| Author |
Message |
bkbass
Intermediate Member
Username: bkbass
Post Number: 123
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 - 7:14 am: |  |
Awesome as usual Rami. I know that there is a ton of fine details that bear closer appreciation. Pehaps after the honeymoon you could share some of those with us. My eyes just glide over the whole instrument effortlessly. Even on my own babies I stop here and there and say to myself I shoulda,woulda,coulda and oh well... on the next one I'll do this or that. So for me this new bass of yours not only represents who you are the incredible craftsmanship of our extended family but also the years of enjoying and building and changing and learning that makes this one so special and so complete. I hold Val's Batman meets Alembic and the Sterling Anniversary model on the catalog cover as two of the most ultimate I've even seen in terms of detail/workmanship. And now I have a third, yours. Good luck and God bless.BK. |
keavin
Senior Member
Username: keavin
Post Number: 950
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 - 10:19 am: | |
Damn Ram!!!... |
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami
Post Number: 588
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 - 7:19 pm: | |
Thanks for the kind words Barry. Building this Bass has been quite a journey that started back in 2002. Many highs and lows - in fact the Bass was completed last October! The whole year delay was for the case - a VERY big low. I'm just glad to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm hoping to share it with you all as a featured custom with Mica's sharp photography and detailed description. It's a heck of a Bass that took a heck of a long time, but I guess you can't rush fine art - which is what it really is.
Peace,
Rami |
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami
Post Number: 592
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, December 02, 2006 - 8:58 am: | |
Thanks again Mica, Ron, Susan, Mary, Val and all the talented Alembic artists who made this a reality. It's everything I dreamed it would be. It combines the best elements of "Dark Prince", "ET" and my Series II. We designed it to be the culmination of the greatest Alembics ever built and it delivers. There are no adequate words to describe it's sound, it's sustain, definition and articulation. It is the greatest Alembic ever. I cannot imagine topping this one. It is perfection. I promise to treat it with the care and respect it is due. I'm forever grateful.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rami
(Message edited by rami on December 02, 2006) |
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck
Post Number: 4579
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, December 02, 2006 - 5:34 pm: | |
I think he likes it! |
bigbadbill
Advanced Member
Username: bigbadbill
Post Number: 261
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, December 03, 2006 - 4:02 am: | |
I'm not surprised!!!! Double wow!!!! |
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami
Post Number: 593
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 03, 2006 - 4:46 pm: | |
I also like the way it arrived. The weather was unseasonably warm for Nov. 30th. It was a clear and dry day. It even intimidated mother nature into showing respect!
It's my Excalibur.
(Message edited by rami on December 04, 2006) |
inthelows
Intermediate Member
Username: inthelows
Post Number: 129
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 - 8:35 pm: | |
Absolutely STUNNING !!
NLP |
the_8_string_king
Advanced Member
Username: the_8_string_king
Post Number: 237
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 - 9:22 pm: | |
Rami, it looks like you're once again the proud owner of yet another of MY all-time favorite Alembics!
Although I'm getting Coco Bolo on my next custom -for the sound- I'm with you... Ebony is my favorite wood for top and back, appearance-wise! It's just stunning! |
bassjigga
Member
Username: bassjigga
Post Number: 64
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 - 10:48 pm: | |
Hey Rami, your basses never cease to wow. What a collection. I think there should be a thread in the showcase called "Rami Basses." I've been goin over ideas for a custom fretless and I was wondering if you'd be kind enough to share your experience with the tones of configurations like the "twins" vs. something like your fretless Excels. Set neck vs. neck-through. Neck lams etc. You can email me if that's better. I've talked a bit with Susan too but always nice to get multiple perspectives.
Dave |
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami
Post Number: 594
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 06, 2006 - 7:03 am: | |
Thanks for the comments guys. My goal for sound was to pick the most dense, heaviest woods and combined with the increased string tension of the 36" scale. True, Coco Bolo is a bit heavier than Ebony, but not enough to make any significant difference in sound. I guess it's just a personal preference - Macassar Ebony has that dark, mysterious quality and beauty that really turns me on.
Making a direct comparison between all my fretless basses is a bit complicated because I don't want to imply that one is inferior to another.
The Excel, with it's set neck construction, Ash body and Pau Ferro fingerboard, has alot of punch and natural growl. The neck-through Basses have more sustain and low end fundamental. "ET" and "Black Byrd" have much more of this, along with natural overtones and a wonderful, glorious chorus. I can swear they're living beings that sing. I highly recommend as many Ebony laminates in the neck as you can get; it's SUCH a unique sound, it's hard to believe there's no chorus or sustain pedals between the Bass and the amplifier. There's also the differences in sound between "ET" and "Black Byrd" due to the other body woods and electronics. "ET"'s body has a Mahogany core with Purplerheart laminates under th Mac Ebony top and back. It's neck is Maple with Ebony laminates. "Black Byrd" is 100% Ebony and Purpleheart. "ET" has a bit of a softer edge than "Black Bryd", which has a more powerful, deeper sound. Also, "ET" has standard Rogue electronics versus "Black Byrd"'s Series II electronics.
I really love the sound of all my Basses. They all have distinctive voices, which is why I can't part with any of them. |
keavin
Senior Member
Username: keavin
Post Number: 992
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 06, 2006 - 10:17 am: | |
Hey rami, sounds like you should submit some sound clips? |
bassjigga
Member
Username: bassjigga
Post Number: 65
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 06, 2006 - 10:22 am: | |
Thanks for the info Rami. Yeah sound clips would be awesome! |
the_8_string_king
Advanced Member
Username: the_8_string_king
Post Number: 239
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 06, 2006 - 8:08 pm: | |
Yeah, ebony laminates in the neck are freaking awesome. My 8-String Europa has 6 ebony laminates in the neck -and the ebony sound is overwhelmingly obvious and out-of-this-world!!!
Mica tells me that a mere 1 laminate will supply 60-80% of the sound while being cheaper and lighter than having more.
So my next custom, in the pipeline will have just 1 central ebony laminate, flanked by vermillion, and then purpleheart, maple, and mahogany -sandwiched between coco bolo... should be sweet!
Anyway, YOUR bass looks awesome, and I'm SURE the sound matches!!! I hope (and am optimistically confident) that my bass will look as awesome as yours... even if it only looks half as good, I'd be a very happy camper!!! |
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq
Post Number: 1820
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 06, 2006 - 9:00 pm: | |
Rami:
Whatabass! I'm going to miss visiting her at the showroom. Enjoy and make lots of great music for many years to come.
Bill, tgo |
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami
Post Number: 598
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, December 07, 2006 - 7:16 pm: | |
I can't tell you guys enough what a great honor that was for me. Even though it was there for observation (some finish concerns) while the case was being designed and constructed. Having it in the showroom for all to see and offer their comments was a real source of pride for me. When Mica and I designed it, I was only considering what would please me about it as per my vision. I'm even more pleased that others appreciate it as much as I do. Having my name inlaid on it (I hope) ties me in some way forever with Alembic and the great people who created it. I recommend that to anyone ordering a custom Alembic. |
dubalbal
Advanced Member
Username: dubalbal
Post Number: 202
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, December 10, 2006 - 1:33 am: | |
Hi Rami ,
...no doubt about it , your instrument speaks by itself : nothing but the best !!! Congrats for your beautiful bass !!!
Btw , could you tell me where your " so long " waited case comes from ? Who made it ? It's also a piece of art ! ...i'll probably make one for me .
Thank's Rami !
ALAIN - ( Belgium ) |
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee
Post Number: 671
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 10, 2006 - 4:05 am: | |
Rami, forgive my colourful language but It appears that you have a large collection of alembics and I just wondered......, in the nicest possible way,
"are you the most promiscious buyer in your persuit and of alembics?" :-)
It seems like you do have problems holding down a steady relationship with any single Alembic Instrument, and you do have an eye for beautiful and curvy bodied and smooth long necked and very individual Alembic supermodels. Maybe even a preference for the darker models.
Far from me to invade the privacy of a gentleman, however some questions must be asked..... "Are you in fact the Errol Flynn of the alembic world?"
Or is there someone here who has "HAD" more Alembics than you? :-)
No bragging or wishful thinking..just honesty.
You can of course exercise your right to the Fifth Amendment ;-)
It's always nice to see your input on comments in the forum. I will definately seek out your experience with the Alembics when I'm ready for my first Alembic Custom.
Have a good week. lol
Jazzyvee
(Message edited by jazzyvee on December 10, 2006) |
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler
Post Number: 421
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, December 10, 2006 - 4:56 am: | |
How about a group picture?
That might also be a nice addition to the main Alembic site  |
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami
Post Number: 599
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 10, 2006 - 8:55 am: | |
Hi Alain,
The case is made by JAN-AL CASES.
They have a website: www.janalcase.com
It's pretty impressive. It was worth the wait. |
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq
Post Number: 1850
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, December 10, 2006 - 9:38 am: | |
"Errol Flynn of the Alembic world"?
I've always thought of Rami as the Mormon of the Alembic world - the one with the most wives! I know of only one person who might possess more Alembics than Rami. I think the name is "Wickersham", or something like that! LOL
Bill, tgo |
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami
Post Number: 600
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 10, 2006 - 11:07 am: | |
I almost sold an Excel once. I gave it to my local dealer for consignment. Even though I had another identical one, I felt such a sense of loss and regret, I ran back there two days later and brought it back home. Yep, it's a real relationship I have with them. I never thought of them as wives, but perhaps a Harem?
;-) |
hifiguy
Junior
Username: hifiguy
Post Number: 47
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, December 10, 2006 - 2:18 pm: | |
Doesn't dannobasso have 11 or 12 Alembics? AFAIK he's the king of compulsive Alembic acquisition since the Entwistle collection was broken up. |
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler
Post Number: 422
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, December 10, 2006 - 2:47 pm: | |
Who's counting?... Rami?
My guess... about 11 or 12 Excels (?) and at least 4 Rogues(3 Customs)... |
dannobasso
Senior Member
Username: dannobasso
Post Number: 411
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, December 10, 2006 - 3:48 pm: | |
Rami has me beat by a country mile! I'm on 13 Alembic basses and 1 guitar. Plus his collection of non alembics is noteworthy as well. I'm selling off my non Alem stock because as Rami stated there is a relationship with my Santa Rosa Children. Whatever the number of tools in your shed, play them all in good health and humor.
Congrats Rami on your latest inspiration. |
hifiguy
Junior
Username: hifiguy
Post Number: 48
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, December 10, 2006 - 7:49 pm: | |
Whoa! That's rather mind-boggling. Rami and danno, you must be VERY happy guys! I am thrilled w/my SCSS but she could use a couple of sisters. Well, maybe the four I've designed off the custom brochure, but no more! Someday...
Enjoy, gents!
Paul |
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami
Post Number: 601
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 13, 2006 - 8:00 am: | |
Hi Mica,
I was wondering if the power supply and cable are almost ready. My Series II cable angles up towards the strap pin, but I never liked hooking the cable along the strap as it rubs against the finish. I also need the straplocks and tools for it.
Thanks,
Rami |
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami
Post Number: 608
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 11, 2007 - 12:58 pm: | |
Hi Mica / Val,
Any news on the power supply and cable? |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 3973
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, January 11, 2007 - 1:37 pm: | |
Waiting on the straight end connector. So far I can only get them in the silver color. I know you were hoping for black. Dad's got a company that seems willing to prepare one as a sample item, but they can't tell us how long it will take yet 
If silver finish is okay, I can get the stuff sent to you within a week. |
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami
Post Number: 609
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 11, 2007 - 3:43 pm: | |
If black would take too long, silver is fine. It has adds a nice high end look. As long as it's as solid and durable.
Thanks,
Rami |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 3976
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, January 11, 2007 - 3:53 pm: | |
Oh yeah, it's the same good connector, just in the standard finish. We'll get one ordered tomorrow in silver for both ends, and should be ready to ship it out really soon. |
jtussing
Junior
Username: jtussing
Post Number: 12
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 - 5:12 pm: | |
This bass is totally sick. Disgusting. Unbelievable.
:-) |
eastcoastepic
Intermediate Member
Username: eastcoastepic
Post Number: 194
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 - 8:07 pm: | |
Well, I think this is the first time I've ever seen 'disgusting' given as an opinion for an Alembic instrument. However, when you pair it with "totally sick' and "unbelievable', I believe it is a very good, albeit radical, description of an amazing work of art.
I'm with you on this one, Jim. |
jtussing
Junior
Username: jtussing
Post Number: 13
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 - 8:20 pm: | |
Toadley! Alembic...when only a radical description will do!
:-) |
bkbass
Intermediate Member
Username: bkbass
Post Number: 126
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 19, 2007 - 7:25 am: | |
Rami, how about some more pix of the three together? While we're waiting for Mica's incredible camera. |
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami
Post Number: 611
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 - 3:45 pm: | |
Yep, It's pretty outrageous. I cannot describe with mere words what it is to behold such a creation in reality. I'm not usually an emotional person - but when I first opened it's case, I had an emotional reaction that would have brought the house down! I probably could have used a doctor at that moment. I feel very lucky to be its custodian. It is no less than a masterpiece. It is perfection - I cannot think of any way to top it. |
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