Rick's Dragon Wing

[rickkessler]

Thanks Valentino.

[the_8_string_king]

P.S. Rick, you also might not want to refer to her (Mica) as a HE!!!
 
Just kidding, I'm sure it's an honest typo!

[mica]

Very soon indeed:  

 

 

  There's still a few days before we ship, but at least you know that the construction is now complete. Looks awesome!

[lbpesq]

WOW!!!!!
 
Bill, tgo

[senmen]

Rick,
wow, congrats to this beauty.
I can?t wait for mine to be completed now....
 
Oliver (Spyderman)

[tom_z]

Beautiful bass Rick! Congrats!
 
Tom

[David Houck]

Beauty!!

[rickkessler]

Mica,
 
Thanks for the pictures.  It does look beautiful. I'm very excited --especially because it appears that it will arrive in time for the 2 gigs my band is playing in May (although it's so beautiful, I'm a bit scared to take it with me).
 
By the way, can you or someone there, tell me what the control layout is? I assume the top triangle is volume, quick-q switch, q control for the neck pickup and the bottom is v-q switch-q control for the bridge: am I correct?
Also, I assume the red streak near the controls is the photo not the bass.
 
Anyway, I can't wait to try it and really appreciate the pictures.
 
-Rick

[jacko]

Wow! That's fantastic Rick. The wood is perfect for the body shape.
(the streak is probably just a reflection - possibly Mica herself)
 
Graeme

[adriaan]

The Beauty and the Beast as one!
 
About the controls ... Unless you asked for volume/volume, the two pots closest to the bridge would be volume and balance. The other two pots are the filter pots, where you set the cut-off frequency for the filter - there's a separate filter for each pickup.
 
The two switches are Q switches - the quick bit is usually associated with the bass and treble -6/0/+6 dB boost/cut switches of the Europa electronics package (also standard on the Rogue). That package has a single filter.
 
The Q switch puts an accent at the cut-off frequency of the filter. You probably have an off/on 0/8 dB Q switch.
 
I would guess that the red streaks were caused by the camera. Funny how there's sort of a circle going through the pots, but you might be looking at some shadows cast by the filter knobs!

[rickkessler]

Adriaan,
 
Actually, the electronics I ordered are 2 sets
of Bass/cut-boost, Treble/cut-boost added to the Anniversary Electronics.
 
Actually, I'm now not sure that the electronics are right.
 
Val, Mica??
 
Thanks,  
 
Rick

[mica]

Val tried to call you with these details earlier today, but got your answering machine.  
 
Signature electronics come standard with the Dragon Wing, and your order does say right on it to add 2 sets of switches, but no mention of the Anniversary electronics.
 
There's room enough to add them to the existing hole pattern, and on Monday I'll work out the pattern with James and post it here for you to see.  
 
I'm guessing that with the rewired electronics, shipping will look like the first week of April, so you'll have lots of time ot get acquainted before your shows. Do take the bass out, it's what it was made to do!
 
Yeah, Adriaan's right about the reflections. These aren't studio shots, just snapshots so there's all sorts of funky reflections and such. I put the basson the floor in the shipping room, and there's a wall of instruments hanging above it to the right.

[rickkessler]

Mica (and Val),
 
I did get Val's voice-mail today.  Frankly I'm glad that you posted the pictures or it would have been much more difficult for everyone.  
As for the Anniversary electronics - I don't know why the order doesn't say it, but my receipt from bass central says the following (which I'm pasting in directly):  
 
Standard Dragon Wing 34 scale, Cocobolo Top, 2 sets
of Bass/cut-boost, Treble/cut-boost, Anniversary
Electronics, Purple Heart neck laminates, 1.5 Nut, 2.5
at 24th fret, Mahogany core, Dragon Wing case.
 
Anyway, the delay isn't near as important to me as getting the electronics as ordered.  As Val knows from our initial discussion, I denied myself additional laminates, etc., in order to spend the money on the electronics because I consider them to be the most important reason for my purchasing an Alembic (but certainly not the only reason; customer service is certainly proving to be everything I expected so far!!!)  
 
Again, I'm just happy we were able to catch this in time.  I will be on the lookout for the posting of the new electronics scheme.  I will also be happy to discuss by phone.

[the_8_string_king]

You made a great call, spec'ing your bass with anniversery electronics with added bass & treble quick change boost/cut switches for each pickup.  My custom Europa has similar electronics, and the versatility is utterly mind-boggling.  You're going to love it, good call!

[rickkessler]

Val, Mica:
 
Any news, pictures or progress on my Dragonwing Take II?