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Archive through May 23, 2007mica30 5-23-07  7:31 pm
Archive through April 14, 2008ajdover30 4-14-08  7:59 pm
Archive through August 15, 2008briant30 8-15-08  1:41 pm
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Author Message
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 533
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Thursday, November 26, 2009 - 7:45 am:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:

done!

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

BRAVO!!!
senmen
Senior Member
Username: senmen

Post Number: 936
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Saturday, December 05, 2009 - 3:45 am:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

Five pins, guys.

Al
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 4187
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Tuesday, December 08, 2009 - 6:40 pm:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

Amazing bass!!!
ajdover
Senior Member
Username: ajdover

Post Number: 785
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Friday, December 11, 2009 - 8:47 pm:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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:   Edit Post

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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