| Author |
Message |
randy
Junior
Username: randy
Post Number: 16
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, September 11, 2003 - 5:35 am: |  |
Thank you, Mica. It is exactly what I visualized and am very pleased. Thanks for a great inlay!
Randy |
zappahead
Junior
Username: zappahead
Post Number: 32
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 11, 2003 - 1:43 pm: | |
Thats a really nice looking instrument. I love the wood choices and the peghead veneers are as striking as any Ive seen on any instrument. Very nice fingerboard and inlay as well. Its so cool watching them come through with exactly what a person is asking about. Thats probably not as easy as they make it look. Nice project, very nice. |
basstard
Member
Username: basstard
Post Number: 58
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 12, 2003 - 4:39 am: | |
Hey, what's the fingerboard wood? |
davehouck
Intermediate Member
Username: davehouck
Post Number: 136
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 12, 2003 - 7:49 am: | |
Earlier in the thread Mica states that the fretboard is Coco Bolo; looks nice doesn't it. In fact everything about this bass looks nice. |
bishopqdog
New
Username: bishopqdog
Post Number: 7
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 12, 2003 - 4:46 pm: | |
It's really been a pleasure to watch this bass come together. |
randy
Junior
Username: randy
Post Number: 17
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, September 12, 2003 - 7:31 pm: | |
To All:
Thank you for all your kind comments and interest. A friend of mine just returned from a visit to Alembic (we are in southern Indiana) and today provided me with a photo of Mica holding the almost completed instrument. Oh my! While the images here are great, you ain't seen nothin' yet! I'm not sure when the bass will arrive, but my hands are trembling in anticipation.
God's blessing to all,
Randy |
bishopqdog
New
Username: bishopqdog
Post Number: 8
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 7:25 am: | |
Let's see the photo! Please!! |
randy
Junior
Username: randy
Post Number: 18
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 7:59 am: | |
It's the "old fashioned" kind (you know, 35 mm!), so I'll get it scanned Monday at the office and post it right away.
Thanks again,
Randy |
randy
Junior
Username: randy
Post Number: 19
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 7:59 am: | |
It's the "old fashioned" kind (you know, 35 mm!), so I'll get it scanned Monday at the office and post it right away.
Thanks again,
Randy |
randy
Junior
Username: randy
Post Number: 20
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, November 15, 2003 - 11:58 pm: | |
Never have been able to get the photo to load to this site - sorry for the delay. The acceptable file size is very small. Oh well. The instrument is finished and delivered, but I guess the factory failed to post the completed image. It did arrive with some problems we are trying to work through. |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 1238
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 11:29 am: | |
Hi Randy,
Sorry you think 150K is too small, many pictures uploaded are so big they scroll off the right edge. You might try lowering the resolution to 72dpi and making the longest edge 800 pixels or so. That should do the trick.
In the meantime, here is a photo of the completed bass:
Haven't heard from you since the filter modules were overnighted. Have you had any success? |
randy
Junior
Username: randy
Post Number: 21
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 6:55 pm: | |
Thank you, Mica.
It's amazing how different the instrument looks in person versus the photo. Yes, I replaced the Q controls and switches without any difficulty, and the instrument appears to be performing correctly now. One caveat to other Alembic owners: When replacing the control knobs, be sure to allow a bit of room between the bottom of the knob and the surface of the instrument, so as not to scratch the finish when rotating the control.
Thanks again,
Randy |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 1244
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 7:00 pm: | |
Oh good news, thanks for the report, Randy. At least the scuff from the knob is under the knob. Isn't it amazing how much resistance you add when the bottom of the knob is skimming the top of the bass?
And yes, while the picture resembles closesly your bass, they always look different (of course I mean better) in person. Another mystery of the Universe ;) |
randy
Junior
Username: randy
Post Number: 22
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, January 18, 2004 - 6:18 pm: | |
Happy New Year, Mica!
I trust this finds the Alembic family well.
A few questions:
On the care of the Cocobolo fretboard, what do you recommend for oil? Any special tips for application and how often? I've read your preferences for ebony - anything different for my fretboard?
On knobs, what do you have available in Cocobolo, possibly with a Gold trim? I'm not dissatisfied with the stock knobs, but the Cocobolo body is so darn pretty that I was thinking about something to "blend in" with the wood. Your thoughts?
And finally, what is the weight of my instrument? I didn't find anything in the papers that were included.
It's a beautiful sounding and appearing instrument. I get loads of compliments, particularly from people who know little about basses!
Thanks a bunch,
Randy |
malthumb
Intermediate Member
Username: malthumb
Post Number: 150
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Monday, January 19, 2004 - 9:36 am: | |
Randy,
Quick and dirty way to get the weight....
Put your bass on a stand next to your bathroom scale, then stand on the scale. Record the number (if you're like me, you'll groan a little and make some empty promises). Then pick up the bass and hold it close to your body. Record that number and do the math. Not exact, but close enough.
Peace,
James |
cdf
Junior
Username: cdf
Post Number: 34
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Monday, January 19, 2004 - 11:51 am: | |
Randy,
Looks like a great bass you have there. I can offer a suggestion for cocobolo knobs. Roger at www.thgknobs.com makes great wooden knobs and other accessories. I don't think I'm speaking out of school here as I heard about thgknobs from someone on this forum who had been directed there by Alembic (how's that for excellent customer service). Anyway Roger has a similar view on customer service as Alembic and he makes great knobs. In fact he made for me 4 beautiful coco bolo knobs with recycled ivory position marker lines. Through miscommunication that was entirely my fault they were not the style I had hoped for (I wanted dots instead of lines). Despite the error being mine Roger insisted on making me a new set with no extra charge. Anyway to make a short story long. He may still have these on hand and ready to go out if you wanted some right away. They are really great looking and if you want I could email you a picture of them. |
randy
Junior
Username: randy
Post Number: 23
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, January 19, 2004 - 8:49 pm: | |
Thank you for your replies, Court and James. I really do appreciate your taking the time to offer your advice.
James, I am familiar with your method of estimating the instrument's weight, but for a variety of reasons I'd like to have the "factory spec". For a smaller bass, it is surprisingly somewhat heavy.
And yes, Court, I would definitely like to see your photo of the knobs, if it is convenient for you to send. This is an attention to detail that I candidly underestimated when setting the original specifications for the instrument. I'd strongly recommend to future Alembic owners to put a bit more into your knobs - they really set off the instrument (as do the continuous wood backplates and trussrod cover). Yes, they do raise the cost, but you'll be glad you did!
Again, thank you James and Court. May God richly bless you both, Randy |
bracheen
Intermediate Member
Username: bracheen
Post Number: 141
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 5:01 am: | |
Randy,
I think every new Alembic I see is the best one yet.
That is a beautiful bass and I like the dove inlay. Clever how it's pointing toward the nut so that it's descending.
Sam
|
cdf
Junior
Username: cdf
Post Number: 36
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 9:29 am: | |
Randy,
Here are the knobs I mentioned in my last post. I don't know if Roger still has them, but they might still be around.  |
randy
Junior
Username: randy
Post Number: 24
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 6:55 pm: | |
Thank you for your kind comments, Sam. It IS a special bass.
And thank you for the photo, Court. I have a message in to Roger at THG Knobs, and I'm anxious to see what he comes up with. Can't wait to have his knobs adorning this instrument.
Thanks again, Randy |
cdf
Junior
Username: cdf
Post Number: 37
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 2:40 pm: | |
Randy,
No problem, and once again congrats on the great bass! |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 1410
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 4:04 pm: | |
Hi Randy,
We don't officially record the weight of every bass we make. If your bathroom scale won't support the body on its own, malthumb's suggestion is a good one. I weigh them on the UPS scale when I get a chance.
We don't have any coco bolo knobs in stock. All wooden knobs are made to order. We've been referring folks to THG knobs simply because they can offer a much lower price than us and their product is of quality.
Nothing special for your fingerboard, just a good clear lemon oil should do the trick. There are lots of other products out there, we just don't have any experience or advice to offer about them.
If you want a quote for custom turned knobs from us, let me know, otherwise you'll be in good hands with Roger. If/when you change the knobs, I'm sure everyone here will appreciate a picture. If you have trouble posting one, email me and I'll prepare it. |
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic
Post Number: 936
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 4:29 pm: | |
IMHO
most of the time I don't like same wooden knobs on a bass as the body. The topwood of the basses is mostly so breath-taking that the knobs mostly are lost in the overall beauty.
THIS DOESN'T MEAN I'M AGAINST WOODEN KNOBS.
The black Collet or "hat" knobs are contrasting with the wood but forming unity with the PU's.
I think it would be great to have for instance a glittering dark silver/"steel" painted guitar with very nice PU's in a wooden housing with matching knobs for instance.
Or on a dark-wooded guitar work with Myrtle or Maple knobs.
Well ...just some ideas.
Most of the time -there ARE excpetions- I would see Coco-bolo knobs on a coco-bolo guitar a litlle bit "over the edge".
Just my ideas with my full respect for otherones taste.
Paul the bad one |
randy
Junior
Username: randy
Post Number: 25
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 29, 2004 - 8:19 pm: | |
FYI, James' suggestion for estimating the weight netted this instrument at 12 pounds, which I think we'd all agree is a bit hefty for a smaller bodied bass - not out of the ballpark, but when choosing your woods, it's wise to consider the density, particularly of the core. I recall my first discussion with Mica about my new future Alembic, where she accurately characterized the weight (and tonality and appearance) of several of the woods I was considering. Sound and looks are certainly important, but remember, you'll be wearing this around your neck! If I had it to do over, I'd do it exactly the same way! Great playing to all, Randy |
randy
Junior
Username: randy
Post Number: 26
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 8:14 pm: | |
To all:
I've just received the custom knobs from Roger at THG Knobs, and they are spectacular, making a significant difference in the appearance of this already great instrument. I really underestimated the difference these four small pieces could make. Roger operates his company and makes his knobs like Alembic: Craftsmanship, quality, innovation, performance, and customer service.
I'll be posting photos shortly to show my SC Deluxe instrument with these new knobs. You be the judge for yourself, but I think you'll agree that these THG knobs are a nice enhancement to an awesome instrument. Be on the lookout!
You can contact Roger at roger@thgknobs.com.
Great playing,
Randy |
randy
Junior
Username: randy
Post Number: 27
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 8:21 pm: | |
OK, here goes, let's see if I can get at least one photo showing Roger's great THG Knobs on this great SC Custom Deluxe. Let me know what you think.
Great playing,
Randy
 |
randy
Junior
Username: randy
Post Number: 28
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 8:26 pm: | |
And maybe two more views!
 |
hollis
Member
Username: hollis
Post Number: 86
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 4:26 pm: | |
Them thar's some fancy lookin' knobs you got there!
They blend perfectly with your amazing bass.
Beautiful! |
bassman10096
Advanced Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 262
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 7:01 pm: | |
I was just thinking today about getting some "just right" THG knobs made for my new bass. Yours look great. They add a very nice touch. Hmm......... |
randy
Junior
Username: randy
Post Number: 29
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 7:02 pm: | |
Thank you for your kind comments. For reference on the knobs, the top cap is Cocobolo, the body is Maple, and the vertical stripe on the body is Purpleheart. The dot on the top cap is 14K Gold (even though the photo doesn't show it very well.) Roger finished the knobs in a high gloss lacquer to emulate the finish on the instrument itself. By the way, I really like to be able to quickly see the position of each knob, thus the rather dominant vertical stripe - it makes it easy to see with just a quick glance. Roger can make about any design of knob, so just like Alembic, let him know what you want, and he can do it! Thanks again, Randy |
bassman10096
Advanced Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 264
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 9:01 am: | |
Hey Randy: Do you have a close-up of the fingerboard inlay you'd be willing to post? I'd love to see it.
Bill
(Message edited by bassman10096 on March 26, 2004) |
randy
Junior
Username: randy
Post Number: 30
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 11:26 am: | |
Yes, Bill, Mica posted one back on 9-10-03 of the final design, actually on the fretboard. You can find this in the "archive" section, at the top of the page. The frets had not yet been shined up, but it's a good representation of the artwork. I wanted this to be the only inlay on the instrument, as it means a lot to me. Let me know if you can't find it, and I'll be glad to take a photo. Thanks for your interest, Randy |
bassman10096
Advanced Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 265
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 3:13 pm: | |
Randy: I forgot all about that picture. I remembered it as soon as I saw it. Still curious how the dove looks framed by strings and frets, but I get the idea. Very pretty and it definitely works to eliminate all other inlays on the cocobolo neck. I like it a lot.
Bill |
randy
Junior
Username: randy
Post Number: 31
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 3:29 pm: | |
Hey, Bill, I can't resist snapping a photo of the completed neck with dove inlay, strings, frets, and all. I'll do that this weekend and post it for you. You'll notice that the Cocobolo fretboard will look deeper in color, after having several applications of lemon oil, and it complements the body much better now. In Mica's picture of the complete instrument above, it looks almost orange. Be looking for the photo later, and thanks for your interest, Randy |
randy
Junior
Username: randy
Post Number: 32
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 8:27 pm: | |
Here you go, Bill. The materials are mother-of-pearl with a sterling silver accent outline. I trust this gives you a good idea of the two things I wanted to accomplish with the dove inlay. 1. With no other inlay, your eye is drawn to the dove, and it's always a good way to start a conversation about my faith. When Roger designed and made the knobs, I purposely did not allow him to use mother-of-pearl, so the only use of the material anywhere on the instrument is the dove. 2. And, it enables the natural beauty of the woods to really stand out. It is definitely an understated inlay. Those Alembic folks can certainly do anything you want, and they did exactly what I asked for. Again, let me know if you have any other questions.
God bless, Randy
|
randy
Junior
Username: randy
Post Number: 33
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 8:32 pm: | |
One more photo.
 |
bassman10096
Advanced Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 267
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 26, 2004 - 8:45 pm: | |
Randy: Thanks. It's beautiful. You are right about the cocobolo fretboard toning down from that fresh orange look. It compliments the body wood perfectly now. Congratulations! You've got a real beauty there!
Bill
|
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page