Pierre-Yves' African Blackwood Custom Series II

[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 uh hum acquire your bass in a minute and add it to my Alembic family, by hook or by crook!!  Great Bass.

[bassjigga]

I'm surprised at how defensive everyone is of Alembic. They are great instruments without a doubt, but i think at $17,000 for a bass, one is well within their right to expect perfection...

[toma_hawk01]

I disagree with the last statement.
 
Money is relative... What's a lot of money to some, is nothing to others.  
 
Wood is natural and didn't come from a mold. You can get perfection from a mold, but I doubt it would be worth much, nor would be called custom.
 
As long as the thing plays to perfection, and the appearances is not obvious to the eyes, I think it should pass inspection. I don't think it affects the music quality one bit.
 
However, I do agree P has the final say, and he has every right to make case, but to keep to continue posting pictures get annoying, so if that's his thing, I am moving on!!!
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-

[tubeperson]

Even the finest diamonds and leathers have flaws.  Certainly people do.  This is not a defensive response, believe me, there are things I prefer about other basses as compared to Alembics and Alembic itself. When you deal with natural products and try to manufacture them into someting else, one has to accept a certain amount of defect.  It's a part of the natural experience.  Even Steinbergers, which I enjoy have defects.  Is there blind loyalty to the brand?  Yes I sense some of that in the club postings.  That is wonderful, that people get so wrapped up about a tree or several trees that emanate a sound we enjoy.  Better than shooting people!

[mario_farufyno]

Well, that is not CNC made for sure...

[edwin]

I wonder if that is because of wood being a living thing and as the bass gets made, the wood might shift a little bit so that when it's carved, it no longer follows straight lines along the wood joins. What matters to me is not so much the minutiae of the aesthetics of symmetry, but how the whole instruments works as a unity of its parts. I haven't check for perfect symmetry in my Series I, but it sure does have perfection of feel and tone.

[tmoney61092]

i think upset is an under statement of how i would feel if i paid that kind of money for an instrument and it wasn't absolutely perfect......
 
~Taylor

[pierreyves]

so here's the latest news: blackwood bass is in my hands for several hours. I would firstly like to thank the whole team Alembic, especially the artisans who were able to produce a gem of an instrument of rare beauty. This bass is so pure, so perfect that I must be very grateful.  
There are some small flaws that can not be since this instrument comes something fantastic.
I would also say that the experience of observation through the web and photoshop will allow Alembic to achieve perfection!
When I opened the package, I held my breath so I did not realize she was finally here, and as I know her from all angles, including that of tailpiece  I was primarily fascinated by this simple beauty.
I plugged into my amp an hour ago and the sound is absolutely monstrous, huge, incredible, I've never had such a lot of sustain, is just amazing. There is everything as sounds, from crystal to the unctuous, as if Stanley was in my living room LOL!
I will try to record something decent solo next week.
I am extremely happy and relieved that my choice of wood is a pure success, to my taste.
Yes I can say now that there is no default, there would indeed never have had if I had seen making my eyes on the spot and if I had not had time any scanner with my Mac.
Right: a huge THANKS, this Alembic is the most fabulous bass I've ever played. (google translation)
 
 
 
(Message edited by pierreyves on June 08, 2011)

[edwin]

That's the best picture I've seen of this bass so far. The next step is a gig picture! It sure is a beauty (love the maple laminate in the body.) and I'm sure the sound is way beyond the appearance.
 
If anyone comes to your gigs with a set of calipers and a protractor, just tell them to experience this bass with their ears instead of their eyes!

[jazzyvee]

magnifique
 
 
Jazzyve

[sonicus]

OK . Congratulations ! I am happy that you are happy too !

[crobbins]

Congratulations.

[jay_r]

If James Bond played bass, it would be that one! Classy!

[rustyg61]

I love a happy ending!! Congratulations Pierre! It sounds like this was well worth the wait!

[rustyg61]

Duplicate post
 
(Message edited by rustyg61 on June 08, 2011)