| Author | Message | ||
| ajish4
Junior Username: ajish4 Post Number: 47 Registered: 11-2003 |
My "DREAM ALEMBIC" is what I call an "ALEMRIC". WHEN I hit the lotto, or the kids move out, whichever comes first, I DREAM of having Alembic design a RIC inspired shape body (sort of a RIC shaped Spector Euro, I love those rounded bouts on the Spector), with the "S" body (no binding and rounded edges) with a highly figured Walnut top. Add the one Ebony and two Purple Heart stinrgers, on a bird’s eye maple 7 piece neck with an ebony fingerboard with gold trim REAL MOP triangle inlays, coupled with some kind of Europa electronics. Must be a neck through, throw in a sustain block.... Hey, this is a "DREAM" thread...At least dreams are free! Aren't they? | ||
| csissom
Member Username: csissom Post Number: 54 Registered: 11-2005 |
Tony! The AlemRic! Like I was saying in the other thread, the scale length of a Ric is 33-1/4", and you said you like both medium and long scale. So do you want to throw in requirement for an in-between scale size on your AlemRic? And what kind of a headstock are you going to have on that beauty? Something inspired by the Ric? Or a standard Alembic shape? Or something new and different? Good luck on that lottery! Curt | ||
| ajish4
Junior Username: ajish4 Post Number: 49 Registered: 11-2003 |
Hey Curt, I really do like the sound of that....The AlemRic... You know, I'm almost afraid to ask the folks at Alembic what it would cost to make. It might tempt me to sell my old basses and go for the AlemRic! You know, as for the headstock, I was thinking of that very point...I don't know! I like both of them! I love the headstock on my 4001CS and my V63, but Alembic has some really cool ones too! Scale you ask? Medium with a NICE THIN neck like the Distillate has. A real SUSTAIN MONSTER, that's what I'm after.... "There ain't no gain without that SUSTAIN"! | ||
| valvil
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 881 Registered: 7-2002 |
Having a copy of a Rickenbacker made by Alembic has been a fantasy of mine as well, over the years. Except I always thought of it as an Alembrick...  Valentino | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1143 Registered: 3-2004 |
I just want the triangle inlays... | ||
| csissom
Member Username: csissom Post Number: 60 Registered: 11-2005 |
So are you going to have some kind of stereo electronics on the AlemRic, with two output jacks, a la Ric-o-sound? | ||
| s_wood
Intermediate Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 200 Registered: 5-2002 |
Careful, folks...better watch your checkbook. That's exactly the thought process that led to the creation of the Alembird! http://alembic.com/club/messages/631/17092.html?1100191353 (Message edited by s_wood on May 01, 2006) | ||
| ajish4
Member Username: ajish4 Post Number: 52 Registered: 11-2003 |
OH Man, Steve, How cool is that? I'd be afraid to inquire on the cost, but it's right along the lines of my Alemric. After a lot of thought, I'd go with the RIC style headstock, and definately 22 frets. I REALLY wish RIC made a 22 or 24 fret bass. Now, I really wish I had the $$$$ to make this dream bass come true. WITH THIS TOP!!! This top. I figure if I sold all my basses, that would put me at about 8.5K, enough for a deposit, and probably land me in divorce court for sure! Ugh, 24 years was a good run, don't you think? (Message edited by ajish4 on May 01, 2006) (Message edited by davehouck on May 01, 2006) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 3742 Registered: 5-2002 |
Premium feather flame Supurb Walnut. Nice choice! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 3743 Registered: 5-2002 |
More shots of the Alembird. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 3744 Registered: 5-2002 |
Steve; where did the MXR knobs come from? | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 417 Registered: 12-2003 |
I was wondering the same thing, Steve. I want to put those on the guitar that Alembic is currently building for me. Jonathan | ||
| s_wood
Advanced Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 201 Registered: 5-2002 |
Yeah, the knobs are cool, aren't they? Either Mica or Susan had the idea for them, so I suppose they could find more for you. Ajish, your wife will come around...just tell her that the bass will cost "pennies a day." Repeat after me: pennies a day | ||
| s_wood
Advanced Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 202 Registered: 5-2002 |
One other thing: if you stay away from things like Series electronics, gold hardware and fancy inlays you are probably way high on your guess about how much such a bass would cost. My guess is that if you called Susan, Mica or Val and got a quote you would find that the bass is much more affordable than you think! | ||
| ajish4
Member Username: ajish4 Post Number: 53 Registered: 11-2003 |
Steve: Thanks for the help, being one who has traveled the "CUSTOM" made road, it's of great help. Actually, I LOVE my Distillate electronics (just want them louder), so I wouldn't need the Series electronics. I guess if I were to ACTUALLY try to order a bass like this, the PRACTICAL version of the bass would be... 1) Body Design based on the RIC. 2) Distillate/Europa style electronics. 3) Highly figured Walnut top, bookmatched. 4) Standard oval inlays would be fine. 5) I'd love the purple heart & ebony stringers. but that would probably be out of my league. The neck on your Alembird is stunning. 6) Sustain block (It HAS to be a sustain monster) 7) medium scale. 8) Brass harware. 9) THIN NECK. Vintage 4001 or even Jazz bass 1.5" at the nut. The thinner, the better. 10)High Gloss clear finish on body & neck. I LOVE wood grain, wood, wood, wood...NO PAINT. Especially, bookmatched. I really would like a "visual balance". I'm a bit OCD I guess. The more wood grain, the better. Matching headstock, possibly even some kind of grain on the fingerboard, but I realize I'm driving the price up. I really like what RIC uses on their FRETLESS 4003 necks. The timing just couldn't be worse. I'd really have to sell basses to pull this off! How long did the whole process take? How does it work? Do you put down a deposit, work on the design, make changes, updates, the actual build...how long did YOUR bass take from start to finish? How did it work with the "SPECIALS"? Did you have to wait until a great special was offered? You have me curious! "Pennies a day".... it sounds great when you put it that way! (Message edited by ajish4 on May 02, 2006) | ||
| csissom
Member Username: csissom Post Number: 73 Registered: 11-2005 |
Hey Tony... if you need to sell that Distillate, let me know! Not trying to be a vulture or anything here, just trying to help the cause in whatever small way I can! ;-) Curt (pennies a day!) | ||
| s_wood
Advanced Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 203 Registered: 5-2002 |
Ajish: If I answer your questions, you better not blame me if you get in trouble with Ms. Ajish! Anyway, the best way to get information from Alembic is to call them and ask! You will be blown away by how friendly and helpful Val, Mica , Susan and Mary cab be. If you go the the custom quote generator you can guesstimate the list price for what you want minus the extra cost for the custom body. Only the folks at Alembic can tell you how much that will cost, but it won't be nearly as much as you would think. I would be happy to tell you what the Alembird cost, but that was at least one price increase ago and I don't want to mislead you. It's ok by me if you call Alembic and get them to tell you the list price of that bass today. Here's the quote generator: http://www.alembic.com/cgi-bin/quote/quote You can save some money for sure by waiting around for a monthly special that lowers the cost of one of the options you've selected. That's what I try to do with my custom orders, and sometimes those specials can be worth $1,000 or more off the list price. Once you actually nail down the details and place the order you will have to put down a deposit, but the timing and amount will vary depending upon your dealer. As to how long it will take from deposit to final delivery...well, it depends. My experience with the Alembird is not typical as it was always a "back burner" kind of project for both Alembic and me. There was a long period of time where basically nothing happened on the prject because both Alembic and I were busy doing other things. I have a couple of other Alembics, so I wasn't in a hurry because it's not like I didn't have anything else to play. Anyway, from the time we re-focused on the project until the time it was done was about 6 months...and then Susan and I didn't like the color of the finish, so they stripped the bass and refinished it, which added maybe a month to the thing. So, that's my long-winded way of saying: 1) a custom body shape takes a little while longer than the average job; 2) only Alembic can tell you how long a project will take; and 3) it will take longer than they say if they need the time to make it perfect. You know, the only thing worse than salivating for a bass that's being built is bumming out about your brand new bass that isn't perfect. Because Alembic only does perfect, sometimes things take a little while longer. Pennies a day, dude. | ||
| ajish4
Member Username: ajish4 Post Number: 55 Registered: 11-2003 |
Pennies a day..... I really like the way that RINGS! Steve: Thanks for all the information. That's a lot of typing there! I'm going to sell off a few basses that I'm just not using, NOT THE DISTILLATE Curt, sorry buddy. I just have TOO much invested into this bass at this point in time. I don't think I'm going to be able to do anything SOON but I'm going to start stashing a few $$$'s away over the next few months and see how it goes. I'd hate to waste anyone's time over at Alembic, but I'd love to have a "target" price so I at least have an idea if it's way out of my reach. I'll keep your all posted.... Pennies a day.......... Thanks again! Tony | ||
| ajish4
Member Username: ajish4 Post Number: 58 Registered: 11-2003 |
I've been doing a lot of thinking about the AlemRic, I've even thought of testing the water by purchasing a set of Alembic Pickups and electronics and putting together a RIC body with the Alembic pickups. I picked up a set of MXY56 pickups on Ebay with all the electronics. I have a 4004Ci Rickenbacker that has the pickups mounted on the surface of the bass. I didn't realize how BIG they were, but the price was right! I WAS playing with the idea of putting it together just to see what it sounds like. BUT THEN...I found this old post...In it, Mica states "Custom pickups masters are $350, and the silicone mold is $75. Once they're made, we can make as many of the custom shape you want." Does this mean if I give them the exact measurements of the stock High Gain Rickenbacker pickups and have Alembic make a set of Europa electronics that will screw right into the existing Ric pickup space? Has anyone ACTUALLY done something like this? I don't want to do any routing to a 4003 and I'd rather NOT use my 4004Ci. If so, I'll be selling the MXY56 system and order a set of new electronics from Mica. I can get my hands on a Ric Body really cheap. If I can get the electronics made, it would be a great stand in until I can go for my EXOTIC wood AlemRic. But I'd really just want to drop the new pickups right in and screw them down. Any thoughts? I'm really not a hands on kind of guy, but am I missing some major pitfall here of does this sound doable? Posted on Thursday, June 20, 2002 - 2:31 pm: on a post called "MXY pickups for my Tobias". ------------------------------------------- MXY pickups for 5-string basses are 5x1.22 inches. These will fit strings widths up to 3.50 inches above the bridge pickup. $480 for a standard set with either 3 controls (volume, pan, filter) or 4 controls (volume, pan, bass, treble). Custom pickups masters are $350, and the silicone mold is $75. Once they're made, we can make as many of the custom shape you want. Depending on the value of the bass, you may find an existing shape that can be fit with a minimum of routing to save some money. The pickups are intended to work with our electronics as a system. We don't so any testing with other electronics, so we don't have experience with mixing them. (Message edited by ajish4 on May 15, 2006) (Message edited by ajish4 on May 15, 2006) | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 3310 Registered: 6-2000 |
Good news - we already make the shape you need for the 4003. Two of the neck pickups should work for the 4004Ci. You can use these pickups with your existing electronics, or have electronics made to fit the hole pattern already in either of the basses. | ||
| ajish4
Member Username: ajish4 Post Number: 59 Registered: 11-2003 |
Mica, YOU'RE THE BEST! THANK YOU! I'd prefer ALEMBIC wiring. Are they ACTIVE or Passive? Are you able to put a Q switch with them? Are they in stock or do they have to be made? And lastly, cost? THANK YOU SO MUCH. I'm really excited. Now all I have to do is decide WHICH bass I will use. I'm leaning STRONGLY in favor of the 4003. There is a lot more room in the cavity and more options available with the wiring. I'd also like to get some that insulating silver paint if you sell that too. I'm getting static interference with my RIC but not my Alembics. One of my main reasons for wanting to make the change. Thank you again! Tony | ||
| ajish4
Member Username: ajish4 Post Number: 60 Registered: 11-2003 |
Hi Mica, Email sent. Thanks again! Tony | ||
| s_wood
Advanced Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 207 Registered: 5-2002 |
Tony: I would strongly advise you to use one of Alembic's several electronics set-ups along with their pickups. Alembic's tone controls are second to none in terms of their musicality, and they are a big part of that classic Alembic tone. I'm pretty biased in my opinion, for sure, but to me the difference between Alembic's electronics and any mass-produced stuff is like the difference between a fine California cabernet and Gatorade. Signature electronics are one way to go - 2 volume controls (or a master volume and a pan) and 2 filters, each with a 2 position Q switch. It can be a stereo setup if you like. If you go to Alembic's web site and look at the description of each bass model under the "Products" section you will see a description of each type of electronics. Of course, Alembic will build you pretty much anything you are willing to pay for, so you can mix and match features, too. Pennies a day, dude. Good luck! | ||
| ajish4
Member Username: ajish4 Post Number: 63 Registered: 11-2003 |
Steve: Advice taken. I've emailed Mica and I'm still awaiting a response. I'd imagine they are really busy so I'm waiting patiently. I'd go with the wiring as well as the pickups should I go this route. I really like the Distillate/Europa setup. Mica said they have "RK" pickups that will fit right into a RIC cavity. I just don't know if they are acitve or not and if I could use the Europa wiring setup with these pickups. I'd like to keep the control setup on the RIC. I'd like to LOOK like a RIC on the outside, but SOUND like an ALEMBIC with all the goodies hidden on the inside. I don't want to go BIG bucks being this would only be a transition bass to hold me until I can save my PENNIES A DAY for the big day. I'm in NO rush, the longer the better. The more time to save my PENNIES! Thanks again for all your help and imput. I've a feeling we'll be talking more if/when this project takes shape... PENNIES A DAY....I have to tie that into the AlemRic project name! (Message edited by ajish4 on May 21, 2006) | ||
| jagerphan84
Advanced Member Username: jagerphan84 Post Number: 230 Registered: 10-2003 |
Well, as far as I know, Alembic's pickups are ALL active and intended for use with Alembic electronics. I've got a Distillate as my main axe, and a custom with Europa electronics as well. I can attest to the versatility and ease of use for both setups (which are very similar, except the pickup selector vs. pan). Sounds like a cool project! | ||
| ajish4
Member Username: ajish4 Post Number: 83 Registered: 11-2003 |
http://cgi.ebay.com/RICKENBACKER-4003S-WITH-CUSTOM-ALEMBIC-FEATURES-4003_W0QQitemZ220001657682QQihZ012QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem OH man, am I in T R O U B L E..... | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 4004 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hee hee! | ||
| southpaw
Member Username: southpaw Post Number: 65 Registered: 12-2004 |
ajish4, be careful about building a bass resembling a RIC. Rickenbacker shapes are all legally protected, body, headstock, truss rod cover, tailpiece... RIC Corp. is fanatical about protecting these shapes and if you read the Rickresource Forum, you will see they are always taking action against EBay fakes and unauthorized parts. I think you are better off dropping Alembic Electronics in your own Rick, no hassles from anyone. | ||
| s_wood
Advanced Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 218 Registered: 5-2002 |
Tony: This is YOU, man. Go after it, and we'll be rooting for you. | ||
| ajish4
Member Username: ajish4 Post Number: 84 Registered: 11-2003 |
I said it before, I'll say it again....I am SO in trouble.... The wife is going to KILL me. Looks like it's time to sell off some more of the collection. I've been a REAL bad boy and the CC's show that without a doubt. Paul: Thanks for the heads up about the Rickenbacker policy. I am familiar about RIC's policies and I wouldn't do anything to violate it or jeopardize Alembic's position either. It is after all, a "DREAM" post. A personal fantasy if you will. I try to support both companies as much as possible and would never do anything intentionally to hurt either one. To me, they are the personification of what can be done when people CARE about what they make. They are from a bygone(sp)? Era where craftsmanship really mattered and the people making them put a lot of themselves into their products. I respect that and I try to support that. If I were to proceed, it would be something more ALEMBIC than Rickenbacker, but enough hint of a RIC but as not to violate either companies policies. I just love both company's and their basses are all I play. A match made in heaven in my eyes! Steve: Thanks, I appreciate the support! I'm going to do my best to make a run at it. I've already been in touch with the seller and I asked him a lot questions. It SOUNDS perfect! Not to mention, I LOVE the "S" body without the binding! SIGH. This is going to hurt. I once heard it said, I don't know if it was on this forum or not, but there is a LOT of wisdom in it..... QUOTE: "Forgiveness is easier to get than permission".....I’ve also heard it said from my wife that “bruises heal, but the scars could still remain”! Dave: Thanks. Now that’s support! LoL! | ||
| s_wood
Advanced Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 219 Registered: 5-2002 |
Repeat after me: Pennies a day, a pennies a day. | ||
| southpaw
Member Username: southpaw Post Number: 67 Registered: 12-2004 |
Tony, I got a few Rick basses myself, it would be cool to see an AlemRic or Alembric, Val would be the first one in line! It's got to have the body contours though, the Rick binding digs in to my forearm too much, I like the 4004, thin body and no binding. Companies need to protect their designs, Alembic too. Look what happened to Fender & Gibson when they let everyone copy them. Go get it Tony, wives come & go, but good basses are forever! (joking). | ||
| ajish4
Member Username: ajish4 Post Number: 85 Registered: 11-2003 |
Steve: You’re RIGHT....I FORGOT about that...."Pennies a day....pennies a day....." Funny thing, I PLANTED the seed today, NOT good timing on my part, no sooner was I getting rolling, when the phone rang...it was the luthier..my wife took the call.... MY DISTILLATE and MY V63 were ready to be picked up! Not to mention, the HEFTY bill that came with them.  I felt myself crashing and burning right there on the spot. TWO MONTHS, and of ALL TIMES TO CALL! Paul: I'm with you on the body contours. My 4001CS & my V63 are my favorites in the RIC line by far. I have a 2006 MONTY 4003 and BOY, does that binding dig in! I'll have to watch and see how high it goes. Hmmm, "wives come and go, but good basses...." I like it, BUT I better not dare repeating that one! The Mrs. is of German decent....talk about "no fury in hell like a woman scorned"...whoever said that, must KNOW my wife! | ||
| s_wood
Advanced Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 222 Registered: 5-2002 |
Tony: So, what happened? | ||
| ajish4
Member Username: ajish4 Post Number: 88 Registered: 11-2003 |
Steve: You won't believe this, I didn't, but my SNIPER shot a blank! I set it with 6 seconds to go before bidding. I was going to go as high as $1450.00. My sniper (Merlin Software) Auction Magic isn't an online service, it is a local system. It's never failed me before, and I mean never! Would you believe the POWER blinked, and my computer went off when I was out! I never pulled the trigger! Oh man, I was SO pissed! Oh well, I guess it just wasn't meant to be just yet. I know another forum member here managed to win it. Looks like I'll just order them from Alembic. I just would have loved to have that "S" body without the binding on it. My 4001CS and my V63 have the "S" body, but I wouldn't MOD either one of them for anything...Looks like my 2006 4003 Monty Brown is going to get some changes done to her... | ||
| s_wood
Advanced Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 223 Registered: 5-2002 |
What a nightmare! I lost a '64 Gibson Thunderbird IV that way a few years back, so I feel your pain. Oh well, at least you can get one with the electronics just as you would want them. Don't forget the Q swtiches! | ||
| ajish4
Member Username: ajish4 Post Number: 90 Registered: 11-2003 |
Your right on the mark Steve, The Q switches are a MUST. I'm having a ball playing with the one on my Distillate. They are the best bang for the buck. Sorry to hear you've experienced the same misfortune. I have a feeling I'm not going to forget this anytime soon. |
