple on this bass inspired me to recently pull the trigger on yet another one for my own personal use - a 5-string version of my Maple-topped, Vermilion bodied Refinement bass ( http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/100949.html?1302566395 ), with the only other significant difference being Bird's Eye Maple instead of Quilted Maple for the top.
 
Resistance is futile.......

[moongerm]

Thanks T! The body shape wasn't my first choice either. I had so many ideas, as we all do when it comes to this stuff. I landed on the BoP shape with the following in mind:  
 
- The Stanley Clarke short scale was my first choice as I owned and SC deluxe before for a short stint.  I wanted however a more practical (for me) 32 medium scale. So my fears of running the risk having to reach further in the low register on an SC body with a longer neck gave me cold feet. Also the custom series 2 electronics configuration may not fit on the SC body the way I like which is have everything out of the way as much as possible.  
 
- The Balance K was my next choice however since this bass is replacing my old main Carl Thompson 4 string from the early 90's. My CT had a long upper horn reaching the 12th fret which I was afraid I would miss.
 
As such I landed on the BoP style because of it's more unique shape, long horn, and the added body points are useful as my ribs and my thigh fit very nicely into each of those pockets. The birdseye was chosen as my teacher/mentor Gerald Carboy (David Sancious & Tone) had a birdseye maple bass from Carl Thompson 1977. Gerald introduced me to Carl when I was 17 which was also when I ordered my very first custom bass from him at the time. So this birdseye will always remind me of Gerald.  
 
I recently sold my first 4 string custom Carl Thompson as it led a very useful life. It was pretty beat up fret wise and the oil finished body had multiple worn out areas and a few potholes worn from my thumb resting on the pickup and body.  Selling it helped greatly in funding this build even though I was tough to let go. I knew this Alembic build would be incredible from all perspectives including: retaining great balance, amazing electronics, neck thru body build, beautiful durable finish, custom measurements to my liking, oh and of course a pure work of art with superb wood selections by Mica and Susan.

[moongerm]

Yes indeed Will, you and Mica were right on! Thanks again!  LOL, that is great news too Will on the new BE 5 string, wow I can't wait to see that. I am loving the vermillion core by the way and it's density so I can see why you are doing it again. Congrats!

[811952]

Beautiful.
 
John