| Author | Message | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1754 Registered: 6-2000 |
Nice Superb Walnut top:  Cool Myrtle body wood:  The neck in the picture sadly blew up when we ran it through the shaper. Very small fractures deep in the wood appeared and they weren't too happy when they hit the shaper. We've never seen anything like it, I saved you a piece of this neck, Nik. Chip's get the new neck underway, but it's not in the presses yet. | ||
| nick_bassman
Junior Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 26 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Mica That top looks really great in place and the myrtle for the body is gorgeous. Shame about the neck but this stuff happens. I'm looking frward to seeing more as she progresses. Nick | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1818 Registered: 6-2000 |
Tony finished carving your bass as I left Alembic today. Here's a shot from Monday I think of the fingerboard getting glued on:  | ||
| nick_bassman
Junior Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 27 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Mica Thanks for posting the update and the picture. The excitement grows !! Nick | ||
| jeff
Junior Username: jeff Post Number: 45 Registered: 12-2003 |
Hey Nick, That Myrtle body wood is beautiful and should look great with the superb walnut top. I am curious though - did you chose the myrtle strictly for its appearance or is there some sonic reason for your choice? Jeff | ||
| nick_bassman
Junior Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 28 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Jeff I have to be honest with you and say that I chose the myrtle purely for looks and I wanted something a little different. I think it will look cool with the walnut top too. The bass will have Series 2 electronics so I reckon I should be able to most any tones I want from the electronics. I hope that answers your question. Cheers Nick | ||
| nick_bassman
Junior Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 29 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Jeff I chose the myrtle for the looks and because I wanted something a little different. I think the myrtle colour will tone very well with the walnut. The bass will have Series 2 electronics fitted so I don't think tonal variety will be a problem. Thanks for your interest. Cheers Nick | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1844 Registered: 6-2000 |
This one is also from the 15th of the body halves before glueing to the neck:  You can see the hollowed out portion is already shielded with silver. There's sealer coats on your bass now, so the next pictures I take will give you a really good idea of what the finished bass will look like. | ||
| nick_bassman
Junior Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 30 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Mica Wow that's looking good already. Just getting the shape into the body makes all the difference. The walnut and myrtle really look great together. I'm looking forward to seeing the next progress pictures. Thanks Nick | ||
| nick_bassman
Junior Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 33 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Mica I was just looking at Derrick's gorgeous featured custom. In particular the stunning abalone ovals, very very nice. Anyway I wanted to ask is it too late for mine to get something like those ovals ? Thanks Nick | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1860 Registered: 6-2000 |
It's at least it's too late to add without refretting. So while we could add them, I'll hate to ask James to redo his fine fretwork so soon. Plus, you'd have to pay for the ovals and the refret, so I'd say it's not practical at this point. Sorry I've been not posting many pictures lately. I did see you bass on Monday getting fretted. So that means there's only a few more coats of finish to go. | ||
| nick_bassman
Junior Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 34 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Mica I totally agree. I'd hate to ruin all the good work that James has put in to it. Maybe on the next one ;) Anyway I do have the inlaid logo to look forward to and I'm sure that will be spectacular. It sounds like it's getting close now roughly how long do you think it will be until I get my new baby ? Thanks Nick | ||
| nick_bassman
Junior Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 37 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Mica How are things progressing ? The excitement is really getting to me !! Thanks Nick | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1887 Registered: 6-2000 |
It's so close, but so far away! Right now it got sent back to the shop for a minor modification - your neck dimensions were wide enough that our standard 6-string pickups were not able to catch the B string evenly, so the cavities are being enlarged for wider pickups. Will probably be ready to ship the week os September 13th. | ||
| nick_bassman
Junior Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 38 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Mica Thanks for the report. Do you have any more recent pics ? Cheers Nick | ||
| the_mule
Advanced Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 247 Registered: 1-2004 |
Nick, is there any particular reason why this 6-string has a 33" scale length instead of 32" or 34"? I'm seriously considering a custom order of a 32" 6-string, that's why I'd really like to know how you came to this 'compromise'..? Thanks! Wilfred | ||
| nick_bassman
Junior Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 41 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hey Wilfred You hit the nail right on the head with the word compromise. I have for some while now been playing mostly my 36" scale AJ (see miscellaneous forum). Time and arthritis have taken their toll on my hands to the point where I'm having trouble playing some lines on the 36" due to "bending fingers". I do have 35" basses too and have the same problem and just lately I have been noticing similar signs on my 34" basses as my fretting pinky is now developing an alarming bend !! I have a 32" four string and love the ease of this but I wasn't convinced by a 32" B string. So using some twisted logic I thought 33" would be a good compromise. I also found out that Matt Garrison plays a 33" five string tuned EADGC which he drop tunes to play a low B on and having seen him in action it seemed to work. Now I'm not saying that a 32" B string won't work, it may be very possible with an Alembic and a beefy enough string (and there's probably someone who does it with a light string) but I want to play with light strings. All in all probably not a very logical criteria in some respects but when you are desperate to continue playing when your body is collapsing around you anything seems worth trying. Cheers Nick | ||
| the_mule
Advanced Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 249 Registered: 1-2004 |
I'm sorry to hear about your personal reason for 'downscaling'. I've just got small fingers and have found the 32" scale the most comfortable to play (I also own a 30.75" and a 34"). Thanks for your very clear and detailed answer. BTW, your bass looks great! Wilfred | ||
| nick_bassman
Junior Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 44 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Wilfred Thanks for your kind thoughts. I think the bass will look cool too and it is only a few weeks away from my hands !! Cheers Nick | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1904 Registered: 6-2000 |
Here's the bass with the larger pickups, ready for the calibration:   The satin finish turned out really nice, hard to tell in the pics. My dad's got Barry's to finish first, then 2 repair upgrades that have been patiently waiting. I'll let you know when we're doing something other than waiting. | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1532 Registered: 9-2002 |
LOve this design! Europa's are nice!! Paul TBO | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 611 Registered: 7-2003 |
Wow. Nice combination. The top looks great, the myrtle is very rich looking and interesting and the satin finish really works! Congrats! Can't wait to see final pix on this beauty. Bill | ||
| davehouck
Senior Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 790 Registered: 5-2002 |
The Walnut and Myrtle are both really nice! With the clean fretboard, Purpleheart lams and SII controls, this is a very nice Alembic! | ||
| nick_bassman
Junior Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 45 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Mica What can I say but ........ wow !!! That is looking so good. I'm really pleased how the myrtle and walnut go together and the finish looks great too. How does the inlaid logo look ? Thanks for posting the pics !! Nick | ||
| nick_bassman
Junior Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 46 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Mica I just wanted to ask about the mono/stereo switch for the jack output. I couldn't see it (but then I could be looking I the wrong place), is this something your Dad sets up ? Thanks Nick | ||
| rklisme
Member Username: rklisme Post Number: 90 Registered: 5-2004 |
Nick I just saw your bass this afternoon and all I can say is WOW! I think you should be very happy to receive it! I hope you have a strong back if you plan on standing with it, it is a handful! I was there planning my next bass when I got the chance to see yours. I am sure you are counting the days. Rory | ||
| nick_bassman
Junior Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 47 Registered: 9-2002 |
14,13,12 ........... no I must stop !! I'm glad you like the bass rkl. Judging by the pics I'm going to be very proud. I'm guessing it can't be heavier than my Fodera AJ, at least I hope not !! Cheers Nick | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1540 Registered: 9-2002 |
I think I would also go for this body-style in stead the Balance K when choosing a 6 string. Although I would choose the front capping to be bookmatched to center. Curious how you will like the sound! Paul the bad one | ||
| nick_bassman
Junior Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 49 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Mica Sorry to repeat I was concerned this would get lost in the huge amount of posts. I just wanted to ask about the mono/stereo switch for the jack output. I couldn't see it (but then I could be looking I the wrong place), is this something your Dad sets up ? Thanks Nick | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 627 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hi Nick: The stereo/mono selector is a switch on the DSR5 power supply. I believe battery powered operation (through the bass's 1/4" output jack) is always mono. Bill | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1918 Registered: 6-2000 |
The switch is optional and not drilled by the NC machine. It's drilled by hand right as we're installing the electronics. Sorry for the worry! | ||
| nick_bassman
Junior Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 50 Registered: 9-2002 |
Thanks Mica that clears it up nicely. How's everything else going ? Bill - You're right the standard for the jack is mono but you can still have stereo or switched. Cheers Nick | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1925 Registered: 6-2000 |
Got one of the logo for you:  And now we'll just be waiting in line for the final test/calibration procedure. It likely won't be on dad's bench until early October, there's quite a few in line ahead of yours. If there's any change, I'll let you know. | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1562 Registered: 9-2002 |
***sigh*** she has a pointed headstock ...well, I'll have to live with that (mmm ...that is to say ...you'll have). Paul TBO | ||
| nick_bassman
Member Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 51 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Mica Thanks for the update and the picture. That logo does look beautiful. The top piece is very "cloud" like and the bottom piece looks kind of like a cliff face with sky above and the sea below. I'm really looking forward to the day it arrives in it's new home. I understand that you can't rush genius !! Cheers Nick | ||
| nick_bassman
Member Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 52 Registered: 9-2002 |
Oh Paul, Paul, Paul While I understand and admire your adherence to Alembic tradition I have to say that IMO for the more "modern" Alembic bodies the cone peghead is right. Especially with the side benefit of more straight string path to the tuners. I'll happilly live with it especially knowing that you won't be !! ;) ** gloating and maniacal laugh ** Cheers Nick | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1567 Registered: 9-2002 |
Oh well, "She has a BEAUTIFUL body so ...we can always drop a towel over her head" goes a rather sick joke over here in the macho part of Belgium. I'd love the 4/2 set up on an Orion-styled pegheadfor the Elan body. I think the strings can go as straight as here. But ...well ...it IS a good thing that tastes differ so much in the world. The place would be rather boring if everybody has the same. Can you imagine everybody having an Alembic?? OK ...earthquakes ...superior low frequencied sounds, but OTOH ...you would paying A FORTUNE for a Fender Squier!!! HA!!!! Paul the bad one | ||
| nick_bassman
Member Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 54 Registered: 9-2002 |
It's OK Paul we each have our own thing and thank goodness as you say. I've never been big on assymmetrical headstocks so the 4/2 thing would work for me I'm afraid. Hey and what's wrong with a Fender Squier ...... apart from .... no I'd better not go there ;) | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1568 Registered: 9-2002 |
Oh-oh-oh ...I am the PROUD owner of a Korean Fender Squier: "Broomstick"!!!!!!! I bought her for 100$!!!! As probably you would remember when I got her she sounded as a broomstick-on-washthub bass and played as baseball bat strung with rubber luggage binders. After changing to 'd Addario flatwounds and giving her the "Brother-Joey-setting-up-routine" she plays as a womans leg but still sound as the broomstick-on-washthub bass. Oh well ...she has that ..."something old" sound. It's ok! Paul the bad one  Here you see "Broomstick" while I was jamming with my future sun-in-law. (No I didn't use the Miele dishwasher as an amplifier HA!) | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 459 Registered: 12-2002 |
Hey playin in the kitchen?,,you guys must have really been "cookin!" | ||
| nick_bassman
Member Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 55 Registered: 9-2002 |
Groan !! ;) | ||
| dannobasso
Intermediate Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 138 Registered: 3-2004 |
Personally I love the look of the exposed neck laminates. I also love that body style. It has some great lines and curves. IT took some getting used to the cone head because the Crown was so traditional, but it does work beautifully with the string tension line on the nut. You have a true work of classic art there. Congrats! Play it in good health to the awe and envy of many. Danno | ||
| nick_bassman
Member Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 64 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Mica I was just wondering if there was any further news ? Xmas is coming and I think I deserve a big present ;) Cheers Nick | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1792 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hohohohoho ...have you been a good boy Nick???? PTBO | ||
| nick_bassman
Member Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 65 Registered: 9-2002 |
No offence Paul but if it comes to sitting on someone's knee ............ I'd prefer Mica's to yours ! ;) | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1798 Registered: 9-2002 |
True ...but I have (the start of ) a long white beard and white curly hair. Paul TBO PTW: I'll come and sit next to you!!! | ||
| nick_bassman
Member Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 66 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Mica, Just in case you missed my question. I was just wondering if there was any further news ? Xmas is coming and I think I deserve a big present ;) Cheers Nick | ||
| nick_bassman
Member Username: nick_bassman Post Number: 68 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Mica I hope you are all moved and settled. I was just wondering how things were going with my baby ? Cheers Nick |
