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mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 2845
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Monday, December 05, 2005 - 5:38 pm:   Edit Post

This really caught my attention!

burly!

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
Posted on Tuesday, December 06, 2005 - 5:13 am:   Edit Post

Awesome!
jerico
Junior
Username: jerico

Post Number: 28
Registered: 7-2005
Posted on Tuesday, December 06, 2005 - 3:10 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Tuesday, December 06, 2005 - 5:35 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Tuesday, December 06, 2005 - 6:27 pm:   Edit Post

Pele is an awesome name.
kmh364
Senior Member
Username: kmh364

Post Number: 1440
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Wednesday, December 07, 2005 - 5:31 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Wednesday, December 07, 2005 - 8:09 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Wednesday, December 07, 2005 - 4:15 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 10:38 am:   Edit Post

Your guitar just got the little dot inlays.

dots in

The wood is just so amazing!

body


The backplates look good too

plates


Did I mention that the wood was awesome?

wood
kmh364
Senior Member
Username: kmh364

Post Number: 1621
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 11:29 am:   Edit Post

Awesome wood!!!!
jahnahisti
Junior
Username: jahnahisti

Post Number: 25
Registered: 9-2005
Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 11:46 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 5:01 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 6:42 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 7:07 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 7:31 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 7:48 pm:   Edit Post

Amazing! Looks like it was chiseled from stone.

Jonathan
jeff
Intermediate Member
Username: jeff

Post Number: 116
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 - 6:42 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 - 9:34 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 - 9:53 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 - 12:27 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 - 12:41 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 4:50 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 7:38 am:   Edit Post

Thanks for checking on it Bill. Much appreciated. The anticipation grows every day.

Tom
osoloco69
Junior
Username: osoloco69

Post Number: 31
Registered: 9-2005
Posted on Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 6:31 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 10:01 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 8:45 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 12:51 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 8:05 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 9:27 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 10:53 am:   Edit Post

Hi Pete!! Welcome to the board!!
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 3064
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Wednesday, February 08, 2006 - 1:20 pm:   Edit Post

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:

rubout
lidon2001
Member
Username: lidon2001

Post Number: 96
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Wednesday, February 08, 2006 - 9:48 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, February 10, 2006 - 12:34 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, February 10, 2006 - 2:15 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, February 10, 2006 - 2:54 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, February 10, 2006 - 7:23 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 2:05 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Monday, February 13, 2006 - 5:06 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 7:30 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 6:06 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 8:18 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Tuesday, February 21, 2006 - 8:07 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Sunday, May 14, 2006 - 8:50 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 - 9:13 am:   Edit Post

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

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