Pierre-Yves' African Blackwood Custom Series II

[pierreyves]

LOL, I hope the entire bass is straight !!
 

[toma_hawk01]

I can't stand box cakes, or just add water crap...
 
I love stuff made from scratch. Some preconceived mistakes, are not mistakes at all.
 
Make me a cake from scratch, and just like that!
 
Break some rules, and create something different... that's what created the birth of the Blues.
 
Flaws keep you humble, and it helps you become enlighten to things that are more important in life.  
 
Hand made, is hand made, flaws and all. It's still beautiful no matter what.
 
I bet you that bass probably sounds even better that way...
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
 
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on May 17, 2011)

[pierreyves]

for some people who had some doubt:
 

 
anyway, the peghead is wonderful

[dlbydgtl]

Have a great holiday!

[afrobeat_fool]

My friend, I think you are failing to understand that these pictures are not right. The slightest of angle from the camera will create distortions. If this is the case, and I think it is, then all this worry is for no good! I can not believe that this Bass would leave the woodshop, not to mention the factory, if it was not correct. I believe, like Brother Hal, that the little accidents are the uniqueness of the instrument. The Flavor! The wonderful luthiers at Alembic would not send you this Bass if it was not Magnificient! All the best to you and may you love this beauty for all your days.
 
 
 
Nick

[mike1762]

I don't know... our basses are not mass produced by a CNC machine; therefore, they are subject to minor variations.  On one hand it's evidence of a hand-built instrument, but on the other hand I understand any mounting frustration on Pierre's part.  When you spend this kind-of money on an instrument, I can understand the expectation of perfection... as unobtainable as that might be.  Camera angle IS distorting things a bit, but there is a definite deviation.  I have some original artwork that I have collected over the years: one of my favorites is of a young woman looking seductively over her shoulder.  I love the painting, but there is brushstroke adjacent to her back that looks a bit out of place.  I don't think the artist completely mixed the colors prior to applying them to the canvas.  But it is the artist's brushstroke and I accept that for whatever it is... intentional or not.  I sometimes notice the area, but usually not.  It's a beautiful painting from a very talented artist and it's mine... brushstroke and all.  Enjoy your work of art Pierre... it is drop-dead gorgeous.

[nnek]

Having been in the custom business for over 30 years with materials and assemblies that allow no chance at a do-over, I can fully sympathize on both sides... It looks to be a truly wondrous instrument in spite.  
 
 measure twice, cut once .
 
Nnek

[pace]

Pierre, your forensic analysis of the last two images does absolutely nothing except to prove that the photos were in fact shot from angles.

[pierreyves]

I think we should stop taking me for a fool. I will prove what I watch when the bass will be there. Here, the biggest problem is when you said what's wrong with Alembic, you end up with 2 / 3 of the club on his back with a few exceptions.

[toma_hawk01]

P,  
 
You know what...?
 
I think Alembic, Inc. knew you were going to be a very tough customer to please from the start.  
 
My hat goes out to them... for simply trying.
 
I said enough...
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-

[mario_farufyno]

How can you say that is a angle issue on photo, Folks? Check the headstock's back shot again and dare to say that right tuning machines are not closer to the edge than the one at left... That issue may be not as disturbing as it looks on picture, but they are simply not symetrical. May be that the angle made it looks worst than it really is, but it is there, no question about it.
 
It is not a question about the superiority of that brand, we all agree on that (specially Pierre-Yves who owns a bunch of Alembic basses), he is just pointing out minor ou cosmetics defects that are there indeed. No one can blame a consumer for expect the most from who we all believe be the top of this market. This criticism is due to the respect we all have to Alembic (and by the price they have).
 
But I don't want to build that up. He likes it and will love it when get it finally at his hands, despite any of these minor flaws, and he is on his own right when gets upset by the delays or comunication issues. Hugs everyone and lets our buddy expose his impressions on that experience (it will be certainly usefull for new consumers).

[pierreyves]

just one word Mario: THANK YOU

[lbpesq]

I agree that this isn't just an optical illusion caused by camera angle.  The placement of the tuners are definitely asymetrical.  But, like the non-centered tailpiece issue that has been the subject of a previous discussion, I wonder if there may be a reason for this as, after all, the nut and the strings themselves are asymetrical with the A & E strings being substantially thicker than the G & D strings.  Still an absolutely gorgeous bass.
 
Bill, tgo

[pierreyves]

Hi,
the bass will be at home this evening, I will go in few time at UPS center in Geneva.
These picture show the straightness from the back.
I hope it will not be visible to the naked eye and I hope it will also and especially to correct the defects for future instruments.
 

[tubeperson]

Pierreyves:
 
The minute flaws show the real heritage of the instrument.  Even G-D had a flood.  Don't worry about anything except for the sound.  It is awesome!!!!!!!!.  I would u hum acquire your bass in a minute and add it to my Alembic family, by hook or by crook!!  Great Bass.