Author |
Message |
mica
Moderator Username: mica
Post Number: 7667 Registered: 6-2000
| Posted on Friday, April 06, 2012 - 7:26 pm: | |
Oh yeah, and there are tons of variations on Scorpion bodies. |
rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61
Post Number: 477 Registered: 2-2011
| Posted on Saturday, April 07, 2012 - 8:04 am: | |
Karl, I went by Guitar Center in Hollywood yesterday & the Scorpion is gone! :-( |
rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61
Post Number: 478 Registered: 2-2011
| Posted on Saturday, April 07, 2012 - 8:07 am: | |
Dave, I too look forward to seeing more pictures of your amazing Distillate! Yours is the first Scorpion I ever saw! |
sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus
Post Number: 2408 Registered: 5-2009
| Posted on Saturday, April 07, 2012 - 8:31 am: | |
Rusty , When I checked out the Scorpion in Hollywood they were asking over $6K or so ( if I remember correctly ). |
rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61
Post Number: 479 Registered: 2-2011
| Posted on Saturday, April 07, 2012 - 11:53 pm: | |
Wolf, I gues someone came up with the $6K, it wasn't there anymore. |
sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus
Post Number: 2411 Registered: 5-2009
| Posted on Sunday, April 08, 2012 - 1:40 am: | |
Rusty , Yes .It was hanging out for a long time there ,it seemed to be a note worthy piece . I could feel it calling; grab me please, like a piece of candy and I did long enough until my Wife stood there glaring at me with her eyes saying ,___ OH NO !!!!! (LOL!!!!!!) There was also a 20TH Anniversary there at the time , I also played that one and said ," I like them both " she said ,"OH look at the time, that Restaurant you wanted to go to is across town, we , only have 20 minutes till our reservation _______ " Rusty , I hope you have a great time , be safe . Wolf |
rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61
Post Number: 481 Registered: 2-2011
| Posted on Monday, April 09, 2012 - 8:50 am: | |
Wolf I'm glad you at least got to play the Scorpion! I have never seen one in person & was hoping to at Guitar Center. I can relate to your story with your wife, while we were in Hollywood visiting our son this weekend, we stopped by Alembic Club member James Young's house & he let me play his bass through his F-1X & SF-2 & I was blown away! I had already been lusting after that setup, but had never had the opportunity to experiment with that rig. James gave me the full tour of the AMAZING capabilities of the SF-2, & now I MUST have one!! I told him my wife (who was sitting in the other room) was going to hate him now!! LOL! On a side note, I must say that there is something about Alembic that attracts the best of humanity. I have had the privilege of meeting 2 Club members, first you Wolf, then James, & both of you have been incredibly generous inviting me into your homes & allowing me to play your wonderful instruments! Alembic owners are the cream of the crop & I'm honored to be a part of the family! Rusty |
sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus
Post Number: 2412 Registered: 5-2009
| Posted on Monday, April 09, 2012 - 9:19 am: | |
Rusty , thank you so very much for your awesome sincerity . It was fun when you and your Wife showed up for the visit. I could sense that you were both great people. Wolf |
rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61
Post Number: 482 Registered: 2-2011
| Posted on Monday, April 09, 2012 - 11:59 am: | |
Thanks Wolf! The feeling is mutual! |
daved
Junior Username: daved
Post Number: 35 Registered: 12-2002
| Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 - 12:00 am: | |
Ok - I uploaded some pix of the Scorpion-bodied Distillate into an album on my public Facebook page. I hope you can see them w/o logging into FB. If not, let me know and I'll try something else. I didn't want to hog the thread by posting them all here. Btw, there may be a few "infidel" basses in the album so don't hate! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150915389013508.515509.55619428507&type=3 |
rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61
Post Number: 485 Registered: 2-2011
| Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 - 12:13 am: | |
Great shots Dave! Thanks for sharing! |
wishbass
Intermediate Member Username: wishbass
Post Number: 192 Registered: 5-2011
| Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 - 4:05 am: | |
Very cool Dave.That's a beauty! |
elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue
Post Number: 1377 Registered: 6-2002
| Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2012 - 11:12 am: | |
Here's a cool one, ... and it's up for auction ! ebay |
wishbass
Advanced Member Username: wishbass
Post Number: 209 Registered: 5-2011
| Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2012 - 12:49 pm: | |
If not for the preservation of my marriage.....I'D BE ALL OVER THIS! |
elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue
Post Number: 1378 Registered: 6-2002
| Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2012 - 12:56 pm: | |
Someone must have really liked the omega, considering how it brought the tailpiece right to the bridge assembly. It might have a touch more punch with the increase in pressure at the saddles, ...just a guess. |
pace
Senior Member Username: pace
Post Number: 840 Registered: 4-2004
| Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2012 - 3:00 pm: | |
That one is super cool, Elwood. Seeing how the strap button isn't on the upper horn, paired with what looks like the longer scale, I wonder if that one required a neck-dive disclaimer. |
eligilam
Advanced Member Username: eligilam
Post Number: 365 Registered: 2-2006
| Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2012 - 3:31 pm: | |
Regarding the ebay Scorpion shown four posts above: Anyone know what the electronics package and control layout is comprised of? The pickups seem somewhat "thin" in the top-to-bottom axis, for lack of a better term... Could be interested. |
jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko
Post Number: 3155 Registered: 10-2002
| Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2012 - 3:34 pm: | |
That's so tempting.... graeme |
pace
Senior Member Username: pace
Post Number: 841 Registered: 4-2004
| Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2012 - 5:16 pm: | |
Those are MXY pickups with the anniversary electronics package. Same size coils as the AXY, except the mold is thinner... |
eligilam
Advanced Member Username: eligilam
Post Number: 366 Registered: 2-2006
| Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2012 - 6:18 pm: | |
Thanks for the info. I'm "watching" this one. |
georgie_boy
Senior Member Username: georgie_boy
Post Number: 1043 Registered: 8-2005
| Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 3:16 am: | |
Did I mention that the 8 string Scorpion with the skull and crossbones (eyes are red LEDs) used to be for sale at a well known bass shop in Romford Essex (UK). I had the privelage of being allowed to play it---or at least try. It's huge, and weighed a ton, but it was Greg's, so--- |
georgie_boy
Senior Member Username: georgie_boy
Post Number: 1044 Registered: 8-2005
| Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 3:17 am: | |
LOL!!! Just LOVE that dog!!!! |
wishbass
Advanced Member Username: wishbass
Post Number: 215 Registered: 5-2011
| Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 7:12 am: | |
Bet it sounded glorious(the 8). |
mica
Moderator Username: mica
Post Number: 7692 Registered: 6-2000
| Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 8:09 am: | |
The seller's claim that we won't make a bass with a Scorpion body is incorrect, but it does look that that is a super-small Scorpion variation, and that we might decline to make a long-scale 5-string with that shape for balance reasons. Can't really tell, but that could be long or medium scale, and either one is obviously not going to balance like a Rogue! There is no scale length mentioned in the listing, and there is no way the gig bag came from us in 1993. |
rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61
Post Number: 508 Registered: 2-2011
| Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 9:39 am: | |
That's good to hear Mica because my next bass will be a Scorpion! |
sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus
Post Number: 2440 Registered: 5-2009
| Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 10:08 am: | |
Rusty. what electronics package do you think you might want in your Scorpion ? Series I/II perhaps ? . Scale length ? I was just wondering because I have often pondered upon potential customs as well. It is really fun to ponder upon all of the many variables possible. I have thought of some wild ideas as well. |
mica
Moderator Username: mica
Post Number: 7696 Registered: 6-2000
| Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 5:43 pm: | |
The seller has brought to my attention that the scale length is in the listing, it's 34" long scale. I did read that listing early today while drinking my first cup of coffee, so I guess I just missed it. Anyway, If you like that Scorpion body, it's available as a 4-string short or medium scale. For long scale or 5 strings, I'd recommend one like Nate's with that slightly longer upper horn. The bass on ebay now was originally made for a dear friend of our family and company, and there was much thought put into the specifications for that particular person. It's a lovely bass! |
hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous
Post Number: 1091 Registered: 1-2005
| Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 5:54 pm: | |
Mica, I posted another shot of it here at the thread for the Gathering, in case people can't access the facebook pics. I like the one on eBay now, but Nate's really struck me! |
mica
Moderator Username: mica
Post Number: 7697 Registered: 6-2000
| Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 6:03 pm: | |
Thanks, Harry! |
wishbass
Advanced Member Username: wishbass
Post Number: 222 Registered: 5-2011
| Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 6:42 pm: | |
Wow.Mica, I have been lusting over that paticular scorpion shape for years.It's my" win the lottory,and buy two"bass.I had always wondered about the longer upper horn,and lo and behold,its been done! It would be great to see more pics of this or others like it.Nate, if your out there......MORE PICS PLEASE! |
rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61
Post Number: 511 Registered: 2-2011
| Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 8:02 pm: | |
Wolf, I don't have any experience with Series II electronics, but I would definitely check them out before building my custom. I love the Signature electronics in my SCSD, & I just ordered a SF-2, so I'm sure I can get amazing sound from which ever electronics package I would go with. I had a Series I 30 years ago, but was too young to really understand or appreciate what they could do. So I would definitely do lots of research before I committed to the build. As for scale, I love the short scale on my SCSD, but I think I would go with a 32" just to have something in between. I had a 34" on my Series I & it felt too long for me. I like the symmetrical horns over the longer upper horn. Of course, I will have to win the lottery or sell one of my Harleys to pursue this dream! |
sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus
Post Number: 2442 Registered: 5-2009
| Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 8:46 pm: | |
Rusty, I think that you might like a 32" scale . I find it to be a fun scale length to play with the Alembic line of instruments given the wide range frequency response of the electronics and pickups. I think that your SF-2 will bring you hours of amazing experiments upon its arrival into your hands as well. You never know when you might run into an Alembic Bass that needs a new home ; all of a sudden one day that Scorpion that you would like to have might show up in your neck of the woods without any major sacrifice or financial long shot like the lottery. It might just fall into your hands sooner then later. I have been amazed how that works! When that does happen , its a sign that is good for sure . It is the "Power Of Manifestation" Wolf (Message edited by sonicus on April 24, 2012) |
rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61
Post Number: 512 Registered: 2-2011
| Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 9:54 pm: | |
Wolf, I agree, I played a 32" scale & it felt great! The best of both worlds! It would be awesome if I cam across a good deal on a Scorpion, & that is not beyond reason. If you would have asked me 2 years ago if I would have a brand new SCSD shipped to me directly from the factory built to my exact specs & only had to wait a week to get it, not 6 months or more, I would have said dream on! But that is exactly what happened, things fell into place in my life that alowed me to pursue my dream of owning another Alembic, & it took less than a month for me to research, shop around & find the exact bass I wanted, then I had it in my hands in a week! I got the tracking number for the SF-2 from Will Gunn today, I should have the unit on Monday! I look forward to hours of mind blowing tone experiments! Rusty |
wishbass
Advanced Member Username: wishbass
Post Number: 225 Registered: 5-2011
| Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - 9:20 am: | |
Just had to look again at Nate's Scorpion! |
cntrabssn
Junior Username: cntrabssn
Post Number: 48 Registered: 6-2002
| Posted on Saturday, April 28, 2012 - 11:56 pm: | |
Hello, Here are some more pics of my Walnut Scorpion... It has Anniversary electronics and amber side LEDs. Thanks, -nate (Message edited by cntrabssn on April 29, 2012) |
cntrabssn
Junior Username: cntrabssn
Post Number: 50 Registered: 6-2002
| Posted on Sunday, April 29, 2012 - 1:13 am: | |
I also have a cocobolo SII Scorpion... -nate |
rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61
Post Number: 517 Registered: 2-2011
| Posted on Sunday, April 29, 2012 - 1:24 am: | |
Nate, I'm trying really hard not to develop a case of Scorpion envy, but you're not making it very easy!! (Message edited by rustyg61 on April 29, 2012) |
cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy
Post Number: 1206 Registered: 10-2006
| Posted on Sunday, April 29, 2012 - 7:10 am: | |
HOLY CRAP!! That is some serious walnut, Nate! Peter |
wishbass
Advanced Member Username: wishbass
Post Number: 227 Registered: 5-2011
| Posted on Sunday, April 29, 2012 - 7:32 am: | |
Oh man.....must remain calm! Stunning! Absolutely STUNNING! Nate,I am so glad you posted these.I knew there had to be something like your beauties out there.David mow has company! |
jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko
Post Number: 3161 Registered: 10-2002
| Posted on Monday, April 30, 2012 - 4:22 am: | |
Someone got a real bargain on that ebay listing. Was it Will? Graeme |
gtrguy
Senior Member Username: gtrguy
Post Number: 463 Registered: 9-2004
| Posted on Monday, April 30, 2012 - 9:42 am: | |
Does this Scorpion count? http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/msg/2987164124.html |
eligilam
Advanced Member Username: eligilam
Post Number: 368 Registered: 2-2006
| Posted on Monday, April 30, 2012 - 8:01 pm: | |
Wasn't me, Graeme...my time is coming, though! Any future Alembic custom for me will definitely be Scorpion-shaped---I am truly digging the Scorpion love on this thread. |
rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61
Post Number: 525 Registered: 2-2011
| Posted on Monday, April 30, 2012 - 8:35 pm: | |
I'm with you on that Will! You & I could have 2 sets of matching basses! |
jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee
Post Number: 2871 Registered: 6-2002
| Posted on Wednesday, May 02, 2012 - 2:47 am: | |
Here is another interesting looking twist on the scorpion theme. http://www.left-handedguitars.com/5966/alembic-custom-series-ii-left-handed-bass-guitar-2/ There are some great photo's on this link and a good write up about the bass. jazzyvee |
wishbass
Advanced Member Username: wishbass
Post Number: 231 Registered: 5-2011
| Posted on Wednesday, May 02, 2012 - 8:05 am: | |
Beautiful,what a wonderful neck sand body recipe as well! |
tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon
Post Number: 1472 Registered: 11-2004
| Posted on Wednesday, May 02, 2012 - 8:10 am: | |
Here is the build record on that bass- Paul was a regular here for awhile. http://alembic.com/club/messages/631/46934.html?1198207656 |
chuckc
Member Username: chuckc
Post Number: 96 Registered: 7-2004
| Posted on Thursday, June 14, 2012 - 1:07 pm: | |
Sorry for the late post, but I was looking at Val's Bird of Prey Custom from 2006 and was wondering if the 5 Point Balanced K custom he had was considered a Scorpion? I was also curious that if that design is a Scorpion has anyone ever considered having the upper and lower horns be identical. For some reason I can't get that image of a mirrored Scorpion design out of my head. |
rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61
Post Number: 616 Registered: 2-2011
| Posted on Thursday, June 14, 2012 - 1:31 pm: | |
Chuck, if you will start at the top of this post & scroll down, you will see several pictures of "mirrored" Scorpions. That is the design I want too! Just like Dave DeMarco's! |
jzstephan
Member Username: jzstephan
Post Number: 90 Registered: 1-2012
| Posted on Thursday, June 14, 2012 - 5:26 pm: | |
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chuckc
Member Username: chuckc
Post Number: 97 Registered: 7-2004
| Posted on Saturday, June 16, 2012 - 11:46 am: | |
Yea Rusty I saw those but I have never seen a mirrored scorpion on the body design that Val had made. Not sure if it's playble but it sure would look interesting. Here's Val's http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_bop.html |
rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61
Post Number: 619 Registered: 2-2011
| Posted on Saturday, June 16, 2012 - 11:59 am: | |
My bad! I had not seen a picture of Val's before. Now I see what you are talking about! That is one gorgeous bass! |
rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61
Post Number: 621 Registered: 2-2011
| Posted on Saturday, June 16, 2012 - 11:58 pm: | |
Here you go Chuck!
|
chuckc
Member Username: chuckc
Post Number: 98 Registered: 7-2004
| Posted on Sunday, June 17, 2012 - 4:45 am: | |
Rusty, you Photoshop wizard, thanks. From the looks of it this could be a whole new line of body styles, "The Stag Beetle" series. It sure has an extreme look to it? |
rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61
Post Number: 622 Registered: 2-2011
| Posted on Sunday, June 17, 2012 - 5:09 am: | |
It DOES look like a beetle! You might be onto something! This was a quickie Photoshop I did at 3am today before coming to work. |
wishbass
Advanced Member Username: wishbass
Post Number: 289 Registered: 5-2011
| Posted on Sunday, June 17, 2012 - 7:01 am: | |
Now that is a look. Would definitely make a statement. |
sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus
Post Number: 2515 Registered: 5-2009
| Posted on Sunday, June 17, 2012 - 7:36 am: | |
Rusty , Fantastic ______Photoshop work! |
rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61
Post Number: 623 Registered: 2-2011
| Posted on Sunday, June 17, 2012 - 7:46 am: | |
Thanks Wolf! This may never replace the Hofner as "The Beatle Bass" but it would be an interesting addition to the name! |