| Author | Message | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 222 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hey Mark, Congradulations on your beautiful instrument and the proposed arrival. I can imagine how stoked you are. Isn't all of this a magical process? In fact I am starting to think I may have a little PTSD when mine finally arrives as lately I have been running on adrenaline from this website, mostly from anticipation. And if there is anything I would like to apologize to you to for sometimes being controversial-probably just out of insecurity at times but most of all I'd like to apologize to all for is my spelling. The way I look at spelling in an arena like this though is that as long as it works phonically then you all probably get the point! haha!!!! Anyway the main point to write you is because you just brought something to my attention that I had missed. Regarding your BTC's it just dawned on me that by BTC'ing you are actually overlapping the body woods with the neck and therefore making more contact between these woods, locking the body tighter into the neck, thus picking up alot more vibration or frequency's. This to me is a huge plus in the utilization of all potentialities. I can just now imagine how much more this adds to the overall tone possibilities of your bass. I have been torn during this whole construction phase about going BTC or Top to Center wood. Originally I had drawn in my blueprint of my neck which I sent to Alembic to bring my top wood to center from the bottom of the bridge pick-up down to my heart omega thus covering my neck wood and from the top of that pick-up to the neck have the neck woods showing between the pick-ups and around the nut . This proposal was denied me by Valentino I believe saying that it couldn't be done. I know in my own heart that it could be done and in fact I think the Alembic artist's probably weren't asked if they could do it. I was really just trying to bring another little design feature to the front look of the instruments and also having some effect on the sound. I think it would look really sharp as well. Anyway, congradulations on your design. Your baby is coming out stunning. Keep up the good work and enjoy the ride. You deserve it! Also thanks for the nice words on my post. Keep an eye out on my bass and lets see if I'm going to get any of that sapwood showing for a little highlight. Take care Mark, Paul | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 740 Registered: 9-2005 |
Hey, thanks again for your additional thoughts, Paul, and I respect what you said about the insecurity thing and all. It takes a big man to say it. But it makes you a better man. Who among us hasn't been moved to do/say/respond to something out of fear or insecurity in a way he/she would've preferred not to? Few if any. I tend to think we almost certainly all have; and the only issue is whether we acknowledge it. If and when we do, then we can put it behind us, and we're better for it.  I feel for you that you didn't get that unique design feature you wanted. But your bass will look and sound absolutely awesome. And that feature probably would've cost a lot extra. Yeah, I kicked out the extra bucks for the BTC on both the front and rear 'cause I really wanted to make sure I got the absolute maximum Coco Bolo sound... and having it completely surround the neck... having the wood join together across the top and back... should definitely achieve that objective. Plus... I just love the way it looks!!! Hey, don't worry about spelling... it's the least of our worries!!! I'll be keeping my eye out on your FTC thread, awaiting the next developments!!! Mark | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 223 Registered: 1-2007 |
Thanks again Mark. Everything you just said is all good. I admire your intellectual approach to your ordering. You have taught me alot during this ordering process as you are well thought out in your decisions. Taking a firm stance once you have made up your mind. Most of all you are covering all the bases from design to delivery. Because of one of your threads I had a lengthy conversation with my friend Tim and my UPS delivery person. You have brought up many topics for me to consider in my order that I otherwise would have definately overlooked. Believe me- I am not in the least bit over exagerating this to come across mushy. You have opened up many avenues for me to consider in my design which has contributed greatly to the outcome of this beaut. And I would have to say that if my Bass made it as a featured custom I wouldn't hesitate to give credit where credit was due. My next focus will be on shipping so let us know how your experience takes place and good luck! I'm going with the new double layer packaging that Alembic says they offer so that is the next topic for my additions thread. Must go to sleep now, something is wrong with the way my keyboard is working. Aloha for now, goodnight. Paul | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 741 Registered: 9-2005 |
Hey, thanks Paul, that's nice of you to say. I'm glad my thoughts have been helpful to you. That is certainly my only objective in saying them. You, of course, will ultimately be the one with your custom dream bass, and I'd like you to be as happy with it as you can be... same for everyone else, and same for me. This site has been a wealth of information for me. I've learned a LOT of stuff from the many people here, and this site is just a fabulous resource. Sometimes other people ask questions or have issues for which I think I do or may have valuable thoughts to contribute. Oftentimes people ask questions for which I have no answers and have nothing to contribute, and I sit back while others endeavor to assist. I'm grateful for the knowledge, experience, and feedback of the many club members here; they have been very helpful and instrumental (double entendre) in helping me design my new custom bass. It pleases me to be able to help others, as others have helped me. Sleep well, and I hope the issue with the keyboard is minor (and diminished!). | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 749 Registered: 9-2005 |
Well, the countdown has begun!!! Bass Central estimated my custom 6-string should be done by September 10th!!! Of course, who knows, it could always take longer, but I'm figuring they got the figure from Alembic, and it should be pretty close!!! So, that's a week away... and then probably another 2 days to ship. Pretty freaking exciting. I know it'll be awesome... it'll look great and sound great... but wow, I just can't wait to see and hear it in person, and to compare and contrast it to my awesome 8-string. I've gotton pretty adept at the 8-string, and can play it as well or better than most folks play a 6-string; but still, it's big, heavy, and takes a lot of reach to get to the first fret with the extra long scale. I'm working on the Prelude of J.S. Bachs' first solo cello suite (playing it an octave below written pitch) and boy, some of the repeated lower parts are a bit a a workout! I'm figuring that it'll be much easier to play on the Balance K with the shorter scale and the smaller neck and lighter body. I'm figuring it'll be like going from the bulky Enterprise D to the Enterprise E... or maybe Voyager! Anyway, I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing it, playing it, and hearing just how great the legendary sound of Coco Bolo is, and experiencing the rapidly-becoming famous ergonomic comfort of the Balance K!!! They're just the most fabulous looking Alembics! | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1319 Registered: 10-2002 |
Take some deep breaths mark. It won't be long now. graeme | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 750 Registered: 9-2005 |
Another day closer... the excitement mounts!!! | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 225 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Mark, I just thought I would share some of your excitement with you in a little discussion as I am also on the verge of a little action this week myself. I don't know if you saw but my body got glued up last week so maybe by the end of this week I might see the shape of the bass take place. Of course I go by the old saying that "Expectations are Premeditated Resentments" so I am not expecting anything as I know the crew has their hands completely full. When they get something done on my bass I figure is when they have time to work on it. Anyway, I like their great little surprises! So I just thought I would ask though you may have discussed this before I don't read all of the posts, what amps do you prefer to play you instruments thru and do you have an SF-2? Also, do you use any kind of effects boxes or systems? Another thing I wanted to share with you regarding my discussion with my UPS driver/friend last week is that he mentioned (which you probably know this) is to aviod ground trucking at any cost as much as possible. I don't know exactly how it works but hopefully you are closest to the major airports that they ship out of as the least amount of riding in the huge container trucks the better. He described that riding in those large trucks give them the best chance of getting buryied <sp under massive piles and bounced on the most. I am sure you know this or get the picture. In any case he told me that 2nd air is the best no matter what. I think the most truck riding they would get would be from Santa Rosa to the airport (probably Oakland) for shipping out. One other thing, did you request the bronze logo inlay up on the peghead? This is all just for fun. Good luck, I hope your order stays on time and I know it will come out beautiful! I'm sure you are shaking in your skin with excitement. Keep wishing, Aloha, Paul | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 751 Registered: 9-2005 |
Only got a second here, my woman is demanding my attention, but I wanted to put on record I've paid the balance of my Balance K off in full. I got an email acknowledging this from Susan, so I assume everyone knows it's paid off. Also it goes on my insurance this Friday. Please call me prior to shipping. At this point, it's 98% likely I'll have it shipped... but WHERE will depend on WHEN it's ready. I'll probably call you from my cell during the day on one of the next 3 days to see where it's at -unless you post any info here updating me before then. Paul, I'm getting the Silver logo that comes standard with the Signature basses, wherever they normally put it on the peghead according to their discretion. | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 752 Registered: 9-2005 |
Okay, I'm back. To answer your other questions, Paul, I don't use any effects; all I have is an old Peavey TNT 130 amp. Getting a better amp will be my next musical expenditure... but it'll likely be a while. I've always elected to spend the $ on the instruments, but I am overdue to get an equally awesome amp to make the most of them. I was looking into getting a "Big Ben" a while back -based on feedback from club members- but simply haven't had the money with the new house and all. I would, of course, like to get a Superfilter and one of the Alembic tube preamps, at some point. That will come after I get an upgraded amp. I appreciate your thoughts about shipping, and Mica has said the same thing -that 2cnd day air is the way to go, with (statistically) the least problems, while, conversely, overnight and ground tend to have the worst amount of problems. Yeah, it looks awesome, and I'm sure it'll even more beautiful when fully finished. Something I'm slightly worried about is the tummy contour doesn't look as pronounced and deeply carved the way I was expecting like other Balance Ks -like Thunder and Lightning, Rio, and the Dire Wolf; but I'm guessing it's just something I can't see in the picture. I can see that there IS a tummy curve... the picture must just not show it very well. Yeah, I'm pretty excited, and I hope it's ready by the 10th, but if not, it's cool, 'cause it won't be much longer. All that's really important is getting it safely here, and it'll be covered by my insurance as of this Friday. And I certainly did see the latest on your bass and it looks PFA (pretty freaking awesome)! It's going to be a VERY formidiable contender! I'll look forward to your next pictures. I'd like to see more pictures of my bass, but since it's so close, they might not bother since I'll know what it looks like soon enough! | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 226 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hey Mark, Well, Peavey's are nice amps to begin with. And you are smart as the instrument and the house are much better investments in that order of "pleasure and monetary" value so sounds smart to me!. I see what you mean about the tummy contour. The way it's shaved or tapered they didn't go to far into the accent laminates. I don't know if that is good news or bad news. Being that it is on the back that doesn't matter to much and it is hard to tell how deep it is. It is hard to tell if there is a tummy accent from that picture. I don't know what to say unless I could see a better view which I am sure that is what you want. Let us know when you find out more. It doesn't really look bad at all but that is very observant of you. Take care, and thanks for the compliments. I am curious to see if any of the sapwood is going to show which will be great with me if it comes out right. Paul | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1322 Registered: 10-2002 |
Mark. 2 things.. Firstly, your accent laminates are pretty narrow so you won't see the maple widen as much on the tummy contouring. If you compare it with mine, the contouring looks more pronounced due to the wider maple laminate. However, there looks to be more mahogany showing on yours so I don't think you've anything to worry about.(i.e. the distance from the edge of the bass to the coco bolo looks the same)  The second thing relates to the logo. My sig deluxe came with a bronxe logo so if you're expecting silver, you'd best confirm with Mica. Graeme (Message edited by jacko on September 05, 2007) | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 754 Registered: 9-2005 |
Hey, thanks for the feedback, Graeme. I'm not worried about the looks -I definetly understand your point about the thinner accent lams- only that it actually has the full contour, for comfort and function. I'm sure it's just the picture, but I'll ask 'er about it next time I talk to her. I wouldn't ask 'em to redo it at this point, in any event. Thanks for the heads up on the logo. The quote generator spec's "silver logo and script" as standard on the MK deluxe, so I assumed it would be what I was getting; and it would be my preference. But it's no biggie either way. Mica, if you read this, I'd PREFER the silver logo and script, but if that's an error in the quote generator, and/or if you've already stuck a bronze one on, then don't worry about it. I don't want Alembic to incur any unnecessary/additional costs and/or headaches with this bass. I'll be thrilled with it regardless of the very minor detail of the specific metal of the script and logo. Thanks all, nice of you keeping me company during the countdown, Graeme! If all goes well, and it's actually finished by next Monday, then I should receive it a week from today or tomorrow! And if it's not finished by then, I'm guessing it probably wouldn't be any later than a week after that! Another day closer!!! | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 228 Registered: 1-2007 |
Thanks Mark, I was actually going to ask you for that info in the near future here as I saw you mention it in your thread so you beat me to it! I am going to check with my business carrier and then I will call your guy and see what kind of prices and coverage I can get. Very nice of you, thanks again, Paul | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 758 Registered: 9-2005 |
Glad to help, Paul. I actually heard about Heritage from other club members here. For a gruesome and heartwrenching story of something you'd never want to experience with your bass, see this thread: http://alembic.com/club/messages/393/23959.html When club member Steve had his Series II decapitated horrifically, Heritage stepped up and got him a new one, salvaging the electronics and usable parts, and paying for the rest. This told me exactly what kind of a company they are... the kind I want to have covering my back in the case of unexpected tradgedy. | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 761 Registered: 9-2005 |
Woo Hoo! The countdown continues!!! If all goes well, I'll be playing this awesome bass a week from right now!!! Mica, Mary probably told you I called yesterday, but apparently y'all were getting slammed, so I'll try back today or tommorow to see if where we're at, and to get your estimate of the finish time. Depending on when it's done, and other variables, I may either have it shipped to my work, my home, or my good friends comic shop -he's as trustworthy as they come, and he's always there during delivery time. Woo hoo, thanks again for everything, it looks awesome, and I'm REALLY psyched!!! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 4794 Registered: 6-2000 |
We're still thinking the ship date will be the week of September 10th. If you want the wooden shipping crate, it might take a week longer since I don't stock these as they take up a good deal of room. Until the day the bass is packed and ready for the carrier, there's no point in deciding where you want it to arrive since you're working with so many variables. Probably the best thing is for you to decide if you want the wooden shipping crate, and then we'll call you when it's all packed up and you can then tell us where it should arrive. Sound like a good plan? | ||
| jtussing
Intermediate Member Username: jtussing Post Number: 127 Registered: 12-2006 |
MUST SEE THE BASS! MUST SEE THE BASS! ! ! | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 766 Registered: 9-2005 |
Hi Mica, nice to hear from you! (As you probably know) I tried to get a hold of you a couple times again today, but you were occupied with other calls again, and I wasn't available for you to return the call at work (Mary offered)! Mary DID tell me my bass is in setup, and I'm thrilled no end!!! And it's great hearing you think it'll probably ship next week! Bassed on past conversations -PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG- I'm assuming the shipping I paid Beaver for is the 2cnd day delivery you generally recommend. And I seem to recall you prefer to ship on Monday or Tuesday -Wednesday at the latest- to avoid staying in the warehouse over the weekend. So hopefully it'll ship out on either Monday or Tuesday, and I'll get it two days later. At this point, it's most likely I'll either take the day off and get it at home, or have you ship it to my extremely reliable and trustworthy friend Jim at his store -he's always there during normal UPS delivery times, and he's already aware of the situation and happy to sign for it and keep it in a secure place til I pick it up (which would be as soon as I get the call). There are complications getting it shipped to work... drama and silliness. I can do it if necessary, but would probably prefer to avoid it (I'll spare you the reasons). I'M PRETTY SURE I WON'T GET THE CRATE. I'll probably either get the standard case, or the most basic "road/flight/travel" case. HOW MUCH MORE DOES IT WEIGH, AND HOW MUCH BIGGER IS IT? The reason I ask is because I keep my instruments -in their cases- in a safe, and I'm wondering if the "road case" would fit. I wouldn't want to have to take the bass out of the road case and put it in the safe without a case. My 8-string has no problem fitting (in the case). Since you posted info on the bass, I may or may not call you tomorrow. If possible, PLEASE UPDATE ME on the status of the bass tommorow or over the weekend... how likely is it to be ready to ship on either Monday or Tuesday? I'll call you up first thing on the day it's ready to ship, and give you a decision on what to do. Thanks again for all your help, patience and support, you folks have been wonderful! I appreciate all your efforts, and I'm grateful for this opportunity to get another wonderful Alembic, and to have it be pleasant for all concerned. Special thanks again for the wood selections... the Coco Bolo looks stunning, mesmerizing... I'll always appreciate it and be grateful to Alembic... to you and Bob... for getting me a board that's as close to perfect -for my specific idosyncratic preferences- as I could've rationally hoped for!!! Jim, thanks for you're enthusiasm and support! I really think you've scored one of the most awesome looking Quilted Maple Alembics ever... and I think I've similarily scored one of the most awesome looking Coco Bolo Alembics ever!!! | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 767 Registered: 9-2005 |
The countdown continues!!! More excitement! More thrills!!! The bass is in setup!!! Mica sez she still thinks it'll ship next week!!! WOO HOO!!! And... as of today, the bass is officially insured through Heritage!!! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 4797 Registered: 6-2000 |
A road case is a custom ordered item. I've never kept track of their weights or sizes, they are what they are depending on the bass or guitar they protect. Sorry I don't have better data on this for you. You will wait 2-4 weeks for any road case to be constructed. Where you live, UPS delivers guaranteed 2 days by ground service. Even if you pay for 2nd day air service, the package will likely be delivered via ground transportation. So upgrading the service to air isn't needed based on the delivery location. It's more the number of days in transit that we care about. I can't really tell you how likely a ship date will be more than we already have. We're hoping for early next week, and nothing so far has changed that estimate. I'll let you know if there is a change to that. I'll also let you know when the bass is packed up and ready to ship so you can tell me the destination address. Getting very close! | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 770 Registered: 9-2005 |
Thanks for the update, Mica. I actually DID NOT see the above post when I spoke to you earlier today. Sorry, I can't hear too well on my cellphone sometimes, so I lost a little of what you said... I thought you were referring to another post. Anyway it's great it's getting close. Hmph. I thought Jason said you had some road cases in stock, but apparently I misunderstood him. I don't feel like waiting additional weeks... plus money is REALLY TIGHT... so I guess I'll just go for the standard case, and ask you to please PACK DAT LIL' PUPPY UP JUST AS SAFE AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN with the standard packaging. Hopefully, my bass won't be one of the ones that gets f@*!#d up by the boneheads at UPS... but if it is... it's now covered by Heritage. I know this... if the peghead gets broken off or the neck is snapped, I'll want to salvage the Coco Bolo on the front and back... 'cause it looks exceptionally awesome!!! Hey... I doubt you offer color choices for the case interior... but just in case, all things being equal, my preference is for blue, black, or purple... in that order. So... pack it up nice 'n safe, and ring me when it's ready to ship... and I'll promptly call back and give you a shipping location... probably to my friends store or to my house. I guess that covers everything except the final shipping decision... so I'll talk to you when the time/call comes! Looking forward to it, and thanks again for everything! Oh yeah, hey, one more thing... there are two additional items I want to receive with the bass: (1) a spare set of strings; and (2) an EXTRA LARGE "claret red" Alembic shirt -should go great with the Coco Bolo. Go ahead and pack 'em in the case with the bass. I ALWAYS have my credit card with me, and I'll whip it out when you contact me for the shipping info!!! | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 773 Registered: 9-2005 |
Okay, getting pretty close here!!! It's Sunday night... and tomorrow could be "the day"... the day the bass is "in the box" (and then ready for shipping)!!! It's been a great weekend -cause I've finally been off for two days in a row... and it's been extra enjoyable because of "the wait". That may seem paradoxical; but the wait makes time go slower, and since I was off, it made my weekend last longer!!! But now... the new week is about to begin, and it's a great thrill thinking I'll probably get it this week, and the long wait will be over. I'm really looking forward to it. It looks fantabulawesome in the pictures... but they don't do justice to the "in person" beauty of these instruments! Just a few more days... | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 774 Registered: 9-2005 |
Woo Hoo!!! The countdown continues!!! Will today be the day my trebling fingers get the call on my "vibrate only" cellphone, and open it up to see Alembics' number calling me to tell me my bass is "in the box" and ready to ship? I guess we'll see! Won't be long now. (I got that Beatles song stuck in my head now!!!) | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 4800 Registered: 6-2000 |
While the bass is rubbed out and ready for setup, it's not likely the bass will be ready to ship before the end of the week, so that's probably a September 17th ship date. I'll keep you updated as things progress. | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 777 Registered: 9-2005 |
Nooooooo!!!! Say it's not sooooooo! (Regaining composure) Well, thanks for the heads up. I'll prepare myself for the horror of not getting it this week after all. The horror... the horror... | ||
| 5stringho
Intermediate Member Username: 5stringho Post Number: 127 Registered: 11-2006 |
An-Tic-I-Pay-ya-shun is makin' you wait!!  Hang in there, Mark! Good things happen to those who wait! Patience is a virtue and all that stuff! I know that doesn't make it any easier, but it wuz worth a try!! Another coupla daze for a LIFETIME of enjoyment!! Good Luck! Mike (the 'Ho)...... | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 779 Registered: 9-2005 |
If I had patience, I'd be a doctor!!! | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 780 Registered: 9-2005 |
Hey Mica, since I've got to wait another week, my poor suffering self requests that'cha throw me a bone, and post a nice new full body shot of my 6-string beauty -if you get the chance. If not... hopefully I'll be holding it in a couple of hours and a week from now! | ||
| artswork99
Member Username: artswork99 Post Number: 99 Registered: 7-2007 |
Deep breaths Mark... inhale, exhale... Use your Mantra... Regards! |
