Steve's "Alembird" Project

[lbpesq]

An old friend drove a late '60's T-Bird.  It was at least 3500 lbs heavier than Steve's guitar.  (Couldn't resist LOL)
 
Bill, tgo

[s_wood]

Gare:
 
I haven't weighed either my '64 T-Bird or the Alembird, but subjectively the basses weigh about the same.  That's not a surprise as the basses are quite similar in terms of construction materials and design.

[dadabass2001]

Steve,  
Have you picked up the trick someone here suggested of weighing yourself, then weighing yourself while holding the bass. The difference is the weight of the instrument.
Mike

[ox_junior]

As a John Entwistle fan, would you call that technique Trick of the Weight?
 
AMAZING instrument Steve!  Congrats!
 
 Mike

[s_wood]

Not everybody loves the Alembird...
 
Check this out:  http://www.vintagebass.com/thedudepit/showthread.php?t=4900

[jacko]

Well, each to their own I guess, I think it's fantastic. Seems to be about a 50-50 split but like you say, it's your bass and you love it so who cares what anyone else thinks.  
BTW, I love the avatar BMORRI396 has chosen. Very eyecatching ;-)
 
Graeme

[kmh364]

Steve:
 
What Graeme said...screw 'em all! That thing is awesome and it's yours so who cares! I'd be proud to own the thing myself.
 
Cheers,
 
Kevin

[ajdover]

Steve,
 
   It's a beautiful instrument, regardless.  I would have preferred more access to the upper frets, but that's just me.  You got what you wanted, and it's beautiful.  I am truly jealous!  Congrats on a great instrument!
 
Best regards,
 
Alan

[s_wood]

I would have preferred more access to the upper frets, too, but that simply isn't possible with the T-Bird's body shape.  If you check out the very beginning of this thread in the archives through November 11 2004 you can see the results of Mica's Photoshop manipulations of the body shape in an attempt to provide better access to the upper frets. In my opinion, the better the upper fret access the weirder the body looked.  So, since the concept here was to copy the T-Bird I went with the original body shape, warts and all.

[ajdover]

Steve,
 
   I figured as much.  It's one of the few things I don't like about my T-Bird.  Completely understand why you wanted to keep the classic shape - I just love the shape of a T-Bird.  To me, it just says rock 'n roll.  You've got the best of both worlds - a kickass looking bass, and it's an Alembic.  Again, I am truly jealous!  Still looking for my checkbook ....
 
Alan

[palembic]

Gosh ...this is gonna be something.
Love the Brazilian Rosewood.
Is'nt it one of the forbidden woods these days??
My acoustic guitar has back and sides in BRazilian Palisander ...is that Rosewood?
It looks very similar.
I have my acoustic -ib GREAT condition- for almost 30 years now.
 
Paul the bad one

[basstard]

Paul - palisander = rosewood... As far as I know ;-)

[twiggyjudas]

Brazilian rosewood is banned from being cut down 'cause its an endangereed species -- its main source was from the Brazilian rainforests, which must be conserved.
I love the look of this Alembird so far. That top wood and rosewood looks absolutely perfect!! Will work out like a real charm, I'd say.

[smichaels]

to harvest rainforest rosewood is illegal...to utilize naturally timbered rosewood is not.  
 
Sean

[mica]

Brazilian Rosewood is one of the species protected by the CITES treaty, so I'd advise anyone not to internationally travel even with an instrument made before the treaty. I've heard horror stories of customs officials confiscating 100 year old Martins.  

 Shame is, fine sanding dulls the figure out. This is a stunning and juicy piece, and when the finish hits, you'll know what I mean.  

 Mike's getting all the parts ready for assembly. See how he carved the slope by the fingerboard? The Maple will confirm to this and be the same thickness across the top.