Ke(vi)n's Custom Orion

[mica]

Ken's been waiting patiently to get his first glimpse of his bass. Sorry there was little light for these photos:  

 I know I always say this, but it looks much better in person! The Quilted Maple is hard to photograph with the smooth scraped top, but if you concentrate on the edges, you can see the rough texture from the deep figuring. Once there's paint on it next week, you'll see what I mean.  

 Neck complete with reminder note for the brass truss rod cover.

[bigbadbill]

Hi Ken;
Another bass? Wow! Can't wait to see how this one turns out (I'm going to be seriously lagging behind in terms of number of Alembics owned, although I think the one I'm getting more than makes up for it!)
 
All the best
 
Shaun

[kmh364]

Hi Mica,
 
Just wondering...Is this my bass, or someone else's with a similar name and order?
 
Kevin

[mica]

Had a little brain drop last night on your name, sorry Kevin. If you placed your order through Superbass, then this is your bass.

[kmh364]

Hi Mica,
 
Yes, guilty as charged! No worries about the name, though....I've been called much worse, LOL!
 
I had a feeling that this was my order. Unfortunately, because of the dark pix, I couldn't tell if it had an ash back or if the neck had (amber) LED's. Is it possible for you to post more pix, especially some alternate angles?
 
I was wondering if you could refresh my memory...I know I asked Steve from Superbass to order the gold package and brass cover plates for everything...but I can't remember about the headstock logo. Did I order a gold plated logo?
If not, and it's not too late, I'd like to have the logo gold plated as well. While I'm asking stupid questions: Is it possible to have that logo inlaid flush (vs. the standard surface mount)or would I have to go with the s. silver w/shell (a la Series II)? Whichever way it goes, I'll make sure that Steve Frank officially confirms any adds/changes with you.
 
Thanks for your assistance,
 
Ke(vi)n
 

[kmh364]

Mica,
 
I've been eyeing up those awesome wood knobs from Roger @ THG. I'm interested in going that route. What would you recommend that would set off the top of this bass?  
 
Cheers,
 
Kevin

[kmh364]

Mica/Susan,
 
Any updates re: the above?
 
Kevin

[mica]

Hmmmmm, with all the light woods on your bass, I wonder if Maple knobs would look lost or good. Maybe some combo of ebony knobs (to match fingerboard) and maple tops (to match top) would look nice. In that case, ebony indicators would probably show up most. But I'm no expert in wooden knob coordination. I'd ask Roger from THG for his advice since he's surely got more experience.

[kmh364]

Hi Mica,
 
Thanks for the sugestion(s). I e-mailed Roger over @ THG with the particulars. I'm interested to see what he comes up with. My apologies: I didn't realize that other Alembic customers had dealt directly with THG for knobs for their instruments. I had assumed that Alembic dealt with THG on behalf of their customers for previous customs I've seen on the club site...my bad.
 
With regards to the rest of the bass...any progress?  
 
Cheers,
 
Kevin  

[mica]

There will be some other pics for you shortly on your build. Sadly, we can't work on every instrument every day, so sometimes progress is kinda spotty.  
 
Glad you and Roger got together about your knobs. I still fancy the plastic knobs (just used to them I guess), but I'm getting accustomed to some of the wood ones. I really like those spiral topped ones I saw on a brown bass.

[kmh364]

Hi Mica,  
 
Thanks much for the info. I realize that you're very busy and that my bass isn't the only one you're working on at the moment. Any progress you can post is, as always, greatly appreciated.  
 
Roger is swamped as well at the moment, but expects to get back to me in a few days with recommendations. I referred him to your site (specials archive) RE: East Meets West and Almost Twins so he can get an idea of what the bass is going to look like. I like your black plastic knobs as well, I'm just looking to set my bass a little apart from the specials that I've patterned it after.  
 
BTW, I asked Steve from Superbass to give you guys a call. I want to go with the gold plated Alembic logo (surface mount), I'd like to substitute the road case w/wheels (black/black) in place of the standard hard shell item, and I'd like to add gold (external, not recessed) straplocks. I'll need enough male pieces (@ strap ends) for three straps (all Alembic, LOL!). I also requested that he obtain a revised build sheet in order to eliminate any confusion as to my desired specifications.  
 
Regards,  
 
Kevin  
 
(Message edited by kmh364 on March 23, 2004)

[kmh364]

Hi Mica,
 
Another stupid question from the better late than never club: Has the neck been assembled yet? If not, is it possible to have Purpleheart pinstripes along with the maple neck lams. instead of the standard Walnut? I'm sure I'm too late, but because of the restart-from-scratch, I figured I might have a chance. No harm in asking, right? If you have to, you can blame BKBass for putting the purpleheart splinter in my mind, LOL!
 
Cheers,
 
Kevin

[kmh364]

Mica/Susan,
 
Any progress shots yet?
 
Kevin

[mica]

I keep missing the good shots, Kevin.  
 

This shot is in progress - it actually being clamped in the vacuum press. More goodies soon.

[kmh364]

Thanks Mica,  
 
Keep 'em coming!  
 
Kevin