| Author |
Message |
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus
Post Number: 533
Registered: 5-2009
| | Posted on Thursday, November 26, 2009 - 7:45 am: |  |
That is a great pic !
Thanks.
Wolf . |
andbassforall
Member
Username: andbassforall
Post Number: 76
Registered: 9-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, November 26, 2009 - 1:13 pm: | |
Alan, it's been a long patient wait for you. I'm sure it will be worth every note you thump on it. Enjoy and play. It's a beautiful bass.
Mike |
toma_hawk01
Advanced Member
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 352
Registered: 9-2009
| | Posted on Friday, November 27, 2009 - 9:30 am: | |
Alan, you are truly an inspiration.
Let me know when you come out with your book signing dude. |
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq
Post Number: 4172
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, November 27, 2009 - 10:04 am: | |
Wolf:
I was also at the Dead/Who show back in '76. Oh, the memories!
Bill, tgo |
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus
Post Number: 535
Registered: 5-2009
| | Posted on Friday, November 27, 2009 - 11:15 am: | |
Hi Bill_____ I remember I was in Bass Bliss Land at the time , so to speak with both Phil Lesh and John Entwistle at the same show! Yes , THE
memories! I was 20 years old. I remember trying to get as close to the Bass cabinets as possible to feel the Bass and to watch and compare their playing techniques. I remember Jerry playing awesome that day too! He had Fire ! |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 6473
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, December 03, 2009 - 5:42 pm: | |
After ironing out the last few kinks, the bass is on its journey to Alan at long last. Here she is in a brief repose before hopping gleefully into the case:
She's a tone monster. I know you're going to be amazed when you play it.
Enjoy! |
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus
Post Number: 552
Registered: 5-2009
| | Posted on Thursday, December 03, 2009 - 5:55 pm: | |
Yet another 'WORK OF ART" __________incredible. SOOOOO nice ! |
toma_hawk01
Senior Member
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 402
Registered: 9-2009
| | Posted on Thursday, December 03, 2009 - 6:30 pm: | |
That is a
complicated,
simplistic,
web-romantic,
neo-classic,
Who inspired,
Two-year desire,
with knobs for flying,
beautiful addition
for Alan's collection.
Alan I am very happy for you Sir, and I salute you for such a treasure.
I will remember this bass, most importantly, I will remember the owner.
That is one beautiful bass.
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on December 03, 2009) |
qualloyd
Junior
Username: qualloyd
Post Number: 35
Registered: 9-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, December 03, 2009 - 8:33 pm: | |
BRAVO!!! |
senmen
Senior Member
Username: senmen
Post Number: 936
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, December 05, 2009 - 3:45 am: | |
Alan,
cool...
Am eager to see more pics when you have the beauty....
Take care
Oliver (Spyderman) |
gregduboc
Advanced Member
Username: gregduboc
Post Number: 259
Registered: 11-2008
| | Posted on Saturday, December 05, 2009 - 5:00 am: | |
I think this video express my feelings better.
Congratulations Alan!!
Greg |
artswork99
Senior Member
Username: artswork99
Post Number: 923
Registered: 7-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, December 06, 2009 - 7:57 am: | |
This is one fine bass for sure! |
ajdover
Senior Member
Username: ajdover
Post Number: 774
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 07, 2009 - 8:18 am: | |
All,
I received my bass today.
Words fail me at this point, but I'll do my best to describe her. If I had to sum it up, I'd simply say absolute perfection.
As a previous Spyder Limited Edition owner, I note big differences between my bass and that one. I'll list them separately.
Body - huge difference. Entwistle's basses were more "pinched" at the "waist," and it's got a huge impact on comfort when seating and standing. It's not that the Spyder is uncomfortable, far from it. It's just that this bass is more comfortable to me. The position of the upper horn where it joins the neck is the most notable difference. With the Spyder, my arm was almost fully extended to reach first position. With my bass, it's nowhere near like that and far more comfortable (to me at least). And the wood backplates significantly lower the weight - anyone pondering a bass like this should seriously consider wood backplates. They make the instrument significantly lighter.
Neck - Another huge difference. I spec'ed out a Jazz Bass like neck, and this one is perfect for me. The Spyder's neck is certainly wider at the nut, which is OK if you like that kind of thing. I grew up playing Rickenbackers and Jazz Basses, so wider necks aren't my thing. Access to the 24th fret is perfect as well, sitting or standing.
Electronics - They're Series II, which blows away the electronics in any of my other Alembics (and they're no slouches either - that's why I own them). The CVQ is a must if you ask me. Control positions are exactly where I wanted them and they are completely comfortable and easy for me to use. And now I know why Entwistle had two master volumes on the lower horn - it really does make it easy to make volume changes without having to lug around a volume pedal. I love this feature.
Fit and Finish - perfection. Absolute perfection. I could not find a single flaw with this instrument. The inlays alone are a thing of beauty.
Yes, it took a long time to build. Yes, I got frustrated waiting. But as many have said before me and will say after me, it was worth every minute of the wait. Perfection doesn't come easily nor fast ... but when it does, it truly is a thing to behold. I now have the bass of my dreams. My very humble thanks to Mica, Ron, Susan, everyone at Alembic, Oliver Baumann, Beaver Felton at Bass Central and everyone here at the club for helping me to make this dream come true.
Alan
P.S. I'll post pics shortly |
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler
Post Number: 1019
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Monday, December 07, 2009 - 8:32 am: | |
All right! In Adam's words: GET DOWN!
Congrats! |
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus
Post Number: 559
Registered: 5-2009
| | Posted on Monday, December 07, 2009 - 8:33 am: | |
Congratulations ! I am sure that this may be an occasion that you will never forget . |
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h
Post Number: 1451
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, December 07, 2009 - 10:03 am: | |
Al,
Congratulations. From your description the bass sounds spectacular.
Keith |
senmen
Senior Member
Username: senmen
Post Number: 943
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 07, 2009 - 11:23 am: | |
Alan,
I am very happy that you received your baby finally.
Thanks for the kind words, I am proud that I could help you and Alembic out with some specs and details on Johns original basses.
But, I ask something from you:
when you ever decide to sell the bass, plse ask me first!!!
And... pictures pleaaaaasssssseeeeee
Take care my friend
Oliver (Spyderman) |
ajdover
Senior Member
Username: ajdover
Post Number: 775
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 08, 2009 - 10:46 am: | |
Pics here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=46751&id=1311546106&l=5a7cefa564
Anyone know how to resize photos using a Mac? I still can't figure it out (other than cropping, which I don't want to do).
Alan |
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler
Post Number: 1021
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 08, 2009 - 10:55 am: | |
Check, I'll resize 'em for you. |
ajdover
Senior Member
Username: ajdover
Post Number: 776
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 08, 2009 - 2:48 pm: | |
Guys/Gals,
As promised, here are some pics. Many thanks to Flip for resizing them for me.
Al
 |
toma_hawk01
Senior Member
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 423
Registered: 9-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 08, 2009 - 3:26 pm: | |
One problem with this bass...
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on December 08, 2009) |
ajdover
Senior Member
Username: ajdover
Post Number: 778
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 08, 2009 - 3:30 pm: | |
Uh oh ... ;-)
Alan |
toma_hawk01
Senior Member
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 424
Registered: 9-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 08, 2009 - 3:43 pm: | |
The only problem I have with this bass is...
1. It isn't mine, and
2. I wish I can play it.  |
ajdover
Senior Member
Username: ajdover
Post Number: 779
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 08, 2009 - 3:52 pm: | |
Whew ... for a minute there I thought I was in trouble! ;-)
Al |
cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member
Username: cozmik_cowboy
Post Number: 610
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 08, 2009 - 4:11 pm: | |
Is the picture deceptive or is that a 7-pin jack? And if so, please expound on the subject.
Peter |
toma_hawk01
Senior Member
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 425
Registered: 9-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 08, 2009 - 4:45 pm: | |
I count 5 from Mica's picture. But, your right -- it does look like 7 pins. Probably all that shine and refection from the flash or the light.
But hey, if I am wrong -- I would like to know too. |
ajdover
Senior Member
Username: ajdover
Post Number: 780
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 08, 2009 - 4:51 pm: | |
Five pins, guys.
Al |
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq
Post Number: 4187
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 08, 2009 - 6:40 pm: | |
Alan:
Congrats! She is, indeed, a beauty! If ever an Alembic were to sport seven pins, this would be the one! May you both make beautiful music together for many many years to come.
Bill, tgo |
pauldo
Advanced Member
Username: pauldo
Post Number: 366
Registered: 6-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 08, 2009 - 7:36 pm: | |
That is one smokin' hot axe!
Rock it Alan! |
toma_hawk01
Senior Member
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 427
Registered: 9-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 09, 2009 - 3:23 am: | |
What!
not 7 or 8 pins, instead of a measly 5.
You mean to tell me it's got only five pins?
What is this world coming too? |
serialnumber12
Senior Member
Username: serialnumber12
Post Number: 612
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 09, 2009 - 5:35 am: | |
So this puppy has two master volumes? & what do the two mini toggles do? & is she chambered? |
ajdover
Senior Member
Username: ajdover
Post Number: 781
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 09, 2009 - 8:10 am: | |
Yes, she has two master volumes. One mini toggle (between the hat knobs on the lower horn) switches between the master volume - I can set one volume at one level, another at a lower level, and switch back and forth between them. The other mini toggle turns the LEDs on and off. Not chambered - there are enough backplates on her that chambering was not necessary (one plate for the lower horn, one for the batteries, one for the control cavity, and another for the hum adjustment). |
2400wattman
Senior Member
Username: 2400wattman
Post Number: 755
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 09, 2009 - 10:08 am: | |
I was wondering what the controls on the lower horn did. Thanks for clearing that up and what a killer axe! All the best to you Alan. |
bigredbass
Senior Member
Username: bigredbass
Post Number: 1327
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 09, 2009 - 11:12 pm: | |
What an axe. I like the change to the body angles you spec'd. The really, sneaky custom bit that caught mey eye? The continuous wood truss rod cover, you dog!
It's really a very quiet satisfaction to have one built just like you wanted, and have it be JUST what you had in mind. While I was waiting, it hit me: I KNEW they'd get what I asked for, but what if I was wrong?!?!?!? Didn't happen, though. Whew . . . . .
Tickled for ya, AJD !
J o e y |
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck
Post Number: 8995
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, December 11, 2009 - 5:35 pm: | |
Amazing bass!!! |
ajdover
Senior Member
Username: ajdover
Post Number: 785
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, December 11, 2009 - 8:47 pm: | |
Guys,
Thanks for all the congrats and props. It means a lot.
Alan
P.S. I can't wait to get a pic of moder Dave playing it at the next NC get together! |
toma_hawk01
Senior Member
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 443
Registered: 9-2009
| | Posted on Friday, December 11, 2009 - 9:24 pm: | |
Hey Alan, your 2 master volume control with the toggle switch gave me a wonderful idea.
With my two Mesa Boogie amps, I can configure and preset up to 6 different separate and independent channels (volume/tone/EQ)-- and with my foot switch, I can switch to any of the 6 channels on the fly.
Since the real estate of my Toma_Hawk is scarce, I had to be a little more creative with my foot. |
ajdover
Senior Member
Username: ajdover
Post Number: 786
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, December 11, 2009 - 9:54 pm: | |
Hal,
It really wasn't my idea - it was the Ox's, but I can truly see the merit in what you're saying. You'd have the ability to set separate channels for volume/tone/eq, and then choose what you want based on the song/situation. Makes sense if that's what works for you. I'd be interested to see how you do with it.
Al |
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver
Post Number: 2680
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 6:57 pm: | |
Very cool Alan, congrats! Been a long and winding road... (hmm there's a song in there somewhere)...but she's a finally home!.
Great Bass Brother!.
OO
PS. How's the culinary skillz coming along? |
2400wattman
Senior Member
Username: 2400wattman
Post Number: 759
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 9:30 pm: | |
yeh Al, how are those culinary skills? We'll need you to cook for the next gathering! hehe haha |
ajdover
Senior Member
Username: ajdover
Post Number: 787
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, December 20, 2009 - 9:17 pm: | |
Culinary skills - coming along nicely from what I know. I'm exceeding standards in nearly 90% of all my classes!
Al |
deanjohnson
New
Username: deanjohnson
Post Number: 10
Registered: 8-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, March 07, 2010 - 9:54 am: | |
Congrats on new Alembic! I am the lucky man who bought Alan's previous Spyder Limited (No. 7 of 50). Good 'ol 7 is cruising along just fine in the Midlands of South Carolina.
I hope (someday) to personally see you again, meet your new Alambic. I will be bringing my camera along! |
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