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Alembic Club » Showcase » Artists and their Alembics » Phil Lesh and his medium scale Series II 6-string bass » Archive through August 28, 2014 « Previous Next »

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mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 8250
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 - 6:08 pm:   Edit Post

And loving every minute of it!

Phil and TOV

Phil and TOV

These guys have seen it all:
Phil and Ron

Details on the bass:

Series II 6-string
custom string gauges: .040 .055 .070 .085 .100 .115
neck: Mahogany, Maple, Walnut, Purpleheart, Ebony
scale length: 32" medium
neck contour: Shallow "C"
fingerboard: Ebony with abalone ovals, custom narrow spacing
peghead shape: Knobby with front and back bevel
body: Coco Bolo, Maple pinstripe, Purpleheart accent laminate, Mahogany core
body shape: Balance K with heart omega
hardware: chrome, continuous wood backplates and truss rod cover
birthday: August 26, 2014
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 11470
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 - 6:17 pm:   Edit Post

Yes!!!!

This is wonderful to see!

And it's an absolutely beautiful bass!!!
wookie
Intermediate Member
Username: wookie

Post Number: 196
Registered: 8-2010
Posted on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 - 6:25 pm:   Edit Post

Who's Phil Lesh?
wookie
Intermediate Member
Username: wookie

Post Number: 197
Registered: 8-2010
Posted on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 - 6:27 pm:   Edit Post

Who is Phil Lesh?
charles_holmes
Advanced Member
Username: charles_holmes

Post Number: 350
Registered: 3-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 - 6:40 pm:   Edit Post

Dang!
I want that 6 string thang!
Dat dere is sensational!!!!!!!!
I'd love to hear it!!
Stanley's gonna be jealous as well as Mark King!!Hee hee!!
lembic76450
Advanced Member
Username: lembic76450

Post Number: 387
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 - 6:53 pm:   Edit Post

Welcome home, Phil.
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 11471
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 - 6:57 pm:   Edit Post

Lloyd; there is a wikipedia page here. Of some considerable significance is the role that Phil Lesh played in the earliest days of Alembic's history, with two of his instruments being foundational in establishing Alembic's reputation. Susan has a nice history of Alembic here. Thus, this is kind of a "full circle" type of thing; and I'm really happy to see him with that bass!
moongerm
Junior
Username: moongerm

Post Number: 29
Registered: 8-2013
Posted on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 - 7:12 pm:   Edit Post

Wholly smokes that is sweet! Excellent work! That 11 piece neck laminate sandwich is brilliant. Love the 32" scale with the low B and .115 guage. Very interesting. Congrats!
flpete1uw
Advanced Member
Username: flpete1uw

Post Number: 360
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 - 7:22 pm:   Edit Post

This just puts a huge smile on my face!
I was just having a conversation with a guitar friend of mine in that from early on how I would gravitate towards a certain Bass sound. At that time (teenager) I didn't understand why I just loved that sound.
The Phil Lesh / Alembic sound, grew up with it, it's in my DNA.
Many others of course Entwistles, Stanley, Jack etc.

This is just so right! I can't wait to hear it!
Pete
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 3589
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 - 7:25 pm:   Edit Post

Dear Mr. Lesh , My sincere congratulations to you ! I am thrilled that you have this beautiful Series II now. I look forward to hearing you play it soon. I have been a long time listener of yours ( a bit over 45 years or so) This is Excellent news !

Wolf
dead_head
Junior
Username: dead_head

Post Number: 43
Registered: 5-2014
Posted on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 - 8:40 pm:   Edit Post

Congratulations, Phil! It's beautiful! Enjoy it in good health! Maybe we could have a big photo feature of it to gaze at longingly...
bigredbass
Senior Member
Username: bigredbass

Post Number: 2237
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 - 9:34 pm:   Edit Post

Talk about full circle. OK, Mica, I know you can't 'kiss and tell', but what is the back-story to this?

He looks like one REALLY HAPPY Phil Lesh !

J o e y
cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member
Username: cozmik_cowboy

Post Number: 1765
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 - 9:43 pm:   Edit Post

Most excellent!

Peter
oujeebass
Intermediate Member
Username: oujeebass

Post Number: 199
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 - 10:30 pm:   Edit Post

Well with Modulus on the fritz, he had to go somewhere. It may be a great way to get the fingers snapping in his new younger crowd, which is largely uninformed.
wookie
Intermediate Member
Username: wookie

Post Number: 198
Registered: 8-2010
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 5:07 am:   Edit Post

@dave I was joking lol. I'm not a dead fan but I am aware of the mark they made on the world, music and what awesome instruments they did it with!
echo008
Senior Member
Username: echo008

Post Number: 432
Registered: 2-2003
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 5:25 am:   Edit Post

Beautiful!
So nice to see him with an amazing Series II.

Lesh Sig model :-)

(Message edited by echo008 on August 27, 2014)
jseitang
Advanced Member
Username: jseitang

Post Number: 338
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 6:58 am:   Edit Post

BACK AT LAST.
artswork99
Moderator
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 2005
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 7:03 am:   Edit Post

Congratulations on a beautiful bass Phil! Play it Healthy!
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 11472
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 7:39 am:   Edit Post

Lloyd; I figured you were, but I thought it was a good opportunity to add a link to Susan's Alembic history page for the benefit of those in the wider webisphere who come across this page after hearing of Phil's new bass. :-)
mc500
Junior
Username: mc500

Post Number: 36
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 7:53 am:   Edit Post

Long overdue. That's just beautiful!
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 5819
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 7:59 am:   Edit Post

Ah yes, the famous Alembic s**t-eating grin, often seen on individuals holding their new Alembics for the first time. Can't wait to hear this puppy live with the band. Hmmmmm, a band with an Alembic bass and Alembic guitar, sounds like their copying us, Wolf!

Play it in good health, Phil.

Bill, tgo
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 3590
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 8:54 am:   Edit Post

I think they have got the right idea Bill ! I think we do as well .
However , it would seem to be about right that Alembic had the idea first . I think that the mystical powers of the universe are aligning in a favorable way on this wonderful event.

Wolf
pauldo
Senior Member
Username: pauldo

Post Number: 1247
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 9:19 am:   Edit Post

So Phil tunes with a Low B and a high C? Or is it a High B? That's a nice hefty high string (.040").

The neck laminates look beautiful.
I wonder what the back of that bass looks like . . . . . ?

:-D
jalevinemd
Senior Member
Username: jalevinemd

Post Number: 955
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 9:22 am:   Edit Post

What the hell? Phil gets his build done already. I'm pretty sure I put my order in first.

Hahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!

Obviously joking. This is really an awesome thing to see.
cje
Intermediate Member
Username: cje

Post Number: 157
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 9:38 am:   Edit Post

I'm so happy to see this. I hope he breaks it out at the Cap.
5a_quilt_top
Advanced Member
Username: 5a_quilt_top

Post Number: 345
Registered: 6-2012
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 9:41 am:   Edit Post

Re: band with Alembic bass & guitar - not only that, but they both have knobby headstocks and coco bolo tops...nifty!

It's been hard to contain my excitement about this project. I'd been hearing rumors about it for several months and to see it finally come to fruition makes me as happy as Phil obviously is.

I saw him play in May and although he played great and his sound was great, it was a bit sterile - it was missing that magic "something" that he had when he used Alembic and Alembic-modified instruments in the late 60's and throughout the 70's.

Phil - welcome home and congratulations on an exquisite instrument! I hope it inspires you to continue to create wonderful music.

P.S. According to her Facebook page - Rosie was also there to witness this event - thus completing yet another circle.

Or maybe I should say completing another Alembic oval...
frankfiveinc
Junior
Username: frankfiveinc

Post Number: 26
Registered: 6-2014
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 10:03 am:   Edit Post

Favorite band and bassist for most of my life, which also got me interested in Alembics. What a beautiful instrument and I cannot wait to hear it! I am also interested in his reasons for the custom string choices....can anyone answer? When he "drops bombs" on the B, it "thumps your chest." I think he was using Ken Smith Slick Wound and I read that the B was that size but don't remember the large high strings mentioned. I bought a set and love the sound. I would imagine he gets a full tone from the larger C than he would otherwise get with standard sizes? Any thoughts? What are all the controls on his custom? I guess it's everything on the Alembic menu and more....
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 11475
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 10:12 am:   Edit Post

Dan; it's a standard Series II package. Here's the pic from announcements if you haven't seen it yet.
mtjam
Intermediate Member
Username: mtjam

Post Number: 183
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 10:29 am:   Edit Post

Wow! Nice bass, Phil! I first heard Alembic basses as played by Phil Lesh, and I think it's fantastic that he has returned to Alembic. Can't wait to see and hear this instrument on stage!
rv_bass
Junior
Username: rv_bass

Post Number: 13
Registered: 8-2014
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 2:46 pm:   Edit Post

Awesome! Can't wait to hear him play it! /\/\;-)
cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member
Username: cozmik_cowboy

Post Number: 1766
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 4:13 pm:   Edit Post

OK, Mica, now need we a complete (if retroactive) FTC thread! (Please????)
Or a Featured Custom with the Godfather, Mission Control & this? Does it have a name yet?

Peter
edwin
Senior Member
Username: edwin

Post Number: 1824
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 4:16 pm:   Edit Post

Yeah, well. Medium scale S II 6 string in cocobolo is pretty much what I've been dreaming about for the last 15 years or so.


Congrats, Phil! Can't wait to hear it!

I am curious about the strings and how they will sound. Very interesting….
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 8253
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 4:34 pm:   Edit Post

I got a sneak peek of the sound yesterday. In fact, if you are near San Rafael tonight, Terrapin Family Band is playing at 8:30 and Phil is debuting the bass we call "Transit of Venus" after the wee dot in the figuring on the upper horn. Search Google images for the transit of Venus 2014 and you'll see why we like the name.

After "Back to School Night" at Erik's school, my dad and I are going to hop down to Terrapin Crossroads and hear Phil and TOV in their natural environment.
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 8254
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 4:36 pm:   Edit Post

Oh, and I'm sure there will be a Featured Custom! I hadn't thought about the retroactive FTC, but maybe I'll include that in the FC. Thanks Peter!
pace
Senior Member
Username: pace

Post Number: 1059
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 4:59 pm:   Edit Post

((((((((WELCOME BACK, PHIL))))))))

what the hell took so long?????

:-)

.....if I had known, I'd have caught a flight this week.... My wife's Nor Cal class reunion wasn't reason enough to book the flight, but TxR with a new Alembic IS!....

(Message edited by pace on August 27, 2014)
pace
Senior Member
Username: pace

Post Number: 1060
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 6:36 pm:   Edit Post

.....so this explains this weekends' quake, right?!? :-)
susan
Moderator
Username: susan

Post Number: 111
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 8:35 pm:   Edit Post

Hi Guys...it was great to see Phil yesterday and how pleased he was with the bass.

Just got back from reading a thread about his new Alembic bass in the Philzone ...some interesting comments.

Speaking of earthquakes...did you notice the front of the bass looks like it tracked a seismic event?

Looking forward to Mica's report on the debut of Phil and his bass tonight.

I told her to take more pictures!!! ;-)
smokinbear
Intermediate Member
Username: smokinbear

Post Number: 196
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 9:30 pm:   Edit Post

Yeeeeee haaaaaaaaawwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't wait to see and hear this beautiful bass.
chinacat
New
Username: chinacat

Post Number: 5
Registered: 8-2014
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 11:21 pm:   Edit Post

Congrats to Phil and the Alembic Family. Play it in good health!!!
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 5821
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 11:41 pm:   Edit Post

Susan/Mica:

How about inviting Phil to the upcoming gathering. I'd love to see that bass in the flesh.

Bill, tgo
hieronymous
Senior Member
Username: hieronymous

Post Number: 1405
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 12:23 am:   Edit Post

Just got back from hearing it live - sounded great! Phil sounded and looked like he was back home!
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 11477
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 3:02 am:   Edit Post

Good to hear Harry; thanks for the report.
kilowatt
Intermediate Member
Username: kilowatt

Post Number: 138
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 6:43 am:   Edit Post

Now I can tell everyone that Phil has a 6 string copy of MY bass! (COTM March, 2006). I love the knobby peg head.

Pete
pace
Senior Member
Username: pace

Post Number: 1062
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 7:23 am:   Edit Post

I think we all owe Bill TGO a special thanks. Had he not accosted Mr. Lesh in the pisser at some convention a few years ago, thus planting the seed to check out Alembic, this day might never have come..... THANK YOU BILL! ;)
hammer
Senior Member
Username: hammer

Post Number: 553
Registered: 9-2009
Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 9:50 am:   Edit Post

Love the headstock! Glad I just purchased a used 6-string Europa because after seeing Phil's I'd be VERY tempted to do a similar build or at least send the Europa back for a refurb that included a similar headstock (for some reason I just don't respond well to the "cone" shape headstock regardless of the instrument on which it's used). I'm also very interested in the reasoning underlying the custom string gauges.
funkyjazzjunky
Senior Member
Username: funkyjazzjunky

Post Number: 917
Registered: 5-2007
Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 12:27 pm:   Edit Post

I am so glad to see such a high-profile player join the ranks of the 6-string players.

VMG
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 5822
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 1:40 pm:   Edit Post

Mike:

Thanks for remembering! I had forgotten about that particular incident until you brought it up. It took place following a talk he did in San Francisco promoting his then newly published memoir "Searching for the Sound" (a great read, by the way) But, to set the record straight, it was someone else who accosted Mr. Lesh literally while he was standing using the urinal. I, on the other hand, started up my conversation while we were both washing our hands at the sinks after doing our respective business.

Bill, tgo
rustyg61
Senior Member
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 1299
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 1:56 pm:   Edit Post

I'm honored to have held the lower body half to Phil's bass when I visited the Mothership this summer. I could tell it was going to be spectacular, but WOW!!!! This is gorgeous!! Welcome home Phil & congratulations of an amazing instrument!

Rusty
rustyg61
Senior Member
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 1300
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 2:00 pm:   Edit Post

Hammer, I'm having the Knobby headstock built on my Europa 5 string. If you want to see what it looks like on a Europa check out my build.

http://alembic.com/club/messages/631/187185.html?1395388066
ed_too
Junior
Username: ed_too

Post Number: 27
Registered: 3-2011
Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 4:26 pm:   Edit Post

My new BB just arrived by UPS from the Mothership - hey - I just got that look that Phil has in the pictures above. It seems to be going around this week.
adriaan
Moderator
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 3219
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Monday, February 09, 2015 - 2:10 pm:   Edit Post

[The discussion continues here.]

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