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Author Message dhoch New Username: dhoch Post Number: 1 Registered: 6-2009 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 6:52 am:    Let me first off say that I LOVE alembic basses. I have 2nd hand ones for a while and found a beatiful rogue 5 string rogue fretted that made me want to get another fretless. So I followed on the instructions for a custom order and was told when I placed the order in June that the lead time would put it the end of September. Come the end of September and I ask (not having heard anything) about status, and I'm told "It's entered the spray department and should be mid-late October" Ok so I can deal with the delay, I really want the bass and understand that delays happen... Then it's October, late (The 26th), no word, so I ask again. This time the reply is "Very near to being completed. Looks like a couple more coats of spray" and now it's going to be early-mid November. What happened here? A month for spray? Now I'm concerned, and a little bummed with the delays. Now we are in mid November (nothing on delivery) and I have I've reached out again, but now I've got some serious trepidation that I won't have the bass even before thanksgiving. Is this normal!?! Dave fc_spoiler Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 1002 Registered: 5-2006 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 8:05 am:    I ordered in April and paid full on April 24 (no downpayment) I was told it would be completed end September/early October... There was some "miscommunication" (lets call it that way) between my dealer and Alembic and the project was stopped for some time :-( Now after repeatingly asking for some info (there are some custom features still unclear) I haven't heard from the mothership for some weeks ... :-( Too bad I have to "pay" for the "miscommunication" but now it seems like there's still nothing happening... Definitely takes away some of the fun of having a custom build and though I was planning for a second custom, I'm seriously thinking of getting another used one now... (dark topped set neck Orion 5) I'm hoping to have my bass before Christmas... Mica/Susan? dhoch New Username: dhoch Post Number: 2 Registered: 6-2009 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 9:25 am:    My main problem is that I put 50% down on this bass... I could have made some money on that money if I still had it over those months. Dave briant Advanced Member Username: briant Post Number: 380 Registered: 12-2004 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 9:26 am:    Lots of factors go into wait time. Some of which may have nothing to do with your instrument. Alembic is a relatively small company. If something takes longer than expected it can (and often does) affect other instruments. They have a high standard for what goes out the door. If they notice something sub-standard before an instrument is done they are going to fix it and do it right. The finish process is a pretty typical place for delays due to imperfections / fixing them. Customers changing their minds and/or making additions/changes during the build process creates delays. Sometimes very huge delays. Anything unique to a particular instrument takes a lot of extra time. Like a custom inlay somewhere on the neck/body. Or some other form of custom something - tailpiece shape, finish on hardware, etc... You say you placed your order in June. December is the first I would have expected to see the bass done. When I ordered my Rogue I was hoping for 6 months and expecting 12 months. It wound up being right around 6 months and very worth the wait. btw - if you want to get in touch with Alembic right away you should call them. Email/website contact is usually delayed because they don't spend every waking hour checking the forums/email. Every time I've ever phoned them they have either answered or called me back quickly. lbpesq Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4156 Registered: 7-2004 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 9:48 am:    There is a joke: How many luthiers does it take to change a lightbulb? Just one ... but you have to wait six months! Like most good jokes, this one has a basis in reality. In my experience, both with Alembic, several other luthiers with whom I've personally dealt, and numerous others I've heard about, it is pretty much standard in the industry that custom work takes longer, and often MUCH longer, than initially quoted. Especially if you request a high level of custom work, and ESPECIALLY if you request custom inlays. My custom Further "Woody" (10/07 COTM) took 2.5 years. My Ferlembic took over two years at Gary Brawer's for all the mods and inlays to be completed. I have a '53 D28 that took 25 months for repairs and refinishing at yet another shop. I've learned to accept the inevitable and not bang my head against the wall. Art takes time, and these are truly pieces of art we're discussing here. I think of it as similar to looking for a parking spot in a urban downtown area. While I'm looking for the parking spot, it takes up most of my attention. I'm frustrated, impatient, and thinking about little else. However, once I find the spot, I walk away from my car and give little, if any, additional thought to the quest that just moments before dominated my universe. Once you get that instrument in your hands, the wait is quickly forgotten. All I can offer is to accept the inevitable and enjoy the ride. Yes, it would be nicer if we all got more realistic estimates up front, just as it would be nicer if the car salesman stated the best price up front, but some industries just seem to have their own, idiosyncratic standard operating procedures that we can either accept or go nuts. Bill, the guitar one. toma_hawk01 Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 322 Registered: 9-2009 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 9:59 am:    Do you know what! I am mad with 'myself' for not having the idea of the Toma_Hawk (10) years ago. Man, I would had saved so much money, and I would had my dream fulfilled already. So technically speaking, for me to wait a few months longer for my dream bass now, is not going to kill me, and it even puts a smile on my face with joy and laughter. The only person I can only be angry with, is myself for not dreaming the dream (10) years ago. The Toma_Hawk is closer to being in my hands now, than it ever was thanks to Alembic. This is pure wisdom for me, and it's true. My faith is strong with Mica and the Alembic team. Peace and Love! (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on November 16, 2009) dhoch New Username: dhoch Post Number: 3 Registered: 6-2009 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 10:04 am:    I get the major custom stuff, but honestly what I ordered was pretty much a stock rogue (higher end wood, different bridge piece). Honestly if they had said up front (when I ordered in June) you won't get your bass till December I would have been fine. The problem is the "should be done by XXX" and XXX comes and goes and it's not done. As someone who runs a business myself, I would NEVER treat a customer that way. I tell them a date and do what I can to meet that date. If I'm going to be late I call them BEFORE delivery date and let them know it's going to be late (and apologize profusely). Never wait for the customer to come to you (especially when they have already given you money) and then tell them it's late (at least in my business). Dave fc_spoiler Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 1004 Registered: 5-2006 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 10:07 am:    I'm sure the wait will be forgotten when she's here, lets just call this a "midbuildcrisis" :-) lbpesq Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4157 Registered: 7-2004 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 10:09 am:    Dave: I suspect you are not a luthier. Bill, tgo jazzyvee Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1765 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 10:25 am:    I guess I was fortunate that I saw Dragon magic in 2002 and that really inspired me to have a custom guitar made the same as that one, apart from the dragon inlay. Fortunately for me, the owner decided to sell it so I ended up with my custom at a fraction of the price I would have had to pay otherwise. I hope your custom arrives before you lose faith in Alembic. Jazzyvee dhoch New Username: dhoch Post Number: 4 Registered: 6-2009 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 10:41 am:    No bill, I'm not a luthier... software development, but I guarantee the company I'm with deals at much higher $ figures than even the highest end alembics go for I'm not losing faith in Alembic's product (it's one of the best)...I'm just hoping that there is a change is some of the customer service practices. If this thread, and my comments to them directly, change behavior on this it will be a net positive. Dave sonicus Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 507 Registered: 5-2009 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 10:52 am:    Alembic's standards in my experience are as high as humanly possible. Therefore when you take possession of the instrument you will be the owner of a product produced with elite levels of comprehension ,craftsmanship,knowledge and LOVE for the end result product. Perfection does not fall from the sky but is the result of A "LABOUR OF LOVE" This may take just a little bit longer because it will be a Masterpiece! Please be patient and you will soon be very pleased! Art is in progress! (Message edited by sonicus on November 16, 2009) (Message edited by sonicus on November 16, 2009) sonicus Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 508 Registered: 5-2009 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 11:02 am:    "ART" with a capital "A" ! briant Advanced Member Username: briant Post Number: 381 Registered: 12-2004 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 12:18 pm:    "The problem is the "should be done by XXX" and XXX comes and goes and it's not done." Who was the party that told you it would be done by XXX? The store you ordered it from or someone at Alembic that you spoke with directly? I ordered my Rogue through BassNW and they (by design) just acted as the place to give money to and pick it up on arrival. The slight modifications I made after the fact and all timeline information was done directly between myself and Mica. I know it is frustrating. I am about the most impatient person I know. I want stuff now. I hate waiting. If it makes you feel any better my custom Rogue was well worth the wait. afrobeat_fool Intermediate Member Username: afrobeat_fool Post Number: 135 Registered: 7-2009 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 1:28 pm:    This is the one and only place I know of where the customers will stand up and take the time and effort to help not only the company they believe in, but also the other customers. I too want to have my dream built before I turn 50, and I hope I will be as patient as Hal, or Bill. Good luck, Dave, I think you will be stoaked when it's in your hands. This "Art" won't be hanging on a wall. It will be hanging on your sholder. dannobasso Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 1149 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 3:55 pm:    There is no such thing as a stock item. They are all made in the same fashion. I've been ordering customs since 1986. With the first one. I was not very Zen. As time and experience progressed I came to fully understand the process. This company treats their customers with far more consideration than most. Many instrument companies don't really give a flying fig about the customer and you better damn well deal with it. Ask a Gibson custom shop client. I'm waiting on my 10th order and most involved bass yet and I'll wait until it is finished without concern. Why, because I trust this family implicitly. They always go the extra mile and extend themselves to make the best instrument possible. I'm not telling anyone what to feel and what to expect. I am saying to try to be patient and understand the process. If a master carver is out with the flu, or a family emergency, do you want someone else to take over? I'll wait and trust the expert. In New York I know guys who have to wait over a year to get a tattoo appointment because they only want that artist's work on their skin. There are also bass makers who have waiting lists for over a year on bolt on models and they usually cost even more than Alembic. I tried to order a bass that in 1988 was $4000 for one in stock and I couldn't get a phone call returned. Go figure. I ordered my present car a Chevy HHR panel. It came in without some of the things I ordered and paid for and when I wanted the item installed and was will to pay for it, they said they wouldn't do it. No wonder they needed a bailout. I hope all works out for you and your ownership is a long, happy and healthy one. I bet you you get yours before I get mine. I odered mine a year ago and I'm content to wait until it is perfect. mica Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6463 Registered: 6-2000 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 4:31 pm:    Dave, your bass is back in spray. When it arrived in the rubout, there was an irregularity seen in the finish and it was rejected. Better it get rejected here than once it's in your hands. We're working hard to get the bass completed as soon as possible. Anyone that works here at Alembic is empowered to send anything we are working on back to the previous department. Different eyes see different things. The worst of course is when Mary is doing her final inspection. Everything looks like it's ready to go, but if she sees something she doesn't like, back it goes. The delivery times are estimates, and I admit that I tend to be a little optimistic. I will try and temper that in the future. Thanks for all the help at explaining some aspects of the process and helping each other out. It means a lot to me. mike1762 Advanced Member Username: mike1762 Post Number: 386 Registered: 1-2008 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 4:36 pm:    The only custom I ever had built was a Carvin LB76. The wait time on THAT was 2.5 months. Now I like my Carvin (especially for the money), but it's not an Alembic. The attention to detail and quality control standards are just different. I've noticed on FTC threads that "spray" is where things tend to get held up. I've seen pics of some minor imperfections that Alembic just would not let go out the door. It is their insistence on perfection that probably made you choose them in the first place. That being said, you have every right to vent your frustration. dhoch New Username: dhoch Post Number: 5 Registered: 6-2009 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 5:15 pm:    mica, Thanks for the response. It's helpful To everyone, look I take the whole thing very seriously (note I didn't bash anybody, in fact said I really like the product). I just think the discussion is a good one. I know I'll be happy when the bass arrives...I'm itching to play fretless again. Dave sonicus Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 509 Registered: 5-2009 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 5:27 pm:    Congratulations Dave on your swell new ALEMBIC fretless! I am interested to see pics when she is finished . Sonic Regards ______! Wolf ___ toma_hawk01 Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 324 Registered: 9-2009 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 5:37 pm:    Hey, my order was made back in Feb/March so..., Dave your bass is just going to have to wait until they finish mine. So, get back in line! Hee hee hee. ;) But, I mean every word. Nice try my friend... (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on November 16, 2009) jbybj Advanced Member Username: jbybj Post Number: 247 Registered: 6-2006 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 6:18 pm:    "I know I'll be happy when the bass arrives...I'm itching to play fretless again. " wait a minute, you wanted it FRETLESS?!?.................... :-) JBY jbybj Advanced Member Username: jbybj Post Number: 248 Registered: 6-2006 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 6:27 pm:    I once took some parts and electronics to a very highly regarded local luthier who shall remain nameless, to have some routing and assemblage done. When I asked for a time estimate, they told me two weeks, at which point, I couldn't control myself and burst out laughing. When I regained my composure, they said, in a somewhat stern fashion, that they have a que, and they know their business, and yes, it will be two to three weeks. I left my stuff with them, and when I got home I marked my calendar for 6 weeks ahead. I waited til week six to call, then again at week 8. Then I went down to the shop at week 10, figuring that if they hadn't started yet I would go elsewhere. They looked kind of stupified as I left the shop with all my parts, exactly as I had dropped them off 10 weeks earlier. I found another, less "famous" but wholly qualified fellow to do the job. He gave me a two week estimate, and had it done in four, just as I expected. :-) And it came out spectacularly. JBY (Message edited by jbybj on November 16, 2009) ajdover Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 771 Registered: 11-2003 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 7:30 pm:    Dave, I ordered my Series II custom almost four years ago. It will be in my hands this week. Some of the delays were induced by me (getting the body shape right, having the inlays right, control placement, etc.) and others not (having good weather for curing the finish, some technical issues with calibration equipment, etc.). All conspired to extend the time it took to get my bass done. This being said, I know when I get it it will be what I wanted. And I know it will be the bass of my dreams. As the saying goes, patience is a virtue! I'm glad to see you're getting the bass of your dreams. Al dwmark Advanced Member Username: dwmark Post Number: 249 Registered: 1-2005 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 7:33 pm:    Dave Not that you need my approval, but I sense that you are being very cool, despite the agitation. Let me build on Danno's "Zen" comment, though. I consider myself to be very Eastern, for the lawyer that I am, but took Mica's and Susan's comments about the personality of my custom with a grain of salt (stuff about the wood understanding that it wasn't a tree anymore and that it would mature as an instrument). Darn if the bass that was delivered to me about a year ago isn't doing just what they said. Stay cool, enjoy the community and REALLY enjoy the instrument when you finally get your hands on it. And, as most would say, post pictures. dw peoplechipper Intermediate Member Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 160 Registered: 2-2009 Posted on Monday, November 16, 2009 - 11:21 pm:    Dave, I am a goldsmith and sometimes the metal doesn't do what you like(I only do construction, no casting) so I understand that things happen; with wood this factor increases exponentially...mind you, the Alembic folks should have been more pessimistic(like an episode of Star Trek, New Generation with Scotty where he said "double the time you think it'll take, and you'll look like a hero!!!) or something like that...stuff happens, I just hit one tonight where a stone setting isn't working out well...I was hoping to get it off my plate tonight but not going to happen...guaranteed, you will love the final product; my bass is used and it is the best instrument I've ever had by far...thank you Alembic...Tony bigredbass Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1324 Registered: 9-2002 Posted on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 - 12:58 am:    While Alembic does have a range of standard shapes, neck profiles, etc., essentially they are making a continuous run of one-offs. I'm sure Mica and Susan would faint dead away if any of their dealers wanted even a dozen exactly alike. Imagine if they only offered a dozen color choices and a dozen wood options. 2 neck widths. One bridge. Pearl inlays only. You see where I'm going . . . not to mention your axe may be between some 12 string monster and a doubleneck 8-string. It ALWAYS takes longer. J o e y hydrargyrum Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 689 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 - 6:37 am:    Somehow I knew this would be a finish problem. It must be a tricky business to contend with the variety found even within the same species of wood. Just out of curiosity, is your bass Coco Bolo? It seems particularly difficult. toma_hawk01 Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 325 Registered: 9-2009 Posted on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 - 8:18 am:    If you're buying a custom Fender, and it took longer than 2 days, I would agree with you Dave. I am kidding Dave. Your bass will be a Royal Baaddass, and I can't wait to see it Shine! (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on November 17, 2009) terryc Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 1134 Registered: 11-2004 Posted on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 - 3:21 pm:    A word of advice to all. If you want something unique, built with care, finished to the highest standard then you must have patience. I have rebuilt engines for people in the past and I got asked the same questions..would you rather me bench test it to see if it is okay or wait until you are on some deserted road in the middle of the night when the engine seizes?? If you want immediate results go and buy a fender from the shop..if you want perfection then you just have to wait. oujeebass Intermediate Member Username: oujeebass Post Number: 171 Registered: 10-2002 Posted on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 - 4:09 pm:    Software now there is something that always works as advertised, and always priced appropriately. enzo Intermediate Member Username: enzo Post Number: 161 Registered: 4-2009 Posted on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 - 6:28 pm:    Hal, did you say Fender ?....oh boy, again ? hehehe peoplechipper Intermediate Member Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 163 Registered: 2-2009 Posted on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 - 11:15 pm:    Quality is worth the wait...Highland Park 16 year old,Lagavulin 16...more expensive, but so yummy!!!(if you know Scotch)...one day maybe I'll order a custom just to give the mothership the business that they deserve, as the standard instruments are wonderful(mind you, they don't make the Distillate anymore...Boo!) Tony jazzyvee Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1768 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 3:11 am:    They still may make you a distillate as a custom order even though it's not a standard model anymore. Jazzyvee georgie_boy Senior Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 997 Registered: 8-2005 Posted on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 5:41 am:    Tony, You mentioned Lagavulin........one of my most favourites!!! I know a little about Scotch........being a Scot! George jbybj Advanced Member Username: jbybj Post Number: 249 Registered: 6-2006 Posted on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 11:32 am:    It's a cigar! It's a beverage! It's a cigar! It's a beverage! It's a cigar! It's a beverage! Hey, it's both! It's Lagavulin! Yummy fmm Advanced Member Username: fmm Post Number: 278 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 1:31 pm:    I have a bottle of a Cadenheads bottling of a 14 year old Lagavulin, I think it's like 143 proof. Best whisky I've ever had, bar none. pace Senior Member Username: pace Post Number: 457 Registered: 4-2004 Posted on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 1:37 pm:    Dave, I feel for your anxiety, because I've been there before. The one thing that set my mind at ease was that during the 1.5 years it took to build my custom I was able to visit the factory twice (in and of itself was also a great excuse to get away from my west coast in-laws). Upon visiting the factory the first time I realized exactly what kind of cue they had on deck, and how seriously they took the build of each and every instrument. All of a sudden time didn't matter so much~ just as long as my baby was getting the same attention to detail that the dozen or so instruments in the shipping room received.... And in the end, it did. That's all that matters! Trust me, and everyone else on the forum, you'll be happy when your Rouge arrives! (Message edited by pace on November 18, 2009) eligilam Advanced Member Username: eligilam Post Number: 213 Registered: 2-2006 Posted on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 1:57 pm:    My all time favorite Scotch is the Springbank 15 year. Ahhhh, the peat! afrobeat_fool Intermediate Member Username: afrobeat_fool Post Number: 137 Registered: 7-2009 Posted on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 3:12 pm:    Now here is some old scotch that should be taken off the ice, and relished. Imagine how 100yr old scotch would taste? Mmmmmm, smokey.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/8361995.stm toma_hawk01 Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 332 Registered: 9-2009 Posted on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 4:11 pm:    I love water. Man, had anybody tried this stuff. It's so clear and refreshing and it freezes into ice cubes. With the ice cubes, you could add them to make your room ambient temperature cup of water; this makes your water cold. I love water with ice cubes. davehouck Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8967 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Sunday, November 29, 2009 - 4:46 pm:    Hi Dave, welcome to the board! Interesting thread! Lots of interesting comments by everyone. Kevin; I was thinking finish too. Hal; I like hot water that's been run through ground coffee. Well, not by itself; it has to have some soy creamer added when it's done. oddmetersam Junior Username: oddmetersam Post Number: 40 Registered: 7-2008 Posted on Monday, November 30, 2009 - 11:45 pm:    You guys talking about scotch are driving me crazy! I'm a single malt scotch fan and hit 11 distilleries in 11 days in magical Scotland back in May. I prefer the smokey ones (referred to as peaty in Scotland) and so took the car ferry to Islay and visited Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore and Bruichladdich. Picked up bottles of Arbeg Still Young and Caol Ila unpeated 8yr. (only available at the distillery; we should be seeing unpeated 10yr in the States). Unreal! Then I went up to Rothes and officially toured Balvenie, Aberlour, Glenfarclas, Cragganmore and Edradour. Wanna see my distillery slide show? Go here, click on slideshow near the top left, then use the + key to set the timing to 12 seconds or so: http://picasaweb.google.com/oddmetersam/ScotlandMay2009# Slangevar! peoplechipper Intermediate Member Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 176 Registered: 2-2009 Posted on Sunday, December 06, 2009 - 10:08 pm:    I love Laphroiag, and haven't had Caol Ila yet...something to look for, thank you! My Dad has done the whisky trail, and one day I will too...I'm Scottish by birth and haven't been to the homeland since '78, when I was too young to drink...sad, really...'course when I do go back, I'll sound like a tourist as I left Scotland as an infant...might be a good thing though, as a Glaswiegan accent is considered a speech impediment in most of the world,or it's own language...Tony. mike13 Member Username: mike13 Post Number: 63 Registered: 11-2007 Posted on Monday, December 07, 2009 - 3:57 pm:    Great photo's mate,makes me homesick toma_hawk01 Senior Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 426 Registered: 9-2009 Posted on Tuesday, December 08, 2009 - 6:33 pm:    Man you guys make drinking sound so good! Those nice fancy bottles, cool giant "Hershey's chocolate kisses" looking fermentation tanks looks so appealing and regal. I can't count the number of people I counseled to get off the stuff and being clean and sober. For those who are trying to kick it, my prayers are with you 100%. I mean no greater harm than those who supports it, and to strike a balance of diversity of Alembicans who are not drinkers of alcohol. I am not judging, I am just showing my appeal and happiness of being free from the stuff with just the same amount of joy. Peace and Love! (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on December 08, 2009) jacko Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2518 Registered: 10-2002 Posted on Wednesday, December 09, 2009 - 8:00 am:    All things in moderation Hal. Graeme toma_hawk01 Senior Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 430 Registered: 9-2009 Posted on Wednesday, December 09, 2009 - 8:43 am:    I was at a very known music award show, and a performer (I will not name...) stood up to receive his award, and announced he was thanking God for having the strength to be clean and sober for 2 years, and everybody in the house clapped, and him applauded roaring-ly... The irony... It's like applauding the "F" student who finally wakes up and receives (awards himself) the "A". However, students who never received anything lower than an "A", we call them: Nerds, Geeks or something very derogatory for their good works, and extreme efforts to excel in school. Also, moderation is relative. I have "relatives" (family members) who died from the liver damage caused by alcohol. Tolerance and moderation are two different things. (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on December 09, 2009) peoplechipper Intermediate Member Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 180 Registered: 2-2009 Posted on Thursday, December 10, 2009 - 1:21 am:    Good points Hal, I actually think that if all booze was as strong as Scotch we'd have less alcoholism; the stuff scares many people(including at least one real drinker I know) and the hangover from Scotch is nasty(like a brain-sucking spider) which would likely instill respect for alcohol early in one's career... I like with Scotch that with a sniff and a taste you can tell what region it came from; way easier than with wine; stronger flavours...I had a bottle of 36 year old Glen Craig(I think) last summer and it was like Dalwhinnie but with depth that rolled in waves...heather,honey....joy! thankfully I gave my Dad a bottle and he's kept it for the special few, so I'll get to try some more(the distillery is extinct) I shared mine with friends to toast my beloved Spud, my cat of 14 years...she deserved it. Tony hydrargyrum Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 693 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Thursday, December 10, 2009 - 7:32 am:    Heather? Honey? But how does it taste mixed with coke? "I'm not an alcoholic, alcoholics go to meetings." bracheen Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 1523 Registered: 11-2003 Posted on Thursday, December 10, 2009 - 9:46 am:    Sam, thanks for sharing your photos. I was in Scotland this past May also. I didn't visit any distilleries but did get to socialize with Graeme and Mike. I knocked on George's door but unfortunately he wasn't home at the time, better luck next time. Sam oddmetersam Junior Username: oddmetersam Post Number: 41 Registered: 7-2008 Posted on Thursday, December 10, 2009 - 11:18 pm:    Thanks for the distillery shot comments -- all of them. Alembic enthusiasts represent a broad spectrum of thought on more than just our basses and that's a good thing! I was struck by the similarities of quality control, attention to detail, pride of craftsmanship and that elusuve something that defines "world class" both in our incredible instruments and the way these distilleries operate. Take those incredible copper stills, for example. Their design, construction, maintenance and upkeep is a highly specialized art involving serious old world craftsmanship. Sound familiar? How many certified coppersmiths do we have in the States? There are many unique and esoteric jobs that when they're gone...they're gone! I would be remiss if I didn't add that since I've gotten into single malt scotch (not blends, btw), I've stopped drinking beer and drink much less, overall, because I drink for the succession of flavors and nuances; not to get buzzed or raise hell at parties -- or to make it through the day. This stuff is made for introspective sipping, not guzzling for its own sake. cozmik_cowboy Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 614 Registered: 10-2006 Posted on Friday, December 11, 2009 - 8:03 am:    Hey, Sam, I'm with you - except for the next-to-last sentence. For some reason, I no longer enjoy distilled spirits; they taste like gasoline to me (and this from someone who once considered himself a devotee of fine bourbon). But I've found myself drinking less beer as I've stopped drinking whiskey - and I refuse to drink swill anymore; this has become even more true since I started brewing my own. These days I'm much less interested getting kneewalkin' than in savoring the subtleties of the brewmasters art, and seldom have more than 2 or 3. Proper brewing requires the same attributes you describe for single-malt distilling & quality instrument building. Good beer is, indeed, about instropective sipping and the succession of flavors & nuanances. And on the rare occasions when excess seems to be in order, good beer hurts less in the morning! Peter ps - I have also arrived at the conclusion that one bottle of wine is a serving, two bottles of wine are sometimes a serving, and 3 bottles of wine are rarely as good an idea as it seems at the time. peoplechipper Intermediate Member Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 181 Registered: 2-2009 Posted on Saturday, December 12, 2009 - 11:43 pm:    With ya on the wine... MIXING SINGLE MALT WITH COKE IS SACRILEGE!!!! perhaps the most evil and wrong thing I've read on this site yet; not to mention a waste of good scotch...careful where you make jokes like that, you could wind up on your ear... davehouck Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 9008 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Monday, December 14, 2009 - 5:20 pm:    Yes, I could see where it could ruin things if you were planning to snort it up your nose. hydrargyrum Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 709 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Monday, December 14, 2009 - 5:34 pm:    I don't know, there was a time when I knew a bunch of folks who liked to get coked up, and drink whiskey. I don't think I've ever known a more boring group of human beings. I'll just take the whiskey, thanks (and I'll have it neat). davehouck Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 9009 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Monday, December 14, 2009 - 5:57 pm:    But, and I really have no idea here, and have absolutely no desire to put either one of those substances in my body, but if you mix the coke with whiskey doesn't the coke get all wet and sticky, impeding the snorting process? hydrargyrum Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 711 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Monday, December 14, 2009 - 6:20 pm:    I would suppose it wouldn't exactly facilitate snorting (the folks I knew weren't that foolhardy. Well, I never saw them do it, to be more accurate.). Perhaps one could perform a nasal irrigation using a more dilute solution and a neti pot. However, having once choked on a shot of whiskey, I can say with surety that the sensation of whiskey in one's mucous membranes is an experience that only a masochist would willingly seek. cozmik_cowboy Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 615 Registered: 10-2006 Posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - 6:02 am:    Well, I've been told that if you mix your coke with whiskey, you should then drink it - same basic effect, but no post-nasal drip & thus less impairment to singing. Peter (who's known enough serious coke-heads to be glad he never had the money to develop a taste for the stuff) adriaan Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2374 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - 8:00 am:    I thought coke came in bottles, and was recently declared kosher. benson_murrensun Advanced Member Username: benson_murrensun Post Number: 202 Registered: 5-2007 Posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - 9:53 am:    The "good" thing about coke ('caine) is that it enables you to drink more whiskey and stay awake. And the thing about whiskey is that is makes you want more coke. It's symbiotic! Have we strayed from the topic of the thread? Again? davehouck Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 9016 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - 9:53 am:    Adriaan; coke did indeed come in bottles at one time. Cocaine was one of the primary ingredients in the original version of Coca-Cola. And yes, Coca-Cola was declared kosher in 1935, but long after cocaine was removed as an ingredient. hydrargyrum Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 713 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - 11:11 am:    As long as we're going round the bend in this thread, I'll chip in a bit of useless trivia. It is my understanding that Coke for passover is different than coke for the rest of the year. In order to be kosher for passover, corn syrup cannot be used, and instead, beet sugar is substituted. Funny enough, this is closer to the recipe for coke as it used to be, before the switch to high fructose corn syrup, and some claim to be able to taste the difference. lbpesq Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4210 Registered: 7-2004 Posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - 11:17 am:    In California, there are some stores and restaurants that carry coke from Mexico where it is still made with real sugar. The difference in taste is quite significant. I hate the common "corn syrup" coke. I really enjoy the Mexican "sugar" coke. And the price has come down considerably from the days when it cost $100 per gram! lol Bill, tgo (Message edited by lbpesq on December 15, 2009) bracheen Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 1525 Registered: 11-2003 Posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - 11:28 am:    This is sorta related to snorting coke. I have the particularly useless abilitiy to smell the difference in diet coke and regular coke. (a cola) Sam adriaan Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2375 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - 12:59 pm:    Diet coke - like anything containing artificial sweeteners - tastes pretty bitter to me. Then again I don't like most natural sweeteners other than refined white sugar ---- honey, cane sugar - yuck! Alcohol and 'caine is a pretty bad combo. Once saw a co-worker continue to drink heavily and not keel over - scary. cozmik_cowboy Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 616 Registered: 10-2006 Posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - 1:30 pm:    Sam, I have a friend who goes into anaphalactic (sp?) shock with diet - your ability would be quite useful to him! Did you hear about the guy who got busted snorting Sweet'N'Low? He thought it was diet coke. Peter hb3 Senior Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 445 Registered: 2-2005 Posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - 8:56 pm:    "As long as we're going round the bend in this thread, I'll chip in a bit of useless trivia. It is my understanding that Coke for passover is different than coke for the rest of the year. In order to be kosher for passover, corn syrup cannot be used, and instead, beet sugar is substituted. Funny enough, this is closer to the recipe for coke as it used to be, before the switch to high fructose corn syrup, and some claim to be able to taste the difference." I was really obsessed with this for awhile. "Passover Coke" is the same as Mexican Coke. I believe the plastic bottle cap on Passover Coke is yellow. Mexican Coke is occasionally available at BevMo, but very inconsistently. There are sometimes strange shipments to places like KMart, but it's usually gone before you find out about it. In Europe, I understand you can pretty easily find Coke from different countries, all with unique variations in character. peoplechipper Intermediate Member Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 184 Registered: 2-2009 Posted on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 - 11:09 pm:    Wow, this thread derails bad! but I just had to say a cocaine and scotch hangover sounds like one of the worst things ever...ow. Tony dhoch New Username: dhoch Post Number: 6 Registered: 6-2009 Posted on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 - 5:07 am:    Wow this thread really took a turn for the worse after I stopped posting too it. An update (for those who are interested). I got some pictures (from Mica) on the 16th of December: "Hi Dave, Thought you'd like to see your bass very nearly completed. It's rubbed out and will be setup any day now and it's really really pretty. Best regards, Mica" Since then I've sent two emails asking for an update and haven't heard back. As I said in the very beginning of this thread I'm more than willing to wait, AND I'm willing to wait through fixes if there is communication (I run a software business generating $33M/year, so I have to know about customer service and communications, it's part of why my customers like me), but again I'm disappointed in the communication from Alembic. Dave jacko Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2554 Registered: 10-2002 Posted on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 - 7:47 am:    So you've had a personal email from Mica (who seems to be very busy these days) which included photos. Sounds to me like that's more than any other company would do. You have to remember that Mica's job is running a very busy musical instrument workshop, not a website or a photographic studio. The fact you've not had any correspondence over the holiday period and the start of the year (which has traditionally been very busy for Alembic) doesn't surprise me at all. If you really want updates you should phone them. Graeme. (Message edited by jacko on January 12, 2010) rjmsteel Junior Username: rjmsteel Post Number: 27 Registered: 7-2008 Posted on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 - 8:42 am:    I have to agree with Graeme. I did not expect to hear from them, (on my custom build), during the holidays either, considering that they are a small family business. the_jester Member Username: the_jester Post Number: 99 Registered: 12-2009 Posted on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 - 8:45 am:    Dave, your bass will be awesome bro. Story-Time... (A interview with Stanley Clarke) Interview Question: What's the coolest recent addition to your bass set-up? Stanley Clarke: "The coolest thing for me was getting a new bass. I've been using an Alembic bass for a long time and it was getting trashed and I never got a fret job on it because it just had this sound. I remember years and years ago I had a bass that I liked and I got a fret job on it. It changed everything so I just never touched this bass. Instead, I got a bass that was a duplicate of this bass. I had the Alembic people come to the house. They came in and they measured this old bass and duplicated it perfectly. The new bass is probably the best instrument I've ever had. I think it's tremendous, tremendous, the best thing they've ever made for me was this instrument! It's so nice that I actually look forward to playing it. You know what I mean? It really sounds good!" Interview Question: So the duplication process came off well? Stanley Clarke: "Yeah! It came off perfectly. It's much better than I thought. I mean they brought their measuring sticks. They measured every part of this bass. They literally duplicated everything down to the wood, the size of the neck, the frets, the weight of the particular wood, the machines, the hardware, the separation of strings, every little nuance of the bass. They wrote all the information up and then, maybe a year later, they came back with the bass. I plugged it in and it was like the cleanest, coolest-sounding bass that I've ever had. It had this amazing sound, actually better, it sounded better than the original red bass! Amazing! They told me they got lucky. The wood was right, it had the right temperament to it, it vibrated and it was just perfect, everything was perfect, so I'm really happy about that." Analysis: Stanley Clarke waited around a year for his new bass and was very pleased with the bass, and Alembic's customer service. Dave, I don't see the relationship to the critical and urgency needs of software as a fair comparison. Both areas of interest, operate on different clocks and technologies. Custom Software is easily created, and could be easily copied and distributed to the masses within seconds. Alembics are not copied. Every bass is an original, and made exactly for each customers needs. Sorry, I just don't get your point of all the millions your business is generating because of it's great CS. Alembic shines on project completion. Ref: http://gc.guitarcenter.com/interview/stanleyclarke/ Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by the_jester on January 12, 2010) adriaan Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2394 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 12:17 am:    Hal - not all software is for the masses. Even so, software is not easily created, and cannot be easily copied and distributed within seconds. You may be thinking of tweets on Twitter, but that's content, not software. the_jester Member Username: the_jester Post Number: 100 Registered: 12-2009 Posted on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 12:46 am:    Not all Alembics are for the masses either... Some software is for the masses. Some software is easily created. Some software is easily copied and easily distributed within seconds. I never used Tweets or Twitter in my life, but if those sites are hosting content, they are using software to do this. If Twitter is on a application server, it's running software. It's take seconds to copy some software, and it takes months to years to make an Alembic. Apple and Oranges for the sake of discussion, and it means nothing to the price of tea in China. Love and Peace, Hal- (Message edited by the_jester on January 13, 2010) mike1762 Senior Member Username: mike1762 Post Number: 433 Registered: 1-2008 Posted on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 2:52 am:    As has been alluded to above, I think most people just know that Alembic makes high quality instruments and that they have made a substantial investment in one for themselves. I suspect in their mind's eye, they see a large factory full of luthiers and CNC machines churning out product. It was only after I spent some time on this forum that I realized that is not reality: they are a relatively small operation with MUCH higher standards than you might have yourself. David's low post number would indicate he might not fully understand that. I also think his main complaint is not so much the wait itself, but the overly optimistic initial ETA. But again, with a small operation things happen and some projects have to be put in a holding pattern. (Message edited by mike1762 on January 13, 2010) dannobasso Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 1192 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 3:31 am:    There's a lot less wood shavings and sawdust. Papercuts maybe, carpel tunnel maybe but no bandsaw incidents. But I don't produce either basses or code, hence the redistribution of wealth. All I know is the more they work on your basses the less they work on mine. But to understand these things is to be more at one with the universe. Breathe deep and chant quietly to yourself and serve your inner customer. rami Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 914 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 8:57 am:    I often think about another Alembic custom. I sincerely love all the great and talented people at Alembic - but I don't think I can handle the emotional rollercoaster of the process again. I'll just be grateful for the collection I've acquired over the years - I still have them all! southpaw Advanced Member Username: southpaw Post Number: 247 Registered: 12-2004 Posted on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 9:03 am:    A certain bass manufacturer in Santa Ana, CA is at a 2 year back order. And that is for a standard production bass, nothing custom. Also they refuse to take orders for left handed instruments at this time! Patience is truly a virtue...until you get an ulcer from stress! Hang in there, you will forget about the wait when it is in your hands. the_jester Intermediate Member Username: the_jester Post Number: 101 Registered: 12-2009 Posted on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 9:06 am:    Let's put it this way... Some people out here are waiting for the perfect bass and/or guitar, and some people with means -- will even wait until "hell freezes" to get what they want. If you think I am talking about just new instruments, WRONG. Used/Vintage instruments are also sought after -- and in some circles, the competition to acquire them are fierce, and to some people, they are willing to wait decades, to finally snatch one. Eat your heart out #12! So, depending on what side of the fence (custom/vintage, or both) you are on, to be one of the lucky elites to be rewarded with both (a custom and/or a vintage Alembic) I am sure, almost 100% of those people, are happy and thanked their lucky stars for having the skills of patiences, to acquire a dreams for a lifetime of joy. Lastly, how long does it take to find a diamond in South Africa's diamond mines? Will you wait to find this answer when there are so many diamonds on the open market? Well, if you are fortunate enough to wait and possibly get a diamond from one of those African pipes, and the time it takes to have your custom diamond cut, you are indeed very fortunate by virtue of being in the position to wait. Dave, I say these things to you with respect and not as an antagonist. Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by the_jester on January 13, 2010) mica Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6553 Registered: 6-2000 Posted on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 12:00 pm:    Hi Dave (and everyone), I received your emails from January 4 and January 12 (the date of your last post on this thread) and I'm sorry I did not attend to your inquiry sooner. Your bass hasn't advanced much since the last photo I emailed to you. Everything's been a bit slow due to the metal NC machine needed some TLC from my dad. He's repaired the machine, and my uncle Bob is making tailpieces, for your bass and others of course. My dad had to balance his time between electronics upgrades for Series I and II instruments and the much needed repair on Nancy (the NC machine). Probably the most frequently asked question is "what is the delivery date?" Until it's in the box and waiting for the carrier to pick it up, I honestly do not know. peoplechipper Intermediate Member Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 199 Registered: 2-2009 Posted on Friday, January 15, 2010 - 8:10 pm:    Wow, I'm impressed how far this thread went off the rails then jumped back on... We all have to remember that we ALL hate to wait, so being realistic is important to both sides...I've been on both sides and I admit I'd hate to wait for me to get things done, but I try my best and I hope my customers understand, especially as I do goldsmithing after work...once again, good stuff takes time; and praise the Lorne (Lorne Greene, my soon-launched cult) for that, as if it all came easy, we'd never truly appreciate it...Tony fc_spoiler Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 1070 Registered: 5-2006 Posted on Thursday, February 18, 2010 - 8:28 pm:    I paid full on April 24 2009 (except for the unquoted features) and see a Series instrument finished well within the build time of mine (and some others) Almost a year later still no design/quote for the 12th fret inlay and clueless about the roadcase (price/features) Now the Euro has devaluated extremely compared to the $, so the unquoted features will be (a lot) more expensive and there's the loss of interest over an amount of $ that's not for the faint hearted. (since April 24 2009) That's about enough "waiting" money for a used Alembic (!!!) Needles to say I'm disappointed... :-( Edit: Disappointment turned into excitement, the inlay is going to be… you’ll see (Message edited by fc_spoiler on February 19, 2010)