| Author | Message | ||
| godoze
Junior Username: godoze Post Number: 15 Registered: 10-2004 |
I have just started trying to spec my new Alembic. Some things are confusing me. For instance, I think that I will be ordering a Rogue but I see that there are body shape options. Is this actually the case ? | ||
| the_mule
Advanced Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 313 Registered: 1-2004 |
That's correct, you start with a basic model, and continue to build it up with options, including different body shapes. Sometimes you'll find that there are different ways to reach your goal, at different costs. With some models specific wood types are standard, while with other models you have to pay big $$$ for the same laminate. You might want to play for an hour or so with the custom quote generator... Good luck, Wilfred | ||
| godoze
Junior Username: godoze Post Number: 17 Registered: 10-2004 |
Interesting. So For instance then what make a Rogue a "Rogue" if you change the body style and the electronics package ? Oh, and are the prices listed on the quote generator actual selling prices ? Thanks ! don | ||
| the_mule
Advanced Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 315 Registered: 1-2004 |
The moment when a Rogue or other 'standard' model changes into a custom is very vague to me, maybe Mica or Val can tell you more about how that works. For examples you should visit the Showcase section. But as a simpe example you can have a Series bass with Rogue body, just as a Rogue with Series electronics. Just keep an eye on the most important differences between the models (like number of body laminates and standard woods). The prices listed are the selling prices when purchased directly. USA-based dealers like Bass Central or Bass Northwest most likely can offer you a deal below the c.q.g. price. But for that you should contact them directly off course, preferably after you've determined what you want for your custom order... Wilfred | ||
| dnburgess
Advanced Member Username: dnburgess Post Number: 333 Registered: 1-2003 |
I tell prospective customers that every instrument is custom (i.e. Alembic does not have a warehouse full of finished instruments) and that a "model" is a particular grouping of body shape, electronics and neck. Change more than one of those things and you are most likely talking about a different model. There are, of course, many more variables - but they tend not to effect "modelness". David B. | ||
| rami
Advanced Member Username: rami Post Number: 396 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hey guys, When I had my customs made, I was already in love with the Rogue. I already had a 5 string that had become my all time favorite Bass. If the house was on fire - that's what I would grab first! My customs HAD to be Rogues - only enhanced by my choice of woods, number of strings and scale length. They kept the standard electronics, body and headstock shapes. Same with the current custom I'm having made - this time it will have Series II inspired electronics minus the pickup switch and master volume (which I find to be a little redundant). For a little extra flash, we decided on red LEDs as well. But that's really about all. Besides a few enhancements, it's still recognizable as a Rogue. I think that once you start changing bodyshapes and going for radical electronics, you're really building a custom Bass that may have been inspired by an existing model but has evolved into something that has little in common with it. | ||
| godoze
Junior Username: godoze Post Number: 26 Registered: 10-2004 |
As it stands I am going for a Rogue with a Balance K heart Omega Body, 3 lam purpleheart and maple neck, Coco bolo top, MOP ovals, no LED's, and I think that's it... oh, and it's a 4 string. I am thinking about Signature electronics... | ||
| godoze
Junior Username: godoze Post Number: 27 Registered: 10-2004 |
Now I am thinking i can save money with a King or Clarke model... OY! | ||
| groovelines
Advanced Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 206 Registered: 4-2003 |
godoze, Sounds like a nice project. It's certainly difficult to decide when a custom really becomes a "custom", have you discussed this with anyone at Alembic or an authorized dealer? From what you've described, it sounds like you'de be better off starting with a MK Standard as your base model, especially if you're seriously considering the signature electronics. I think a Rouge with your options will price higher, just a thought and I may be wrong. I talked to a local dealer about a custom Alembic and they start pricing based on the electronics you wanted; I don't know if that's how Alembic starts pricing. Being able to interchagne almost every feature can be a challenge, albeit a fun one. I'm looking forward to whatever you build, go, man go! Mike | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 444 Registered: 3-2004 |
You also have to look at the monthly special that's in play to really decide what starting point makes the most sense. For example, if you didn't care about a back laminate, you might do better adding purpleheart to the neck of a signature standard and taking the cocobolo special for the top rather than starting from a deluxe model. There are many permutations. | ||
| godoze
Junior Username: godoze Post Number: 30 Registered: 10-2004 |
I agree. I am leaning heavily towards an MK or SC with the coco top special and ph neck lams. | ||
| godoze
Junior Username: godoze Post Number: 36 Registered: 10-2004 |
Wow. I am suffering from serious "option anxiety." I think i have this figured out and then i see another bass that makes me rethink what i want. Here is my plan: MK standard Coco top (from the special) Balance K point ph neck lams But then I see the Orion body which I really dig and then I think "well, I can get away with that." and now i am just totally discombobulated. Am i alone here or is it this way for everyone ? | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 453 Registered: 3-2004 |
Yep. Body styles are a particular headache when it comes to selection. Then the money question kicks in and you start wondering whether or not you should spring for "luxury" items like plated hardware, neck inlays and LEDs. One thing that stands out for me is the extra care one must give to certain body shapes. Do you want to be concerned with the extra care that comes with having a point or omega on your bass? I love the look of the omega headstock on Valentino's custom, but I tap my headstock on a cymbal a couple times a year and would mind a broken piece a lot more than a nick or ding. I suspect the same would be true for pieces sticking out from the bottom of the body. The reality is that most people don't get to order too many $5K custom instruments in their lifetimes. The cost of making a mistake here is pretty large since you will probably lose more than $1K in resale value the second you take delivery. Do your best to make sure that you will want to own what you order forever! -Bob (Message edited by bsee on November 11, 2004) | ||
| groovelines
Advanced Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 208 Registered: 4-2003 |
godoze, I recently traded away my Orion for a 20th Anniversary. I miss the body, excellent balance even with a five string. I think the Orion is one of the better looking bass bodies Alembic offers. So, do me a favor and have them build a neck thru Orion. Yeah, I know that's the Europa body, but the Europa has curved cutaways where the body meets the neck and the Orion is one smooth arc from top to bottom. Or nicely ask them to modify the Europa template... There is a good mix of traditionalists and "post modern" Alembic owners around here when it comes to what looks like an Alembic. Owning a "classic" bodied Alembic is quite a bit different than looking at one. For me, it's like holding a piece of history. But I must say that the smaller upper horn and larger body has been an adjustment for me. Bob makes a practical point regarding resale value. I don't think I'd order an omega body, I was more interested in a neck thru and Anniversary electronics than the omega feature. Although it looks mighty damn nice and it's mine all mine. More information than you needed. But it's a delightful problem to have...good luck! Mike | ||
| the_mule
Advanced Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 322 Registered: 1-2004 |
http://www.rikkersgitaarbouw.nl/database/details.php?Base=showroom&Node=4 FYI: this is how a neck through Orion 5 would look like, well kinda, the beautiful flow of the horns that defines the Orion shape isn't quite good. It's a Dutch builder who made a special one-off instrument as a custom order. Wilfred | ||
| davehouck
Senior Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 1011 Registered: 5-2002 |
I seem to recall that somewhere around this forum there is a neck through Orion. | ||
| davehouck
Senior Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 1012 Registered: 5-2002 |
Or maybe I'm just recalling past posts by people thinking about ordering a neck through Orion. | ||
| adriaan
Advanced Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 397 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hey guys, if you check the Orion page on the regular site, you'll notice that the Orion is the Europa shape married to the set-neck design (originally the Epic). | ||
| davehouck
Senior Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 1014 Registered: 5-2002 |
Adriaan; while the Orion page may say it's a Europa body with a set neck, I have to agree with Mike above. The cutaways are significantly different. A neck through Orion would not look the same as a Europa. | ||
| adriaan
Advanced Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 399 Registered: 6-2002 |
On the set-neck instruments the outline of the body is uninterrupted where the neck is set in, but on a neck-through the body always curves out where it joins the neck. I guess that explains the difference in the cutaways - it certainly makes the upper horn look a lot different. | ||
| davehouck
Senior Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 1016 Registered: 5-2002 |
Adriaan; I think I see what you are saying. That on a neck through, the cutaway will be higher because of the heel? | ||
| groovelines
Advanced Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 209 Registered: 4-2003 |
Don, sorry to de-rail your post, happens a lot around here.... but if you seriously coinsider the Orion, you might want to invistigate if the coco bolo option applies. Sometimes the discounts on the exotic woods don't apply to set necks. On the other hand, I believe coco bolo is the standard top on a Europa. But the Europa costs more than the standard MK. Geez, this does get confusing, eh? And the new Balance K bodies look especially appealing. Not making this any easier for you, i think i'll go away for a bit. back again.... I think I've seen a coco bolo topped Orion with Sig electronics in the showcase. Wasn't that Pastor Scott's? Back to Bob's post - he makes a point about the costs of loading up on special features like woods and body styles that then depreciate once you take delivery. But if this is a bass you intend to own for a number of years I think it's worth it if you know before hand that you'll likely never recover the majority of the original purchase price. And can face the possibility of nicks and dings to a gigging bass. Obviously my 20th has some years on it , it's been well taken care of (thanks, poor nigel), and it has some scars, but it's also a bass that begs to be played in venues other than the spare room in your house. Perversely, it's a relief to have those "don't bang my new car" jitters out of the way and languished over by someone other than me. take care Mike | ||
| jlpicard
Member Username: jlpicard Post Number: 97 Registered: 7-2002 |
It seems to me that the Orion body was designed from the start as a set neck design. If you were to try and make it a neck thru, the body sides would butt up against a totaly flat sided neck joint in a most unelegant way.(IMHO)Thus the neccesity of the Europa modification to make a smooth transiton with the neck. I can't see how it could be done but then, the wizards of Alembic have amazing ways of making magic in order to bring someones dreams to reality. MikeD | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1767 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hello Bro's, iff (=if and only if) I remember well there was once a client who wnated a neck through Excel. There were a LOT of difficulties to make that neck/body joint smooth. The man who sculpted the heel begged Mica not to ask him to do that again. I guess it will be the case with all set-neck-designed models. The same story goes about putting a CVQ on a non-series bass. I think Ron did it once and said "never again". There ARE limits on customising you know ...oh ....huh ...not many ....and far away ...but they ARE there. Paul the bad one | ||
| godoze
Junior Username: godoze Post Number: 38 Registered: 10-2004 |
I have a few scenarios in place now. The Orion would stay a set neck if that were to be the one. My main concern at this point is trying to not drive the people at alembic and bass central nuts with my questions. | ||
| godoze
Junior Username: godoze Post Number: 39 Registered: 10-2004 |
so in addition to the MK listed above i have on the plate a Europa with a coco top, ph lams. and the Orion with coco top, ph body (maybe hollow), ph neck lams,cone peghead, and essence electronics. |
