| Author | Message | ||
| jaurigemma
Member Username: jaurigemma Post Number: 75 Registered: 3-2003 |
I have been wondering if it would be possible to send my Fender Geddy Lee Jazz bass to Alembic and have them Alembicize it. Now, I know it would no longer be what it is today, but that's cool: 1. Replace the neck with a neck through Alembic neck with Ebony stringers. The body would have to be cut in half to accomodate the new neck. 2. Replace the bridge with a chromed alembic straight tailpiece and chromed bridge/tone block. 3. Replace the Jazz pickups with Alembic Jazz pickups 4. Volume, Bass, Treble for each pickup. Using Concenetric knobs so that the "original" three knob layout will still work. 5. Ebony fretboard with blocks of maple for inlays. 6. Respray the body black after reconstructing it, and also paint the back of the neck. Glossy finish on the body, but satin on the neck. Any ideas or thoughts on this? | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1157 Registered: 7-2004 |
Sounds like sending your Volkswagen Beetle to Ferrari. Just cut out the frame and replace it with a carbon fiber frame, pull out the engine and replace it with a 12 cylinder, trash the tranny and replace it with Formula 1 paddle shift system, throw out the interior and replace it with Modena interior, replace the differential, tires, brakes, exhaust system and stereo. Then junk the body, replace it with a Modena body, but keep the VW fenders and tack them on. Result? A Ferrari with cheapo VW fenders that probably winds up costing more than just buying a Ferrari in the first place. My two cents is that for not much more (and maybe even less) you'd wind up with a better instrument by just ordering an Alembic shaped like the jazz bass. Bill, tgo (Message edited by lbpesq on March 27, 2006) | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1110 Registered: 3-2004 |
Yep, order a new Alembic instead. By the time you get done with all of that, it will probably cost about the same. As far as I can tell, you're pretty much replacing everything except the body. Seriously, though, ask Valentino for a quote for the work you want done. I bet you're looking at least $6K. If you order a new instrument with the above specs, you're probably not far from the same money. At least, after monthly specials and discounts, you can't be too far off. One thought on your actual plan is that maple block inlays might be a no-go. Alembic has historically avoided maple boards because they need to be finished or get ugly with grime. You can probably approximate that appearance with golden MOP inlays. | ||
| jaurigemma
Member Username: jaurigemma Post Number: 76 Registered: 3-2003 |
Gentlemen, I already have three alembics.... | ||
| jaurigemma
Member Username: jaurigemma Post Number: 77 Registered: 3-2003 |
Okay, so with me already have three alembics, and this shaping up to be a no go, maybe a quote for another custom job? Europa or Elan body style, to get that jazz bass look? Eh, what the hell, I barely play my 4 strings anymore anyways, so make it a 6 stringer. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1111 Registered: 3-2004 |
You can probably get them to dupe the shape of your Geddy if that's what you want. | ||
| jaurigemma
Member Username: jaurigemma Post Number: 78 Registered: 3-2003 |
True, but I think the Europa or Elan is pretty close to that shape all ready. | ||
| byoung
Advanced Member Username: byoung Post Number: 240 Registered: 12-2004 |
Alembic have done "J bass" shaped basses before. I suspect that they would do another. Brad | ||
| the_axle
Junior Username: the_axle Post Number: 22 Registered: 2-2006 |
You can find some pictures of a jazz bass shaped Alembic in the following URL: http://ccgi.psstpsst.force9.co.uk/php/alebass.php Landry | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 584 Registered: 10-2002 |
The rogue is even more jazz / precision shaped. (although much prettier). Graeme | ||
| evilgus
Junior Username: evilgus Post Number: 33 Registered: 7-2005 |
Even just fitting the stock Jazz Activators with blend and filter makes a decent Jazz bass sound pretty awesome, IMHO! I used to own a '75 maple neck Jazz and was never that blown away until I put the Activators in it. Then I was stupid enough to sell the bass (to fund my first decent 5-string) and I've always regretted it! EG | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 714 Registered: 9-2002 |
JauriG Save your money and have a custom built. Meanwhile, be sneaky: Replace the Fender pickups and electronics with a suitable ALEMBIC Activator setup (2-J Activators, w/vol/blend/filter) which will leave it virtually stock-looking (unless you look REAL close) and amaze everybody that YOUR Geddy sounds SO much better than any other! Tell 'em you got it or $200 in a pawn shop . . . J o e y | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 3550 Registered: 5-2002 |
4. Alembic uses only specific pots that meet their high standards. I don't recall seeing any concentric pots on an Alembic. I'm guessing that concentric pots would not be an option. 5. Esthetically, I like the idea of Maple inlays on an Ebony board. It occurs to me however that because different woods expand and contract at different rates, such a combination might be problematic on a fretboard. I'm just guessing though; Mica or Val would know better than I. | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 553 Registered: 6-2002 |
Correction: see haddimudd's doubleneck custom in the Showcase for an example of concentric controls. Mike | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 3552 Registered: 5-2002 |
Mike; you're right! My memory is just unreliable; I should have run a search! | ||
| jaurigemma
Member Username: jaurigemma Post Number: 79 Registered: 3-2003 |
You know, maybe I will buy a set of Activators for this bass. What I would like though, is for the electronics to work this way: 1. Bass Control 2. Treble Control 3. Neck Volume/Bridge Volume on a concentric knob. Or should I do: 1. Bridge Bass/Treble on a concentric knob 2. Neck Bass/Treble on a concentric knob 3. Volume/Blend on a concentric knob | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 3210 Registered: 6-2000 |
Sorry, but we don't use concentrics, Jeff. Hartmut's were highly customized and individually made by my dad. They are the only concentrics we've ever done, and I know there aren't plans at this time to add them to the list of options. | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 721 Registered: 9-2002 |
A real easy 'fix' is to use the hole for the jack on the control plate for a fourth knob, then install a side jack. Then you can vol/bal/treb/bass with four knobs, not an uncommon look at all. Believe me, you only THINK it sounds like Geddy stock, you will NOT believe the difference Activators will make. J o e y (Message edited by bigredbass on April 06, 2006) | ||
| jaurigemma
Member Username: jaurigemma Post Number: 80 Registered: 3-2003 |
Well, shucks on the concentrics! Thanks for dropping in on the thread Mica. It has been a long time since we talked! I someday need to order another bass, but I don't have the $$$ for what I want right now (Europa 6-string w/ 2x Fatboys and East/West electronics.) I need to get a quote from you, Mica, on getting tone blocks on my 4 string epic, and my 5 string excel. Also on getting a set of activators for my Geddy Lee Jazz bass. But, I will call and get that worked out with you. I know you guys I have been swamped. Any thoughts of ever having a piezo equipped Alembic? | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 3235 Registered: 6-2000 |
When you have a chance, call us up. Either Valentino or I can help you. Piezos? Well, so far I've heard them perform well on violins, but I've not been excited about their use on basses. More than just specifying piezos, it would be useful to understand exactly what the present pickups/electronics don't deliver sound wise and then figuring out the solution, even if it ultimately leads back to piezos. Does that make sense? When are you going to be in our area again? I know your schedule hasn't allowed a visit the past couple of times. Hopefully your next schedule has a least 1 day off. | ||
| jaurigemma
Member Username: jaurigemma Post Number: 81 Registered: 3-2003 |
Alas, I just got back from a 7 month project in Arizona. I really would prefer not to do much traveling for a few weeks!!! Seriously had to put my whole life on hold, which I am hoping to get restarted now! I might be up in Northern California later this year, and I plan on taking a paid day off to come to the factory. The Piezo's question was simply an inquiry. There is a lot of buzz around them lately, and I do have one bass that only has piezo pickups. It has that "upright" tone to it. A former Alembic "owner" made the bass (bet you know who it is!) It would be nice to meld the two (upright and electric) or even have stereo outputs. I will be calling you guys/gals in the next week or two, depending on how fast my life gets back in order! | ||
| jaurigemma
Member Username: jaurigemma Post Number: 84 Registered: 3-2003 |
so much for life getting back in order..... |
