| Author | Message | ||
| shakeyeraz
New Username: shakeyeraz Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2002 |
I love the Exploiter body and am close to placing an order for a 5-string w Signature electronics (my Europa is getting lonely). Problem is - what wood to use on the top. Originally I was looking at the Oceanburst finish but now am considering other options instead of a color. The Exploiter body shape (I think) demands only certain 'looks' and I'm all over the place on this. I do know that I want something really different and unusual looking. Latest thinking is Zebrawood with all of the random lines would look cool. I need help! Thanks. | ||
| zappahead
Junior Username: zappahead Post Number: 40 Registered: 10-2002 |
If money isnt an issue, Id look at the buckeye burl. I also think that a nice piece of walnut or coco bolo would be sweet too. I think zebrawood would be nice as well. | ||
| senmen
Intermediate Member Username: senmen Post Number: 110 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hi Shaky, I agree. Buckeye Burl would look great but take a look at the Exploiter with Purpleheart top in the gallery section. This looks also really gorgeous! Oliver (Spyder 4 and Spyder 8) | ||
| shakeyeraz
New Username: shakeyeraz Post Number: 10 Registered: 11-2002 |
Great start on these thoughts - keep 'em coming! I want something that is unique, but tasteful. Thanks. BTW - it's shake-yer-az, get it?  | ||
| dela217
Advanced Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 203 Registered: 6-2002 |
ZEBRAWOOD!! I like the zebrawood that is kinda wavy. I would stay away from the straight lined zebrawood for that body shape. The wavier the better! An amber tint over it would be great too. | ||
| cdf
Junior Username: cdf Post Number: 23 Registered: 5-2003 |
I would have to agree, Zebrawood. Especially with the wavier lines. Check out the Seismic Bass in the Featured Custom archives couple months ago, super cool looking Zebrawood. One of the coolest tops I have ever seen, especially for an earthshakin' bass. I am by no means a wood expert, but I think that one is from quartersawn Zebrawood. Of course there is also Quilted Coco Bolo very beautiful and VERY unique, but I understand also frightfully expensive. | ||
| zappahead
Junior Username: zappahead Post Number: 42 Registered: 10-2002 |
I actually prefer the straight lined Zebrawood over the quartersawn stuff . I think a nice straight grained zebrawood top would be sweet on an exploiter. Im still just in love with the buckeye burl though. Maybe a redwood or myrtle burl? A nice flame Koa top would be cool too, but you do see quite a few Koa guitars floating around. The quilted coco bolo was 7000 dollars a side before the price increase if I remember correctly. | ||
| groovelines
Intermediate Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 119 Registered: 4-2003 |
This is worse than choosing what color car you prefer. I've been all over the wood bank and there are some tasty blanks to be had. Most of them seem to lend themselves to bookmatched/symetrical body shapes. Maybe that's why most of the exploiters are "flame tops" or straight-grained woods, like the suggested zebrawood. I think the burled woods make some of the wildest tops around. I wonder how much of the bookmatch effect you'd loose with the asymetrical exploiter? What would happen if you "flip" the right side vertically...puts a twist on the traditional bookmatch. Have the zebrawood grain oriented at an angle to the neck? Your original oceanburst idea...quilted maple with a tint vs the burst? pick your color... One thing is for sure, when Alembic says "custom", they mean it. good luck... | ||
| shakeyeraz
Junior Username: shakeyeraz Post Number: 11 Registered: 11-2002 |
These responses show the true spirit of this community - thank you so much. I like the support for the Zebrawood, not that the burls aren't the most dramatic, but I have a budget, too. The other thing is that my Europa has a Bocate top - kind of 'dark' so I was looking for a contrast. Again Zebrawood looks to fit the bill. I've also been looking at Spalted Maple - also kind of random and 'wavey'. Great ideas all the way around.... now if I could only decide... | ||
| zappahead
Junior Username: zappahead Post Number: 43 Registered: 10-2002 |
Alembic has some really nice spalted maple. Take a look in the 'factory to customer' section, they have a really nice spalted guitar in the works. I didnt think of the spalted maple, but that is some nice stuff. Another good choice. | ||
| shakeyeraz
Junior Username: shakeyeraz Post Number: 12 Registered: 11-2002 |
Thanks - I checked out 'Paul's Spalted Maple....' - this is different and tasteful and goes well with the neck-through 'look' (although I suppose "bookmatched to center" is a possibility as well). I'm liking this more and more. hmmmm... | ||
| alembic76407
Intermediate Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 199 Registered: 5-2002 |
shakey, do a search at the top of this page for spalted, there are two spalted basses there, and a neet page on spalted wood, it should be the first one on the search page | ||
| shakeyeraz
Junior Username: shakeyeraz Post Number: 13 Registered: 11-2002 |
Well, I've made a few decisions over the past week and just ordered a King Standard 5-string with.... the Valentino body. What??? What happened to the Exploiter you ask? Once I found the Valentino, I couldn't resist getting something truly unique - or at least somewhat unique. Anyway, my first custom-ordered Alembic is now in the queue for production. Now if I could only decide on the top wood for this one.... hmmmm Quilted maple (I think). | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 699 Registered: 9-2002 |
Ok ...sigh ...I know that "Valentino" is the name of a fine Alembician and a co-moder for this site and someone great to have on the phone but ...please explain ...what the f*(*)(*^&"++???żżżż°°°°*k is the Valentino model???? Paul the bad one | ||
| valvil
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 234 Registered: 7-2002 |
That actually would be the "Valentino #2" I believe. Basically an essence body with omegas & a pistol grip, Paul, I think you've seen it ...here's the link: http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/2047.html?1037581045 Valentino | ||
| alembic76407
Advanced Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 202 Registered: 5-2002 |
http://alembic.com/club/messages/402/1076.html shakey here is the spalted basses I was typing about | ||
| shakeyeraz
Junior Username: shakeyeraz Post Number: 14 Registered: 11-2002 |
Thanks 76407 - got it now. Nice wood on that one for sure. Valentino - I would appreciate the opportunity to chat with you on the body design for my new bass now that it's on order. | ||
| valvil
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 239 Registered: 7-2002 |
No problem, I'd love talking about it. You can give me a call at Alembic or we can discuss it here. Valentino | ||
| shakeyeraz
Junior Username: shakeyeraz Post Number: 15 Registered: 11-2002 |
Valentino - Thanks for much for your help with the order. There were a lot of decisions made is a very short amount of time. I am thrilled that I'll have a "V-I" design with the triple-O and I appreciate you sharing your design. email me when you get a chance (shakeyeraz@hotmail.com). | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1222 Registered: 6-2000 |
Valentino will be back in the office tomorrow - he had the day off today. I'll let him know to contact you. | ||
| shakeyeraz
Junior Username: shakeyeraz Post Number: 17 Registered: 11-2002 |
Still waiting.... V - I had a couple of quick questions on the new bass V-I design when you get a moment. email is fine. | ||
| valvil
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 272 Registered: 7-2002 |
My apologies, I had forgotten about your request. Go ahead & e-mail me your questions. valentino@alembic.com Valentino | ||
| shakeyeraz
Junior Username: shakeyeraz Post Number: 22 Registered: 11-2002 |
V - as always, thanks for getting back to me. I really appreciate it. All - in case you're wondering about the 'mystery bass', it's a King Standard Quilted Maple with this body style: http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/1030.html?1027403465 |
