Author Topic: Brian's Custom Walnut 5-string (Read 673 times)

bishopqdog · « **Reply #15 on:** December 05, 2003, 05:59:30 PM »

That wood has character and I like it!

mica · « **Reply #16 on:** December 05, 2003, 07:09:42 PM »

Oh my, two very similar basses going to the same dealer. I'm afraid the original picture was not Brian's bass. Rather, this similar but distinctly different bass will be making its way to Brian:

I am so sorry, Brian. I hope the past few days haven't been torture for you. The bass is ready for preset which means James will add the 1st fret inlay and then fret your bass. After, it will return to spray for the last few coats.

brian · « **Reply #17 on:** December 05, 2003, 09:41:09 PM »

mica,
hi, how are u?
well not torture,i just didn't remember asking for the omega cut out,but i thought it was still a very handsome bass,and i wasnt going to complain.the walnut on mine is very nice as well,i like the cosistancy,nice and even through out the bass.look forward to seeing it before shipping.speaking of shipping,i'am concernd about the weather conditions,i'am sure it will be left on trucks over night,it's warm in cal.,but freezing in ind.is that going to effect my new wood and set-up?
thanx again, b. piercefield

bob · « **Reply #18 on:** December 05, 2003, 10:42:38 PM »

I hesitate to step in at this delicate juncture, but can't seem to resist...

Not only did we go from an innie to an outie (or vice versa), but in my opinion also from wacky to sublime.

Despite the enthusiasm of several of our most honorable members, the wood in the first picture would keep me up nights (not playing, mind you, just frazzled). Though interesting, and perhaps stunning, we're all entitled to our own tastes - and that wasn't mine.

The wood in these new photos has depth, sensitivity, complexity, and a certain elegance - maybe like a fine wine or something - that makes me want to go play bass for a while.

I hope this is what you were looking for, Brian, and if so, then I can now offer you my sincere congratulations.
-Bob

(Brian - looks like I finished composing shortly after you responded yourself. Glad to hear you're pleased, though if you weren't, I'm sure Alembic would have made it right for you - and maybe I could have gotten them to skip the frets and cut me a deal, hmm...)

bracheen · « **Reply #19 on:** December 06, 2003, 07:25:06 AM »

Brian, I bet the Omega cut did have you scratching your head. Bob summed it up nicely with sublime. That's the great thing about Alembic. Each instrument is unique in appearence, no cookie cutters here. An each instrument sounds as amazing as it looks. Congratulations.

Sam

bassman10096 · « **Reply #20 on:** December 06, 2003, 07:04:49 PM »

My tastes probably went closer to the first, wilder wood, but the color of Brian's actual bass is a knockout.

Maybe someone out there can help me with a dilemma: I've been planning a custom built signature deluxe and have decided on the electronics (anniversary with fatboys), neck and most other things. And I had been travelling down the road toward coco bolo for the top and back.

Or so I thought. Shaun's recent discussions with Mica about various walnuts and Brian's picture(s)have got me thinking much more seriously about walnut. I've collected a bunch of beautiful pictures off the board of walnuts with multiple-hued accents and dumped them into the same folder I was using to compare different coco bolo samples. Now its the walnut that really gets my heart racing.

Can anyone tell me a little about what a walnut top and back would sound like on a hollow core standard or 3/4 omega? Or compared with coco bolo in general? I've heard coco bolo on a solid core, but never a hollowed out one.

With a neck-through, is the difference really going to be audible between the walnut and coco?

What a great dilemma, anyway. If anyone has any thoughts, I'd really appreciate hearing them.

Bill

bassman10096 · « **Reply #21 on:** December 06, 2003, 08:34:53 PM »

My tastes probably went closer to the first, wilder wood, but the color of Brian's actual bass is a knockout.

Maybe someone out there can help me with a dilemma: I've been planning a custom built signature deluxe and have decided on the electronics (anniversary with fatboys), neck and most other things. And I had been travelling down the road toward coco bolo for the top and back.

Or so I thought. Shaun's recent discussions with Mica about various walnuts and Brian's picture(s)have got me thinking much more seriously about walnut. I've collected a bunch of beautiful pictures off the board of walnuts with multiple-hued accents and dumped them into the same folder I was using to compare different coco bolo samples. Now its the walnut that really gets my heart racing.

Can anyone tell me a little about what a walnut top and back would sound like on a hollow core standard or 3/4 omega? Or compared with coco bolo in general? I've heard coco bolo on a solid core, but never a hollowed out one.

With a neck-through, is the difference really going to be audible between the walnut and coco?

What a great dilemma, anyway. If anyone has any thoughts, I'd really appreciate hearing them.

Bill

brian · « **Reply #22 on:** December 06, 2003, 10:20:48 PM »

i've been looking at the 1st and 2nd basses today,(took the 2nd pic and did a counter clockwise rotation to make it upright)besides the difference between the body styles,the more i look at mine(the 2nd one)i really have to say(whitch is only my taste,as bob said,i like the way he wrights.)i really like the steady grain ,its even,all the way,nothing to disrupt your eyes,you look at it as its one big bass,there is nothing trying to compete with another part.dont get me wrong,i would be more than happy with the other grain.that person is very lucky and many others like that grain,i think its a beautiful piece,i guess i'am more conservitive.i look at the other one and think that your arm is going to be right where the high light is on the top of the body,and the bottom highlight is going to be seen(the matching end on the fat part of the body).with mine, there will be a continious grain on the bottom.
i dont know,maybe i'am just to happy to recieve my first alembic.i have been wanting one sence i was 19 or 20,thanx for listning to me ramble,your friend, b.piercefield

brian · « **Reply #23 on:** December 06, 2003, 10:52:51 PM »

(Message edited by brian on December 07, 2003)

bassman10096 · « **Reply #24 on:** December 07, 2003, 07:07:41 AM »

The color is amazing. Like marmalade with darker highlights. The grain presents is beautifully. I'm sure it will only be better in person. I'll bet you can't wait.

Bill

yahyabb · « **Reply #25 on:** December 07, 2003, 07:42:51 AM »

Brian:

You've got a very fine piece of walnut; both axes are stunning. Enjoy.

Yahya

bigbadbill · « **Reply #26 on:** December 07, 2003, 10:04:12 AM »

Bill

I've played hollow Series basses in both cocobolo and walnut; the walnut with S1 electronics and the cocobolo with S2. Unfortunately both were at separate times through different rigs, but if I had to comment I would've said the walnut sounded a little more open, maybe more piano like, and the cocobolo more tight and compressed sounding. Obviously this is based on a rather less than perfect comparison, and could have been due to other differences in the individual instruments, but that was my impression. Of the 2, I preferred the walnut. I'm sure there are other esteemed club members who could give you a more accurate comparison based on instruments they actually own. Also bear in mind the weight factor; cocobolo is generally much heavier than walnut (although this may not be an issue for you).

With regards to taste, the wood on Brian's actual bass is very like that of a 6 string Sei bass I used to own; definitely beautiful, but ultimately a little reserved for me. I always tend to go with wilder figuring, for better or worse! Could be cause I'm also a painter??? Still,they are both stunning basses. Congratulations to both future owners!

All the best
Shaun

PS I'm glad my ramblings about walnut may have been of use to someone;I'm starting to worry that I may be driving Mica nuts!(Sorry Mica!) Still, I think I've been driving myself nuts too...

malthumb · « **Reply #27 on:** December 07, 2003, 04:33:10 PM »

(Message edited by malthumb on December 07, 2003)

malthumb · « **Reply #28 on:** December 07, 2003, 04:34:24 PM »

Bill,

This discussion just happened in another thread, so I'm posting a link to that thread. In that thread you'll see my smiling face holding a coco bolo Mark King Deluxe / Series II and a walnut Series I and describing my impression of the tonal differences between the two. To add to the description, I used to describe the difference to people this way....Imagine Phil Collins and Barry White singing the same song. My walnut Series I is Phil Collins, my coco bolo MK/Series II is Barry White.

http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/6914.html?1070261616

Peace,

James

palembic · « **Reply #29 on:** December 08, 2003, 05:57:21 AM »

I'm sorry but I'll never make a choice between those two!

Paul the bad one

hmmmmmmm...quite a sales argument for the alembicians