| Author | Message | ||
| ajdover
Advanced Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 267 Registered: 11-2003 |
Folks, I've gone ahead and took the Alembic plunge yet again. This time, I've commissioned a custom to provide me with a replica of John Entwistle's famed Exploiter. It's going to be fairly exact, with a few minor differences. And yes, it will have the note inlays on the fingerboard. Many thanks to Beaver Felton and the great folks at Bass Central for making this possible. Thanks in advance to Susan, Mica, Ron, and all of the Alembic family for making what will be the bass of my dreams. Finally, for everything else, there's Mastercard! :-) Alan | ||
| kungfusheriff
Senior Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 427 Registered: 8-2003 |
Awesome! I can't wait to see the factory-to-customer thread! | ||
| keith_h
Advanced Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 267 Registered: 2-2005 |
Congrats on the new bass. Keith | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1350 Registered: 9-2003 |
Awesome, Alan! Spyder Ollie's gonna be jealous! LOL! | ||
| jet_powers
Advanced Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 242 Registered: 2-2003 |
Spyder Ollie won't be the only jealous one!!! JP | ||
| ajdover
Advanced Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 269 Registered: 11-2003 |
It's going to have Series II electronics as opposed to John's "Series I and a half" electronics, and the spider web inlays will be a bit thicker. Reasons for this, but I have the thicker inlays on my Spyder and I actually like them better. I'm also having the two volume knobs and switch for choosing between them on the lower horn included as well. Still working with Susan on other details, so I'll keep everyone posted. Alan | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1357 Registered: 9-2003 |
Nice! | ||
| serialnumber12
Advanced Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 275 Registered: 12-2004 |
DAMN!!!. | ||
| beelee
Intermediate Member Username: beelee Post Number: 137 Registered: 11-2004 |
Hey you almost stole my idea !! just kidding ! I picked up a used Explioter with a factory installed Kahler Tremolo from the original owner about 6 mos ago. I have future plans of having it upgraded to Series II or Anniversary electronics with the controls placed like on Entwistle's Spyder, front and side LED's and the inlays changed from MOP to Abalone. when its done it will be like getting a new Alembic in less time (?) and less ($$$) sounds great AJ ! Bruce | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 510 Registered: 7-2003 |
Alan, many thanks for your kind mail and your trust in me. I am proud that you ask me for support in this. Whenever I can help you with anything on the specs on Johns original plse let me know. And of course I will take an eye on yours when it develops and to look if the body design is ok. This is really a tricky thing. And, guys of course, I am jealous. But I am also working on another project a the moment which will also be a JE style which is well well known..... :-) Alan, maybe you will also be jealous when you see mine...... Oliver (Spyderman) | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 511 Registered: 7-2003 |
Alan, many thanks for your kind mail and your trust in me. I am proud that you ask me for support in this. Whenever I can help you with anything on the specs on Johns original plse let me know. And of course I will take an eye on yours when it develops and to look if the body design is ok. This is really a tricky thing. And, guys of course, I am jealous. But I am also working on another project a the moment which will also be a JE style which is well well known..... :-) Alan, maybe you will also be jealous when you see mine...... Oliver (Spyderman) | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1371 Registered: 9-2003 |
It's all in good fun, guys...I'm jealous of the both of you, LOL! I'd not only love to have Entwistle-ized Spyder and Dragon Wing basses, I also want 6-string guitar versions of each! Nobody's done those yet...I imagine it's for the same reason I haven't done it yet...big-time dosh outlay is required! LOL! Cheers, Kevin | ||
| ajdover
Advanced Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 271 Registered: 11-2003 |
Oliver, I'm sure I'll be jealous when I see the finished product of your JE project ... damn this one upmanship! ;-) There's no one I know of with more knowledge of John Entwistle, his music, and of course, his choice of instruments. That's exactly why I'm looking forward to and appreciate your input on this custom - I know you'll help me to get it right. For this I thank you in advance. Kevin, As for the big time dosh outlay, yes, it is. Alembics can be more expensive than drugs! However, the last time I looked, there isn't a U-Haul behind your hearse when you die. You can't take it with you, so you might as well enjoy it when you can. So, I see you getting that guitar version of John's basses soon ... you'll just need stockings, that's all! ;-) Alan | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1374 Registered: 9-2003 |
I almost had a heart attack when I read that, LOL! I'm still getting over the $5k I just dumped on that Series...my bank account will take longer to recover, LOL! Actually, I want BOTH bass and guitar versions of EACH, LOL! I'd also like sick, inlayed-up-the-wazoo, Jerry and Phil-style instruments (guitar and bass, respectively). All I need to do is hit the lottery! Alembics in particular, and guitars/basses in general, are most certainly like drugs...the more you get, the more you want! Seriously, that's why I got the Series...I'll never get an opportunity to own a new hideously expensive bass like that for less cash outlay, so I bought it. I like to do one expensive To: Me, From, Me: present each year since my 40th because, as you aptly put it, you only live once! Fro now, I look forward to living vicariously through you and Oliver during the construction of your JAE masterpieces! Cheers, Kevin | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 2150 Registered: 9-2002 |
Ok ...the littl egreen monsters are hopping on the shoulder all over the JE-loving world. But (good ol' but) let's be supportive no???? PTBO | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1377 Registered: 9-2003 |
I think the support for Alan and Ollie are universal here: both great guys and fervent Alembicians and JAE fans/preservationists. Personally, I can't wait to see what both of them come up with with their respective JAE Tribute projects. No ill-will or bad karma from this camp is inferred or intended. If I've offended anyone, my apologies. Cheers, Kevin | ||
| ajdover
Advanced Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 272 Registered: 11-2003 |
Kevin, It's all good. Both Ollie and I are going for the same thing, just taking different approaches. Like you, I'd love to be able to A/B them both. Better yet, we can have a get together at Ollies, drink much beer, and play lots of Alembics. PTBO, I'm sure, would be up for that one! This bass will be the achievement of a dream. I've always wanted one like it, and now I will have one. Of course, it won't be JAE's personal instrument, but geez, I'd have to be Bill Gates in order to afford that, after first, of course, prying it out of the current owner's grasp, whoever that is. I think it's a great way to keep John's memory alive and to do what I'm sure John would have wanted anyone to do - make music with a beautiful instrument. To say I'm giddy with excitement would be an understatement. The wait is going to be hell! Alan | ||
| keith_h
Advanced Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 268 Registered: 2-2005 |
Anticipationnnnnnnnnn. :-) Keith | ||
| zn_bassman
Junior Username: zn_bassman Post Number: 43 Registered: 4-2005 |
Alan - Early congrats! How long is the wait? | ||
| jalevinemd
Advanced Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 259 Registered: 12-2003 |
Alan...congrats! After my current Alembic project is finished, I've planned on doing a 6 string guitar replica of JAE's bass. I've always been a huge Who fan and John's basses were my first intro to Alembic so many years ago. I'd love to go with the inlaid notes like you (quite jealous). But, more strings means more notes, more notes means more inlays and we all know what that means! Plus, I think it would look way too cluttered with so many strings on so much smaller a neck. So, we'll see. My compromise would be MOP dots, three across. Hope all the wives, girlfriends and significant others out there realize, there's only 21 shopping days left until Christmas! Regards, Jonathan | ||
| ajdover
Advanced Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 273 Registered: 11-2003 |
I'm told six months, but we all know sometimes it takes longer than that, and that's OK. I'd rather get what I want and have it take longer than get something not exactly what I was looking for sooner. And I know this is how the good folks in Santa Rosa approach every project. Alan | ||
| ox_junior
Advanced Member Username: ox_junior Post Number: 307 Registered: 3-2004 |
Alan - One word - jealous. It's gonna be a beautiful, beautiful bass. The investment and waiting time will be worth it. I know I speak for Ollie and Irwin and all our other friends in the "Thunderhood Brotherhood" out there who wish you the very best with this fine instrument. Can't wait to see the progress reports and the final result. Cheers, Mike | ||
| ed_r
Member Username: ed_r Post Number: 69 Registered: 10-2005 |
I want one too. I just can't get good enough specs! | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1403 Registered: 9-2003 |
Jonathan: You're breaking my heart here, LOL! First the Cornish pedalboard and now the JAE guitar...you beat me to the punch yet again, LOL! J/K. Seriously, If nothing else, I'll get to live vicariously thru you. Congrats and good luck with those great plans of yours...just another thing to throw on the "things I'm jealous of" pile, LOL! Cheers, Kevin | ||
| jalevinemd
Advanced Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 260 Registered: 12-2003 |
Kevin, The JAE guitar I'm really excited about, though there's still quite a lot to do with my current project first. It's actually still in the blueprint stage, though ready to take off any day, hopefully. The Cornish pedalboard...well, let's just say that I came to my senses. For the price of it, I easily could fund 2 custom Alembics. I'm almost embarassed to say, given the fact that I actually talked to Pete Cornish about building me a board, but I tried out the POD XT Live and have been quite happy with the results. So much so that I've abandoned my current pedalboard completely the last 2 months. Oh well...live and learn. Jonathan | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1406 Registered: 9-2003 |
Jonathan: Can't blame you for that...his work is stellar, but so are the prices! FWIW, as a prospective owner (of both), I am concerned about the apparent relative lack of compatibility of Alembic guitars with most off-the-shelf effects. I think it was Kevin (hydragyrum) that got rid of his Alembics(s) because of that. Is that your experience as well? As far as the JAE stuff, I originally thought the DW would make an awesome 6str, then it hit me about the Spyder. Either way, I don't think you can go wrong. With this year's substantial price hike, as well as the impending '06 rise, I don't think either one is in my near future, however. One can always dream, but with my penchant for escalating specs., I'm afraid my dreams are out of my reach...a guitar version of what Alan is doing could be a down-payment on a house, buy me a custom chopper, or new car! Cheers, Kevin | ||
| ajdover
Advanced Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 274 Registered: 11-2003 |
Mike, I can't wait to see the final result either ... hopefully, you'll get a chance to play it someday and give me your opinion. I hope to have Ollie do the same thing as well. Thanks, Alan | ||
| ox_junior
Advanced Member Username: ox_junior Post Number: 311 Registered: 3-2004 |
I can tell you my opinion already - I'm jealous. Does that sum it up?  | ||
| bassicinstincts
Junior Username: bassicinstincts Post Number: 34 Registered: 9-2003 |
Just a quick question - Is a Series 1.5 not the series pickups with a hidden (rear-routed?) humcanceller? I know John's Spyders had 2 master volumes amongst their modifications. Ollie must know what each of those knobs did on John's basses... Ben | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 535 Registered: 7-2003 |
Ben, yes you are right. These had been two master volumes on the front horn with a mini switch to switch between the two volume presettings. At first I had my doubts what John did with this but you can clearly see it in the isolated track on The Kids are Alright DVD (Wonīt get fooled again). As he didnīt use any volume pedals he went between two volume presettings from loud to less loud by the flick of a switch..... Sorry for my bad english; hope you understood it. Oliver (Spyderman) |
