| Author | Message | ||
| Mica Wickersham (mica)
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 568 Registered: 6-2000 |
Here's some of that really nice Bird's-eye Maple I told you about on the phone. It's hard to see, but it's lightly quilted all over, and the Bird's-eyes are well distributed.  | ||
| Paul Lindemans (palembic)
Intermediate Member Username: palembic Post Number: 191 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi MIca, that's a nice piece of nature-art. I wonder if it would be possible to make a guitar -f.i. a SII 5 EVH body shape (with the longer upper horn), a Orion peghead 3/2- , the top and back capping in this wood and covering the neck-through construction, the core of the body in a nice highly figured burled dark Walnut, the neck maple/walnut deluxe lamination, the peghead front and back capped in this bird's eye maple, BUT ALSO THE FINGERBOARD IN BIRDS-EYE MAPLE??? Let assume some inlaywork in Ebony as fingerposition marks, let's say the standard ovals? How does this sound? Pretty neat huh? Sorry to Harrison for messing-up maybe his purposes for this wood. Paul | ||
| Mica Wickersham (mica)
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 665 Registered: 6-2000 |
Paul - you're so creative! But I have to say we have quite an aversion to maple fingerboards here - they always looks so dirty so soon, even if they look cool when they are new. For Harrison, I talked with Marcus about the control layout and here are two quick versions of what we discussed:  left row: vol, filter, bass,treble for neck pickup, output jack middle row: vol, filter, bass,treble for bridge pickup right row: neck Q, bridge Q  This is the same basic idea but with the Q switches on the left. There's not a lot of options for arranging this many controls on this small a body. Plus, I still have to get the OK from dad that what's behind these knobs will fit in the cavity (it's certainly going to have a custom backplate shape). Let me know if you've got a preference or an alternate idea. You could gain a little more flexibility using the switches instead of the knobs for the bass and treble function. | ||
| Harrison Calhoun (bigh)
New Username: bigh Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2003 |
Mica, I'm starting to get worried about the knob and switch situation. There's even more bad news: Your suggestions are missing the standby, mono/stereo, and LED switches! At least we can gain some space with the side mounted jack. I was also thinking that the Q toggles should be between the volumes and the Q knobs. Would a Europa body have more real estate to work with? Maybe a blend of Rogue and Europa - the "Eu-Rogue-a" (top part Rogue, bottom part Europa). Another option is to have the 2 rows follow the contour of the body - 2 "crescent" rows. The remaining switches could be somewhere south of the bridge. What do you think? Harrison | ||
| Mica Wickersham (mica)
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 666 Registered: 6-2000 |
The quote I faxed to Larry Morgan Music did not include a side mounted jack. It's not an available option on the 20th Anniversary without a plate mounted jack (and at least $300 upgrade (there are several plate styles to choose from)). From our last conversations, I was under the impression you were not willing to evaluate a larger body shape in order to keep the tone most "Phil-like." There is certainly enough room to put the electronics you want on a Rogue shape like Susan's Purple Princess. You can switch to this template for no additional charge. If you would like a new template, that'll be $350. The next step here is to decide what is the priority for this bass: A. The look and sound impact of the design based on Phil's Rogue. This restricts what will fit in the bass. B. The electronics layout. This restricts what body can be used. C. Price. Adding more features makes the bass get more pricey. Tell me what's most important to you and we'll work from there. Something's gotta give because I don't think all the requirements will work on one bass. | ||
| Harrison Calhoun (bigh)
New Username: bigh Post Number: 2 Registered: 1-2003 |
Mica, I went and spent some time at Larry Morgan's this weekend and I think we got it nailed down. Marcus should have faxed you our results. Let me know if the knob/switch placement is do-able. Thanks, Harrison | ||
| Mica Wickersham (mica)
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 670 Registered: 6-2000 |
Hi Harrison, I got Marcus' email on Saturday and my first look at it seems like the layout will work - still gotta run it by dad and then make sure the Bird's-eye board will fir the new shape. Should have those answers for you a little later today. | ||
| Harrison Calhoun (bigh)
New Username: bigh Post Number: 3 Registered: 1-2003 |
Hi, Mica, Since we are having to go to the modified Rogue body to accomodate the electronics I wanted to ping you to measure the walnut boards we talked about for the top. Let me know your thoughts about how walnut will compare to the maple. I know it's straying from our original goal of replicating Phil's bass but the new body requirement may change too many variables. Also, since the walnut is a top I'd prefer (for looks) I'd like your informed point of view on its effect as a top wood. (For those who don't know, Phil is a phenomenal player and friend of mine here in Dallas who has perhaps the most amazing sounding bass I've ever heard.) Thanks, Harrison | ||
| Mica Wickersham (mica)
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 674 Registered: 6-2000 |
The spacing between the rows on the bitmap Marcus emailed to me will need to be slightly increased, but there is plenty of room for that on the larger Rogue. I'd also suggest reversing the standby and the output jack. If you're concerned about the right angle polug hitting other controls as you feed it up through your strap, then let's just keep everything out of the way. Sorry on the BEM - won't do the wide body. 227 is reserved for you. I verified the width with the shop and it's probably big enough for a bookmatch to center on this bass. Tone-wise walnut is rather neutral - not particularly bright or dark. If you really like the bright agressive edge of Phil's bass, you should stick with a Maple top. Wanut won't hurt the tone at all, but it won't add to the attack either. | ||
| Harrison Calhoun (bigh)
New Username: bigh Post Number: 4 Registered: 1-2003 |
Mica, I look forward to seeing your knob/jack suggestions. Feel free to move all controls as far away from the pickups and bridge as you want but maintain aesthetic appeal. After talking with Phil, I'm still leaning towards the walnut so let's stick with that for now. Thanks, Harrison | ||
| Harrison Calhoun (bigh)
New Username: bigh Post Number: 5 Registered: 1-2003 |
Mica, Are you going to be able to get a mock up of the controls for my bass? Also, I left you a message with a question about the filters being before or after the bass and treble. Is that even relevant? Thanks, Harrison | ||
| Mica Wickersham (mica)
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 705 Registered: 6-2000 |
I received your email about the filter and bass and treble controls Monday afternoon. Your question was beyond my expertise and so I had to consult with my father.
The short answer is: it doesn't matter. The longer explaination is that each control acts by multiplying the transfer function. When you're multiplying, the order doesn't matter. It would be relevant if there was a subtracting funtion, for example. My mock up is just as yours, only I switched the position of numbers14 and 6 on your fax.  left row: neck vol neck Q neck filter neck bass neck treble 1/4" output middle row: bridge vol bridge Q bridge filter bridge bass bridge treble right row: LED on/off mono/stereo standby | ||
| Harrison Calhoun (bigh)
New Username: bigh Post Number: 6 Registered: 1-2003 |
Mica, I wanted to follow up on my phone call to you the other day. Let me know when you bookmatch the walnut top (#227). I'd like to make sure we get the maximum effect from the figuring before it gets shaped for the body. Thanks, Harrison | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 830 Registered: 6-2000 |
Well you're in luck because Kris is ready to glue up the body on Monday. I lef thim a note to check with me before he does so I can relate your preferences to him. Here's the top, oriented two ways:   I like the bottom one better for the body shape you've chosen, the contrasting colors and wiggly figure are more interesting. It's not too late to add a bookmatch to center option to your order, Mary and my mom both asked me if you were getting one on this bass as I was photographing the wood. | ||
| wayne
Member Username: wayne Post Number: 52 Registered: 5-2002 |
Harrison- For what it's worth....I agree with Mica. Take the bottom orientation and bookmatch to center. I can just see the lower curve of the body lining up with the figuring and the bridge sitting right in the middle of the "explosioin". C-Ya........wayne | ||
| bigh
New Username: bigh Post Number: 7 Registered: 1-2003 |
Mica (and Wayne), I agree that the second bookmatch looks better. Mica, in a previous posting you said you believed that this piece of walnut could be bookmatched to center but can you verify now that it will cover the "Purple Princess"-sized Rogue? One last thing, any chance you could wipe some acetone over the wood to see the wet look? Thanks, Harrison | ||
| adriaan
Junior Username: adriaan Post Number: 18 Registered: 6-2002 |
With all those angled patterns, it looks a lot like old maps of fortified cities in Europe. Sometimes it's a shame knowing you'll lose part of the pattern - but I'm sure this will turn out to be a great-looking bass. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 836 Registered: 6-2000 |
Hi Harrison, The bookmatch will cover the width you need for a bookmatch to center. Please confirm that you want the bookmatch to center on this order. I'll get you an acetone wipe later in the week so you can get a better idea of the look, it will be a bit darker. | ||
| markus
Junior Username: markus Post Number: 26 Registered: 5-2002 |
The 2nd one could kinda look like sonic vibrations radiating away from the pickups and bridge. Mark | ||
| bigh
New Username: bigh Post Number: 8 Registered: 1-2003 |
Mica, I've decided that the modified body will be big enough and that the standard maple neck will give it a good contrast visually. Besides, I've always liked the Alembic neck-through look anyway! Thanks for checking. Harrison | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 838 Registered: 6-2000 |
OK Harrison, I'll take that as a "pass" on the bookmatch to center. Here's the wood with a wipe of acetone:  | ||
| goooge
Member Username: goooge Post Number: 62 Registered: 8-2002 |
oh SWEEEETTTTT!!!!! btc btc btc bookmatch to center bookmatch to center | ||
| bigh
New Username: bigh Post Number: 9 Registered: 1-2003 |
Mica, Any photos worth showing yet? Thanks, Harrison | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 892 Registered: 6-2000 |
Well, how about this titillating action shot from yesterday:  of the body in the glue press? Prtety cool, huh? I know you can't see much, but it's something to chew on until next week's update. Your bass will be in the carving department by then and actually look like bass. Have a great weekend and did ya get those funky pickups yet? | ||
| bob
Junior Username: bob Post Number: 47 Registered: 11-2002 |
Okay, Mica, you've got to explain this. For some reason (not entirely clear), the first thing that came to my mind was the early "Alien" flicks. So what's the deal here? At first it looks like maybe you use a really viscous glue, and spray it on. But I can't believe you'd waste that much overspray... So now I'm thinking it was already glued and what we're really looking at is a vacumn bag over the whole thing, which would fit with your phrase "in the glue press". But that seems weird to me and not likely to be as effective as a clamp/press in this case. ??? | ||
| bigh
New Username: bigh Post Number: 10 Registered: 1-2003 |
Mica, It took me a little while to figure out what this picture was as well. Thanks for the update. The pickups came (thanks!) but only one of the leads had a connector. Is this right or is this what qualified them as "funky"? Thanks again, Harrison | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 905 Registered: 6-2000 |
The picture shoes the body under a vacuum bag which streches over the gluing caul and exerts and even pressure over the body. We use C-clamps if we're only making one or two bodies at a time, but the drawback there is the glue squishes around as you increase the pressure on each of the 11 clamps, so you can only increase the pressure slightly on each one as you go around. The vacuum press slowing draws the clamping bag down very evenly and makes a splendid clamp. Harrison - does the pickup lead have the crimps on it or it bare wire? If you have the crimps in place, I can mail you the housing for the connector. If you don't have the crips, you'll have to either borrow a crimping tool or solder the connection traditionally. | ||
| bigh
Junior Username: bigh Post Number: 11 Registered: 1-2003 |
Mica, The P pickup has the female connector. The J pickup has just the bare wire. I may have access to a tool if you can send me connector. Any updates on my Rogue? Harrison | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 941 Registered: 6-2000 |
Hey Harrison, Finally able to get last week's pictures up. Here's your bass when the body was glued to the neck:  I just love how the grain follow the lower body half especially well. Sent those crimps to you, call or email if you have any trouble getting them installed. | ||
| bigh
Junior Username: bigh Post Number: 12 Registered: 1-2003 |
Mica, When we spoke last I think you said that my bass was headed into spray or routing. Any updates? Harrison | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1010 Registered: 6-2000 |
Earlier this week in spray:  It's looking really nice. I don't think you'll be playing this before the begining of July. | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 478 Registered: 9-2002 |
oh-la-laaaaaaaaaa Paul the admiring one BTW: where did that beau-eau-eautifil birds-eye maple went? | ||
| bigh
Junior Username: bigh Post Number: 13 Registered: 1-2003 |
Mica, It's looking great! I love how the figuring worked out at the bridge. How's the headstock? From where it is right now, how long do you think before it will leave Alembic? I want you to take all the time you need...I'm just curious. Thanks, Harrison | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1012 Registered: 6-2000 |
The headstock veneers were made from the top laminate, so they look just as good. I think there's a good chance the bass will ship the week of uly 7th. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1013 Registered: 6-2000 |
Paul - That piece of Bird's-eye maple was reserved for a custom Essence bass. | ||
| bigh
Junior Username: bigh Post Number: 14 Registered: 1-2003 |
Mica, Any photos before you ship it? Harrison | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1092 Registered: 6-2000 |
Here's the photo:  And its scheduled to leave tomorrow. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1093 Registered: 6-2000 |
Gee, do you think you could've asked for more to fill this cavity?  Mike even had to make a new tool to undercut for the output jack, not that he minded of course. | ||
| smokin_dave
Junior Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 26 Registered: 10-2002 |
Wow,that control cavity is a study in neatness and workmanship.Masterful.That electronic design is exactly what I want on a custom Rogue I'm going to get in the hopefuly not to distant future.For now I'll just have to settle for the Purpleheart Rogue 5 that I have in waiting while waiting for the bank to get it together. Congrats BIGH and be sure to post you're reaction and comment's about you're new pride and joy.:-) | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 660 Registered: 9-2002 |
I'm late I know but oh-oh ... that's very nice! |
