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mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 3461
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Friday, July 28, 2006 - 6:43 pm:   Edit Post

I know you already saw some progress on your last visit, but I saw your bass in carving today:

carving

carving

The single Ebony neck laminate looks sharp.
alemberic
New
Username: alemberic

Post Number: 9
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Friday, July 28, 2006 - 11:17 pm:   Edit Post

Mica--Thank you, thank you for the update and pics! The FTC thread is a truly fantastic idea. It really creates the feeling of partnership and joint collaboration between builder and customer, and provides a very practical--as well as fun--way to follow the progress of the build.

The single ebony lam does indeed look cool.

I understand you'll be on vacation after today. By the time you read this, you will probably have returned, so... hope you had a great vacation!

Thanks again to you, Valentino, and the entire Alembic crew!

Eric
alemberic
New
Username: alemberic

Post Number: 10
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 8:22 am:   Edit Post

Hi Mica--

Just thought I'd see if you have any update on the Orion. Thank you very much!

Eric
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 3588
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Friday, September 15, 2006 - 7:22 pm:   Edit Post

It's getting color on it now. This won't look right to you, the light in the drying room is funny, and it doesn't have the edge color yet, but you can see where it's at. Bob has the pictures you and he reviewed for color reference.

spray

Look back next week for an update with inlay artwork.
alemberic
Junior
Username: alemberic

Post Number: 12
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Saturday, September 16, 2006 - 2:43 am:   Edit Post

Mica--I know what you mean about the lighting, but...looks pretty sweet from what I can see!

Just as a reminder, I'm only a 2-hour drive from Santa Rosa. I'll be more than happy to come in and take a look in person at any point(s) during the finish process that Bob and/or you feel would be beneficial. Just let me know when!!

Thanks for the update!

Eric
groovelines
Advanced Member
Username: groovelines

Post Number: 362
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 10:06 am:   Edit Post

I miss my Orion, nicest feeling bass I've ever owned.
The flames look pretty cool popping through the paint.

Mike
alemberic
Junior
Username: alemberic

Post Number: 13
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 12:59 am:   Edit Post

Mike--I appreciate your comments. Call me crazy, but I've always been partial to sunburst finishes. As you said, the flames showing through adds a cool touch. It will actually be a 3-color burst, and I've been working closely with Bob and Valentino to get a particular coloring/shading which looks "right" (to my eyes, at least).

Take care.

Eric
kmh364
Senior Member
Username: kmh364

Post Number: 2032
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Monday, September 25, 2006 - 10:59 am:   Edit Post

Very nice! I wish I'd have thought about a thick neck lam or two when I had my Orion built.
alemberic
Junior
Username: alemberic

Post Number: 15
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Monday, September 25, 2006 - 5:34 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks Kevin--I'm hoping the single neck lam will give me some "boom" without going completely over the edge soundwise. I understand from Mica and Val that a little ebony goes a long way!

Eric
kmh364
Senior Member
Username: kmh364

Post Number: 2036
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 5:14 am:   Edit Post

Eric,

Maybe not as much "boom" as if it was a neck-through, but it should be noticeably extended (and heavier) with the ebony.

I didn't know I could get wide lams in a set-neck, otherwise I'd have done it myself.

Regardless, Orions are great! I have two nearly identical ones. The body style is very comfortable and fairly light, and the midrange punch is awesome!

If it's not too late, you might wanna consider EMW electronics...it adds a filter and "q" switch to the stock master vol, pan, bass/treble controls and makes the instrument infinitely more versatile for not that much more money.

Just my two cents,

Cheers,

Kevin
groovelines
Advanced Member
Username: groovelines

Post Number: 371
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 6:15 am:   Edit Post

to badly paraphrase Bobby D - "Everybody must get 'Q-ed'"

smart move if you can do it.

adios,
Mike
alemberic
Junior
Username: alemberic

Post Number: 16
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 10:49 am:   Edit Post

Kevin/Mike--Many thanks for the electronics suggestions. As one of my options, I've already ordered the Essence electronics with Q-switch. As you guys know, this will give me a filter and the all-important Q. Hopefully this set-up, while not quite the same as EMW, will still give me most of the versatility you speak of. Thanks again!

Eric
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 565
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 11:18 am:   Edit Post

Eric,
I have the same electronics on my 5 string Orion and have been happy with them. When I first got the bass it only had the filter. I added the Q-switch and it really improved the versatility. I think you'll be happy with your choice.

Keith
alemberic
Junior
Username: alemberic

Post Number: 17
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 1:09 pm:   Edit Post

Keith--cool, I'm glad to hear that the same set-up works for you. Thanks for letting me know.

Eric
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 3625
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Wednesday, October 04, 2006 - 12:48 pm:   Edit Post

Bob would like you to come and view the finish if you can before he applies the final clear coats. Let me know when you can drop by.
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 3631
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Wednesday, October 04, 2006 - 10:49 pm:   Edit Post

It never looks right in a photo, but here's where the color is now:

spray
alemberic
Junior
Username: alemberic

Post Number: 18
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Thursday, October 05, 2006 - 11:49 am:   Edit Post

Mica

The newest pic looks absolutely spot on to me--too sweet for words!!

As per our phone discussion a few minutes ago, I'll be in to see Bob on Monday, 10-9, at 11 A.M.for a first-hand look.

As always, thank you for your help. You and all the Alembic artisans have a great weekend!

Eric
alemberic
Junior
Username: alemberic

Post Number: 24
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Friday, November 17, 2006 - 1:13 pm:   Edit Post

Hi Mica--

Checking in again to see if there might be anything new with my intstrument. Do I dare to hope for an Alembic Christmas?

Thanks for any information you can provide!

Eric
valvil
Moderator
Username: valvil

Post Number: 952
Registered: 7-2002
Posted on Friday, November 17, 2006 - 1:58 pm:   Edit Post

It's going to be an early Christmas for you, Eric...

James is working on the hardware as I type this. It should be done early next week.

Valentino
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 878
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Friday, November 17, 2006 - 2:09 pm:   Edit Post

Breath sloooowly Eric, don't want to hyper-ventilate.
tbrannon
Advanced Member
Username: tbrannon

Post Number: 232
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Friday, November 17, 2006 - 5:05 pm:   Edit Post

That is a BEAUTIFUL burst paint job.

That green one behind yours is looking sweet as well. I'm getting ready to join Joey's "Alembics look better in Color" Club.
alemberic
Junior
Username: alemberic

Post Number: 25
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Saturday, November 18, 2006 - 2:36 am:   Edit Post

Val--

Olie--Too busy smiling and doing double back-flips to hyperventilate!!

Toby--Thanks, I appreciate that. It looks even better in person--Bob got it just right!

Eric
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 3949
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Wednesday, January 03, 2007 - 2:08 pm:   Edit Post

Done:
done

The inlay came out great:
inlay

Delicate, and with no joint at the crossbar on the T:
inlay

Let me know when you want to drop by and pick it up.
groovelines
Senior Member
Username: groovelines

Post Number: 431
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Thursday, January 04, 2007 - 7:00 am:   Edit Post

"uh, yeah boss, uh, I'm fuh..f-f-fuh...eelin a little low tuh-cough-tuhday. I'll be in t-t-tuh tuhmorrow. See ya."

It's rumored that an unshaven, wild-eyed, pajama-clad Eric was later seen motoring down the highway, Santa Rosa bound, heavy on the horn and pedal.

Nice ax.
byoung
Senior Member
Username: byoung

Post Number: 468
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Thursday, January 04, 2007 - 5:30 pm:   Edit Post

Another cool bass taking a trip on the casting couch.

Congratulations.
alemberic
Junior
Username: alemberic

Post Number: 31
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Thursday, January 04, 2007 - 9:25 pm:   Edit Post

Mike--LOL!! Normally, that's exactly what would have happened. However, in one of life's few happy coincidences/proper alignment of planets/whatever, I actually have been on vacation this week. Tomorrow will be the trip to Santa Rosa to pick up the ax (as yet unnamed. I will try to post some pics, but that's gonna have to wait a while, obviously, until the ax and I get very, very well acquainted!

Bradley--thank you. Things are progressing on your ax, as well--hang in there!

Eric
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 1962
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Friday, January 05, 2007 - 7:05 am:   Edit Post

Eric:

Beautiful bass. Congrats! Just try and keep your speed below triple digits on your way out from Sacto. So what's "JT" stand for, or are you planning to give this as a present to cousin James?

Bill, tgo
alemberic
Junior
Username: alemberic

Post Number: 32
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Saturday, January 06, 2007 - 4:02 am:   Edit Post

Bill tgo--

JT = the initials of my wife, without whose understanding and support my dream of Alembic ownership would never have been realized. I know, I know--such a sugary sweet story, but I figured it would be a fitting way to acknowledge her!

Anyway, I did manage to make it to Santa Rosa today--no worries about triple-digit speeds, as it was I-80 to Highway 37 and finally onto Highway 101 North The Orion is now home with us!! There just aren't words to describe the way this baby sounds, let alone looks! Thank goodness for this, because now, as Valentino so aptly put it this morning, I will be in "post partum depression." The baby has been "delivered," if you will, the project completed--how will I survive without an FTC thread; my emails/phone calls to Mica and Valentino about the build status or questions I forgot to ask; daydreaming about how things will be once the bass is here-- Guess I'll just have to start saving for my next Alembic, not to mention playing the hell out of this one!!

Thanks for your interest, and talk to you later!

Eric
dadabass2001
Senior Member
Username: dadabass2001

Post Number: 727
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Saturday, January 06, 2007 - 5:26 am:   Edit Post

Eric,
Have fun playing her. You have a beautiful and serious instrument to work with. Make music magic.
Mike
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 1970
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Saturday, January 06, 2007 - 10:08 am:   Edit Post

Eric:

4:02 a.m.??!!! Have you been up all night playing her? You wouldn't be the first. I thought I saw some special vibes in the eastern sky this morning! Enjoy! Ain't no problem with sugary sweet homage to senior management. The brass truss rod cover on my Alembicized Fernandes, the "leaf" guitar, is engraved "Tina", my wife's name. Want even more sugar? It is reversible. The other side is engraved "Nicky", our son.

Bill, tgo

(Message edited by lbpesq on January 06, 2007)

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