Randy's Custom Clarke Deluxe

[randy]

Thank you, Mica.  It is exactly what I visualized and am very pleased.  Thanks for a great inlay!
Randy

[zappahead]

Thats a really nice looking instrument. I love the wood choices and the peghead veneers are as striking as any Ive seen on any instrument. Very nice fingerboard and inlay as well. Its so cool watching them come through with exactly what a person is asking about. Thats probably not as easy as they make it look. Nice project, very nice.

[basstard]

Hey, what's the fingerboard wood?

[David Houck]

Earlier in the thread Mica states that the fretboard is Coco Bolo; looks nice doesn't it.  In fact everything about this bass looks nice.

[bishopqdog]

It's really been a pleasure to watch this bass come together.  

[randy]

To All:
Thank you for all your kind comments and interest.  A friend of mine just returned from a visit to Alembic (we are in southern Indiana) and today provided me with a photo of Mica holding the almost completed instrument.  Oh my!  While the images here are great, you ain't seen nothin' yet!  I'm not sure when the bass will arrive, but my hands are trembling in anticipation.
God's blessing to all,
Randy

[bishopqdog]

Let's see the photo! Please!!

[randy]

It's the old fashioned kind (you know, 35 mm!), so I'll get it scanned Monday at the office and post it right away.
 
Thanks again,
Randy

[randy]

It's the old fashioned kind (you know, 35 mm!), so I'll get it scanned Monday at the office and post it right away.
 
Thanks again,
Randy

[randy]

Never have been able to get the photo to load to this site - sorry for the delay.  The acceptable file size is very small.  Oh well.  The instrument is finished and delivered, but I guess the factory failed to post the completed image.  It did arrive with some problems we are trying to work through.

[mica]

Hi Randy,
 
Sorry you think 150K is too small, many pictures uploaded are so big they scroll off the right edge. You might try lowering the resolution to 72dpi and making the longest edge 800 pixels or so. That should do the trick.  
 
In the meantime, here is a photo of the completed bass:

 
Haven't heard from you since the filter modules were overnighted. Have you had any success?

[randy]

Thank you, Mica.  
It's amazing how different the instrument looks in person versus the photo.  Yes, I replaced the Q controls and switches without any difficulty, and the instrument appears to be performing correctly now.  One caveat to other Alembic owners:  When replacing the control knobs, be sure to allow a bit of room between the bottom of the knob and the surface of the instrument, so as not to scratch the finish when rotating the control.
Thanks again,
Randy

[mica]

Oh good news, thanks for the report, Randy. At least the scuff from the knob is under the knob. Isn't it amazing how much resistance you add when the bottom of the knob is skimming the top of the bass?  
 
And yes, while the picture resembles closesly your bass, they always look different (of course I mean better) in person. Another mystery of the Universe

[randy]

Happy New Year, Mica!
 
I trust this finds the Alembic family well.
 
A few questions:
 
On the care of the Cocobolo fretboard, what do you recommend for oil?  Any special tips for application and how often?  I've read your preferences for ebony - anything different for my fretboard?
 
On knobs, what do you have available in Cocobolo, possibly with a Gold trim?  I'm not dissatisfied with the stock knobs, but the Cocobolo body is so darn pretty that I was thinking about something to blend in with the wood.  Your thoughts?
 
And finally, what is the weight of my instrument?  I didn't find anything in the papers that were included.
 
It's a beautiful sounding and appearing instrument.  I get loads of compliments, particularly from people who know little about basses!
 
Thanks a bunch,
Randy

[malthumb]

Randy,
 
Quick and dirty way to get the weight....
 
Put your bass on a stand next to your bathroom scale, then stand on the scale.  Record the number (if you're like me, you'll groan a little and make some empty promises).  Then pick up the bass and hold it close to your body.  Record that number and do the math.  Not exact, but close enough.
 
Peace,
 
James