| Author | Message | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1775 Registered: 6-2000 |
Just waiting for the goldplated nut to return, threw on a brass one so we'd feel more "done"  And the logo looks just great.  Hopefully the knobs, the case and the replated nut will all converge within the next few days and we can officially pronounce this project completed. | ||
| rklisme
Member Username: rklisme Post Number: 55 Registered: 5-2004 |
Wow, what a nice looking intrument! I love quilted maple! I hope mine will turn out this beautiful. It sounds like she is almost home. Rory | ||
| kmh364
Intermediate Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 160 Registered: 9-2003 |
Mica, Thank you very much! The thing looks absolutely awesome! Another Alembic masterpiece for sure. The logo looks absolutely incredible with the gold plating and shell...like the fine jewelry it is. I cannot wait to get my hands on it, LOL! I'm betting it looks even better in person and sounds/plays like a dream. I'm assuming you weren't impressed with the gold plating job done on the original nut, hence the "replated nut" comment. That's OK by me: We both want the thing as perfect as it can be, Amen, LOL! I'm also assuming that the thing is strung with nickel roundwound 45's, which is also fine by me (I don't think I specified gauge in my original order, my bad). BTW, I picked out the final version of the knobs today...Roger used your wood(s) and they look great. He had a flame ash that was nice but the color and the grain just wasn't as good of a match, plus knobs with that wood would not have been big enough to be Alembic tophat-style like the ones on it already. Hopefully, he'll get them done ASAP so they can make it in time for delivery. | ||
| kmh364
Intermediate Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 161 Registered: 9-2003 |
Rory, Thanks for the compliments. This is a "To Me From Me" 40th Birthday present that I ordered back in December '03 after falling in love with two Alembic "Specials of the Month". I'm a figured wood freak, especially maple. Alembic, as usual, out-did themselves! | ||
| bkbass
Junior Username: bkbass Post Number: 48 Registered: 11-2003 |
Congatulations Dad!A fine birth for sure.See you worried for nothing!Yes it will look ten times better in person and the sound will be nothing like you've experienced before!Come by and I'll give you a free Q filter lesson.LOL I'm guessing that I'll be done sometime at the end of the month.Mine started back in Nov'03.One gets used to the wait after 5 or 6 right Rami? | ||
| dannobasso
Junior Username: dannobasso Post Number: 48 Registered: 3-2004 |
I ordered my latest on 04/03 before the increase. Still knitting booties for the arrival! The waiting does not get much easier. Personally I spend lots of cash while I wait. Picked up a Ripper, a Ric 4003, Acme B4, Epi T115, Fender Esquire Celtic, Incase bag, PLX3402, Spare F1X, Korg DTR 2000, a few Levy's straps. I've waited for 6 out of 10 Alembics. But after you have it in your hands the pain goes away. It's about as close as we get to childbirth. Current gestation 14 months. Congratulations on your beautiful bass. Prepare for the onslaught of envy from Sadowsky guys! Danno | ||
| kmh364
Intermediate Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 163 Registered: 9-2003 |
Barry, Danno: Thanks for all the fine compliments. I can't wait to get this baby home to Daddy! The "good things come to those who wait" cliche' is certainly apropos here. I think both of your basses are not that far off...just waiting for the Alembic Wizards's magic to be consumated. Danno: I certainly know what you mean...I've had to consciously curb my GAS while waiting for this thing. I looked at other new/used Alembics, Laklands, Dingwalls, Elricks, Fenders to tide me over (I've resisted so far) SF-2's and FX-1's, envelope filters, bassballs, etc. (I've resisted so far). I did buy my Eden amp stack w/custom-fit LeCover padded 1000d cordura covers and every Alembic strap in existence (and one of every Moody strap in two sizes for all my other guitars)...ck those out...Levy's are very nice, Moody's and/or Alembic/Moody's are phenomenal! | ||
| dannobasso
Junior Username: dannobasso Post Number: 50 Registered: 3-2004 |
Being a single male my will power has dwindeled as my salary has increased. I suggessted a bass like yours to a guy in a wedding band I do sound for. He spent about $3800 on a Sadowsky instead. Through the board in the cans it sounds like a much cheaper bass. You have a great crafted instrument there. (Not a Mr. Potato Head put together bass.) Your will power is to be put up as an example for the rest of us. Oh well, off to GC for PA supplies! Danno | ||
| kmh364
Intermediate Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 164 Registered: 9-2003 |
I'm in the same boat: I'm divorced and advanced now in my career. I was broke when I got divorced, but I'm not any longer. I have no bills to speak of, so my income is fairly disposable. Believe you me, I love to spend on toys...I just have to make sure my credit cards stay debt-free, LOL! | ||
| kmh364
Intermediate Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 166 Registered: 9-2003 |
Hi Mica, Any news yet? I haven't heard from Roger @ THG since I finalized the details, so I don't know if he's finished with the knobs yet. BTW: the new Alembic/Moody's straps are awesome. That new Amber wide job with the purple accent will probably look great with the new bass. Regards, Kevin (Message edited by kmh364 on July 03, 2004) | ||
| kmh364
Intermediate Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 168 Registered: 9-2003 |
Danno: That's shame about your buddy with the Sadowsky. They're nice, but are no Alembic. If he had been patient, and hooked up with an awesome dealer like Steve over @ Superbass.net who discounts heavily, he could have gotten one similar to this for around the same money (albeit with slightly less options than this has). I wanted the ultimate high-end Jazz-bass, and I think I was fairly sucessful at getting it (thanks to Alembic). (Message edited by kmh364 on July 03, 2004) | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 474 Registered: 7-2003 |
This is just a great looking bass! I played a 4 string Orion the other day for the first time. Very nice feel and touch. Congratulations. Bill | ||
| kmh364
Intermediate Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 169 Registered: 9-2003 |
Thanks, Bill. Not too shabby for a copy of the "East Meets West" special 'o month from last August, eh? Mica has a similar one in the Alembic store that's for sale. That one was an unfortunate first try boo-boo from when they originally started fabrication on this one. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with that bass! It is typical Alembic: superb build quality, spectacular looks, etc. It's just that both the body wood and pickup (activator) types were not as per my original specification. I wanted an Ash back and J-bass pick-ups versus a Mahogany back and MXY's. The "boo-boo" Custom Orion is an extremely nice piece nonetheless. (Message edited by kmh364 on July 03, 2004) | ||
| kmh364
Intermediate Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 171 Registered: 9-2003 |
Bill: I just realized that you're the one with the awesome cocobolo special. It was very gracious (and modest) of you to compliment me on my (relatively) "cheapo" Custom when you're getting that gorgeous top-of-the-line Custom w/series electronics yourself. It looks like you'll get yours before I get mine, so congratulations to you and enjoy as well. | ||
| kmh364
Intermediate Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 172 Registered: 9-2003 |
Mica: First and foremost: Happy Fourth of July to you and all the fine folks at Alembic. I hope you're all enjoying your time off and are enjoying plenty of barbeque picnic fare...Buon Appetito! I just heard from Roger @ THG. My custom knobs are done and he expects to ship them early this week. They look awesome and should embellish this bad boy even more so than you've already done. Please keep an eye out for them. If you could please install them on the bass and take some pix before you ship, it would be greatly appreciated. I'll take the old knobs as well. If you could just put them in the flight case, that'd be fine. Thanks again, Regards, Kevin | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 479 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hey, Kevin, Thanks for tipping me that there was good news on my bass. As for my compliment - no graciousness or modesty on my part...Your bass looks fantastic! BTW, there are NO cheap Alembics (God only knows...). I'm very interested in how you like your electronics package. I haven't decided exactly what I'm looking for in the 5 string I have planned. But I don't want it to as challenging from a tweaking standpoint as the S2. I really like the quilts on your basses top and the way the accent lam peeks out of the elbow cut. The logo looks great, too. Send pix and give us a review of the electronics when you recieve your new friend. Bill | ||
| kmh364
Intermediate Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 173 Registered: 9-2003 |
Bill: Thanks again. "Cheapo" (i.e., in quotations) is a relative term, LOL! If I spent a little more, I could have just about gone Series. I did want a set neck versus a neck-through to try and limit the weight and keep the J-bass vibe (i.e., midrange punch). It seems "East Meets West" electronics are all the rage these days. I'm seeing a lot of queries about them lately on this site. Innocently enough, I just really wanted that damn original "EMW", so I took that bass as a starting point and just started dressing it up and adding options. While this thing is certainly "Spartan" in absolute Alembic terms, it will certainly be the most complicated control layout I've ever used. I'm used to simple passive stuff (i.e., Stratocaster & Les Paul) and pseudo-active (i.e., Jackson with the passive master vol and tone with active "mid-boost). Even though I'm an Electrical Engineer, I'm afraid I don't know what I'd do with all those knobs and switches on a series (I or II). I hope I made the right choice with the EMW electronics package. Bkbass tells me it was a good way to go, so given his Alembic experience/savvy and playing pedigree, I'll take his word for it until I can try it for myself. He volunteered to show me how to use the "Q" switch and filter knob...I just hope I can get it away from him when he tries it out, LOL!. I will certainly let everyone know how it sounds. I'm assuming it'll give me the versatility of several instruments as this is (currently) my only bass. With the cost of it, it may be an only child for some time, LOL! Du'oh! I still have to learn what all those knobs on my Eden WT-550 do, LOL! As is de rigeur, Mica and Co. conjured up their usual magic when it came to picking out the woods for this bad boy. I actuall wanted the top to match the original "EMW" (at a minimum) or the "Almost Twins" Specials (the ultimate!). I loved those rare huge symmetrical "baloney curl" quilts of the "almost Twins". If you ck out the "boo-boo" EMWII in the Alembic Store, they matched the top on that one to the original EMW top quite closely. It turns out that the top they chose for this bass is relatively unique amongst quilt tops, and quite stunning...better than the EMW or the "boo-boo" EMWII IMHO. The thick Purpleheart accent lam and "Louisville Slugger" ash back were all Alembic as well. I didn't get to pick out any of the woods, but it turned out awesome despite me, LOL! Obviously, Alembic know what they are doing, so I should keep my eyes/ears/mind open, and my mouth shut! (Message edited by kmh364 on July 05, 2004) | ||
| jalevinemd
Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 60 Registered: 12-2003 |
Kevin, I agree whole heartidly with Bill about how great that purpleheart looks beneath the quilt top. My Orion guitar (which I didn't design) has a similar purpleheart lam, sandwiched between a dark mahogany body and dark burl redwood top. It is completely lost except when viewed up close. What a waste! Love the logo as well. Jonathan | ||
| kmh364
Intermediate Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 174 Registered: 9-2003 |
Thanks, Jonathan. Alembic did an awesome job with the top lam. What you may not have noticed is the purpleheart neck pinstripes (go back to the last archive of this thread) that look much nicer than the standard walnut stripes. Like a moron, I almost substituted another accent lam wood as I didn't like the original EMW's thin PH top lam. I also didn't realize that I could have gone for wide PH neck lams (as well as a bridge block). Oh well, hindsight is 20/20, and I did spend a small fortune already on this thing! The logo was also all Alembic...I originally just asked for a gold-plated version of the standard bronze Alembic logo (see the original EMW), and they surprised me with that gorgeous surface-mounted gold plated logo w/ MOP cloud and paua abalone shell. I went nuts over the series II sterling inlayed logo w/shell, but I didn't wanna go for the extra dosh. Having seen it now, I think I actually like the surface mount better! Gotta love Mica! | ||
| kmh364
Intermediate Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 180 Registered: 9-2003 |
Mica, Did you receive the THG knobs yet? Kevin | ||
| kmh364
Intermediate Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 182 Registered: 9-2003 |
Mom/Dad, are we there yet? LOL! (Message edited by kmh364 on July 12, 2004) | ||
| groovelines
Intermediate Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 179 Registered: 4-2003 |
Easy boy, take it easy...I fear that soon you'll be trading the "when's it gonna get here" anxiety for the "when do I get off work, gotta go home" variety. Beautiful bass, glad to see you're getting what you want. Mike | ||
| kmh364
Intermediate Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 185 Registered: 9-2003 |
Thanks, Mike. Just having a little fun at Mica's expense...I know from other's past experiences that an Alembic is done when it's done and not a moment before. It's actually a blessing that I couldn't get a deal on the original "East Meets West" because I'm paying what I wanted to (i.e., discount off of MSRP-wise) and I feel that this one is, at the very least, aesthetically superior. | ||
| malthumb
Advanced Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 248 Registered: 5-2002 |
Oh man that is the most beautiful Orion I've ever seen. The gold plating and logo really accentuate the rich tone of the quilt. Amazing. | ||
| kmh364
Intermediate Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 186 Registered: 9-2003 |
James: Thanks. Coming from you, with the nice axes that you have, that is indeed a compliment. Kudos for the inspiration for this bass go to Kevin and his "Almost Twins", and Marcus Morgan & Co. @ Larry Morgan Music. I took the idea of "EMW" (because I couldn't make a deal with Marcus for the original) and tried to dress it up like the "Almost Twins" without breaking the bank. Throw in a little faerie dust and wave or two of the magic wand by Mica and Co. and there you have it. | ||
| kmh364
Intermediate Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 190 Registered: 9-2003 |
I can't wait to see the thing with the coordinated-wood "hippie sandwich" knobs I commissioned from Roger over at THG. That should really put the crowning touch on this beauty. Mica: any more pics for the expectant father? | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1811 Registered: 6-2000 |
Got the knobs, only snag is I lost one of the inserts! It came lose in the bag during transport and it found a life of its own somewhere on the floor, but it's been illusive. I've asked Roger to shoot me up some spares. Will get you some pics with (most of) the knobs tomorrow afternoon, I'm expecting company in the morning. BTW, these knobs look great, and Mary particularly liked them. | ||
| kmh364
Intermediate Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 193 Registered: 9-2003 |
Thanks, Mica. I thought you forgot about me, LOL! J/K. If you and Mary both think the knobs are great, then they really must be! Thanks to you for sending Roger the wood(s). These knobs weren't cheap, but I think they'll make the bass. I'm dying to see the thing with the knobs in place. BTW, After the knobs, we're waiting for the case and nut re-plate, right? Any ETA yet for a shipping date for me? | ||
| eastcoastepic
Member Username: eastcoastepic Post Number: 81 Registered: 10-2003 |
Kevin, Yet another masterpiece enroute to NJ...."East welcomes West", if you will! That 5A top is absolutely wonderful, and the gold logo is truly a work of art. Can't wait to see what you & Roger dreamed up for the knobs on this beauty! Nothing against black, but custom THG's really add an extra touch of class to an Alembic. Best of luck, and, of course, more pics when you two finally get together.......... Chris | ||
| kmh364
Intermediate Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 197 Registered: 9-2003 |
Chris: Thanks. I tried uploading a pic of the knobs Roger sent me, but it didn't work. We'll have to wait for Mica to post them later today. (Message edited by kmh364 on July 14, 2004) |
