| Author | Message | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1571 Registered: 6-2000 |
I know you've been anxious to see the new recipe. I kno wyou're gonna flip...   Gotta zoom in on the striking colors.  Can' really see the veneer too well in the overall shot, so here's a closeup. I'm sure I'll have more updates for you next week. | ||
| dela217
Advanced Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 335 Registered: 6-2002 |
I like that! I really enjoy necks with no maple in them. | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1271 Registered: 9-2002 |
Maybe said in another place but is this natural colored wood??? PTBO | ||
| kmh364
Junior Username: kmh364 Post Number: 29 Registered: 9-2003 |
Barry (BKBass), I'm assuming this is your new baby based on our previous conversation. It looks sharp with all the purpleheart and mahogany (?) lams against the cocobolo headstock veneer. I'm psyched to see the rest of it unfold. I'm thinking that you were right on the money about needing to build upper-body strength before wrestling with this one, LOL! BTW, I took your advise and got Susan to change the walnut stripes in my new custom Orion 4's neck to purpleheart stripes. It needed the contrast with the vast majority of the thing in all light-colored woods (excepting the fingerboard) and gold accents. I'm also persuing the use of custom "hippie sandwich" THG knobs made with all the woods used in the bass, a purple heart stripe, and gold inlay(s). Cheers, Kevin | ||
| susan
Moderator Username: susan Post Number: 43 Registered: 5-2002 |
Paul, Yes Paul, these are natural colored woods. Isn't the orchid purple of the wood delicious? BTW-Speaking of woods and I know you love to as noted on the wood bank. I am surprised you haven't posted something on the wood choice for Erik's custom Tribute, especially given your predilection for the nude female form. This board truly represents the wood nymph that must have inhabited the tree-she is complete with head, eyes, mouth, neck, shoulders/ breasts, waist, hips and legs. It's amazing how this piece looks and I can't wait to hear how she sounds (this guitar is definitely a female) Check it out -Susan | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1273 Registered: 9-2002 |
Moder Susan, it's hardly believable ...really very ...well ...enchanting. And what's the grey??? About Erics tribute ... I left you a message! Take good care! Paul the bad one | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1584 Registered: 6-2000 |
Y'know, those Maple peghead laminates are just too glaringly loud. We're stripping them off and replacing with dark ones. Here's the first layout idea:  The little squiggle bottom is just a joke! You can see there isn't alot of extra room and options are limited to cram it all in the Rogue shape. In any event, it will require a custom backplate shape. Gotta step out for a few minutes, then I've got a shot of the Coco Bolo to post later this afternoon. Stay tuned. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1586 Registered: 6-2000 |
Here's the selection for the top and back:  Top Back  This was one long board, I always think that's cool. There's alot going on in these laminates, it's hard to see it all on the unfinished surface, but look for the figuring that runs across to the grain lines, especially in the top picture. These are pretty unusual, and very different from your other Coco Bolo. I think you should hold off having the knobs made until the sealer coat goes on so we can get a better idea of the color. | ||
| bkbass
Junior Username: bkbass Post Number: 14 Registered: 11-2003 |
Thanks Mica.Which set will be for the front?The top set I would think.Do you still have that butcher's paper cut out tracing of the Rogue shape that was on that lucky fellows buckeye burl Rogue?I'd like to see that part of the boards with the neck down the center overlaid with that cutout to get an idea of how it might look and /or if the grain patterns would look better thru the tracing in a chevron orientation etc.A wet look shot(acetone) might help to decide the front boards.As far as the figuring am I seeing a slight flame in there?Somethings happening for sure.Custom template?What makes this different from Rami's?It was his last 6 strg.that inspired me to get back to that sexy original Rogue shape.From the pix the rear routing looks to be the standard kidney size.I don't care for the standby switch so close to the strings.In the least,I would say exchange it with the stereo/mono position or better yet place both of them closest to the hip out of harms way.This would work the best for me.Is there enough real estate to do that?OR how about one 3 way switch on the hip?Stereo/mono/off?That would clean things up abit(Paul silence those bottles I can't hear myself think!)To answer Kevin's and Palembic's query the contrasting wood is walnut.I've built a bass with walnut that was completely grey,this on the other hand is sort of looking greyish because of the flouresent shop lighting.This should chocolate right out with the lacquer on it.Go down the road apiece in FTC to see a side view of the hippie sandwich.This was just to get an idea I'm hoping for more freakish purple for the center core(yes Mica?)Thanks again,God bless.B. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1589 Registered: 6-2000 |
The top image is what I envisioned for the top. Yeah, there's a little bit o'flamey action there, it's not knock-yer-socks-off deep flame, but there's a good hint, and it gives it a really unusual look. Custom plate meaning the larger size like we did on Rami's Series Rogue, not the standard Rogue plate. We could group both switches down where the stereo/mono one is in the pic. Talked with dad and he said he's got a couple of switches that would work for combining the functions on one switch. It's a bit larger as you'd expect, but there's enough room where the stereo/mono switch is on the plan. It's a more expensive part, and it's slightly clunky compared to the 3-position Q switch feel. So, not like I need to ask at this point knowing your taste, but do you want 2 switches or one? | ||
| kmh364
Junior Username: kmh364 Post Number: 40 Registered: 9-2003 |
Barry, While it won't make any more room on the face (top), and may actually limit pot/knob and switch space a little more, did you consider having the 5-pin and 1/4" jacks relocated to the side bout and recessed? It looks super trick and cleans up the control knob area. Ck out "Almost Twins" on the Custom O' Month Archive. Those are even gold plated! Kevin | ||
| bkbass
Junior Username: bkbass Post Number: 15 Registered: 11-2003 |
HI Mica thanks for getting back to me so soon.AHH...let's go with the two switches down at the hip.This way,if either one would fail repair is just a phone call away.I think I'm familiar with the 3way Dad's talking about and clunky is right.Originally I was thinking a series 1 style switch.Switches and knobs to me are just the opposite of children"they should be heard and not seen"LOL!Mica please don't forget the wet look photos and tracings in your spare,spare time.Since we're planing on the top piece as the front,I'm musing what the orientation should be..The dark areas in the forground at the bottom of Saturns rings to be in the bridge/tail piece region,the outer darker rim of the rings to follow the forward sweep of the upper horn(ditto the lower half)with the overall ring patterns opening up into the cut aways?I need to see a horzontal wet look shot with the neck and the tracings as decsribed above.I think your choice in the overall blend in the wood color temperments really compliment each other the strongest being the purple.The walnut becomes a nice referee between the PH and the Coco.The Coco will have a busy yet understated look but the visual success of this piece lies in the center core being the same shade of purple as the neck.Waddaya think Mom? Kevin I believe thou hast Alembicidis.The cure?It can never really be cured but it can be controlled with the careful selling of your old non-alembic gear and the purchase of more alembic gear.A superfilter is your next purchase as this is one of the only things that'll cure a high alembic fever until elective surgery(series 2)can be had.In the mean time take two essence'and call me in the morning.LOL!Thanks for suggesting the bottom jacks,however side jacks take up alot of room on the front side as your shifting from depth(top to bottom with only a smaller diameter hole on the front)to the length of the depth of the jack hidden below the front's surface leaving less room for knobs and switches.The Rogue shape is really a very tiny tight body at the hips leaving very very little room to pull this off.As it is Ron will have to use a shoe horn to get the electronics to fit.Thanks Rami for leading the way! | ||
| kmh364
Junior Username: kmh364 Post Number: 42 Registered: 9-2003 |
Yeah, I've got the sickness pretty good. I don't have my current order yet and I'm thinking of the next one already. Next time it'll probably be a six-string guitar: either a hot-rod strat-style with a neck-through figured-top body, or some kind of Jerry hippie-sandwich. Too bad Alembic doesn't make Arch-top Jazz boxes or acoustic guitars...I'd love to see their take on a Gibson L-5CES or Super 400/4000 or Citation. If you think Alembic prices are stiff, check out Gibson's Custom Shop Arch-tops....whew! You need to rob a bank, LOL! | ||
| rami
Advanced Member Username: rami Post Number: 335 Registered: 6-2002 |
Congratulations Barry, it looks like a real beauty in the making. What are the rest of it's specs? Cheers, fellow Rogue afficianados! Rami | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1596 Registered: 6-2000 |
I hope these are more useful to you:  top  back Chip does a great job figuring out where to place the top - always considering the electronics, pickups, bridge, etc. to make sure that some meaningful relationship exists between the parts. I think if we tell him which piece to use, and the parts of the board that you particularly want to keep or lose, he'll do a great job with the exact placement. Mike found the nicey-nice Purpleheart for your body, and he's read this thread and our emails so he knows what you're looking for very well. Hope I caught all the details in your responses, if not, just let me know. (Message edited by mica on April 19, 2004) | ||
| bkbass
Junior Username: bkbass Post Number: 18 Registered: 11-2003 |
Thanks Mica!The coco looks great.Certainly the highly figured parts are what I'm interested in seeing with the cutout tracing as previously mentioned.The back piece of coco with that evil looking Pac Man needs to be on the back of the bass with Saturns rings and the darker rim on the front.Now I don't want to set the forest on fire but,on the back set of wood on the lower corner that is sort of cut off by the picture size sort of the 5 o'clock position would make a mighty fine oval wood sample as it will become scrapwood after the shape is carved and I'm thinking that this with a standard logo embedded in optically clear epoxy might make a purdie belt buckle ala excellent industries.Are they still around?Please call to discuss.Rami it's a series 2 electronic package sans the 4way selector and master volume but including a standby switch.Kevin as far as Gibson goes theres an old saying that simply says"ya can't polish a turd forever"LOL!Actually I'm pretty sure that an Alembic guitar with 2 filters in it will allow you to dial in just about any sound your after including a jazz box sound(s).Think about it,a bass company,clean clear sounding electronics and unlimited wood (tonal choices)= A dimensionally stable eyepoping solidbody with everything from a strat-gibson sound to the warmth and clarity of a jazzbox!Is it exact or authentic well no BUT It's one guitar to carry with enough of those signature sounds to pull off the club or studio gig and BTW can sound like a Alembic too. | ||
| rami
Advanced Member Username: rami Post Number: 336 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi Barry, Are you going for the continuous wood covered pickups? I'd love to see that on such a gorgeous Coco-Bolo Rogue. Rami | ||
| kmh364
Junior Username: kmh364 Post Number: 44 Registered: 9-2003 |
Understood. Unfortunately, the general populace doesn't know Alembic from Schmendrick. If it doesn't say Gibson or Fender Custom Shop on it, nobody wants it. Personally, I'm not impressed with either Fender or Gibson's quality, or lack thereof (I own both). Alembic is the cream of the crop, but try convincing the Guitar/Bass Player Magazine crowd of that. If you can't find 'em at Garbage Center or Sam's Ass, it doesn't exist, LOL! (Message edited by kmh364 on April 20, 2004) | ||
| bkbass
Junior Username: bkbass Post Number: 20 Registered: 11-2003 |
Yes Kevin I agree,it's easier to sell crap than quality.That is why both the F&G can be sold with no problem to get your next fix.Ahh the general public silly mortals!LOL!Got your phone message and I'll try to call tommorrow.Rami sorry no wood covers this trip.It would make perfect sense if it where book matched to center besides,I just took delivery on a fretted Rogue series 2 with a continous truss cover.That's enough spending for now(look honey how much money I saved you as I said to the boss).My two Orions have plastic,my two spoilers have brass so I thought I'd trade up on the last one with wood.This one will also have a wood truss cover and continuous backplates but alas no PU covers.The next one will have booked matched to center on the front only and similar wood features as the last so by the time I get to having wood PU covers I'll be dead three years!BTW,where's your latest lady,is it done yet? | ||
| rami
Advanced Member Username: rami Post Number: 337 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi Barry, Your Bass is going to be spectacular nonetheless. I thought by how the boards were displayed that it would have been bookmatched to center. Can't wait to see it! Will it have a purpleheart body??? P.S. My two are back at the shop for some cosmetic retouching, and the "Black Byrd" (I assume) should be ready soon. Cheers, Rami | ||
| bkbass
Junior Username: bkbass Post Number: 21 Registered: 11-2003 |
Rami,yes it will have the same funky purple for the body.It should visually pop.BTW your twins are truly spectacular as is the BB.Kevin you out there?Did you get my phone message? | ||
| kmh364
Junior Username: kmh364 Post Number: 47 Registered: 9-2003 |
Barry, I got your message. Sorry I haven't been able to return your call as I have been extremely busy at work. We'll talk after the weekend. I hope to be out on the Harley all weekend, assuming the weather holds like last weekend. Kevin | ||
| bob
Intermediate Member Username: bob Post Number: 199 Registered: 11-2002 |
Okay, we need some more info on this purple stuff. First time I saw it, I switched over to look at it on a Windoze laptop (instead of my Cinema Display); also copied one of the images out and looked at it in a graphics program on my Mac, reviewed my monitor calibration - and yeah, the damn stuff really was purple (well, more bluish on the laptop...). We've seen a lot of purpleheart here, but none before that I would really describe as purple - is this a really exceptional piece, or what? I'm making gradual progress on being comfortable wearing clothes that involve purple, and am probably not ready for a bass like this - but it is really striking. What do you think it's going to do over time? -Bob | ||
| bkbass
Junior Username: bkbass Post Number: 22 Registered: 11-2003 |
Bob,overtime it'll have the living s- -t played out of it!LOL.Seriously,hard to say,I have an all purple heart w/ vermillon accents spoiler(pre purple princess)that sort of has the temperment of that PH Rogue 5 that's threading around.It has a glossy finish and so far has not changed in appearance over the last 12 years the vermillon on the other hand has oxidized to a brick red.Still a very purdie plank all in all.I remember being told that at the time Ron had used the UV light of their blueprint machine to get the woods(cut at different angles from different boards)to cosmetically blend.If this is so then I would guess that if this or any bass where to have more exposure to the sun things might change in appearance and that different woods will react faster than others etc.I think Mica mentions this thoughout the threads.Paduk(vermillon)sapwood gets it's color from the sodium sulfide(rusty looking,oxygen scavinger that darkens as it takes on more oxygen) presnt in the soil.I think purple heart comes mostly from India which is a large producer of indigo hence the aforementioned process for Purple Heart.Are there any Indian, wood working,bluejean wearing,soil tilling,bass playing chemist's out there to confirm or refrute these claims?Mica you should be able to contribute something here for the group. | ||
| rami
Advanced Member Username: rami Post Number: 339 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi Barry, Check out this website: www.durablewoods.com/purpleheart.htm You'll find that Purpleheart actually comes from South America. The tree can grow up to over 170ft high and have a 4ft diameter. Rami | ||
| bkbass
Junior Username: bkbass Post Number: 23 Registered: 11-2003 |
Rami,thanks for the correction and the info.One would think that with that much wood in just one tree we would see a tad more flame and other interesting figuring coming our way. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1613 Registered: 6-2000 |
Miek wants to position the top to catch the most of the weird flmey-sorta-reflecting parts like so:  He also had to reveneer the back laminate on the peghead. That peskity Coco Bolo split when sanding:  Now the only Maple on your bass are the small little sidelines. Chip insisted I send you a shot of the neck witht he rough shaping. He specifically picked this piece with some good reflecting-flamey looking parts. Will be great with the particular Coco Bolo, dontcha think?  Let me know if the plan for the cut on the top meets with your approval and I'll pass it on to Mike so he can get a gluin' and a cuttin'. | ||
| bkbass
Junior Username: bkbass Post Number: 24 Registered: 11-2003 |
Thanks Mica,the coco bolo looks great with that orientation.After finally seeing it this way,I realize we would have lost the dark streaks if it were flipped around.Please proceed with the game plan.Once again a great job.Where did that scuzzy lookin' knot hole come from?Is that the front of my neck in the photo,and if so,will that be routed out for the sustain block?I ask because in the first photo of the neck there is no knot and related swirl that can be seen.Mike gonna put that twin evil pac man pattern in the back orientation?Please tell Mike to start a gluin' and a cuttin'.Hi Kevin,Hi Rami,you guys like the orientation are you diggin the program so far? | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1622 Registered: 6-2000 |
That's not your neck in the photo with the inked in shape-it's a scrap off of it about as thin as a veneer. We are just messin' with your mind, Barry! I have to confess I don't quite see the evil pacman pattern, but the iea is to orient the back as show in the proceeding photos (the bottom of the photo is the bottom of the bass). I'll let Mike know and he'll probably get your body in clamps before he goes home tonight. Have a good weekend, will probably have more updates for you next week. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1626 Registered: 6-2000 |
It'll be Monday or Tuesday when your body is glued together, but here's where things are today:    |
