| Author | Message | ||
| rogertvr
Junior Username: rogertvr Post Number: 45 Registered: 1-2003 |
We're getting there folks! I thought the original drafts of this instrument were stunning, but it's gone well beyond that now! Firstly, I would like to thank everyone at Alembic for making this happen, and for their endless patience with my continual questions! Secondly, I'd like to thank Michael for going to the time and trouble to do what he has done with the design in that picture of his! Senior Management has just seen all of these drawings. Now her jaw is currently dragging along the floor and she's making funny coo-ing noises and yabbering on about how beautiful it is!!!!!! There are two things I would like to do now please, Mica. 1). The part of the curve that sits under the player's right arm (that is above the bridge in Michael's drawing) - can that be shallowed out please so that it's not as tall? It still has a slight step in it that I'd like to remove (i.e. so that that curve is similar to the picture I posted on 22 March) that I've only just noticed. 2). Any chance the whole instrument can be shown please (as Michael has done) in a drawing with Susan's Dragon Claw headstock (as posted on 01 May) attached to the end of the neck? I'd like to have the opportunity to possibly review the headstock in relation to the body of the instrument please. Michael's headstock is a right vicious affair - getting some stress out there were you Michael? ;-) To answer Dave's question - I had anticipated that the straplocks would go in the end of the bump above the neck (sorry - I don't know what the proper names are for these parts of the instrument) and in the second curve from the top at the rear of the instrument, probably pointing down towards the floor somewhat. Mica has probably got a completely different idea to this - I'm looking for a 2:30 playing position, so whatever accomodates that will be fine by me! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 945 Registered: 6-2000 |
Here's the drawing you and my mom talked about this morning:  You can discuss any fine details tomorrow. Drop her an email with comments and a good time for her to reach you by phone to finalize the design. | ||
| rogertvr
Junior Username: rogertvr Post Number: 49 Registered: 1-2003 |
The people who have seen this today have been stunned by it. Comments like 'That is gorgeous', 'awesome', 'yes, that is very nicely balanced - no harsh parts at all', 'priceless'. Senior management thinks 'it's lovely'. My own reaction to seeing this drawing? Astonishment! Susan has modified the curve above the bridge pick-up just as I had in mind, and modified the access to the body-end of the neck so that I'll be able to reach the bottom frets more easily. I don't think I've got too much more to say on the subject at the moment. I'll contact both Mica and Susan via e-mail a little later today but I think that e-mail is going to say 'Build it please'. I'm grinning ear to ear! Cheers, Rog | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 462 Registered: 9-2002 |
We're all sharing that grin man!!! Bass history in the make!!! | ||
| rockandroller
Member Username: rockandroller Post Number: 55 Registered: 11-2002 |
Wow! thats going to be MAGNIFICENT!!! Quick, to the bat-cave! (er... the wood-bank!) | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 961 Registered: 6-2000 |
Upon your approval, Mike has proceeded with the templates and fabricated this sample body. The front of the body in this image used a 1/8" roundover along the bottom edge and a 1/4" around the rest. The bevels are shaped by hand:  After studying the look, we decided it needed a bit more, and we proceeded to a 1/2" all around roundover:  The backside which uses a 3/4" roundover all around for comfort.  Detail of the lower edge:  The sample body is fashioned from scrap woods (note the top isn't bookmatched). The Signature Deluxe model usually comes with an 1/8" accent laminate, while this sample uses 2 veneers like a Europa. I'm not too sure what you meant by "coffee table" when referring to the recent Coco Bolo additions to the Wood bank. I thought the unusual dark top would look really nice with this design. It has a very slight greenish hue in the darker areas. I will be adding some more bookmatches toward the end of this week, perhaps one of them will work. | ||
| rogertvr
Member Username: rogertvr Post Number: 53 Registered: 1-2003 |
Look at those curves!! I can close my eyes and feel those under my fingers... One thing I'd like to point out Mica is that my order was for a deluxe purpleheart neck. Has that been ignored for this sample body or has it been overlooked altogether? It doesn't matter for the sample obviously, however it does matter for the finished instrument! I sent the URL of this thread to a few friends for them to look at and I've been mobbed with phone calls for the last half an hour. It would seem that people are now in two camps:- 1). The original bunch who thought that it was a great idea and still do, 2). The other original bunch who thought I was barking mad who now think it's a great idea! A few years ago we had a coffee table at home and one of those samples of coco bolo (not the unusual dark top) reminded me of that coffee table (which I hated with a passion). Mica - could I please trouble you to overlay the outline of this Dragon's Wing over the unusual dark top (I was thinking digitally rather than for real) so that I can have a look at it? I think I can see where you're coming from with that piece of wood, so I'd like the opportunity to consider it. Did you have front or back in mind when you said that piece of wood would look really nice with this design? I think the 1/8" standard Signature accent laminate will work extremely well with this shape! I like the bevels and the curves as shown on this sample. I think you were right about the sample first time - it needed more but the second one, to my mind, is very right. I'm also trying to imagine the Chinese Dragon inlaid down the fretboard. Even seeing this sample, I can't imagine how incredible the beauty of this instrument is going to be when it's complete. I'm stunned (in the best possible way of course)! Cheers, Rog | ||
| rogertvr
Member Username: rogertvr Post Number: 54 Registered: 1-2003 |
I've just read another thread about Roger and the THG custom knobs. Mica - I might consider a set of these for the Dragon's Wing. I assume we can discuss this a little further down the line? Or do I need to progress it now? Thanks, Rog | ||
| wayne
Member Username: wayne Post Number: 60 Registered: 5-2002 |
Okay, so where does the bidding start for the "scrap" wood sample prototype??? Rog, this bass is going to be absolutely amazing. It's a wonderful thing that Mica has this club up so that we can all share in this creative process. Thanks!!! C-Ya...........wayne | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 963 Registered: 6-2000 |
The sample was fashioned from scrap woods, it's not meant to be a preview of anything other than the overall shape in 3D. I checked your order sheet, and it includes a 7-piece Deluxe Purpleheart and Maple neck, and that will of course be used on your actual bass. 3120 isn't long enough to yield a top and back for your design (it is rather large compared to some other shapes we make. We'll have some more bookmatches up later in the week, and perhaps we'll find a good mate for 3120 or something else that will be appropriate. As for a digital overlay, that's actually not a small amount of work to make it anything close to accurate. Let's find a good canidate for the top and back before we think about doing something like that. I think that if we decide by the time the bass enters spray that we won't be waiting for the knobs at the end. It's a good idea for you to look at Roger's website and get an idea for shapes and designs. Do you want the knobs to stand out or be more subtle? Wayne, it might make a nice clock or something, I'm afraid the neck ends about 3 inches past the top edge of the picture, so it sure won't sound very good. | ||
| wayne
Member Username: wayne Post Number: 61 Registered: 5-2002 |
That's just sad.....it never even had a chance at life.... :-( | ||
| rogertvr
Member Username: rogertvr Post Number: 55 Registered: 1-2003 |
LOL @ Wayne!! Don't be sad Wayne - get Mica to make a clock out of it for you!! I understand about the digital overlay Mica. I'm more than happy to wait until some more bookmatches are available for perusal before putting you to the trouble of a digital overlay. I thought it might be five minutes work for you, but it's not by the sounds of it!! Knobs - I had a quick look at Roger's website earlier today. I can't decide whether I want them to stand out or be more subdued. How long before it enters spray Mica? I think I would like to choose the wood before deciding on the knobs. Also, I'd like the answer to the question I posed ages ago about knob position if possible, now that the body shape is finalised. That question is - "do the knobs have to form a square or can they follow the bottom line of the body up in a curvey line of four, with the two Q switches above the knobs?". The answer to this question and the pros and cons of either knob arrangement will help me decide what I want to do regarding knob shape/colour etc. Cheers, Rog | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 464 Registered: 9-2002 |
... Paul the bad-and-now-speechless-one | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 964 Registered: 6-2000 |
Peghead samples:  Brace yourself Wayne, this too was salvaged from the scrap pile. Here's the whole shebang:  Enjoy! (Message edited by mica on June 11, 2003) | ||
| rogertvr
Member Username: rogertvr Post Number: 57 Registered: 1-2003 |
Poor Wayne...that's going to make some clock Wayne!!!!!! Mica, a question for you please...are the two bottom curves on the peghead bevelled off, and if so, by how much? It's a little difficult to see in the picture. Also Mica, I've contacted Roger about some knobs, just to run some ideas past him really more than anything else. I'll let everyone know what is said when he replies to me. Thanks, Roger | ||
| rogertvr
Member Username: rogertvr Post Number: 58 Registered: 1-2003 |
P.S. Forgot to say - it looks stunning!!!!! | ||
| wayne
Member Username: wayne Post Number: 62 Registered: 5-2002 |
How does a neck that close to complete get relegated to the scrap pile? Or have you just stacked various pieces together making it appear to be complete? | ||
| rogertvr
Member Username: rogertvr Post Number: 59 Registered: 1-2003 |
Unfortunately Wayne, it looks like your clock will be missing the Chinese Dragon fretboard inlay ;-) | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 966 Registered: 6-2000 |
Here's a picutre with the contrast changed and a marking to illustrate the peghead:  The form is very similar to the previous line art from May 1. | ||
| rogertvr
Member Username: rogertvr Post Number: 60 Registered: 1-2003 |
Thanks Mica. I think I would like to exaggerate the largest of the two bevels a little more and the smallest of the two bevels just a touch more. They look a little weak and indistinct to me at the moment. Is that possible please or does changing it commit me to the latter of the two designs? | ||
| rockandroller
Member Username: rockandroller Post Number: 56 Registered: 11-2002 |
Magnificent!!! (I can't think of a better word) It now seems to have subtlely morphed into exactly what nature intended. IMHO this bass has "Featured Custom" written all over it... | ||
| rogertvr
Member Username: rogertvr Post Number: 71 Registered: 1-2003 |
"Featured Custom" - now, that would about make my life I think, never mind my day! | ||
| basstard
Junior Username: basstard Post Number: 44 Registered: 3-2003 |
Definitely yes - it's so unusual, so outstanding, it just has to be the Featured Custom as soon as it's finished! :-) | ||
| bob
Member Username: bob Post Number: 57 Registered: 11-2002 |
Just a small side point... "Featured Custom" is not supposed to be a competition. I happen to agree that this one is sufficiently unique that it would provide a great example of the kinds of things Alembic can do, and my guess is it most likely will show up there eventually. But at the same time, you could just as well go to the Alembic Store page, pick out a standard model on which they'd used some special wood or perhaps thrown in a small electronics upgrade, and justifiably feature it. And I recall a conversation last fall with Mica (Susan may have also been there, I forget), in which one of the considerations was that it might be nice to feature something with "fall colors" around Thanksgiving (aka "Autumn's Delight"), and perhaps a hint of green around Christmas ("Flight of Fancy")... so the selection of the "winner" may be a bit more subjective or obscure than you might imagine. All I'm suggesting is that while enthusiasm and excitement is great, it would perhaps be a mistake (for any of us) to open the door to even the slightest potential for disappointment - feeling that your bass is somehow less worthy, or your love for it any less - if it didn't happen to get featured. They're all pretty amazing instruments, and only so many months in a year. (On the plus side, of course, it does save you the trouble of posting pictures yourself...). | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 471 Registered: 9-2002 |
... PTBO-and still more speechless | ||
| rogertvr
Member Username: rogertvr Post Number: 85 Registered: 1-2003 |
Hi Mica, Any news on where we are at with this little project please? Thanks, Rog | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 522 Registered: 9-2002 |
"little" HA! Paul the bad one | ||
| susan
New Username: susan Post Number: 9 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Roger, Here's the update you've been waiting for: We've completed the templates for the body and peghead. The neck is in the press. I had been waiting for the ideal piece of wood for this project. This is not so easy a task for this size and shape of body. I believe I have the ideal piece that you will like. I actually have two boards for you to choose from. Mica is out of the office today but when she returns tomorrow, she'll take pictures and post them for your viewing pleasure. They have aspects of the wood that Michael pictured on his mockup May 9th post. The front and back can be made from the same board. Once you make your wood decision, you may have your bass in time for All Hallow's Eve! From: DRAGONS "R" US ( Susan) | ||
| scrub
Junior Username: scrub Post Number: 13 Registered: 7-2003 |
Uh. Ah. Um. Oh. Ahhh. OH! WOW! I just ran across this thread, and I must say that I just don't have words to describe how unbelievably cool I think this design is! It's definately got Alembic lines (but of course!), and it's also reminiscent of a Spyder in the way it looks like it will balance. Dragon's Wing...I really like that too. Knobs...I don't think it needs knobs, I think it needs claws...or teeth. Or maybe scales. Hrmm, scales. I wonder what a dragon's scale would look like...something rumbling in D minor perhaps? My only question would be: Where would the other 4 tuners go if I ordered an 8-string version of the "Roger's Dragon Mk I Series II" | ||
| rogertvr
Member Username: rogertvr Post Number: 91 Registered: 1-2003 |
Hi Susan, Thanks for the update! I'll look for the wood once Mica has had a chance to take photos of it and I'll let you know. As it would seem that both you and I are singing from the same hymn sheet with this little project, I suspect that one (or both) of the pieces of wood that you have in mind will be fine. Scrub has raised an interesting point - what would happen with 5 and 6 string versions of the Dragon's Wing too? I suspect that you might be selling a few more of these over the coming years. Do I get a percentage of the profits? ;-) You may have noticed that I've been asking questions about control knobs in Randy's thread (sorry Randy - didn't mean to try and hijack it). Originally I had this idea about a radically different layout for the knobs and switches. I think I'm going to bin that and stick with the grouping as standard on the Mark King model (although I haven't fully made-up my mind yet). I like the idea of having all of the controls close to each other. I'm going to be contacting Roger at THG again very shortly, so that I can progress a set of knobs for this instrument. Regarding the actual controls themselves (as also detailed in Randy's thread), I am assuming that I get a master volume, a pan, two filters and two Q switches? That's what I would like anyway. Actual layout of the controls we can discuss in due course. Looking forward to seeing that lovely wood! Cheers, Rog |
