| Author | Message | ||
| pierreyves
Intermediate Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 149 Registered: 11-2006 |
Mark, sorry, I understand you are waiting for your (...?) strings bass ? Ok, just a question, if you may answer on 4 lines (it's best to understand for me, shorts posts): why many monthes to build your bass ... It was begin on december 2006 ?! | ||
| bassjigga
Advanced Member Username: bassjigga Post Number: 242 Registered: 8-2005 |
they're busy? | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 566 Registered: 11-2003 |
The first pics of my custom under construction (not counting the mock ups of the body shape) date to 31 Oct 2006. I placed my order on 3 Dec 05, shortly before I went to Iraq. However, I've been involved with Mica and Susan on getting little details correct, one of which was the body shape. Each time they tweaked the body shape, I was afforded the opportunity to take a look at it and say yea or nay. This is one thing that adds on to the time it takes to build an instrument. Also, if a customer makes changes to a bass in mid construction Alembic will have to go back and go through the process (make changes, gain customer approval, continue build) again. This adds to time as well. Finally, the complexity of a customer's wishes also play into the time required. My bass, for example, requires inlaying forty note inlays on the fingerboard a la John Entwistle's famed Exploiters. This is going to take time - some of John's basses took three years to build. One last thing - just looking at the FTC thread, one can see that there are a bunch of basses under construction at any one moment. When I visited Alembic last year, one of the things I noticed is that not every bass gets worked on every day. Some basses/guitars may be in spray, and the spray has to cure; others are in setup, getting inlays, etc. It's simply not possible to work on each instrument every day due to the things that each instrument must go through to get built. Each step requires the time to do it right. If that process isn't followed, one risks having something go wrong, and I for one would rather have it right than quick. All of these things conspire to lengthen the time it takes to build an instrument, but they also ensure that Alembic gets it right, the way the customer wants the first time. Speaking for myself only, I'll wait a bit longer if I know it will be the way I like in the end. Others may not feel that way, and that's cool. Regarding my custom, I'm glad Alembic is taking the approach they are with it. I know it will be the bass of a lifetime as a result. | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 783 Registered: 9-2005 |
Pierre-Yves, to answer your question, I think the wait time is probably mostly due to me. (Short answer to your question.) After I placed the order, I had some questions regarding the body shape; since I wasn't sure what I wanted, that resulted in a delay, and other orders placed the same time got worked on while mine waited for the next round. And also, there was at least a little delay while I made measurements on my other bass and communicated with Mica at her insistence -to make certain the measurements would be perfect. Then, I had a specific request regarding the type of figuring I wanted on the Coco Bolo. While Alembic is known for generally being very accomodating with it's customers regarding figuring -an "extra" service they don't charge for- it likely added at least some time while they searched for what I wanted; I can't fault them for it, it's part of the price I paid for asking for something specific. I also changed a request I'd made for a beveled peghead with a "mini-omega" (like yours), and changed the electronics I'd specified. Both of these change requests -which they were gracious about- added additional wait time. There's a picture in the archives with a note on my neck saying to hold off until I decide what I want. And finally, I told them all along to take their time with this bass. There had been some tension and difficulties on my prior custom regarding the build time. Due in part to mutual communication issues, and certainly due in part to my being unfamiliar with the build process, I got very frustrated with them. Some of this could have been allievated by them giving me more of a sense of what to expect as a first time custom customer... but I'm certain I could've been more patient as well. Ultimately, the custom 8-string they made me was incredibly awesome, and equalled or surpassed all my expectations, and looking back, I wish I'd been more patient and supportive more than I wish they'd done whatever things on their end differently. And it ultimately came to my attention that they actually lost a lot of money making my bass... some of the unique features ended up being a lot harder and more costly for them to do then they'd anticipated; in spite of this, they honored their price, and even threw in a couple of really nice extra things just to placate me... Susan even offered to give me a superfilter. I declined, and I'm sure glad I did, 'cause I'd feel like a real heel if I'd taken her up on it, and then found out that they lost money on it. Mica told me not to worry about it, and that occaissionally it happens. But I learned from the experience, and when I ordered this custom, it was very important to me that they make some money on this order, and that making this bass for me be a relaxed and stress-free experience. So I told 'em to take their time, and not once did I rush them. They may have taken me at my word. So, in summary, there were a number of delays that were partially and/or mainly due to me; and I asked them to take their time and to not stress over it. There was enough stress over the last one. (Long answer to your question.) | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 784 Registered: 9-2005 |
P.S. Major, good attitude, you're right, it will be the bass of a lifetime... and it's looking great! | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 785 Registered: 9-2005 |
Oh, Pierre-Yves, it's a SIX STRING (6-string) bass. And the "four line" answer to your question is: The order took a long time because: (A) I asked them to take their time; and (B) I had requests that added to the build time; and (C) I made several changes which resulted in delays. Also, (D) there were a few delays resulting from me having to make a few decisions. | ||
| pierreyves
Intermediate Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 153 Registered: 11-2006 |
Your are a super funny man mark !! I read ALL, many thank's. Wich month you will have ? | ||
| pierreyves
Intermediate Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 154 Registered: 11-2006 |
(Message edited by pierreyves on September 14, 2007) | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1331 Registered: 10-2002 |
If I can just add to Alan's comment.. "One last thing - just looking at the FTC thread, one can see that there are a bunch of basses under construction at any one moment. " The only instruments we see being crafted are those destined for forum members. There may be a good many other instruments being made at any one time that we will never know about. Graeme | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 787 Registered: 9-2005 |
Well, I spoke with Mica today, and finalized shipping arrangements... she expects it to ship out on Monday, and for it to arrive on Wednesday. The lastest picture of it is the best looking yet... it looks absolutely stunning. It's going to be a long weekend... but I'll be taking the day off to receive the bass at home on Wednesday. I'll be there to personally receive it and make sure there isn't any damage to the packaging... if the bass IS damaged... you might see my name making national headlines... (don't let that happen, great imaginary beings!!!). But I'm thinking positive, here. And I'll have plenty of my favorite beer handy, and a special treat or two... and there's a good pizzaria around the corner... Sell-uh-brate good times, come on... it's a celebration!!! | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 788 Registered: 9-2005 |
HEY MICA, I NEVER SAW A FORMAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT... THAT I'M GETTING A FATBOY PICKUP FOR THE BRIDGE PICKUP. JASON SAID NOT TO WORRY ABOUT THE PRICE, THAT IT WAS ONLY A FIVE DOLLAR DIFFERENCE. AND I FORGOT TO CONFIRM THIS DURING OUR PHONE CALL TODAY... BUT I DO WANT A FATBOY FOR THE BRIDGE PICKUP... AND I WANT WIRING ON BOTH PICKUPS THAT'S LONG ENOUGH THAT I CAN EXPERIMENT WITH SWITCHING THEM!!! PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE! I MAY CALL TO CONFIRM IN PERSON IF I REMEMBER/GET THE CHANCE, BUT PLEASE CONFIRM EITHER HERE, OR ON THE THREAD IN "CHANGES/ADDITIONS." AND OF COURSE, THE MORE CENTERED THE TAILPIECE, THE BETTER. (OF COURSE, IT SHOULD BE A MINOR ISSUE SINCE THE TOP IS BTC...)  | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 789 Registered: 9-2005 |
For clarification, I'd just like to ask that the setup folks endeavor to, as much as possible, have the tailpiece be centered symmetrically with respects to the omega cutout; I've seen a few rare cases where one side of "the bird" was much closer/lower to the omega, while the other side was a lot higher/farther away... and this would bother me. I know the BTC should make any minor "off-centerness" irrelevent... but I request the powers that be try to have it be as symmetrical with regards to the omega as possible. Thanks again! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 4812 Registered: 6-2000 |
Sorry I was busy with a tour when you called. James is aware to put a bridge position FatBoy pickup (with neck length wire) on your bass and a neck position AXY. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 4813 Registered: 6-2000 |
We also got the word on the change for the shipping address. Will call/email with tracking information when it's available (towards the end of the day, Monday). | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 790 Registered: 9-2005 |
Thanks for the word, Mica. I'll look forward to getting the tracking confirmation # on Monday -barring some issue. Again, I can't pick up when you ring, have to wait a minute or two (or ten or twenty -depending on what I'm doing) for a break and call back. Please don't leave a message on my cell -I don't know how to access it off the top of my head, and I had problems when I tried to set it up and access it before; I just wasted minutes unsucessfully trying to access it. I currently tend to leave a little after 5, and begin the 11 mile bike commute home; and I get home from 6-6:30 depending when I leave. Best to call before then if you call... but I'll check email first thing when home if I don't hear from you. Really looking forward to it... can't wait to see, feel, and hear it in person; I'm really curious to actually hear the effect of the different woods in the neck, and of the dual BTC Coco Bolo/Mahogany sandwich. I'll tell you one thing... my 8-String has an absolutely killer sound, just amazing... it's hard to imagine how anything can sound better... though I expect the new 6-String WILL sound better in it's own way/in a different way... | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5514 Registered: 5-2002 |
You ride your bike 11 miles to work and back; cool!! | ||
| bassjigga
Advanced Member Username: bassjigga Post Number: 248 Registered: 8-2005 |
Almost there Mark! You're going to be pedaling pretty hard around tuesday or wednesday... | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 800 Registered: 9-2005 |
Hi gang, thanks again for keeping me company during "the wait". Yep, I commute 10.5-11 miles/21-22 mile round trip daily... I very strongly believe in "the golden rule" and also in "leading by example"... which is a big part of why bicycling is a big part of my life. It's sustainable, it doesn't f#*k up the environment, and it also keeps me in good health -aside from breathing the fumes of the drivers who don't share my paradigm/perspective. But I'll actually BE one of them for a couple days this week, to facilitate picking up the bass from a trusted friends' business... he's always open during UPS delivery hours, and I have to work during delivery time... so I'm sending it to him to safely receive it... and then he'll call me, and I'll (safely) haul ass down the road to pick it up!!! (Only 2.2 miles away!!!) If all goes well, I'll safely receive "Elana" -named for the stolen Elan the bass is replacing- this Wednesday, and be home to actually play it around 6-6:30... I probably will be too busy with it to post anything that night... I'm so psyched!!! I've been playing my 8-String a lot recently... and it just blows me away every time I pick it up! It's just so amazing -in every respect! It's incredibly beautiful and unique -both the highly figured Bocate top, and the Flame Maple back/body with the incredible 13-piece laminated neck, with the Ebony neck laminates and the integrated outer Flame Maple neck pairs. And/but the sound is even more incredible... the sound resulting from the neck wood combo -from all the Ebony... and other woods- just gives this bass mind-boggling punch, clarity, and sustain. The sound is almost overwhelming. Yet/but the electronics let me do virtually anything -and quickly and easily. My 8-String is a dream come true... it has (for me) the ultimate range, and virtually complete, total tone control. With individual bass, mid, and treble controls for each pickup, and ALSO individual filters with IVQs (incrementally variable Qs -0/4/8/12 dbs) for each pickup, I can quickly and easily modify the sound of each individual pickup to get any sound in my head. The bass never ceases to amaze me. I never once ever have taken it for granted. Yet, as awesome as it is (exceedingly!!!) it is NOT a small, light, and easy to play bass... relatively speaking, I'm a pretty good player... I'm devoted, formally educated, and I've put in LOTS of practice time, critically analyzing and improving my technique and playing. And I can rip pretty good on the 8-String. But the fact remains that it's a big, heavy, extra long scale bass, with a big, long, wide neck... it simply can't be played the same way as a smaller, shorter, lighter bass... it just can't. Reality won't permit it. It's absolutely amazing, and incredible for what it is; but, conversely, it's not what it's not. So, Elana will be a different paradigm... a smaller and lighter bass, with a shorter scale. Less strings, less controls, and less fancy. I simply couldn't go "all out" on this bass. Nonetheless, this bass will NOT be a "lightweight" in any respect; with multiple options that make it cost more than what I would've/could've paid for a standard Series I, this bass will be a heavyweight in the looks, sound, and versatility department. The details were VERY carefully thought out, with help from club members and of course Mica as well. Built from a carefully thought out recipe of 6 different proven tone woods, it sports an incredibly cool unique neck that is strong and awesome looking, sandwiched between stunningly figured BTCered Coco Bolo on either side. And the electronics, though not as impressive and "ultimatized" as the custom electronics on my 8-string, are pretty freaking impressive... Signature electronics, with the Q switches upgraded to "Series I" style 0/6/9 db switches... and a pair of (master) bass & treble control knobs as well... No, this bass will NOT be lacking in ANY area... not in looks, sound, nor versatility. The fact is, this bass should/WILL totally rock in all of these areas. This bass will be a heavyweight... it should stand out in every area. Appearancewise, soundwise, and versatilitywise, this will stand out, even among Alembics... this bass will be one of the "best of the best". I just can't wait!!! I've been "working out" on her "big brother" "8 Strings of Power"... so when I get this smaller/lighter bass... I should be able to totally shred on it!!! Argh!!! I'm so psyched!!! It sucks, having to wait! But that's life. And there are certainly much worse fates! All things considered, it's not that bad!!! Thanks again for keeping me company, folks, and for your support and feedback! Soon, my latest Alembic journey will be over/beginnning... and/but I'll be here to help others as they've helped me! Happy trails!!! Just 3 more days... hopefully!!! | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1339 Registered: 10-2002 |
hey Mark. Good for you for cycling. My commute is 9 miles each way and I manage 3 days a week on the bike ( the other two days have to be driven due to apres-work commitments). Some days we can get some pretty miserable weather here in Scotland but getting to work faster than the cars more than makes up for it;-) graeme p.s. 3 days is a lifetime in 'alembic-wait' days ;-) | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 803 Registered: 9-2005 |
Whew!!! What a L O N G weekend!!! And now the countdown continues! Today is hopefully the day of reckoning, and hopefully, I will, by the time I've come home, gotton either a phone call and/or email confirming Elana has shipped, and gotton a tracking number! We'll see! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 4815 Registered: 6-2000 |
So close yet...  The custom bridgeblock needed to be remade, and it didn't make it out of finish today. So we should be back on track for tomorrow. Will keep you posted of course. | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 248 Registered: 1-2007 |
WOW Mark, Look at the gorgeous baby of yours. Can I hold her?haha Hang in there buddy, you are at that point. Like they said take deep breaths, I know what it's like. We're routing for ya. GoGoGoGoGo Tomorrow! Paul | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 805 Registered: 9-2005 |
HEY MICA, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR AN IMPORTANT (but minor) CHANGE TO SHIPPING INFO!!! We'll be sending it to the same PLACE... but I'm changing a name of one of the signers... as one fellow won't be there Thursday, and another one will... It looks phenomenal, best picture yet!!! The Coco Bolo looks incredibly gorgeous, and I thank you and Bob (and everyone else) once again. Of course, the figuring is awesome... as is the disguised BTC. But I'm also quite pleased with the color... it looks halfway between orange and red, and relatively light... which is important 'cause I know it'll darken up with time, so I'm glad it's not ALREADY dark, otherwise I might eventually not be able to see that awesome figuring. Tom Z and I had a little jam several weeks ago... he's a very nice fellow, and he graciously let me play the "Ghost Crow". It had darkened quite a bit from the photo in the Custom Archives... and it was noticably nicer than my Les Paul. This comes as no surprise, of course... and my Les Paul is an awesome guitar... but Tom's Alembic smoked it. Anyway (that was a digression, obviously) I'm grateful for everything, including the color of the Coco Bolo. The electronics control configuration/layout also looks great, and I thank you and James for your efforts in carefully measuring it for my picky self!!! The honey color of the Mahogany also looks great, as does the details (that I can see) of the pinstrips stopping when they hit the neck. It just looks so incredible, I don't know what else to say. I still feel the anger and heartbreak of my stolen Elan... but seeing this does make me feel better... and I've no doubt this bass will blow it away... especially with the customized string spacing. My Elan, while awesome, had a very wide neck... I could play it fine -I tore it up- but it wasn't the spacing I would have chosen. This bass has my ideal spacing. I'm also really glad I ordered the Balance K Omega instead of another Europa, or a Rogue or (longshot) Scorpian (an old Alembic favorite of mine) body. The Balance K... it is, to me the ultimate Alembic body... it has a "screaming Alembic" look to it, a look which evokes the classic Alembic basses, yet with a more modern aesthic and functional twist... I can't wait to get my hands on this bass!!! I'm expecting it to blow away my old Elan in every respect... the body is more awesome, the Coco (on both sides!) is more awesome (especially with the dual BTC!), the neck is MUCH more awesome, the electronics are MUCH more versatile and awesome, and there are a couple other awesome things too -like the custom pinstrips, the "bird" and the continuous wood backplates (you do realize you're sadistic for not posting a picture of them yet, don't you?)!!! Am I psyched??? YOU BETCHA!!! I'll be composing a short email to you shortly after submitting this post -with the additional information. I'll almost certainly try to call you tomorrow from work to confirm that you got it, and have it on the box. Thanks again for everything, Mark | ||
| pierreyves
Intermediate Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 177 Registered: 11-2006 |
I HOPE you have your baby very quickly !!! No clinic in your quarter ? Lol!!! Sorry but I can't read all this thread who seems like a bible, lol !! But what for electronic is ... and what are 2 knobs more than signature ? | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 808 Registered: 9-2005 |
The electronics are Signature with two upgrades: the Q switches are 3-position (0/6/9 -like the Series I) and there is a master bass and a master treble control! The upgraded Q switches and the addition of the EQ knobs should tremendously increase the tonal versatility of this instrument! Okay, it sounds like today will be the day my bass is on the way! YAY!!! | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 809 Registered: 9-2005 |
The electronics are Signature with two upgrades: the Q switches are 3-position (0/6/9 -like the Series I) and there is a master bass and a master treble control! The upgraded Q switches and the addition of the EQ knobs should tremendously increase the tonal versatility of this instrument! Okay, it sounds like today will be the day! YAY!!! | ||
| pierreyves
Intermediate Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 182 Registered: 11-2006 |
I think it's a good sound/price alternative ... series I offer just stereo more...not really stereo but have an action on the sound for each pickup, wich will done expensive amplification and certainly not really best sound ? | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1350 Registered: 10-2002 |
The series pickups are a totally different beast to any of the 'lesser' models. there's an interesting discussion about them here if 'stereo' was the only difference we wouldn't be looking at thousands of pounds / dollars / euros difference ;-) Graeme p.s. Apparently, the series preamp is also different. (Message edited by jacko on September 18, 2007) | ||
| pierreyves
Intermediate Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 183 Registered: 11-2006 |
Thank's, I don't understand all (what is a fatboy?), but effectively It would be some difference ... | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 250 Registered: 1-2007 |
Very interesting and helpful in understanding post jacko. Thanks very much for installing that. P |
