Eric's Custom Orion Bass

[mica]

I know you already saw some progress on your last visit, but I saw your bass in carving today:  

 

  The single Ebony neck laminate looks sharp.

[alemberic]

Mica--Thank you, thank you for the update and pics!  The FTC thread is a truly fantastic idea. It really creates the feeling of partnership and joint collaboration between builder and customer, and provides a very practical--as well as fun--way to follow the progress of the build.
 
The single ebony lam does indeed look cool.
 
I understand you'll be on vacation after today. By the time you read this, you will probably have returned, so... hope you had a great vacation!
 
Thanks again to you, Valentino, and the entire Alembic crew!
 
Eric

[alemberic]

Hi Mica--
 
Just thought I'd see if you have any update on the Orion.  Thank you very much!
 
Eric

[mica]

It's getting color on it now. This won't look right to you, the light in the drying room is funny, and it doesn't have the edge color yet, but you can see where it's at. Bob has the pictures you and he reviewed for color reference.
 

 
Look back next week for an update with inlay artwork.

[alemberic]

Mica--I know what you mean about the lighting, but...looks pretty sweet from what I can see!
 
Just as a reminder, I'm only a 2-hour drive from Santa Rosa. I'll be more than happy to come in and take a look in person at any point(s) during the finish process that Bob and/or you feel would be beneficial.  Just let me know when!!  
 
Thanks for the update!
 
Eric

[mikedm]

I miss my Orion, nicest feeling bass I've ever owned.
The flames look pretty cool popping through the paint.
 
Mike

[alemberic]

Mike--I appreciate your comments.  Call me crazy, but I've always been partial to sunburst finishes. As you said, the flames showing through adds a cool touch. It will actually be a 3-color burst, and I've been working closely with Bob and Valentino to get a particular  coloring/shading which looks right (to my eyes, at least).
 
Take care.
 
Eric

[kmh364]

Very nice! I wish I'd have thought about a thick neck lam or two when I had my Orion built.

[alemberic]

Thanks Kevin--I'm hoping the single neck lam will give me some boom without going completely over the edge soundwise.  I understand from Mica and Val that a little ebony goes a long way!
 
Eric

[kmh364]

Eric,
 
Maybe not as much boom as if it was a neck-through, but it should be noticeably extended (and heavier) with the ebony.  
 
I didn't know I could get wide lams in a set-neck, otherwise I'd have done it myself.
 
Regardless, Orions are great! I have two nearly identical ones. The body style is very comfortable and fairly light, and the midrange punch is awesome!  
 
If it's not too late, you might wanna consider EMW electronics...it adds a filter and q switch to the stock master vol, pan, bass/treble controls and makes the instrument infinitely more versatile for not that much more money.  
 
Just my two cents,
 
Cheers,
 
Kevin

[mikedm]

to badly paraphrase Bobby D - Everybody must get 'Q-ed'
 
smart move if you can do it.
 
adios,
Mike

[alemberic]

Kevin/Mike--Many thanks for the electronics suggestions.  As one of my options, I've already ordered the Essence electronics with Q-switch.  As you guys know, this will give me a filter and the all-important Q.  Hopefully this set-up, while not quite the same as EMW, will still give me most of the versatility you speak of.   Thanks again!
 
Eric

[keith_h]

Eric,
I have the same electronics on my 5 string Orion and have been happy with them. When I first got the bass it only had the filter. I added the Q-switch and it really improved the versatility. I think you'll be happy with your choice.  
 
Keith

[alemberic]

Keith--cool, I'm glad to hear that the same set-up works for you.  Thanks for letting me know.
 
Eric

[mica]

Bob would like you to come and view the finish if you can before he applies the final clear coats. Let me know when you can drop by.