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mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 5569
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 - 5:08 pm:   Edit Post

The top wood you selected:
top

and the back wood:
back

A few days later, the interior of the body:
core

Then in a couple of days the entire body in the clamps:
assembly
Note that the block for mounting the pickups will be glued in later - it's there for space only. We have to seal and shield the interior before that piece is glued in place.

And the matching peghead veneers getting clamped:
peghead
bassjigga
Advanced Member
Username: bassjigga

Post Number: 343
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 12:02 pm:   Edit Post

Woa! What a top! I gotta stay away from this site... or burry my wallet somewhere!
funkyjazzjunky
Intermediate Member
Username: funkyjazzjunky

Post Number: 191
Registered: 5-2007
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 1:27 pm:   Edit Post

OH MY!

What a bass
andbassforall
New
Username: andbassforall

Post Number: 6
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 1:38 pm:   Edit Post

Wow Mica, That's great. You can just send it off as is now. Ok maybe you can work on it a bit more. Thanks for taking the time to put up the photos!
lmiwa
Junior
Username: lmiwa

Post Number: 43
Registered: 2-2008
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 3:56 pm:   Edit Post

I am SO going to be watching THIS one!

It's looking a LOT like something I would eventually want to order...

What are the custom details - woods, electronics, etc.?
andbassforall
New
Username: andbassforall

Post Number: 7
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 6:35 pm:   Edit Post

Rogue 6-string fretless, unlined, but with sidelines and LED's. Coco bolo top and bottom. 11 piece neck. Everything else is pretty standard. Rogue electronics. I'm glad you folks thus far have liked the top. I thought it was pretty out there compared to some of the other choices...but that's why I liked it. I also wanted something a bit darker.
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 7061
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 6:43 pm:   Edit Post

It may be "out there" but the finished effect will look great! For instance, I really like the pattern that follows the curves of the top edge of the top!

(Message edited by davehouck on September 17, 2008)
cozmik_cowboy
Advanced Member
Username: cozmik_cowboy

Post Number: 355
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Thursday, September 18, 2008 - 4:55 am:   Edit Post

Of course we can only anticipate what this will look like under finish, but based on these pictures, I'm going to predict that this will replace Fell's bass as my all-time favorite piece of non-quilt CB! That is just freakin' spectacular!

Peter
lmiwa
Junior
Username: lmiwa

Post Number: 45
Registered: 2-2008
Posted on Thursday, September 18, 2008 - 12:19 pm:   Edit Post

Wow - 6-string fretless!

Is it going to be the classic or comfort taper neck? I can't imagine trying get my hands around a 6-string comfort taper fretless!

What's in the body sandwich - cocobolo, maple, mahogany, maple, cocobolo? It sure looks great so far!
andbassforall
New
Username: andbassforall

Post Number: 8
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Thursday, September 18, 2008 - 2:31 pm:   Edit Post

Hey cozmik. I really love that bass you put the link up to. It looks like the milky way had it existed on a piece of coco bolo.

Imiwa.. you are correct about the wood combo I believe. I had spent a few weeks thinking about the neck once Mica first suggested I do that. I played my other 6-strings. Thought about which one is most natural for me. Factored in the fretless. I sent her measurements I'd like. I can't remember wether it was called classic or comfort.
robinc
Member
Username: robinc

Post Number: 86
Registered: 5-2008
Posted on Thursday, September 18, 2008 - 6:11 pm:   Edit Post

that is a fantastic top. I am once again floored by the beauty found in nature!
daveski
Junior
Username: daveski

Post Number: 38
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, September 18, 2008 - 8:47 pm:   Edit Post

That is going to really look something, dark coco bolo is a hard one to beat!
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 5618
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Wednesday, October 01, 2008 - 7:58 pm:   Edit Post

Wow, this bass has good timing. There always seems to be something interesting happening when I see it in the shop:

assembly

assembly

assembly

assembly

assembly
andbassforall
Junior
Username: andbassforall

Post Number: 22
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2008 - 2:16 am:   Edit Post

Oh man, I just got home from seeing an awesome show. Now I get to see this. Damn cool. Thanks for the pics, Mica
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 7108
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 5:20 pm:   Edit Post

This is looking great!
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 5646
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 6:05 pm:   Edit Post

In carving:
carving

carving
psychicpet
New
Username: psychicpet

Post Number: 4
Registered: 1-2008
Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2008 - 9:11 pm:   Edit Post

wow. stunning 6 for sure.
andbassforall
Junior
Username: andbassforall

Post Number: 26
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - 8:38 am:   Edit Post

I can hear the tone already!
georgie_boy
Senior Member
Username: georgie_boy

Post Number: 551
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 - 5:36 am:   Edit Post

Gulp!!!
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 5703
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2008 - 7:36 pm:   Edit Post

In the final curing stage:
rtr
andbassforall
Junior
Username: andbassforall

Post Number: 28
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Friday, November 21, 2008 - 1:07 am:   Edit Post

.........thank you.
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 1996
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Friday, November 21, 2008 - 4:58 am:   Edit Post

That's a pretty impressive top Michael. looks kind of similar to mine although mine doesn't have a back laminate.

Graeme
andbassforall
Junior
Username: andbassforall

Post Number: 29
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Friday, November 21, 2008 - 5:19 am:   Edit Post

Wow awesome Jacko. You are very right, the tops are very similar. I just went for the darkest top I could find, and of course some interesting pattern. How are you enjoying yours?
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 1997
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Friday, November 21, 2008 - 5:28 am:   Edit Post

She's an incredible bass - feels like butter and gets a huge range of tones. The 'Q' switch adds a nice kick when I need to get aggressive as do the bass and treble switches. You'll love yours when she's finished.
I also have an epic and a balance k but the rogue was the only custom build so she's very special.

Graeme.
funkyjazzjunky
Advanced Member
Username: funkyjazzjunky

Post Number: 269
Registered: 5-2007
Posted on Friday, November 21, 2008 - 10:20 am:   Edit Post

Congratulations
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 5768
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Friday, January 16, 2009 - 8:11 pm:   Edit Post

Rubbed out and ready for setup:
setup
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 5775
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009 - 7:16 pm:   Edit Post

Starting the setup process:
setup

and one of the peghead since it doesn't seem like I've shown that off since before it was cut out:
setup
andbassforall
Junior
Username: andbassforall

Post Number: 37
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 - 11:11 pm:   Edit Post

That headstock is awesome. I don't know how I'm going to play the bass while I'm just staring at the thing.
robinc
Intermediate Member
Username: robinc

Post Number: 122
Registered: 5-2008
Posted on Thursday, January 22, 2009 - 12:57 pm:   Edit Post

love that top. love it love it love it!
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 5849
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 6:36 pm:   Edit Post

More pics of the bass next week (sorry to make you wait), but here's one of the hand engraving:
behind every note
It's really beautiful!
andbassforall
Junior
Username: andbassforall

Post Number: 40
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Monday, February 09, 2009 - 1:28 pm:   Edit Post

That is awesome!
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 5862
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 - 8:01 pm:   Edit Post

Reclining on the sofa, like all 6-string fretless basses:

done
tbrannon
Senior Member
Username: tbrannon

Post Number: 979
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 - 8:08 pm:   Edit Post

That is beautiful.
dlbydgtl
Member
Username: dlbydgtl

Post Number: 54
Registered: 7-2008
Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 - 8:16 pm:   Edit Post

O.K. That's amazing. John
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 7534
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 - 9:41 pm:   Edit Post

Wow!!
andbassforall
Junior
Username: andbassforall

Post Number: 41
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 - 12:37 am:   Edit Post

Just when you thought that bass couldn't get no prettier...

I've been constantly stunned by the progress of this instrument. We all know that when we order one of these basses, no matter what, it will come out amazing. The see the life it takes on of it's own has made the time it takes to create these instruments and otherwise very worth it.

I believe I'm going to get it around the end of the week or so. I'll Try and sleep between now and then.
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 2109
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 - 12:53 am:   Edit Post

Congratulations Michael, that's a stunning bass. You won't be getting any sleep till it arrives, believe me, I know ;-)

Graeme
lmiwa
Intermediate Member
Username: lmiwa

Post Number: 150
Registered: 2-2008
Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 9:47 am:   Edit Post

That is a REALLY nice bass - absolutely stunning. I can only imagine how it sounds...
andbassforall
Junior
Username: andbassforall

Post Number: 44
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 10:41 pm:   Edit Post

Today was delivery day. I tracked the instrument through the UPS site and found that at 2a.m. the bass was just sitting less than 10 miles from my place. I thought, maybe I could just knock on their door and they'd let me in. I figure security is more tight than that at UPS. Morning comes and I'm laying in my bed and every time I hear someone go up the stairs in my complex I'm waiting for someone to knock on the door. I swear every time my heart dropped in anticipation. To make the wait even more challenging the bass didn't show up till 7:30p.m., I must have been the last person on the route. They got me on the way back instead of the way out. I was of course, nervous to shower, get food, restroom etc, in fear that I'd miss that one moment.

When the package came, I took my time opening it as if I was pretending I had some restraint. What I really wanted to do was tear the box open and worry about the clean-up later. So I get the case out of the shipping box, open the case and kinda just stare at it. You know how parents think their kid is the most beautiful child they have every seen? Rightfully so. That's what I feel like. I feel like it's the most amazing Alembic I've ever seen. Many, many Alembics have taken my breath away and many will continue to of course. The wood work, the laminates, the wood electronics compartment covers, it was all perfect. The bass beams with personality.

I plugged it in to my Genz-Benz and played a little dinner music for neighbors. I've played 6-string for many years now, I've played fretless for quite a few years as well. I was brave in wanting to go the 6-string fretless route. The bass feels and plays so amazingly that I feel that every bump and bruise of growing pains into this instrument will be ear candy.. all the way up to the 24th fret of the high "C".

Thank you to all the forum members for their thoughts, enthusiasm and friendship thus far. I only hope I can contribute in the same manner. I will of course thank everyone at Alembic in a bit more of a personal fashion.

I hope over the next week or so to take some photos and post them up on the "Showcase" section. So be on the lookout.

If anyone can give me a run down or point me to a direction on the Alembic site or forum explaining the toggles on the electronics of my new instrument, that would greatly be appreciate. I already love how it sounds and I find all the shaping to be very musical, but I'd love to know more.

Thanks again, and thanks for reading.

Mike
tbrannon
Senior Member
Username: tbrannon

Post Number: 983
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 5:57 am:   Edit Post

Mike-

Glad it arrived safely- it is a wonderful looking instrument and I'm sure it sounds even better than it looks.

Here are the basic Europa/Rogue electronics: The Europa controls are volume, pan, filter, Q switch, bass boost/cut switch, treble boost/cut switch.

The quick tone switches are bass and treble and are not individual switches for the pickups. Each switch provides 6db boost, flat, and 6db cut.

Looks like you have an extra switch there- I'm assuming it's for side LED's?
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 1223
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 8:19 am:   Edit Post

Congratulations. I look forward to the additional pics.

Keith
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 7552
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2009 - 12:19 pm:   Edit Post

Congrats Mike!!!
andbassforall
Junior
Username: andbassforall

Post Number: 45
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2009 - 3:10 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks so much Dave!. I actually took it out to my gig last night and played it the whole set. I've played fretless but never unlined so I didn't know if I was going to have problems seeing the "sidelines" Luckily the room was very dark, the stage was very bright so I could see well. I did get LED's but they are pretty bright and blow out the sidelines when I put them on. I'll probably have to get a dimmer put in. I brought a back up bass in case I bombed, didn't want to piss off the artist.

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