| Author | Message | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 302 Registered: 6-2012 |
A few weeks ago, I made my second pilgrimage to the mothership. As was the case with my first visit last August, a good time was had by all, relaxing in the late afternoon, swapping stories and admiring various instruments in progress - each one breathtaking in its own unique way. In the midst of all of this merriment, the elves introduced me to THIS fair 4-string damsel:    with the explanation that she had recently become an orphan due to a rare specification miscommunication. Needless to say, as I gazed deeply into the burled beauty of her redwood top and backside and admired the flawless craftsmanship of her purple heart and ebony neck laminates, I fell under her spell and was compelled to lend to her whatever assistance that might be required to ease her plight. Over the next several days, I imagined what it would be like to give her a new home where she would be surrounded by other 4, 5 and (soon to be) 6-string siblings from the same place of birth. Fortunately, as luck or karma, or... ? would have it, the head elf worked her magic and we figured out a way to make it possible and she will soon be finished and on her way to me. Epilog: she has been renamed "Scarlet O'Hara" - because of her fiery redwood exterior coupled with the fact that she was almost "gone with the wind". Moral: there are no mistakes in life, only paths that lead in unexpected directions. Opportunities will sometimes present themselves when you least expect them - try to be flexible as possible to be able to take advantage of the possibilities. (Message edited by davehouck on June 10, 2014) | ||
| mtjam
Intermediate Member Username: mtjam Post Number: 168 Registered: 11-2011 |
Nice! I know you're looking forward to welcoming your new addition at home! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11352 Registered: 5-2002 |
Congrats! Will it have Europa controls? | ||
| moongerm
Junior Username: moongerm Post Number: 18 Registered: 8-2013 |
Sweet! | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 303 Registered: 6-2012 |
Thanks guys. Re: controls - yes it will have the standard Europa / Rogue electronics. The original build sheet spec'd Signature electronics and although I like that package (I have it on both a Stanley Sig Deluxe and on the Crown of Creation custom), IMO the Europa / Rogue package is a little more performance-friendly. Since this will primarily be a "live" bass, I opted for simplicity. Good thing the holes weren't drilled (!) I also spec'd a Fatboy in the treble position. I have that on my Europa 5 and I love it. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3432 Registered: 5-2009 |
My ___ Congratulations , She be almost as darling as Vivien Leigh her self ! | ||
| artswork99
Moderator Username: artswork99 Post Number: 1988 Registered: 7-2007 |
Congratulations! | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1789 Registered: 5-2002 |
Frankly, my dear, I…. Oh, never mind. Very lovely! | ||
| dead_head
New Username: dead_head Post Number: 9 Registered: 5-2014 |
Congratulations! Love the burled redwood. Best of luck with it. | ||
| growlypants
Member Username: growlypants Post Number: 85 Registered: 3-2011 |
Very Nice! Congrats on the rescue! I just can't imagine anyone not just loving that configuration... By the way - why the Fat Boy selection in the treble position? In other words, why do you prefer the Fat Boy to the other? (Message edited by growlypants on June 12, 2014) | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 305 Registered: 6-2012 |
Thanks to all for the additional kind words (very funny edwin...). Hey growly - Re: Fatboy in treble position - it adds a little more "girth" for want of another word. It makes that pickup stand out a little more in a live band mix. Maybe due to more mid-range - ? Some have commented that the standard treble pickup is a little more "high fidelity" but slightly less punchy - maybe better in a studio setting. The difference is subtle. Others have remarked that a Fatboy in the bass position, depending upon the instrument, may be slightly overwhelming. Since I have no problem coaxing low end out of any of my Alembics, I like the standard bass pickup. But in a live mix, I sometimes have a challenge cutting through when using the treble position. I plan to use this bass primarily for live classic and contemporary rock, some R&B and funk and possibly some contemporary country, so I wanted a little more punch in the treble position. One additional comment re: wood recipe on this one - the redwood / mahogany core body is very light, so overall, this bass will be fairly light by Alembic standards. This coupled with a 32" scale length and the inherent balance of the ergonomic Rogue body shape will make it very comfortable to play standing for extended periods of time. | ||
| growlypants
Member Username: growlypants Post Number: 86 Registered: 3-2011 |
I appreciate your thoughts, 5a. I know that, in the past, J-o-e-y has expressed his preferences for that particular pick-up as well, and being a relative novice to the finer points of Alembic-ness,(!) I was curious. I'm not involved in recording due to a lot of things (age, talent...) but I try to know the reasons for specific choices. Thanks, again! | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2176 Registered: 9-2002 |
Dan, I originally had AXY's in my BigRedBass. They were just fine, but exceptionally transparent. I rolled the dice and changed out to FatBoys (thanks to Mica and Bob Novy). It's not a night+day difference, but I prefer the FatBoys for me. If it still had the AXY's, I'd be just fine, but since I had a choice, I went with the FatBoys. Since Alembic tends to put the bridge pickup right next to the bridge, using a FatBoy only at the bridge works for some guys to buy a little thicker sound from a thinner spot. My best analogy would be that the AXY's sound like very good reference studio monitors or a very good studio mic, whereas the FatBoys are still very accurate, but with just a bit more coloration, as if you're now listening to the playback on exceptionally good home speakers, or mic'd up with an SM57. J o e y | ||
| eastcoastepic
Advanced Member Username: eastcoastepic Post Number: 255 Registered: 10-2003 |
Stunning top wood figuration, like two dozen flickering candle flames; almost a 'mutant' redwood, as she seemingly melts away from the neck to the bridge. Basses like this are my favorites...absolutely nothing 'typical' about the wood, a true 'one of a kind' wood selection makes this priceless. As the bumper stickers say..."who rescued who?" :-) Fantastic find & acquisition; salute'! Chris | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 307 Registered: 6-2012 |
Thanks Chris. The wood had the same effect on me the first time I saw it. The pix, although very nice, do not completely convey the impact of the wood in person. It's absolutely mesmerizing. Susan told me she chose it for this project because it looked like flames coming from the bottom of the bass ("this bass is on fire"). She then told me that the front and back are successive slices - which further compounds the awesomeness. And, like the cherry on top, there are also matching front and back headstock veneers. How could I refuse the lure of this burly, flame-y redwood feast! "who rescued who" - INDEED! | ||
| coop
New Username: coop Post Number: 2 Registered: 6-2014 |
Congrats on picking up that in-progress bass! It's a real stunner and I should know - I'm the player it was being made for. It's twin should be under construction now. As another SCSD player, let me know how you like the neck. It's basically an SCSD neck in 32" scale. I loved the top and, hopefully, the top on the twin will be as lovely. That top was, however, the second selection - ask Susan about the Eye of Sauron... | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 317 Registered: 6-2012 |
Kewl - thanks for the additional scoop, coop! I thought there was something vaguely familiar about the neck - I also have a SCSD, so mystery solved! I'm sure the twin will be just as stunning - as you know our hosts are incapable of making anything less. I'll give a full report when I receive her and I'll be sure to ask about the Eye. I'm sure there's an interesting story waiting there. | ||
| hifiguy
Senior Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 416 Registered: 10-2006 |
What a sweetie of a bass. | ||
| coop
New Username: coop Post Number: 5 Registered: 6-2014 |
5a, I also have several pics taken of that bass under construction. If Mica didn't already send them to you, let me know and I'll post 'em for you. | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 320 Registered: 6-2012 |
Thanks for the offer coop. Mica did provide quite an impressive gallery of images, so I'm covered there. However - if you have some progress pix of her beautiful twin sister... ;-) Seeing these instruments evolve from the raw components never gets old! | ||
| coop
New Username: coop Post Number: 7 Registered: 6-2014 |
Funny you should ask... I received some pics of the work-in-progress from Mica this past week. Turning out to be as lovely as her sister.    Perhaps the most obvious difference is the "coopered" back - kind of like a Spector or Warwick Thumb body. Add in the Ruthenium hardware that will be added and it should be a real stunner! | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 331 Registered: 6-2012 |
I think I'm seeing double... ;-) | ||
| dead_head
Junior Username: dead_head Post Number: 38 Registered: 5-2014 |
Wow... | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2221 Registered: 9-2002 |
So I've never been able to visualize it: HOW do they do the matching curve on the front and back of the body? It's a terrific feature I've long admired on Spectors, etc. Anybody know ? J o e y | ||
| coop
New Username: coop Post Number: 8 Registered: 6-2014 |
Masterful carving and flawless wood selection. It's a little-known option Alembic offers and it provides a high degree of playing comfort for those of us who are livin' large. I fell in love with coopered back basses when I got my first Warwick Thumb bass. While researching the Alembic archive before I ordered this bass, I came across a coopered-back bass they made several years ago. In spec'ing out this bass, I discussed it with Susan and, sho' nuff, it's still an option today. There really is very little they can't do as far as bass building is concerned. | ||
| growlypants
Member Username: growlypants Post Number: 95 Registered: 3-2011 |
Forgive my asking, but is a coopered back a concavity generated by joining the top portion at a slight angle to the rest of the bass?? | ||
| coop
New Username: coop Post Number: 9 Registered: 6-2014 |
I have to admit ignorance on this front. That's a question best answered by Alembic. On my Warwicks, it was the carved shape of the body wood itself - no top or bindings, and my Warwicks were bolt-on which radically simplifies the issue. This bass is in a whole other realm of beauty and complexity. | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2226 Registered: 9-2002 |
But . . . . HOW do they parallel the curve on the front and back? I once saw a small, grainy pic of a fixture that Spector uses. I still wonder what the method is. J o e y | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3552 Registered: 5-2009 |
CNC woodworking ? | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 359 Registered: 6-2012 |
Just received notification that she is finished and is on her way to me - scheduled for delivery TOMORROW - which just happens to be the day before my birthday. Here's a "couch pic" to hold me over until I can see the real thing in person:  What a great birthday present! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3643 Registered: 5-2009 |
Congratulations ! | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 5836 Registered: 7-2004 |
Gorgeous top! Bill, tgo | ||
| hydrargyrum
Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 1237 Registered: 3-2004 |
The wood almost looks like staring into a fire. Beautiful! | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Senior Member Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 940 Registered: 5-2007 |
Spectacular looking bass | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11535 Registered: 5-2002 |
Beautiful! Congrats! | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 360 Registered: 6-2012 |
Thanks guys! FYI: her back side is just a nice. Just checked UPS and "out for delivery" is the message. I'll try to post some pix upon arrival. | ||
| coop
Junior Username: coop Post Number: 11 Registered: 6-2014 |
Awesome! Congrats on the new bass. Her twin sister shouldn't be too far behind and I'm itching to get her here to Florida. Did you stay with the Ruthenium hardware or go to nickel or chrome? In any case, she looks gorgeous and we can't wait for a full report! And happy b-day! | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 362 Registered: 6-2012 |
Thanks! Nickel hardware. I've got that on two of her siblings, gold on another and the basic brass on two others. BTW: SHE'S HERE - ! Unfortunately, I'm working in a construction zone right now, so no real good place for playing or pix. Gonna have to wait 'til I get home to do all of that and provide a review. But, despite that, I can say with 100% certainty that SHE'S PRETTY AND PRETTY D*MN LIGHT. | ||
| mtjam
Advanced Member Username: mtjam Post Number: 204 Registered: 11-2011 |
Congratulations, she's a beauty! Have fun playing it, and don't forget to take a picture break! | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 363 Registered: 6-2012 |
Coop - if you like the SCSD neck profile, you will love this. She's light & balanced sitting or standing - no neck dive at all - and very resonant. Neck is slim & FAST. Slap is effortless (and I need all the help I can get there). 32" scale adds a bit of "twang" (subtle) over the SCSD and is almost as easy to play as the shorty. And, like the SCSD, she's very articulate, notes jump off the fretboard. No lack of low end due to the ebony & purple heart lams in the neck. Range of tones from the standard Europa / Rogue package is impressive and the rock tones in particular benefit from the Fatboy in the treble position. Sustain is impressive, but not quite as good as my Europa 5, Spyder or Crown of Creation. I suspect the smaller neck may be a factor coupled with the fact that Scarlet is significantly lighter. Bottom line: if you need a light, balanced, comfortable bass for stage work, this wood recipe and body style will get you there. I chose the standard electronics package for simplicity / ease of use, but Signature or Series would work as well (or better) and provide a little more versatility. Add'l pix forthcoming. | ||
| coop
Junior Username: coop Post Number: 12 Registered: 6-2014 |
Thanks for the report. Now my anticipation is even greater (if possible). Your review validates the decisions that Susan and I made in the original design, but your pup and electronics certainly make a different sounding bass than what I'll eventually get with standard Signature electronics. I'm also really happy to hear about the playing comfort. My SCSD is a balancing act sometimes, and your report gives me a good feeling that my bass will have the same characteristics as her sister. I'm glad you got your beauty and rescued this bass! It's a win-win-win for all of us! (Message edited by coop on October 01, 2014) | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 365 Registered: 6-2012 |
Out of all of my Alembics, this one is the most comfortable. It will be easy to do four sets standing with her. I know you'll be pleased with that and I'll be interested in your impressions of the impact of the Signature electronics package on the tone. | ||
| coop
Junior Username: coop Post Number: 15 Registered: 6-2014 |
Well, I'll get to find out next week. UPS estimates delivery on Tuesday. Mica hasn't sent me the final pics yet, so I haven't seen the finished bass yet. Can't wait! | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 391 Registered: 6-2012 |
I know, I spoke with her on Saturday at the Grateful Dead symposium in San Jose and she mentioned it was ready to ship. BTW: she's got a new camera so your pix should look +++ amazing +++! | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Senior Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 435 Registered: 6-2012 |
5 month update: Upon arrival, Scarlet was suffering from a bit of climate shock, so I waited awhile and tweaked her truss rods a bit and dropped the action. Presto, everything has fallen into place nicely and has stayed put since. Sustain has improved dramatically and is now on par with my other Alembic "kings of sustain". I've been using her regularly in one of my projects and during rehearsal last night one of the guitarists decided he could stand no more of seeing my constant silly "this F'kn rules" grin as I was playing her so he demanded to play bass for a few songs and handed me his Les Paul. Needless to say, I got to watch the same silly-a$$ grin spread across his face as he had an up-close and personal encounter with his first Alembic. His remarks were priceless: "I can't believe how easy this is to play. Look - I can play leads on this thing just like on a guitar! And the sound is so clear - I can hear every note! No normal bass muddiness like on every other bass..." My inner voice: "Thank you very much, my work here is done. Now give me back my Alembic so I can get back to business as usual." And - I did drop the hint that Alembic also makes guitars as I returned his LP. |
