| Author | Message | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2056 Registered: 6-2000 |
Found your bass in carving this morning:  The Walnut has great depth and the CWB look awesome.  Tony was on break when I took this picture of the rough sculpting of the heel. | ||
| the_mule
Advanced Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 310 Registered: 1-2004 |
And another wal-nut has entered the building! And ebony neck laminates also, tasty combination! Wilfred | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2065 Registered: 6-2000 |
Need to fit a tailpiece on this new design. With the extra long scale and the Omega cut, it does limit the options. Here's two ideas:   And in context:   One other option is to make a post-style string anchor like Jimmy Johnson has. | ||
| davehouck
Senior Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 999 Registered: 5-2002 |
That's such a nice looking bass! | ||
| flaxattack
Advanced Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 222 Registered: 4-2004 |
i vote for #2 | ||
| flaxattack
Advanced Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 223 Registered: 4-2004 |
i vote for #2 | ||
| flaxattack
Advanced Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 224 Registered: 4-2004 |
i voted twice in the election also-lol | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 447 Registered: 3-2004 |
I would vote for #2 with the ends being a little more pointy. Picture the bird tailpiece but without the two center points (forward and back) and then sweep the wings back just a bit more to follow the Omega. Not as severe a sweep as on Val's custom, but a compromise in the direction of that design. String-through-body might work, but the length could be a problem. Has Alembic ever built a string-through-body instrument? Oh. Nevermind, I don't get a vote...I think you should put on whatever Gary wants! | ||
| flaxattack
Advanced Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 225 Registered: 4-2004 |
i like the subtleness of #2 bsee. it does not distract from the omega and ebony lams... and it has a nice contour.but its gary choice- you cares what i think anyway-lmao | ||
| davehouck
Senior Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 1003 Registered: 5-2002 |
When the bridge is in position, number 1 will look better. | ||
| adriaan
Advanced Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 390 Registered: 6-2002 |
Like Dave says, #1 probably looks better so close to the bridge, but bsee's suggestion of making the ends more pointy makes sense too: the ends look a bit like lumpy book ends (may well be due to the close-up shot). | ||
| davehouck
Senior Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 1005 Registered: 5-2002 |
I like the way the wood grain fans out around the tailpiece and the omega. | ||
| bigideas
Junior Username: bigideas Post Number: 25 Registered: 1-2004 |
with the way the grain flames at the omega (which, as dave pointed out, is very lovely) #1 looks like it's pinching the wood. i like that. i think it looks cleaner too. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 448 Registered: 3-2004 |
I see the points on #1 and am starting to agree. I think I just prefer them pointier rather than round, though. I'd still want a tighter radius on the corners facing the omega. | ||
| gary
New Username: gary Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2004 |
I think I would prefer a modified version of #1 with more "bird like" shaping. Slight point front center, slight wing tip points downward on the sides. Look at the flame pattern that shows around the edges of the Omega cut, WOW just jumps out at you, and it dosn't even have any finish yet!!! I am soooooooo jazzed. YAHOO, IT'S MY BASS... | ||
| hollis
Senior Member Username: hollis Post Number: 503 Registered: 11-2003 |
Hi Gary, Way to enter this group! Welcome. Your bass is amazing! | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 682 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hi Gary, I, too am in love with your bass. The flames around the omega are very unusual and look great. Can't wait to see the rest of the figuring pop when it gets some finish on it. Congratulations Bill (TBO - the bass one) | ||
| davehouck
Senior Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 1006 Registered: 5-2002 |
Welcome to the group and congrats on a really nice bass! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2108 Registered: 6-2000 |
Here's what Mike cooked up for the more bird-like shape:  Yikes, that snapshot is really poorly exposed, but you can still see the form of the mock-up tailpiece. | ||
| gary
New Username: gary Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2004 |
Yup, thats the right shape. I'd imagine Mike will put the screw holes back of the centerpoint left & right of the A string slot/1 above the B string slot/1 below the G string slot.Might have to widen ever so slightly to put screws at either tip???Really responded well to my suggestion on that. Do my eyes decieve me or is that already some finish on the wood? Gidyup! This is such a creative arrangement of allowing the the construction to be monitered, your company is as unique as the instruments you make. I'm likin this... | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 454 Registered: 3-2004 |
That looks great. You might want a little more metal than that in front of the B string, though. It's probably fine, but it looks like there's so little there! I suspect there will be four bolts holding it in and located in the spaces between the strings rather than any outside of the outside slots. | ||
| jeff
Member Username: jeff Post Number: 78 Registered: 12-2003 |
Gary, The bass is looking like a real beauty. Mica's previous shot illustrates just how wonderful the basket-weavy, flamey walnut and the ebony neck lams will look with that gold hardware. Nice job. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2114 Registered: 6-2000 |
The tailpiece is usually anchored with three screws, I'm not sure how many Mike decided on with this design. Don't worry, there's plenty of metal in front of all the strings. Mike hand milled your tailpiece last night. Finally had some good timing and got the bass before it was prepped:  Chip did a great job as usual positioning the wood on the front.  Kinda hard to appreciate without the backplates, but the back has a burst-like color change, it's remarkable.  | ||
| flaxattack
Advanced Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 243 Registered: 4-2004 |
sweet | ||
| gary
New Username: gary Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2004 |
I'm absolutely delighted w/the beauty of this walnut,the more finish applied, the more eye popping the flame pattern becomes. Any suggestions about making the final clear coat satin finish or gloss??? I've seen you guys achieve incredible results both ways. The gloss is fabulous, but I personally love the satin. Heads up everyone, the famous Amp & speaker designer/Bass player Phil Jones has started peeking at this project. Wouldn't be surprised if his own custom order ends up gracing the factory to customer pages here soon...We both find the very best hard to resist. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2150 Registered: 6-2000 |
Gloss is better on dark woods. We can leave the neck with a satin feel if you find that you have a tendancy to stick to gloss finishes. Tony has carved another Omega for you:  Now you'll have that other plane of symmetry you were after.  These pictures were taken right after he carved it - those rasp marks will be smoothed away of course. He rounded it out a little so you could see the Ebony laminates and reinforce the similar look at the two ends. | ||
| gary
New Username: gary Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2004 |
WOWHOW! The miniature omega cut just as I'd imagined it. Such a little detail, such titilation. Nice artistry Tony. I predict this option will be bigger than gold teeth. Mica, I believe you're right about the gloss finish for this bass. And the satin for the back of the neck. By all means... Just out of curiosity, what is the CWB??? | ||
| dadabass2001
Advanced Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 296 Registered: 6-2002 |
That should be "Continuous Wood Backplates", allowing us to see more of the figuring and color shift on the back.  Mike P.S. Have I mentioned I LUV walnut! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2169 Registered: 6-2000 |
Logo inlaid:  James did the preset on your bass today. That's where he does a complete setup, then takes all the hardware off. Over the next couple of days, Chris will buff and polish the brass and then we'll send it out to the gold plater. | ||
| jeff
Member Username: jeff Post Number: 85 Registered: 12-2003 |
I really love the grain pattern and color of this walnut, and that logo is stunning. This bass is just darn good looking. | ||
| bigbadbill
Intermediate Member Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 137 Registered: 10-2003 |
You know, I just love these Balance Ks more and more....stunning. Can't wait to see it finished! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2220 Registered: 6-2000 |
Gold-plated hardware came back recently and it's installed on the bass now:  Lighting in this area isn't that hot, but you get the general idea. It should receive the electronics this week, but then it's a good line before the calibration. Yours is on the schedule for the week of February 14 - let's hope that everything goes smoothly before then. | ||
| gary
New Username: gary Post Number: 5 Registered: 11-2004 |
Hey Mica, appreciate the updates along the way. Just like "Rory's Coco Bolo"request Could I see a full clear shot of my bass not only for my own archive, but for friends & family all over the country to see. They've followed the progress & would love to see it complete or nearly so. thanks soooo much. Gary | ||
| gary
New Username: gary Post Number: 6 Registered: 11-2004 |
Hey Mica, appreciate the updates along the way. Just like "Rory's Coco Bolo" request, Could I see a full clear shot of my bass(maybe front& back) not only for my own archive, but for friends & family all over the country to see. They've followed the progress & would love to see it complete or nearly so. thanks soooo much. Gary | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2278 Registered: 6-2000 |
Here's the pictures you requested:  You'll get both truss rod covers with your bass, the goldplated one that's in the photo and the wooden one. When we ship, the wooden one will be installed, and the brass one will be packed separately.  The back is actually my favorite part - I mentioned it before, but the natural color tone reminds me of a sunburst, only this one's created by Nature. Enjoy! | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1942 Registered: 9-2002 |
This IS one of the most stylish basses Alembic ever made. I just wonder HOW it would have been in a bookmatched to center set-up. Congrats to the crew! PTBO | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2340 Registered: 6-2000 |
Ack Gary - I left the memory stick with your bass on it at work. I'll post the finished pics when I arrive tomorrow. In the meantime, here's the before picture of the little power supply:  I didn't get a chance to check on the power supply today, so I'll check it out and call you tomorrow. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2345 Registered: 6-2000 |
Here's those snapshots I told you about on the phone earlier:   The bass looks and plays and sounds fantastic! Tony finished up the custom little power supply, and dad tested it after lunch, so I'd say we're good to ship on Monday. It's my preference not to ship on a Friday, since the bass just winds up sitting in some lonely warehouse over the weekend. I believe you are in a 2-day delivery area, so that means you should see the bass on Wednesday. Will call you with the tracking number when it's available on Monday. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2347 Registered: 6-2000 |
And an "after" picture for the mini power supply:  The outputs are both on the front. When you use the bass/mono alone, you'll get both pickups. To get each pickup separately, use the treble and bass outputs. If you use only the treble output, you'll only get the treble pickup. The 1/4" jack on the bass is wired so that it's always mono and ready for any standard guitar cable. | ||
| gary
New Username: gary Post Number: 7 Registered: 11-2004 |
I recieved my bass, and let me just say,I have owned or at least played nearly every significant brand "high end" bass of the last decade, including some exotic boutique brands. Tobias-Padulla-Lakland-Zon-Kubiki-Warwick-Smith & others. It's a given that my Alembic is stunningly beautiful, the pictures on the link give a hint of that. But I'm convinced, it has the fastest neck (absolute razor) & smoothest feel/action of all of them. Then there's that legendary sonic character of this instrument. Words fail me___ THUNDERSTICK? I think we'll have to go away & be alone for awhile. Yes, I believe its love... | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 707 Registered: 11-2003 |
I've fallen behind on my Factory to Customer reading and all I can say is "Uhhh". That is magnificent. The Omega headstock really takes it to another level visually. Being a Series it's already on it's own level sonically. Congratulations. Sam |
