| Author |
Message |
basstard
Intermediate Member
Username: basstard
Post Number: 136
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 1:14 pm: |  |
This one is going to be AWESOME.
No, wait. It already is. |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 2418
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 - 2:38 pm: | |
While we're at it, make sure the back is a goodie:
I apologize for the back of the peghead picture, it's not dull-looking at all, but all 3 shots I took look like it is. Colors are the same as the rest of the bass - it's all painted at the same time afterall. |
sfnic
Junior
Username: sfnic
Post Number: 23
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 - 6:01 pm: | |
The neck lam mix for this bass is absolutely fantastic. On its own, it's subdued and not nearly as eye-catching as a maple/PH lam setup might be, but in the context of the Firebird body, it's absolutely perfect.
Especially down the back, with the amber center area of the 'burst. It's incredibly evocative of the original Gibsons, while at the same time being pure Alembic.
I was there while Mica was taking the pictures (hi, Bill, great to meet you!), and can confirm what Bill says: as great as it looks in the pictures, it'll blow your eyes out when you see it in person.
nic |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 2484
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 5:29 pm: | |
Here's Bob's latest finish:
Now's the time you say, "it's perfect," if in fact, it is.
Isn't it?  |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 2485
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 5:30 pm: | |
Oh yeah, I quickly stuck some black in for the fingerboard and pickups, just to help the visualization:
 |
rraymond
Intermediate Member
Username: rraymond
Post Number: 179
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 7:02 pm: | |
Oh man, I want one! That is killer, Steve!
Reid |
s_wood
Intermediate Member
Username: s_wood
Post Number: 137
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 8:03 pm: | |
Absolutely perfect!!! Bob really nailed it!!! Wow!!! |
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic
Post Number: 2027
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 10:56 pm: | |
though "nailing" wouldn't be the appropriate word to describe his action to produce this piece of art.
Nice ...really!
Paul TBO |
jeff
Intermediate Member
Username: jeff
Post Number: 106
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 08, 2005 - 6:30 am: | |
Steve,
I'm so glad that you had your bass refinished to allow much more of that strikingly beautiful quilted maple to shine through. This bass is going to be a true, one-of-a-kind masterpiece. |
gare
Advanced Member
Username: gare
Post Number: 214
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 09, 2005 - 11:18 am: | |
I'm gonna cry..I want one too !
Love the finish... |
s_wood
Intermediate Member
Username: s_wood
Post Number: 139
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 7:40 am: | |
It really is beautiful, isn't it? I love the old-school vibe of the whole thing, and because it's an Alembic I know it will play and sound great. Can't wait to get it in my hands! |
s_wood
Intermediate Member
Username: s_wood
Post Number: 146
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, August 06, 2005 - 9:43 am: | |
The Alembird is finished!
I'll post some photos when I get a chance to take them, but as you can see from the shots above the bass is absolutely gorgeous. The finish really makes the killer quilt maple top scream! As beautiful as the bass is, though, it's the tone of the Alembird that really kills.
I am really blown away by the fantastic and unique tone of the bass. The all-mahagony neck and unique pickup placement of the Alembird were copied from the original Thunderbird, and by doing so we have created a bass that produces incredibly warm and singing upper mids just like the original T-Bird, but with the clarity and extended bass response of an Alembic. It's an Alembird for sure!
An unexpected benefit of the warmth of the mahagony neck's tone is that the Alembird comes pretty close to nailing that classic Jazz bass rear pickup Jaco burp! I've never been able to really coax that tone out of my maple neck Series basses, but the Alembird comes as close as you can get with a neck-through bass and wide aperture pickups. The filter and 3 position Q switch for each pickup allows me to sharpen the high end to add that characteristic Alembic clarity should I want it, and I can almost get the bass back to that classic Alembic grand piano tone.
How about this for Alembic magic? If you have ever played a Thunderbird you know that they are brutally neck heavy - take your hand off the neck and the peghead dives right to the floor! However, by re-designing the peghead and using Hipshot Ultralight tuners the magicians at Alembic have created a bass that balances perfectly!
I am really blown away by how well Susan, Mica and the gang were able to take my dream of combining the Thunderbird's looks and unique tonal characteristics with Alembic's tonal clarity and build quality. I've been dreaming about this bass for years, but the reality created by Alembic far surpasses my own hopes for the project.
This bass is my own personal tribute to John Entwistle. Now, if you will excuse me I am going to go re-learn "The Real Me" with my Alembird! |
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck
Post Number: 2162
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, August 06, 2005 - 10:14 am: | |
No practicing until the pics are posted!!
Congrats!!! |
eastcoastepic
Intermediate Member
Username: eastcoastepic
Post Number: 144
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, August 07, 2005 - 7:10 pm: | |
Steve, puh-leez post pics of that 30 year-old Brazilian Rosewood fretboard!! (Oh, and the rest of the bass, as well)
I must say, you're a man of great patience (2 yrs + in the making)...congratulations on a truly unique creation... |
johnnybassboy
Junior
Username: johnnybassboy
Post Number: 14
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Friday, August 12, 2005 - 2:54 am: | |
Steve, I continue to be blown away by your dedication to your basses. Susan, Mica and crew: your ability to knock one out of the park... what can I say? No other company in the world could have done what you people seem to do routinely. |
katana_6506
New
Username: katana_6506
Post Number: 6
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, August 27, 2005 - 3:44 pm: | |
Any pics yet? |
moonlinermusic
New
Username: moonlinermusic
Post Number: 8
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 8:55 pm: | |
If you could please post some pictures it would be greatly appreciated! |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 2626
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 9:06 am: | |
Here's a few of the snapshots I took before we shipped this bass:
 |
moonlinermusic
New
Username: moonlinermusic
Post Number: 9
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 4:31 pm: | |
Beautiful and stunning!
Thanks Mica. |
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq
Post Number: 639
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 9:27 am: | |
Steve:
Let me be the first to congratulate you on making COTM. A very beautiful and unique instrument. Very deserving of the honors. I've been watching the progress for a while now, always taking a peek at the 'bird whenever I dropped in at Alembic. I suspect it will be bringing you much happiness for a long time. Enjoy!
Bill, tgo |
jalevinemd
Advanced Member
Username: jalevinemd
Post Number: 228
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 10:41 am: | |
Steve,
What can I say? Beautiful instrument. By the way, are those MXR-type knobs or is it just the photo angles? I love them.
Jonathan |
s_wood
Intermediate Member
Username: s_wood
Post Number: 151
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 1:36 pm: | |
It is a real thrill and honor to own an Alembic worthy of COTM status. The Alembird is beautiful, as you can see. The best part, though, is what you can't see - the bass sounds fantastic and plays amazingly well. I am completely satisified with what Alembic has created.
I am particularly amazed, though not surprised, at the ability of Susan, Mica, Bob, Mike and everyone else to translate my necessarily subjective and vague concept of marrying an Alembic and a Thunderbird into a usable musical instrument with exactly the tonal qualities I was shooting for. The bass really does sound like a 50-50 mix of an Alembic and a T-Bird. It captures the warm and ringing mids of the T-Bird while retaining the clarity and tonal versatility of an Alembic, which is just what I was aiming for.
Alchemy, indeed! My profound thanks to everyone at Alembic - you all are the best! |
s_wood
Intermediate Member
Username: s_wood
Post Number: 152
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 6:47 pm: | |
Jonathan:
Yep, those are MXR style knobs. They have a powerful '60's vibe, which is perfect for the project. Those folks at Alembic don't miss a trick! |
jacko
Advanced Member
Username: jacko
Post Number: 314
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 09, 2005 - 4:47 am: | |
Congratulations on COTM steve. The rest of us are going to have to think pretty hard if we want our next instruments to join yours.
Graeme |
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck
Post Number: 2319
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 09, 2005 - 5:22 am: | |
Striking!! And another great feature layout by Mica! |
basstard
Intermediate Member
Username: basstard
Post Number: 143
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 09, 2005 - 2:16 pm: | |
I SO knew it was going to end up as COTM ;-) Congrats Steve - it's an absolutely amazing instrument. |
jpj678
New
Username: jpj678
Post Number: 4
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Friday, September 09, 2005 - 5:27 pm: | |
It doesn't seem like you'd be able to get at any of the higher frets. Is that part of the neck mostly for tapping, or a similar technique? |
s_wood
Intermediate Member
Username: s_wood
Post Number: 153
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, September 10, 2005 - 6:20 pm: | |
You're right about the inaccessibility of the upper frets. It's pretty much impossible to play above the 16th fret on a Thunderbird as a consequence of the imperceptibbody design. By tweaking things a bit we were able to gain access to the 18th fret on the Alembird. The extension of the fretboard past the 20th fret was my idea, and it was a mistake in retrospect as I should never have thought to chew up any of that qorgeous quilt maple. My thinking at the time was to use a 24 fret fingerboard because that's what is standard on Alembics. |
jeff
Intermediate Member
Username: jeff
Post Number: 113
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 5:56 am: | |
Steve:
I am absolutely thrilled for you that this beauty of a bass has made COTM. It is just amazing that you and the crew at Alembic were able to achieve the tone you were seeking, and then some. Your post on August 6 says it all. Congratulations Steve. |
gare
Advanced Member
Username: gare
Post Number: 248
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 6:14 am: | |
Congrats Steve on a beautiful instrument..and very appropriate COTM.
How heavy is it compared to the T-bird ? |
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq
Post Number: 658
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 7:37 am: | |
An old friend drove a late '60's T-Bird. It was at least 3500 lbs heavier than Steve's guitar. (Couldn't resist LOL)
Bill, tgo |
s_wood
Intermediate Member
Username: s_wood
Post Number: 154
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 7:26 pm: | |
Gare:
I haven't weighed either my '64 T-Bird or the Alembird, but subjectively the basses weigh about the same. That's not a surprise as the basses are quite similar in terms of construction materials and design. |
dadabass2001
Senior Member
Username: dadabass2001
Post Number: 460
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 7:34 pm: | |
Steve,
Have you picked up the trick someone here suggested of weighing yourself, then weighing yourself while holding the bass. The difference is the weight of the instrument.
Mike |
ox_junior
Advanced Member
Username: ox_junior
Post Number: 255
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, September 19, 2005 - 3:16 pm: | |
As a John Entwistle fan, would you call that technique "Trick of the Weight"?
AMAZING instrument Steve! Congrats!
Mike |
s_wood
Intermediate Member
Username: s_wood
Post Number: 155
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 - 11:49 am: | |
Not everybody loves the Alembird...
Check this out: http://www.vintagebass.com/thedudepit/showthread.php?t=4900 |
jacko
Advanced Member
Username: jacko
Post Number: 333
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 - 1:10 am: | |
Well, each to their own I guess, I think it's fantastic. Seems to be about a 50-50 split but like you say, it's your bass and you love it so who cares what anyone else thinks.
BTW, I love the avatar BMORRI396 has chosen. Very eyecatching ;-)
Graeme |
kmh364
Senior Member
Username: kmh364
Post Number: 1056
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 - 6:16 am: | |
Steve:
What Graeme said...screw 'em all! That thing is awesome and it's yours so who cares! I'd be proud to own the thing myself.
Cheers,
Kevin |
ajdover
Advanced Member
Username: ajdover
Post Number: 245
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 23, 2005 - 6:49 pm: | |
Steve,
It's a beautiful instrument, regardless. I would have preferred more access to the upper frets, but that's just me. You got what you wanted, and it's beautiful. I am truly jealous! Congrats on a great instrument!
Best regards,
Alan |
s_wood
Intermediate Member
Username: s_wood
Post Number: 156
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2005 - 9:10 am: | |
I would have preferred more access to the upper frets, too, but that simply isn't possible with the T-Bird's body shape. If you check out the very beginning of this thread in the archives through November 11 2004 you can see the results of Mica's Photoshop manipulations of the body shape in an attempt to provide better access to the upper frets. In my opinion, the better the upper fret access the weirder the body looked. So, since the concept here was to copy the T-Bird I went with the original body shape, warts and all. |
ajdover
Advanced Member
Username: ajdover
Post Number: 246
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 24, 2005 - 2:56 pm: | |
Steve,
I figured as much. It's one of the few things I don't like about my T-Bird. Completely understand why you wanted to keep the classic shape - I just love the shape of a T-Bird. To me, it just says rock 'n roll. You've got the best of both worlds - a kickass looking bass, and it's an Alembic. Again, I am truly jealous! Still looking for my checkbook ....
Alan |
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