Rick's Dragon Wing

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Author Message mica Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2945 Registered: 6-2000 Posted on Saturday, January 07, 2006 - 5:09 pm:    Here's your bass just after routing I especially like the way this turned out Mahogany back before the back routing In the rack, next to Oliver's DW, you can see the slight difference in the lower horn shape senmen Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 536 Registered: 7-2003 Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 6:04 am:    sorry, double post. plse see below Oliver (Message edited by senmen on January 08, 2006) senmen Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 537 Registered: 7-2003 Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 6:05 am:    Mica, many thanks for this pic upgrading my DW in this thread. It looks really gorgeous. Rick, you will get a sweet DW there. This looks really stunning. Oliver (Spyderman) rickkessler New Username: rickkessler Post Number: 4 Registered: 1-2006 Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 9:12 am:    Mica, Many, many thanks for the beautiful work on the bass and the pictures. I was wondering: were you able to accomplish the specifics on the neck I'd discussed with Valentino regarding the shallow depth and flat profile on the back or the rounded off fretboard edges (ala Reverend)? I didn't know if any of this was possible given the progession on the bass to date or the relatively thin width. Also, I don't know where the strap button normally goes on a dragonwing, but if it makes more sense from a balance/playability perspective to put it on the back near the neck heel, that's fine -- basically I'll do whatever you counsel. Thanks again to you, Valentino and everyone at alembic as well as Beaver and the guys at Bass Central. speicky Member Username: speicky Post Number: 84 Registered: 3-2005 Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 2:09 pm:    WOW ! TWO DW's next to each other... I'm speechless... (that's why I'm writing this down) :-) I just HAVE TO HAVE a DW myself someday (2018, maybe), they are soooo cute ! Outstanding project, Rick, I love to see the progress on this. Christian (the faker) rickkessler New Username: rickkessler Post Number: 5 Registered: 1-2006 Posted on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 - 11:54 am:    I'd have to agree that it's an outstanding project, Speicky. But the credit goes completely to Mica and the folks at Alembic. And of course, ultimate credit goes to my wonderful wife Cindy for giving me this as my 40th birthday present! (Message edited by Rickkessler on January 11, 2006) valvil Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 815 Registered: 7-2002 Posted on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 - 3:25 pm:    Hello Rick, shallow depth and low profile are no problem, since that's we normally do unless asked otherwise. The rounded edge on the fretboard is not feasible at this point, because the fretboard is already on, and to do the rounded edge we would have had to use a wider one. Valentino rickkessler New Username: rickkessler Post Number: 7 Registered: 1-2006 Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 11:25 am:    Ok, thanks Valentino. Maybe I stated it wrong anyway: I was just looking for a rounding off of the edge of the fretboard where the top of the board meets the sides, so that the edge is "pre-worn" (which it gets to be naturally after a few years of playing. Nothing fancier than that. It's not really feasible once the frets are in their slots, but I didn't think it would require a larger fretboard. Then again, Mica's the luthier and he would know better than I. rickkessler New Username: rickkessler Post Number: 10 Registered: 1-2006 Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 9:14 am:    Mica, Valentino: I was just checking in to see if there was any new news or pictures regarding my dragonwing. Hope all is well with you. --Rick mica Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 3014 Registered: 6-2000 Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 11:55 am:    I think you will find the standard neck carving pretty cool. If you look at the neck from the back, you can see some of the fingerboard, it's actually carved the join the contour of the neck seamlessly so it isn't an unrelated "chunk" sitting on the top. I'll ask James to lightly sand the edge down as you requested. Your bass has a little finish on it, and is prepped for the next coat: Sorry for the weird angle, I had to squeeze up to the wall to get this one. It would be a stretch to call me a "luthier" I just make drawings. The luthiers are out in the shop, actually making the instruments. I have learned how to do some operations, but I couldn't make a whole guitar right now. rickkessler Junior Username: rickkessler Post Number: 11 Registered: 1-2006 Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 4:28 am:    Mica, Thanks for the response and the picture. I appreciate you talking to James about the fretboard edges. The bass is looking great and I'm really happy with the progress. Thanks again for the response --Rick PS - I will make sure I no longer refer to you as "luthier", merely "expert" or "guru". Best Wishes -RK rickkessler Junior Username: rickkessler Post Number: 13 Registered: 1-2006 Posted on Friday, March 10, 2006 - 7:44 am:    Mica/Valentino: Just checking in to see if there is any new news or photos. Thanks, Rick bassjigga Junior Username: bassjigga Post Number: 15 Registered: 8-2005 Posted on Friday, March 10, 2006 - 9:37 am:    Hmm... I spy what looks like a burl Europa on the end of that rack... any pictures of that anywhere? rickkessler Junior Username: rickkessler Post Number: 14 Registered: 1-2006 Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 8:24 am:    Mica, Just checking in again to see if there are any new photos or an updated status on my Dragonwing? Thanks. --Rick valvil Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 862 Registered: 7-2002 Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 1:10 pm:    Hello Rick, not sure if Mica has any pictures, but your bass is currently in set-up. It should be completed soon. Valentino rickkessler Junior Username: rickkessler Post Number: 15 Registered: 1-2006 Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 6:29 pm:    Thanks Valentino. the_8_string_king Intermediate Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 106 Registered: 9-2005 Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 8:56 pm:    P.S. Rick, you also might not want to refer to her (Mica) as a HE!!! Just kidding, I'm sure it's an honest typo! mica Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 3180 Registered: 6-2000 Posted on Thursday, March 23, 2006 - 10:01 am:    Very soon indeed: There's still a few days before we ship, but at least you know that the construction is now complete. Looks awesome! lbpesq Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1146 Registered: 7-2004 Posted on Thursday, March 23, 2006 - 10:38 am:    WOW!!!!! Bill, tgo senmen Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 572 Registered: 7-2003 Posted on Thursday, March 23, 2006 - 10:54 am:    Rick, wow, congrats to this beauty. I canīt wait for mine to be completed now.... Oliver (Spyderman) tom_z Advanced Member Username: tom_z Post Number: 327 Registered: 7-2004 Posted on Thursday, March 23, 2006 - 11:04 am:    Beautiful bass Rick! Congrats! Tom davehouck Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 3514 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Thursday, March 23, 2006 - 4:11 pm:    Beauty!! rickkessler Junior Username: rickkessler Post Number: 16 Registered: 1-2006 Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 6:47 am:    Mica, Thanks for the pictures. It does look beautiful. I'm very excited --especially because it appears that it will arrive in time for the 2 gigs my band is playing in May (although it's so beautiful, I'm a bit scared to take it with me). By the way, can you or someone there, tell me what the control layout is? I assume the top "triangle" is volume, quick-q switch, q control for the neck pickup and the bottom is v-q switch-q control for the bridge: am I correct? Also, I assume the red streak near the controls is the photo not the bass. Anyway, I can't wait to try it and really appreciate the pictures. -Rick jacko Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 578 Registered: 10-2002 Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 6:51 am:    Wow! That's fantastic Rick. The wood is perfect for the body shape. (the streak is probably just a reflection - possibly Mica herself) Graeme adriaan Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 815 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 7:03 am:    The Beauty and the Beast as one! About the controls ... Unless you asked for volume/volume, the two pots closest to the bridge would be volume and balance. The other two pots are the filter pots, where you set the cut-off frequency for the filter - there's a separate filter for each pickup. The two switches are Q switches - the "quick" bit is usually associated with the bass and treble -6/0/+6 dB boost/cut switches of the Europa electronics package (also standard on the Rogue). That package has a single filter. The Q switch puts an accent at the cut-off frequency of the filter. You probably have an off/on 0/8 dB Q switch. I would guess that the red streaks were caused by the camera. Funny how there's sort of a circle going through the pots, but you might be looking at some shadows cast by the filter knobs! rickkessler Junior Username: rickkessler Post Number: 17 Registered: 1-2006 Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 9:54 am:    Adriaan, Actually, the electronics I ordered are 2 sets of Bass/cut-boost, Treble/cut-boost added to the Anniversary Electronics. Actually, I'm now not sure that the electronics are right. Val, Mica?? Thanks, Rick mica Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 3196 Registered: 6-2000 Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 5:37 pm:    Val tried to call you with these details earlier today, but got your answering machine. Signature electronics come standard with the Dragon Wing, and your order does say right on it to add 2 sets of switches, but no mention of the Anniversary electronics. There's room enough to add them to the existing hole pattern, and on Monday I'll work out the pattern with James and post it here for you to see. I'm guessing that with the rewired electronics, shipping will look like the first week of April, so you'll have lots of time ot get acquainted before your shows. Do take the bass out, it's what it was made to do! Yeah, Adriaan's right about the reflections. These aren't studio shots, just snapshots so there's all sorts of funky reflections and such. I put the basson the floor in the shipping room, and there's a wall of instruments hanging above it to the right. rickkessler Junior Username: rickkessler Post Number: 18 Registered: 1-2006 Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 3:14 pm:    Mica (and Val), I did get Val's voice-mail today. Frankly I'm glad that you posted the pictures or it would have been much more difficult for everyone. As for the Anniversary electronics - I don't know why the order doesn't say it, but my receipt from bass central says the following (which I'm pasting in directly): Standard Dragon Wing 34" scale, Cocobolo Top, 2 sets of Bass/cut-boost, Treble/cut-boost, Anniversary Electronics, Purple Heart neck laminates, 1.5" Nut, 2.5" at 24th fret, Mahogany core, Dragon Wing case. Anyway, the delay isn't near as important to me as getting the electronics as ordered. As Val knows from our initial discussion, I denied myself additional laminates, etc., in order to spend the money on the electronics because I consider them to be the most important reason for my purchasing an Alembic (but certainly not the only reason; customer service is certainly proving to be everything I expected so far!!!) Again, I'm just happy we were able to catch this in time. I will be on the lookout for the posting of the new electronics scheme. I will also be happy to discuss by phone. the_8_string_king Intermediate Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 109 Registered: 9-2005 Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 11:00 pm:    You made a great call, spec'ing your bass with anniversery electronics with added bass & treble "quick change" "boost/cut" switches for each pickup. My custom Europa has similar electronics, and the versatility is utterly mind-boggling. You're going to love it, good call! rickkessler Junior Username: rickkessler Post Number: 19 Registered: 1-2006 Posted on Friday, July 07, 2006 - 6:53 am:    Val, Mica: Any news, pictures or progress on my Dragonwing Take II? mica Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 3406 Registered: 6-2000 Posted on Friday, July 07, 2006 - 3:11 pm:    Hi Rick, check out this new thread for your custom electronics version. jazzyvee Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 3610 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 10:08 am:    The current owner of this bass is putting it up for sale. I've just seen it on his facebook page. He is looking for $7500 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200919769250952&set=gm.10151510646204331&type=1&theater (Message edited by jazzyvee on September 12, 2013)