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mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 6102
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Monday, May 11, 2009 - 5:23 pm:   Edit Post

The plates arrived today - they look very nice. So as soon as dad finishes Kevin's guitar, he'll do the work on your final calibration.
mario_farufyno
Intermediate Member
Username: mario_farufyno

Post Number: 104
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 - 7:34 am:   Edit Post

It is simply wonderfull how wood comes to life when the finish is done
redtiger
Junior
Username: redtiger

Post Number: 36
Registered: 1-2007
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 7:24 am:   Edit Post

Mica,

How's the calibration going?

Shoji
pierreyves
Senior Member
Username: pierreyves

Post Number: 404
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 9:14 am:   Edit Post

ONE year to build your bass ??? what the matter ???
redtiger
Junior
Username: redtiger

Post Number: 37
Registered: 1-2007
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 9:28 am:   Edit Post

Pierreyves,

Thanks for asking, but it's already ONE and HALF year since I placed the order.
I have no idea why it takes so long.....

Shoji
pierreyves
Senior Member
Username: pierreyves

Post Number: 405
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 10:48 am:   Edit Post

you have no idea...you are really very very patient !!! not possible .. if I place order, I wan't my bass at the latest 6 month.
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke

Post Number: 730
Registered: 6-2007
Posted on Saturday, May 30, 2009 - 9:50 am:   Edit Post

I would like to weigh in on time from order, to the customer while I have my morning coffee...

I live in California USA, and perhaps out the gate, people might be ready to throw eggs at me by the time I am done, but I will share anyway...:-)

But let me just say, patients is indeed a luxury for me, and I wouldn't have it any way when it comes to a luxurious fine built instrument as an Alembic. I can understand we live in a the Atomic and Digital Age, where we are told "fast is good" or when we have to wait in long line to register our car(s), or even shopping for groceries and there's carts in front of you with a million things to get processed, before the checker can serve you -- "We all been there..." So, I am not talking about patients from this perspective, because shopping for food, and other societal are common, and almost a daily occurrence. There should be a better way, and perhaps, a combination of technology, and lifestyle changes can help. From a lifestyle perspective, maybe buying groceries at off peek hours might be best, just as a simple basic example, if waiting is not your thing.

Ok, just a moment while I put on my rain gear and face masks... :-)

There are Alembic basses that could be purchased at an Alembic dealer(s) today. So, if you are short on the time, it takes to build a guitar, then, buying an alembic from the racks of vendors are available.

I personally was surprised of the array of colors and woods that are available, and in some cases, some of them may had taken from months, to years to build, and they are brand spanking new and "ripe" for the pickings.

So, if speed is your thing... look at what Alembic dealer(s) have available.

Ok, now I am zipping my wet suit firmly...:-)

Anybody who orders a custom Alembic... (as with anything custom...) The more things you "add in the basket"; the longer it will take to process.

As someone who is also waiting for a custom bass, I looked for my Alembic at dealers first, and because my requirements were different in terms of body design, I feel blessed for having Susan and Mica there for me with an open minds, ears and hearts.

Also, who wants a rushy built Alembic? (I don't think they "do that anyway"...)

If Alembic staff wants to spend more time looking at perfecting my bass, all the better. This is what I mean by a luxury... My bass is getting papered with precision and excellent.

"The longer the bass stays in school (at Alembic), the righteous sounds it will make..."


Hal-
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke

Post Number: 731
Registered: 6-2007
Posted on Saturday, May 30, 2009 - 10:08 am:   Edit Post

People love to speak favorable about; how long something took to make, like when it comes to customized and wonderful things they own...

Maybe there is a irony, if the same people wanted those great things rushed...:-)
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 6139
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 7:18 pm:   Edit Post

Some basses simply take longer than others to complete. This one has been difficult behaving in the finish department.

I'm hoping very much that we will be shipping this bass to you this month. But we never know the exact date until it's in the box and out the door.
redtiger
Junior
Username: redtiger

Post Number: 38
Registered: 1-2007
Posted on Friday, June 05, 2009 - 7:48 am:   Edit Post

Mica,

Any pics?

Shoji
redtiger
Junior
Username: redtiger

Post Number: 39
Registered: 1-2007
Posted on Friday, June 19, 2009 - 2:33 am:   Edit Post

Mica,

Any updates?

Shoji
pierreyves
Senior Member
Username: pierreyves

Post Number: 409
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Friday, June 19, 2009 - 3:48 am:   Edit Post

incredible.....
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 2278
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Friday, June 19, 2009 - 4:50 am:   Edit Post

Why 'incredible' pierreyves? If I was having another custom built I'd want Alembic to spend as long as it takes to get it perfect. we all know that it sometimes can take a long time to craft one of these instruments, especially if interesting custom options are added in to the equation. As it's a series bass, it needs to be calibrated by Ron Wickersham himself and I'm given to understand he's a very busy man.

graeme
pierreyves
Senior Member
Username: pierreyves

Post Number: 410
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Friday, June 19, 2009 - 5:04 am:   Edit Post

read redtiger posts.
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 2280
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Friday, June 19, 2009 - 5:07 am:   Edit Post

I have. You seem to forget that this forum isn't Mica's main business. Running a busy instrument manufacturer and making sure Shoji's instrument is perfect is.

Patience.

Graeme
altgrendel
Member
Username: altgrendel

Post Number: 93
Registered: 5-2008
Posted on Friday, June 19, 2009 - 6:12 am:   Edit Post

If I have learned anything from FTC threads, it's that "good things come to those who wait."
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 1544
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Friday, June 19, 2009 - 10:20 am:   Edit Post

Isn't that what Hanibal Lector said in silence of the lambs before he ate someones face off.

Jazzyvee
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke

Post Number: 741
Registered: 6-2007
Posted on Friday, June 19, 2009 - 10:57 am:   Edit Post

Shoji,

When you get your bass (in hands), you will find a beautiful virtue in the time it took to create it.

Know that your bass is with its creator and who would be better qualified to know what is best than the Alembic team?

You have a good problem my friend...

Many people would hope and dream, for the realities you embarked today. I am happy for you, and I hope others an opportunity to wait for something as meaningful and special as a quality instrument that is built to withstand the test of time... My current Alembic is over 30 years old, and still kicks undisputed ass against any other brand out there...

Peace-
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 6190
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Friday, June 19, 2009 - 1:31 pm:   Edit Post

Your bass is now the very next one that my dad will do the calibration on:
setup complete
So I think it's likely we'll be coordinating the shipping before the end of the month.

It's absolutely beautiful!
artswork99
Senior Member
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 691
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Friday, June 19, 2009 - 1:41 pm:   Edit Post

It sure is that! Congratulations Shoji, Play it Healthy!
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke

Post Number: 742
Registered: 6-2007
Posted on Friday, June 19, 2009 - 3:36 pm:   Edit Post

Ohhhh, she's so beautiful, I got to sing a Standard...

A one ana two...
Chi-gumm Chi-goom goom goom...

"Be wise. Be fair. Be sure. Be there. Behave. Beware.

Be wise, be smart, behave, my heart
Don't upset your cart when she's so close
Be soft, be sweet, but be discreet
Don't go off your feet, she's to close for comfort

Too close, too close for comfort, no, not again
Too close, too close to know just when to say "when"

Be firm, be fair, be sure, beware
On your guard, take care, while there's such temptation

One thing leads to another
Too late to run for cover
She's much too close for comfort now..."

Enjoy the journey with her...
sonicus
Intermediate Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 128
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Friday, June 19, 2009 - 6:02 pm:   Edit Post

Beautiful Bass!
redtiger
Junior
Username: redtiger

Post Number: 40
Registered: 1-2007
Posted on Friday, June 19, 2009 - 9:06 pm:   Edit Post

Mica,

Thanks for the pic, but more pics would be deeply appreciated to see neck inlays.

Shoji
southpaw
Advanced Member
Username: southpaw

Post Number: 222
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - 7:31 am:   Edit Post

Shoji,
That is a beautiful bass! Congrats. Trust me, you will forget all about the wait time once it is in your hands. Like others have already said, Alembic is a small company producing unmatched, custom instruments. Also coco bolo does not always respond to the finishing process as they hope on the first try. I believe this is due to it's oil. Have faith that Alembic will create the best possible bass they can for you.
Now if you really want to wait a long time for a bass, try ordering a new Rickenbacker! And those are assembly line basses with no custom orders with a much longer wait.
redtiger
Junior
Username: redtiger

Post Number: 41
Registered: 1-2007
Posted on Friday, July 10, 2009 - 8:31 am:   Edit Post

Mica,

How's the calibration going?

Shoji
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 6240
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Friday, July 10, 2009 - 9:38 am:   Edit Post

It's... complete! I hope to have some more pictures for you later today, and a report after I get a chance to play it.
georgie_boy
Senior Member
Username: georgie_boy

Post Number: 875
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Saturday, July 11, 2009 - 8:13 am:   Edit Post

I just love this bass!
redtiger
Junior
Username: redtiger

Post Number: 42
Registered: 1-2007
Posted on Monday, July 13, 2009 - 6:28 am:   Edit Post

Mica,

Still expecting the pics as you mentioned.

Shoji
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 6246
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Monday, July 13, 2009 - 5:00 pm:   Edit Post

Here's some pretties!

done

done

done

done

done

Be prepared for a big sound.
artswork99
Senior Member
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 750
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Monday, July 13, 2009 - 5:18 pm:   Edit Post

That is stunning! The beveled headstock is so nice. Enjoy Shoji!

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