Ke(vi)n's Custom Orion

[kmh364]

Thanks, Jonathan. Alembic did an awesome job with the top lam. What you may not have noticed is the purpleheart neck pinstripes (go back to the last archive of this thread) that look much nicer than the standard walnut stripes. Like a moron, I almost substituted another accent lam wood as I didn't like the original EMW's thin PH top lam. I also didn't realize that I could have gone for wide PH neck lams (as well as a bridge block). Oh well, hindsight is 20/20, and I did spend a small fortune already on this thing! The logo was also all Alembic...I originally just asked for a gold-plated version of the standard bronze Alembic logo (see the original EMW), and they surprised me with that gorgeous surface-mounted gold plated logo w/ MOP cloud and paua abalone shell. I went nuts over the series II sterling inlayed logo w/shell, but I didn't wanna go for the extra dosh. Having seen it now, I think I actually like the surface mount better! Gotta love Mica!

[kmh364]

Mica,
 
Did you receive the THG knobs yet?
 
Kevin

[kmh364]

Mom/Dad, are we there yet? LOL!
 
(Message edited by kmh364 on July 12, 2004)

[mikedm]

Easy boy, take it easy...I fear that soon you'll be trading the when's it gonna get here anxiety for the when do I get off work, gotta go home variety.
 
Beautiful bass, glad to see you're getting what you want.
 
Mike

[kmh364]

Thanks, Mike. Just having a little fun at Mica's expense...I know from other's past experiences that an Alembic is done when it's done and not a moment before.  
 
It's actually a blessing that I couldn't get a deal on the original East Meets West because I'm paying what I wanted to (i.e., discount off of MSRP-wise) and I feel that this one is, at the very least, aesthetically superior.  

[malthumb]

Oh man that is the most beautiful Orion I've ever seen.  The gold plating and logo really accentuate the rich tone of the quilt.  Amazing.

[kmh364]

James:
 
Thanks. Coming from you, with the nice axes that you have, that is indeed a compliment.
 
Kudos for the inspiration for this bass go to Kevin and his Almost Twins, and Marcus Morgan & Co. @ Larry Morgan Music. I took the idea of EMW (because I couldn't make a deal with Marcus for the original) and tried to dress it up like the Almost Twins without breaking the bank. Throw in a little faerie dust and wave or two of the magic wand by Mica and Co. and there you have it.

[kmh364]

I can't wait to see the thing with the coordinated-wood hippie sandwich knobs I commissioned from Roger over at THG. That should really put the crowning touch on this beauty.
 
Mica: any more pics for the expectant father?

[mica]

Got the knobs, only snag is I lost one of the inserts! It came lose in the bag during transport and it found a life of its own somewhere on the floor, but it's been illusive. I've asked Roger to shoot me up some spares. Will get you some pics with (most of) the knobs tomorrow afternoon, I'm expecting company in the morning.  
 
BTW, these knobs look great, and Mary particularly liked them.

[kmh364]

Thanks, Mica.
 
I thought you forgot about me, LOL! J/K. If you and Mary both think the knobs are great, then they really must be! Thanks to you for sending Roger the wood(s). These knobs weren't cheap, but I think they'll make the bass. I'm dying to see the thing with the knobs in place.
 
BTW, After the knobs, we're waiting for the case and nut re-plate, right? Any ETA yet for a shipping date for me?

[eastcoastepic]

Kevin,
  Yet another masterpiece enroute to NJ....East welcomes West, if you will! That 5A top is absolutely wonderful, and the gold logo is truly a work of art. Can't wait to see what you & Roger dreamed up for the knobs on this beauty! Nothing against black, but custom THG's really add an extra touch of class to an Alembic.  
 
Best of luck, and, of course, more pics when you two finally get together..........
Chris

[kmh364]

Chris: Thanks. I tried uploading a pic of the knobs Roger sent me, but it didn't work. We'll have to wait for Mica to post them later today.
 
(Message edited by kmh364 on July 14, 2004)

[kmh364]

OK, I think I've gotten the hang of it now.
 
 

[kmh364]

BTW, That's a hippie sandwich (i.e., analogue of the bass body/lam/top) of Swamp Ash (same as the body...Mica sent scraps from my bass over to THG), with a Purpleheart laminate and a Quilted Maple top cap. The position marker is real 12K gold inlayed flush with the wood surface. They're finished in a gloss oil hand-applied finish. I can't wait to see them on the instrument!

[kmh364]

Mica: Any news about the flight case and the nut?