| Author | Message | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2845 Registered: 6-2000 |
This really caught my attention!  Can't wait to see this wall-to-wall burl when the finish hits it. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1411 Registered: 9-2003 |
Awesome! | ||
| jerico
Junior Username: jerico Post Number: 28 Registered: 7-2005 |
That's one heck of a piece of wood! Gonna be amazing, I'm sure. Justin | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 53 Registered: 4-2005 |
May I introduce the guitar I commissioned, affectionately named Pele, after the Hawaiian goddess of fire. Needless to say, she's smokin' hot. Thanks go to Alembic, Uncle Bob's, and everyone else who helped make it happen. Thanks for the comments guys. This is going to be one special guitar. T | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2857 Registered: 6-2000 |
Pele is an awesome name. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1440 Registered: 9-2003 |
Awesome name for an awesome piece of wood...can you say CUSTOM-OF-THE-MONTH...I thought you could, LOL! | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 54 Registered: 4-2005 |
Thanks Kevin. As far as guitar COTM's, I wouldn't be so presumptuous with the many beautiful Furthers in production with the wonderful inlay work. I believe those have a much better chance than my simple idea. The elves have a very tough yet fun decision to make every month. Just going down the list in here, each one is deserving with a great story to tell. After seeing that amazing Amboyna bookmatch on the Gilmer site, I knew that I had to have Amboyna on my next instruments after getting my "classic" BalK in Coco. E.T. is getting the next successive slice which is even prettier than this one in my humble opinion, so that's going to be out of this world. And they have to be pretty because they won't be getting much playing time. My BalK will be getting the majority of my attention. As I told Susan in an email, my BalK is bass nirvana. (If nirvana can be reached without series electronics, that is...) Mica's promised more pics when the opportunities present themselves. Let's wait and watch. :o) Burls of world unite! T (Message edited by lidon2001 on December 07, 2005) | ||
| jerico
Junior Username: jerico Post Number: 29 Registered: 7-2005 |
I'm with you on united burls of wood (I have a Further being made up now with burl maple - although I don't think it's quite the same thing!!!) Justin | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2955 Registered: 6-2000 |
Your guitar just got the little dot inlays.  The wood is just so amazing!  The backplates look good too  Did I mention that the wood was awesome?  | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1621 Registered: 9-2003 |
Awesome wood!!!! | ||
| jahnahisti
Junior Username: jahnahisti Post Number: 25 Registered: 9-2005 |
It looks like it's on fire! Pele's smokin.' It looks like an inferno in there. Awesome! | ||
| jerico
Junior Username: jerico Post Number: 44 Registered: 7-2005 |
That is really, really, really amazing... How will this wood sound relative to maple or cocobolo? Justin | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 76 Registered: 4-2005 |
C'mon baby light my fire! Wow, so much more than I expected. Thanks Mica and everyone! A special thanks to Malthumb and his Marchlewski 5 string. His instrument was an inspiration for this as well. T | ||
| bassfingers
Member Username: bassfingers Post Number: 57 Registered: 11-2005 |
The noise you may have just heard was my jaw making contact with my desk!. I'm afraid I'll have to use the 'A' word again,but even *A*W*E*S*O*M*E*!* with a 21 gun salute seems too modest,I've never seen Amboyna like this before.The Santa Rosa Alchemists appear to have fused solid gold with marble,particularly in the 2nd of the 4 pics above.Mica,any chance of posting a link to 'Superlatives R Us'?.My vote for COTM.So beautiful. Congratulations T!, Simon. | ||
| tom_z
Advanced Member Username: tom_z Post Number: 267 Registered: 7-2004 |
Beautiful! What a gorgeous piece of wood. Great choice Tom. Can't wait to see this all dressed up. Tom | ||
| jalevinemd
Advanced Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 306 Registered: 12-2003 |
Amazing! Looks like it was chiseled from stone. Jonathan | ||
| jeff
Intermediate Member Username: jeff Post Number: 116 Registered: 12-2003 |
As a lover of exotic woods, I thought that I owned one of the nicest pieces of Amboyna burl in the form of an Elie Bleu humidor (stores cigars and keeps them fresh), that is, until I saw this incredible piece of art. Congratulations Tom on Pele, the soon-to-be Alembic goddess. | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 79 Registered: 4-2005 |
Thanks Simon, Tom, Jonathan, and Jeff. Your kind thoughts are greatly appreciated. I agree with you Jeff about the art aspect. After seeing the guitar in its current state I am going to have a hard time justifying playing it once I get it home. But I'll find a way I'm sure. Due to the stunning nature of the outcome of the guitar, I had to dress her up with some custom knobs and an inlay. She's too pretty not to add a bit more mojo. And is that Pele's "heart" I see just under the bridge in the figuring of the wood? Justin, I haven't a clue with regard to the tone. I was hoping for visual impact, and of course they delivered way beyond my expectations. I'm assuming with the Mahogany body it will be pretty standard, but who knows? Since I added the inlay, and there's a long line in front of me, it's going to take a little while to find out. But I sure haven't been playing much guitar with my new bass around. Can't put it down. I can't wait to see yours. Thanks again all! Tom | ||
| rickkessler
New Username: rickkessler Post Number: 9 Registered: 1-2006 |
I have to say that, generally, I'm wary of burled wood because it can be hit or miss IMHO. However, I think that is one of the most beautiful tops I've ever seen on any instrument ever. Tom you're a very lucky man, and Mica and company are just amazing crafters. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 892 Registered: 7-2004 |
Tom: HOLY CRIPES!!!!! Absolutely INCREDIBLE wood! Front and BACK too??!!!!! I want one, I want one, I want one!!!!! I'm going to make a point of stopping in just to see it in person the next time I'm driving up 101. I'm almost speechless (typeless?). WOW! You lucky dog. Bill, tgo | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 80 Registered: 4-2005 |
Thanks Bill. No back lam, just covers. I'd love to hear your comments if you get a chance to stop by. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 907 Registered: 7-2004 |
Tom: I stopped by Alembic today on my way back from court in Santa Rosa. I made it a point to check out your axe. All I can say is WOW!!!! (Oh yeah, I aleady said that). How about incredibly amazingly outstanding? Of course that is still an understatement. It hadn't even been buffed out yet, but it still is one of the most gorgeous pieces of wood I have ever seen. You must have huge deposits in your bank account of karma to have this instrument come into your life. You're gonna love it! Bill, tgo | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 87 Registered: 4-2005 |
Thanks for checking on it Bill. Much appreciated. The anticipation grows every day. Tom | ||
| osoloco69
Junior Username: osoloco69 Post Number: 31 Registered: 9-2005 |
What does amboyna smell like? I am curious because I found out the hard was that zebrawood smells like urine when cut. | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 88 Registered: 4-2005 |
I read that it actually has a pleasant aroma when cut. You'd have to ask them for sure. | ||
| petre
New Username: petre Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2006 |
I recently drilled the holes for the switches, and I've still got the aroma lingering in my memory. I'd call it a masculine aroma, heavy on the creamy notes, almost similar to a Thai iced tea. Dark and warm with light hints of tobacco and perhaps a camphoric spice. Not so much sweet as savory and creamy. While I'd like to compare it to other scents of freshly hewn wood such as cocobolo or Madagascar rosewood, it's very unique. If I was forced to relate it to another wood, I'd say it has muffled tones of paduak. -Pete | ||
| valvil
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 843 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hi Peter, for anyone who is wondering, Peter is our carver these days and a very good one at that. Valentino | ||
| eastcoastepic
Intermediate Member Username: eastcoastepic Post Number: 170 Registered: 10-2003 |
Wow, how about that for a precise description! Did you, by chance, previously write for the J. Peterman catalog?  (Sorry, silly Seinfeld reference; couldn't resist) Nice work, Peter. Stunning, Tom, best of luck. Chris | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 89 Registered: 4-2005 |
Thanks Chris. I agree with your comments to Peter. My thanks to him as well for his synopsis and his craftsmanship. Tom | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 3121 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Pete!! Welcome to the board!! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 3064 Registered: 6-2000 |
I'll get a picture of the inlay for you soon. Until then, here's the guitar with the final sanding, ready to be buffed:  | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 96 Registered: 4-2005 |
Thanks for the update Mica. I can actually wait on the inlay pic. It would be nice to see it for the first time when I open the case. Sorry guys... Tom | ||
| jlpicard
Advanced Member Username: jlpicard Post Number: 366 Registered: 7-2002 |
AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! Is that my bass hiding behind that gorgeous Amboyna? It's great to know that such a fine instrument is keeping my baby company! | ||
| byoung
Advanced Member Username: byoung Post Number: 204 Registered: 12-2004 |
Congratulations on your sighting, Michael. I'm starting to wonder if mine is like Mr. Snufalufagus and disappears every time I go looking. Just to stay somewhat on topic-- you've got to be super excited, Tom. That top has got to be one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. Brad | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 97 Registered: 4-2005 |
Thank's Mike. I hope some of your Series' magic rubs off on mine. What a GREAT instrument yours is! Love the neck choice. And thank you Brad, for two things. First, your comments here, and second, for picking out such a nice piece of CocoBolo for your custom. It appears the first top you picked out ended up on my bass and I LOVE it! I appreciate the time you spent there to find it. It went to very good use. Tom | ||
| byoung
Advanced Member Username: byoung Post Number: 207 Registered: 12-2004 |
Tom, I'm glad it went to good use! It was a nice piece, but I just fell in love with the one I finally settled on. That amboyna is really something, though. It is quite stunning, in a very literal sense (I know that word gets over-used). | ||
| deadsetmonkey
New Username: deadsetmonkey Post Number: 1 Registered: 2-2006 |
I hate to even ask... but I must. Dollar signs tend to spoil the mood, so perhaps a pvt reply would keep the mood alive (daus.mahnke@gmail.com). But, anyway, I am wondering about how much this guitar will cost? Thanks, DeadSetMonkey | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 3219 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Daus; welcome to the board. The list price for a Skylark can be found on the Alembic site. This guitar obviously has some custom features that would add to the cost. Prices also vary significantly depending on the monthly special in effect at the time of your order. Final cost can also vary depending on the dealer with whom you place your order. | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 98 Registered: 4-2005 |
Hi Daus, and welcome. I prefer not to answer that question, but thank you for your interest. I'm sure Alembic can find more of this amazing wood, and with the February special you can probably get one at reasonable cost if you act before the end of the month. I made sure the monthly special was to my advantage when I ordered this guitar. Tom (Message edited by lidon2001 on February 14, 2006) | ||
| jlpicard
Advanced Member Username: jlpicard Post Number: 374 Registered: 7-2002 |
If you want to check out more of this and other outrageous exotic woods, a good place to look is www.gilmerwood.com I 've seen some great Amboyna there and a whole buch more! Mike | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 995 Registered: 7-2004 |
Tom: I saw your guitar today with the inlay. Yummmmm. I think you're going to like it. Bill, tgo | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 100 Registered: 4-2005 |
Hi Bill, Thanks for keeping an eye on her. I was wondering, is the color really as bold as the first couple pictures show? I don't know if my monitors are tricking me. And if I ever need to sell her, the line starts behind Bill! lol Tom | ||
| evt
Junior Username: evt Post Number: 20 Registered: 9-2003 |
Just saw your guitar as the featured custom... it's a beautiful guitar. Congratulations on getting it! :o) I have a zebrawood skylark and I wish I had the money to get another one, or two, or....... :o) Ivette | ||
| lidon2001
Intermediate Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 154 Registered: 4-2005 |
Hi Ivette, Thank you for your kind words. I'll be paying these off for a few more months if you know what I mean. But I do love the guitar. Pretty wood and LED's aside, to have an Alembic made with your choice of neck profile and frets is the ultimate. I'm back to D'Addario's and it sounds great. T |
