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poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 126
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Sunday, March 20, 2011 - 10:39 pm:   Edit Post

This Space For Rent!

Waiting For Arrival. Auction posted for keeping a public record of this bass.

Header

Body
skyboltone
Member
Username: skyboltone

Post Number: 71
Registered: 11-2010
Posted on Monday, March 21, 2011 - 10:02 am:   Edit Post

Nice looking bass. Seems familiar to me somehow. I think you ought to rip all the frets off it and put in some Bartolinis. Shred man.
tbrannon
Senior Member
Username: tbrannon

Post Number: 1301
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Monday, March 21, 2011 - 11:13 am:   Edit Post

Glad this one is returning home to you. It should be a happy moment when that case arrives.
tmoney61092
Senior Member
Username: tmoney61092

Post Number: 694
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Monday, March 21, 2011 - 1:22 pm:   Edit Post

Skyboltone, really hope you're joking......

~Taylor
skyboltone
Member
Username: skyboltone

Post Number: 72
Registered: 11-2010
Posted on Monday, March 21, 2011 - 1:30 pm:   Edit Post

Only poor-nigel knows for sure ;o)
bigredbass
Senior Member
Username: bigredbass

Post Number: 1638
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Monday, March 21, 2011 - 11:04 pm:   Edit Post

You PASSED UP the ukelele ?!?!?

J o e y
skyboltone
Member
Username: skyboltone

Post Number: 76
Registered: 11-2010
Posted on Monday, March 21, 2011 - 11:09 pm:   Edit Post

I'm hoping he comes up with a one string series 4.
poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 133
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 - 9:31 pm:   Edit Post

I was taken for quite a ride on this bass' auction, so no thanks. Though I do have a fondness for four-stringed instruments, no singing IZ songs for me this summer. Here is something cool Mica sent me. Note - I did not fill this out. Must have been my friend who owned the store or one of the employees there. I am posting it, as it is part of this bass' official record at the factory, so cool it is! I just looked Ephrata, WA up in the Wiki article of it. Interesting place, or not. Never even heard of it before tonight. I have never had a hankering for Hammers, Riches, or Curly basses, though I did used to use BGW amps and Gauss speakers, but not 12's back then. I bet it was this lead player that played in a metal band that used to gig in Vegas and Reno all the time. We loved messing with each other back then. I must have left this card setting on the counter out of distraction from the amazing instrument that was in the case that with it. Anyway, the crack about wanting the next one to be sent with five strings was aimed at Susan, as this was supposed to come a five string, but the fifth string got lost in the five months it took to build and ship it, and it arrived as a four. Alembic being a company of solid integrity, Susan comped me a preamp (easily covering a fifth string, IMO), so I would not have put in a dig like that. All in all, I like this piece of history, whoever filled the card out. With shipping, I paid about $100 or $200 less for it in the auction than it retailed for in 1980, but who paid retail, even back then, eh? I have missed this bass I did not want to get rid of, so am just glad to have it coming back my way. This showcase is for the next owner to read somewhere down the road, when my turn is up, again. Whoever you are, enjoy! You've got a dandy bass there Mister, or Sister.

Warranty Card
poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 138
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Saturday, April 02, 2011 - 9:08 pm:   Edit Post

Herd 001

All the fam came out to meet the new member of the herd. It has been a while since some have been dusted off and saw the light of day. Don't know how that saprono moo got in there, but I'm keeping it! It took me a little over 12 hours to strip, clean, oil, and polish the thirty-one year-old bass and put it back together. I like doing that. I would not mind doing it as a day job. Even Jazzy Vee's favorite got in the picture. Gee, I hardly ever play that old thing.
skyboltone
Member
Username: skyboltone

Post Number: 93
Registered: 11-2010
Posted on Saturday, April 02, 2011 - 9:13 pm:   Edit Post

No rain. Spring has sprung. All that sun and shine looks good together.

Dan
poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 139
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Saturday, April 02, 2011 - 9:20 pm:   Edit Post

Herd 002

The Circassian walnut goes perfectly with the Macassar ebony. The walnut is even flamed - really great wood. Something most people do not know is that Macassar ebony is very prone to surface cracks. I got this bass a few months late, as the guys at the factory were watching the cracks in it to see if they spread or not. Over 31 years, they seem to have done so, but that I suppose would be natural, over enough years. They have car wax in them right now, so they do look pronounced. I would have to get the bass refinished to really get them filled, so right now it is not worth it. had those people who bid on the bass known it had these, I am sure the auction would have ended way below what it did. Macassar ebony lams are $3,600 extra, and they do come with a 'hidden' price!
poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 140
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Saturday, April 02, 2011 - 9:24 pm:   Edit Post

herd 003

The woods in this bass are gorgeous. From pitch blacks to deep reddish-browns. I recognize the brass strap pins, so either they came from the factory, or I put them on 30 years ago. Hardly need strap locks with these.
skyboltone
Member
Username: skyboltone

Post Number: 94
Registered: 11-2010
Posted on Saturday, April 02, 2011 - 9:30 pm:   Edit Post

This is kind of like sitting at the nudie beach waiting for the babe to turn around. Enough butt shots mister. Let's get a look at her front!
poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 141
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Saturday, April 02, 2011 - 9:35 pm:   Edit Post

Herd 004

Redundacy??? Not in my book. The more the merrier! Two sweet basses are always better than one. You cannot see the graphite rods in the Series I's neck, but you can tell they are there by the solid feel when playing and even tuning up. I don't know why Alembic quit implanting them - Duh! Ebony lams took over! I cannot remember how much the rods were, but when Susan told me about them I just had to have them. These two basses do sound quite a bit different. So no redundancy issues here.
poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 142
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Saturday, April 02, 2011 - 9:43 pm:   Edit Post

Herd 005

Funny, I do not seem to tire of 'innocently STARING' at women's bottoms at the beach . . . But, since you asked for it Dan . . .

I did not bother to clean up the pickups. It came with a bad one that I put in the back and I ordered a new matching set from Mica. Actually, I ordered them for both of these basses, so they will both have the engraved ALEMBIC pups - I like those best. No difference in price, so YA!

<<< Rotten spellchecker is on the fritz again >>>

(Message edited by poor_nigel on April 02, 2011)
poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 143
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Saturday, April 02, 2011 - 9:53 pm:   Edit Post

Herd 006

Wow, pretty dark. This place if full of tall, thin trees - I am in the mountains here - so shadows move around every 30 seconds. I do not have a good editor to fix these. Maybe next time.
skyboltone
Member
Username: skyboltone

Post Number: 95
Registered: 11-2010
Posted on Saturday, April 02, 2011 - 9:56 pm:   Edit Post

Tukasus & Nay nays. Either way. I think that's a real stunner though TK. It's a powerful combination of color and form. It was so worth the effort. Congratulations indeed.
poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 144
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Saturday, April 02, 2011 - 10:04 pm:   Edit Post

herd 007

The head stock does not look really 'bookmatched.' It is two pieces of wood, and it was ordered to be so. The chip out of the corner is the only chip/mark on the bass. I took a red magic marker to it, and it is almost invisible, except in direct sun light. It has a very thick brass nut, and I think I will send it in to be shaved down on the bottom and made into an adjustable one. I much prefer those. One of the better advancements to the modern bass, IMO. I'll request it be left thick.
poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 145
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Saturday, April 02, 2011 - 10:14 pm:   Edit Post

Herd 008

The worst crack in the bass. I'll see if I can get the wax out, but it does not bother me too much.
poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 146
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Saturday, April 02, 2011 - 10:16 pm:   Edit Post

Herd 009
poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 147
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Saturday, April 02, 2011 - 10:18 pm:   Edit Post

Herd 010
poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 148
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Saturday, April 02, 2011 - 10:24 pm:   Edit Post

Herd 011

I did not get good shots of the abalone inlays. It has the best I have ever seen, truly exceptional pieces, every one of them. No having to look at it at just the right angle - though this shrunk-up picture would tend to deny that claim. Well, I can look at em all I want in person, and they are fabulous. Also, the fretboard is thicker than usual. That and the graphite rods do make for a very stiff neck, which I like.
poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 149
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Saturday, April 02, 2011 - 10:34 pm:   Edit Post

Herd 012

The LEDs are red and work just fine after all these years. I am thinking this bass was played very little. The last owner was a guitar player and it was kept in storage after his passing for 11 years. So it is time to put some play hours on this bass. It has the stacked electronics in the back, so the core is extra thick. I have both kinds, and prefer the thicker body and single electronics cavity. OK, that's enough . . .
pierreyves
Senior Member
Username: pierreyves

Post Number: 789
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Saturday, April 02, 2011 - 11:36 pm:   Edit Post

Hey Thomas, you have a Swiss bass (third from the left on the general picture) !!! http://www.duvoisinguitars.com/
How is it sound ?
Nice serie I you have !!
artswork99
Moderator
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 1463
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Sunday, April 03, 2011 - 8:42 am:   Edit Post

Great shots Thomas! Congratulations! Art
cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member
Username: cozmik_cowboy

Post Number: 917
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Sunday, April 03, 2011 - 8:47 am:   Edit Post

We can't figure it out, Thomas - are you happy to get this one back? :-) Congratulations, and very nice collection (I loves me some Les Paul Triumph)

Peter
adriaan
Moderator
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 2777
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Sunday, April 03, 2011 - 9:47 am:   Edit Post

Quite a family reunion! Good vibes, must be feeling on top of the world.

Pierre-Yves - check out the logo, it's a Tobias.
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 2376
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Sunday, April 03, 2011 - 10:02 am:   Edit Post

Nigel, if you ever want to sell that Series II Europa bass, give me a shout...!!!!

Jazzyvee
poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 150
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Sunday, April 03, 2011 - 8:46 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks guys. Yes, I am extremely pleased to have my old bass back again. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Peter, the bass in the picture is a Les Paul Bass. They are thicker and heavier than Triumphs. People probably complained about the weight and lack of inlays for a Les Paul, so . . . Jazzy Vee, when it is time for my Europa to find a new home, I will knock on your door first - You have my word on that. People have been very good to me when they sold me their Alembicsa, so what goes around comes around. I'll even let you have the easy payment plan, when the times comes. Right now, it is waiting to go back into the factory for some warranty and maybe some custom work. I am thinking of having rays added to the logo and have the front and back of the headstock beveled. It should look very sharp, and it will also make the headstock seem a little smaller. Pierre-Yves, the Tobias plays wonderfullly and sounds very good. Not like Series electronics, but as good as Bartolinis can sound - Through an Eden it sounds great.

<<< Spell Checker! >>>

(Message edited by poor_nigel on April 03, 2011)
mario_farufyno
Senior Member
Username: mario_farufyno

Post Number: 630
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Sunday, April 03, 2011 - 9:37 pm:   Edit Post

Wow, chrome plating can be so impressive!
cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member
Username: cozmik_cowboy

Post Number: 920
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Monday, April 04, 2011 - 5:15 am:   Edit Post

Yes, of course - saw the shape & p/ups, and my eyes slid right over the dots.

Peter
poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 161
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Saturday, May 21, 2011 - 11:27 pm:   Edit Post

front 001

Got a new set of etched pick-ups and David King knobs and stuck em on. The knobs are flawless! Ebony knobs on an ebony bass. Makes sense. One of the pups was bad, so I just replaced them both. The old set is being donated to Mica to check out why the one lost so much signal, as she says it is still too soon to lose enough gauss to make a significant difference. Good for her thinking about quality first.
poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 162
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Saturday, May 21, 2011 - 11:34 pm:   Edit Post

Cracked

A good shot of the crack in the front lam. It simply is not worth the cost of a repair and refinish job on the whole bass to cover up something that actually existed when I received the bass 31 years ago. Therefore I claim this is a factory installed custom option - Unlike the black magic marker I used to try and darken the etched groves of the pick-ups. Got lazy, and now I have to clean them out and do it right. Gives me more fun things to do.
lembic76450
Advanced Member
Username: lembic76450

Post Number: 294
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Sunday, May 22, 2011 - 5:53 am:   Edit Post

Thomas,
Are the allen screws for the pick-ups something new?
lembic76450
Advanced Member
Username: lembic76450

Post Number: 295
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Sunday, May 22, 2011 - 6:02 am:   Edit Post

Thomas,
Nevermind, I just saw you other post, oh, and it is good to see you back posting again. I always loved those star inlays on your other bass, nice job on both..
poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 164
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Sunday, May 22, 2011 - 6:43 pm:   Edit Post

Case 001

Got my case back from Calzone/Anvil last week. I was NOT real happy I sent it in a sturdy box and got it back without any, not even covered in paper. This is showing zero respect for my property, regardless if they think it is a beat-up piece of crap or not. They are a case company, and made this case 31 years ago, so I think they could have found a box laying around somewhere to ship it back to me. Honestly, I think Calzone has gone significantly downhill in quality in the last few years. I bought a couple of 1/2 flight cases for a couple of basses a few years ago and bragged on how great they were. I bought one for my Steinberger and five string last year and sent them back as they screwed both up to the point they had to be gutted out for the Steinberger (Now there is a complicated shape to fit!), and the Europa case had to be trashed and restarted, as he made it so the headstock was an inch too deep for the well he cut in a too thin case. Duh!

This case has precious memories for me, lots of miles under its belt, most of them not mine - But . . . It is an old Anvil, who is now owned by Calzone. I had them gut it out and refoam and cloth it. See how the bass fits in on the far side, but how it is sticking an inch above the plush on the front side of the body? The neck sits around 1/2 above the sides plush, but at least the headstock fits properly in the well, when I press the case together and lock it. I did have them put new locks on it, as those are the second most important part fo a flight case. I suppose after a couple of years, if I left the bass in this case, it would fit properly, but I do have to admit besides the hassles of having to use my knees to close the case with or without the bass in it, it will keep the bass nice and secure. They did do a good job on the plush. Below is a picture of the case sitting without the bass in it, unlocked. Funny!

poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 165
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Sunday, May 22, 2011 - 6:57 pm:   Edit Post

case 002

Look at the milage on that handle. I just ordered a new one for it, but I might leave this one on for sentiment. A friend was a sheetmetal worker and riveted the plate on the side of the case when the heater in my old house burned a hole in the side of the case. A friend at a party (Drummer of course) put my bass in my room for safe keeping back in the old daze. Put it right in front of an old style, in-wall electric coil heater that gets real hot in front of it. Did I mention he was a drummer? More memories now. I put that sticker on it way back when. I was hot on Tangent mixboards back in the early 80's. I guess you can buy memories if your willing to pay the eBay price for em. All-in-all, I am very happy with this case and would not trade it for a new 1/2" one, with wheels for old pickers! As for the bass, now that I have played it some, I would definitely shell out the auction cost for it if it was not the old bass I ordered from Susan in my youth. It rivals my Europa in deep growl - impressive! Neck has not move a micron since I got it. I like that, too.
poor_nigel
Intermediate Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 166
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Sunday, May 22, 2011 - 7:04 pm:   Edit Post

Hey Kenn:

Speaking of star inlays, Susan came very close to talking me into stars on this bass back then. They were only $150 more, dead cost, but the bass was already hundreds over budget with other options odered and case, so I decided not to. They really would be a matched set, in my mind, had I have gone with the stars. But, I really have not been that good in life to deserve that level of karma, so . . . I'll just suffer quietly with the stuff I have.
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 248
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Friday, July 20, 2012 - 1:40 am:   Edit Post

In response to jazzyee's post on the other bass - The ebony Series I is in Santa Rosa becoming a Series II bass with some minor differences. Like a 1980 bass with an omega headstock and bevelled edges, front and back. Little things like a curved rail bridge and a bird tail piece that will more closely follow its new omega cut\filled body, but done like the Walnut Goldie Locks-Like Bass, and not others points I have seen modified to an omegta. Inlaid logo and rays, a spiffy Mr. Moon or Sun inlaid in the first fret position, and littel things like recessed strap locks I love so much. Including the original purchase priced, I believe I could have saved money just ordering a new custom S II through Beaver, but then I doubt it would be nearly as spiffy as what I believe will show up on my door step here some day in the distant future. The only bass I have ever custom ordered, and then had custom work done on it, to boot. Special upon special.

Here are a couple of pix Mica was gonna post, but she is very busy putting out five string basses and mini power supplies. Note this quilted five string is not my bass, just an example with a curved-rail bridge.

Curved Rail Bridge

Omega Headstock:

Headstock

I want my tailpiece to be more like the one on some lucky guys/girl's bass Mica showed me:

Tailpiece

Note that I do not post much any more. It is a struggle for me to type some times, and I ALWAYS get everything backwards these days. I'm a cranky old man in intense training, and learning very quickly. Yep, one is never too old or far gone to have a happy childhood, though I doubt I will be out gigging with it much by the time it comes back to me.

Hey, I am supposed to show up for work at 7:30 AM, Ha!!! OK, I'll show, and then go right back to bed. And in a cranky manner, too, dammit!
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 330
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 7:54 am:   Edit Post

It has been a couple of years, and a few happening on this bass in Santa Rosa. Chris did an amazing job changing its point buttocks to an omega, but then they lightly sanded the neck to be refinished, it was discovered back in 1980 those that embedded the graphite rods did it a bit too deeply, and it unexpected started showing through the sanding efforts - Ahhhhh!!!!! All the masterful work Chris had done was at that point a terrible waste. And it was looking swell! However, careful though decided against a patch job and the route for a new neck was suggested by Mica and I definitely trust her judgement on such matters.

Long story short, it is now a 5-string flamed maple, ebony, maple stringer, purple heart, maple stringer, ebony, maple stringer, purple heart, maple stringer, ebony, flaming maple neck omega cut bottom and omega cut headstock beveled on both sides, with ebony used in all headstock lams, and both front and back bookmatched headstock lams on a Series II with no battery compartment, but an dimmer for the violet and amber neck LEDs replacing the 1/4 jack for stereo battery operation. Curved bridge, and 'Batmanish' tail piece that more follows the curve of the omega cut. Inlayed logo - shell, blah, blah and a fairy and man-in-the-moon inlay at the first fret I really like. Thicker than normal bridge posts, four adjustment screws on the headstock nut, verses the regular three. Totally refinished and all surface cracks of Macassar ebony lams repaired. Metal inserts on all screw holes added. Continuous wood truss rod cover to keep that ebony going and going and going . . . Recessed gold Dunlop strap locks, cause I is a spoiled brat. Master volume added to the S II upgraded electronics. Steve Wood dimension on neck, so it will be bliss to play. Headstock is 2 + 3 configuration. Abalone ovals as before, but two small stars added to the 24th fret position. Hipshot light-weight gold tuners used, with the 1/2 pegs and 20:1 ratio. Did I miss anything? Mica has the complete list, and is of course trustable to get it all done and proper. I will post a few pix sent during the changes that have taken place so far.
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 331
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 8:10 am:   Edit Post

Omegha 001

Omega 002

Chris's plans for changing the Body's point to an omega cut.
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 332
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 8:15 am:   Edit Post

Bat 001

Bat 002

Chris' execution of his more than a bit cleaver plans. Obviously, it was going to work out just fine.
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 333
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 8:26 am:   Edit Post

un01

I seem to have misplaced the picture showing the graphite peeping through the sanded neck, but what does that matter now? Mica has a new system of putting all the pieces of a new neck together to see how they hand together for a while. Cuts down on negative affectsa after gluing, if pieces do not seem to 'get along' during the social introduction period. Mica said the outer maple lams are very flamed, but do not show it in this picture. She should know.
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 334
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 8:33 am:   Edit Post

NN001

They must have socialized properly, as they glued em proper. It was decided to do a copy of the neck for the headstock lams. You can see the rough cut pieces on the table above.
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 335
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 8:45 am:   Edit Post

NN002

Front and back veneers are both bookmatched - Cool!

NN003

PH 001

Mica and/or Chris had the great idea of making the veneers in the mimic of the neck, as seen in the lower picture. Always great attention to detail at Alembic. I can see why people just tell Mica to get down with her bad self when the design and implementation of their custom orders are being done.
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 336
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 8:57 am:   Edit Post

NN004

Because I am getting an omega cut headstock on a five string, I had to give up on having rays on my logo. Decided to go with polished bronze, straight fluffy cloud MOD and abalone on the 'A.' Oh, and I went with violet and red LEDs, not violet and amber. red is closer to the brightness of the violet LEDs than amber.

NN05

NN006

Beveled edges should really make the omega and the whole headstock really look cool, but especially the omega cut.
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 337
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 9:07 am:   Edit Post

Con08

Old Macassar ebony and Circassian walnut body wings glued to new neck. Neat article on the walnut used in this bass' core:

http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi-bin/DLDecArts/DLDecArts-idx?type=div&did=DLDecArts.hdv24n03.i0023&isize=text
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 338
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 9:11 am:   Edit Post

Con009

This is the bottom of the bass where Chris had previously cut the omega after filling in the battery compartment of the pointed bottom.
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 339
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 9:14 am:   Edit Post

Con10

Wow, ugly bass!
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 340
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 9:19 am:   Edit Post

The remaking of the omega cut:

Con011
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 341
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 9:21 am:   Edit Post

Con012
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 342
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 9:24 am:   Edit Post

Con13
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 343
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 9:26 am:   Edit Post

Con14
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 344
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 9:28 am:   Edit Post

Con15
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 345
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 9:34 am:   Edit Post

Con16

I love this picture. It looks like old people candy my grandparents always had on their tables when I was a kid. You know, the kind us kids never touched as it was so pretty looking, but tasted awful! I remember when a Snickers bar went up from a nickel to a dime - What a terrible day in kiddom!!! It has all been downhill since . . .
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 346
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 9:36 am:   Edit Post

Con17
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 347
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 9:42 am:   Edit Post

Con18

Still needs the bridge block routed out, but it is looking not so ugly now.
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 348
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 10:03 am:   Edit Post

FM002

Fairy and Man-In-The-Moon inlay for first fret position designed by Mica and her mum. I like it!I seriously though of Hello Kitty and Mr. Natural or Boy Howdy!, but thoughts of the next owner of this bass enticed me to go the fairy route . . .

Natural

Boyhowdy
pauldo
Senior Member
Username: pauldo

Post Number: 1233
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 1:58 pm:   Edit Post

Great "in-process" pics!

Boy Howdy! wow.
I used to work at a print shop where we printed and bound CREEM magazine. I think I still have a Boy Howdy belt buckle.
:-D
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 8220
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 3:56 pm:   Edit Post

Hey! I was picking out shell today for your inlay! Woo Hoo! Or I guess I should say Boy Howdy!
jon_jackson
Advanced Member
Username: jon_jackson

Post Number: 207
Registered: 12-2008
Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 - 7:05 pm:   Edit Post

I love the inlay!
Jon
mtjam
Intermediate Member
Username: mtjam

Post Number: 175
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Wednesday, August 06, 2014 - 5:58 am:   Edit Post

Wow! Thanks for sharing this transformation with us. It's amazing what the Alembic wizards can do!
flpete1uw
Advanced Member
Username: flpete1uw

Post Number: 342
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Wednesday, August 06, 2014 - 6:56 am:   Edit Post

Wow! there is a lot of Artistry here. Enchanting inlay. The other choices would be pure Fun!
And all that Ebony. Oh my this Bass is going to be stellar!
Pete
flpete1uw
Advanced Member
Username: flpete1uw

Post Number: 343
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Wednesday, August 06, 2014 - 9:30 am:   Edit Post

Those shavings would look great in one of those Christmas Ornaments. ;)
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 4172
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Wednesday, August 06, 2014 - 11:39 am:   Edit Post

I love the fairy & man in the moon inlay that you are looking at.
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 350
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Thursday, August 07, 2014 - 12:23 am:   Edit Post

The inlay is cool, but in reality will be about the size of a fifty-cent piece, so us blind old coots will have to look close to see it. Mica, there is a change from the pencil drawing to the mockup in that the further-side wings are in front of the moon tips, instead of behind them. I much prefer the moon continuous, and the further wing tips broken up, as in the pencil drawing. I should be a very happy camper later this year when this bass shows up at my door. It will be the last bass I own, so even the small aspects are kind of important. I wonder who will own it 30 years from now, when maybe it needs to be refinished again? I hope this record is still here for he or she to enjoy.

Do note that I sent it in to be refinished NOT because the finish did not last. It actually had a still good finish with no checking in it at all. It was to close up the surface cracks in the ebony that appeared when it was first made. Impatient customers can be a real pain, especially to themselves later on. Had I known then what I know now, I would not have bugged them to get the bass completed, as I had to have it NOW! Lessons learned the hard way . . .
wfmandmusic
Member
Username: wfmandmusic

Post Number: 99
Registered: 1-2012
Posted on Thursday, August 07, 2014 - 4:39 pm:   Edit Post

Great pics of this transformation. This bass will be stellar and you are creating a masterpiece. So fun to watch.
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 8224
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Thursday, August 07, 2014 - 6:20 pm:   Edit Post

Final line art (and inlay) is with intact tips of the moon. That mock up was a quickie!
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 354
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 - 8:01 pm:   Edit Post

How do you spell excitement? I spell it LEDs.

LEDs

While I'm at it, I might as well post the first fret inlay shot Mica sent me. Neat-o!

Finished Inlay
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 3575
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 - 8:25 pm:   Edit Post

I can see where this is going ! This Bass is going to be absolutely pulchritudinous! :-)
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 355
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 - 1:17 am:   Edit Post

What'd you call my new to me bass?! If I had one of those fancy-schmancy three-digit IQs, I could come back with a retort other than, Huh? oh thanks . . . It is looking particularly spiffy, which is of great importance since as time goes forward, my ability to play more than a brief, simple rif or two is working in such a backasswards assiduous deportment. Since it does have a lot of ebony in the bass, I should get off big time just playin the tonics. I do just love an open B played through a couple of 21" woofers. BTW, Wolf, I forgive you for being able to see and play it before I get to. Then again, "I never opened her case, honest!" works, too. I'd go that route and stick to it.
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 3576
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 - 2:09 am:   Edit Post

Please forgive me if what I wrote appears ostentatious .____Beyond Beautiful , would be the same as "pulchritudinous!". I thought that for such a special bass that I would employ creative license to express my appreciation for such a noble creation. My sincere compliments to you my friend for making this a reality for us all to enjoy . I seriously love seeing your expression of delight in this process.
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 362
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 5:59 pm:   Edit Post

bat tail

The Batman tailpiece decided upon.
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 368
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 - 8:27 am:   Edit Post

Couple of phone shots from Mica concerning the omega cut on its bottom.

Spray 001S

Mica said they found something they did not like and sent it back to spray again. Shot is good for showing the color scheme of the bass. The purple heart stringers being the 'splash' of color on a mostly dark bass, and the maple its contrast element (Bridge and tail piece will add a bit, too).

Everyone has their own favorite bass Alembic has produced and there is a thread listing many people's choices of such. Mine is this bass:
http://alembic.com/club/messages/631/13892.html?1111352382
It is not old school as is mine, and I would have gone for a volume and pan controls setup, verses three volumes as in the old style, but it is such a great bass.
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 369
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 - 8:40 am:   Edit Post

Spray 002S

Shot shows how the Macassar ebony blends with the Circassion walnut so nicely. You can especially see it where the inside of the omega's walnut looks almost exactly like it is the lighter shades of the ebony. Hmm, a 34 year old brand new bass.
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 377
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2015 - 9:48 pm:   Edit Post

ISpyBridge

I have no idea why this pix came labeled I Spy Bridge, unless we was playing a game I spaced out on - Mica, I spy with my little eye, a bridge. Hmm, the elves must have gotten busy on my bass again. In fact, Mr. Wickersham finished the electronics just before Memorial Day kicked in, so it should be on its way here mid-next week. Joy!

Note: Hum-canceller has clamps on it, as that I hear is the last thing done on a finished bass, glue it in.
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 378
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2015 - 9:52 pm:   Edit Post

Peghead

Happiness is . . .
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 379
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2015 - 10:09 pm:   Edit Post

Peghead Omega

Peghead laminates 'echo' the wood pattern of the neck laminates. These guys do amaze me with their more than cleaver ideas all the time.

I am sure I will take some pix of the bass when it shows up next week, after I am done polishing the polish and oiling the brand new fretboard, as if either need to be done. A couple of old flight cases arrived the other day, and also a stray bass named Monty, which I will care for until he is ready to go back home to his real owner. I'll make a thread in the Showcase for Monty, as it is nice to share bass pix with obsessed Alembic lovers, but also it is necessary for security reasons, in case someone decides a bass that does not belong to them should find its way into their home or hideout. So the police have instant pix available in their portable devices for investigation purposes.
adriaan
Moderator
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 3240
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Monday, May 25, 2015 - 2:02 am:   Edit Post

Ain't she sweet!
moongerm
Advanced Member
Username: moongerm

Post Number: 207
Registered: 8-2013
Posted on Monday, May 25, 2015 - 4:36 am:   Edit Post

Good gosh that is amazing!
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 380
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Thursday, May 28, 2015 - 1:02 am:   Edit Post

FIFTH

The official in-house shot of my old bass. Bass should arrive Friday, if nothing else occurs to delay it.
mtjam
Advanced Member
Username: mtjam

Post Number: 312
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Thursday, May 28, 2015 - 2:31 am:   Edit Post

Beautiful!
pauldo
Senior Member
Username: pauldo

Post Number: 1505
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Thursday, May 28, 2015 - 4:47 am:   Edit Post

Sexy!
moongerm
Advanced Member
Username: moongerm

Post Number: 208
Registered: 8-2013
Posted on Thursday, May 28, 2015 - 8:02 am:   Edit Post

Smokes of Wholly!
dead_head
Member
Username: dead_head

Post Number: 91
Registered: 5-2014
Posted on Thursday, May 28, 2015 - 7:59 pm:   Edit Post

WOW!!!
slawie
Senior Member
Username: slawie

Post Number: 791
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Thursday, May 28, 2015 - 11:53 pm:   Edit Post

That has got to be the greatest restoration since Lazarus!
It is absolutely beautiful.
Congratulations Thomas and well done Alembic
Truly masters at their craft.
slawie
flpete1uw
Senior Member
Username: flpete1uw

Post Number: 497
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2015 - 3:54 am:   Edit Post

This Bass transformation is truly a work of art! It gives me a bunch of ideas of what my next Bass should look like and build like!
Looking forward to hearing the reviews.
Congratulations Thomas and Alembic!
Best wishes,
Pete
enzo
Senior Member
Username: enzo

Post Number: 486
Registered: 4-2009
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2015 - 7:01 am:   Edit Post

Wow, the ultimate Alembic, I'm truly amazed.
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 4229
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2015 - 9:30 am:   Edit Post

I am also excited ! Congratulations !
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 381
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Saturday, May 30, 2015 - 1:00 am:   Edit Post

Reknobbed

Mica reshot the bass after putting the right knobs on it and sent me a picture. What me worry, as I have the bass here to ogle. I bought a couple new batteries for my camera, but cannot find the charger for it. Gee, if I had not of had to move twice in the last couple of months, maybe I could find stuff around here . . .

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