| Author | Message | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1282 Registered: 6-2000 |
In the rubout room:  The first fret inlay won't go in until next week. Will get you more photos before it ships. Wow, what a piece of Walnut!! | ||
| janriviere
Member Username: janriviere Post Number: 89 Registered: 5-2002 |
Wow Mica, great piece of Walnut ! What kind of Walnut is this ? | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1285 Registered: 6-2000 |
This is classified as Superb Walnut in our book. Most of the Walnut we buy is from a wonderful man that knows just about every tree in the state of California. Much of the Walnut he gets is from older orchards, and he arranges with the planters to help remove the old "unwanted" trees. The orchards are typically planted with native California Walnut for the root stock grafted to an old world Walnut for the stem and crown. There's everything from Persian to Italian or English Walnut in these grafted orchards. The native trees are skilled at living in the weird soils we have, and the imported grafts make better tasting walnuts. This piece of wood is from a large batch we bought from Mike after some devestating floods a few years ago that wiped out many trees at the fringe of the orchards in central California. This tree grew near Sacramento, CA. It's got some good greens and nice rich red in it, as well as some great radial flame figure. | ||
| bracheen
Junior Username: bracheen Post Number: 40 Registered: 11-2003 |
That is one of the most beautiful pieces of wood I've seen on any instrument anywhere. What a work of art! Who would've thought that would come from a simple Walnut tree? | ||
| dela217
Advanced Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 227 Registered: 6-2002 |
That is just stunning! I love stripey wood. I like all the contrasting. Maybe santa can bring me a bass made of this walnut. | ||
| malthumb
Intermediate Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 127 Registered: 5-2002 |
That is without a doubt the best looking walnut top I have ever seen. Incredible!! | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 791 Registered: 9-2002 |
Is it that "Clarowood" family again as on Bonnie?? Paul the bad one | ||
| bigbadbill
Junior Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 33 Registered: 10-2003 |
Hi Mica! This top has finally convinced me I've made the right decision with walnut, and I completely agree with the other guys that its possibly the most stunning walnut top I've seen (love the contrasting colours!).It certainly lives up to the name "superb"! I've always tended to think of Alembics as reminiscent of beautiful Art Nouveau pieces, and this bass pretty much nails that. I hesitate to ask, but any more wood available like this? (BTW, any news on superb walnut 240? and I'm still keen on 241....)I used to think I was indecisive, but now I'm not so sure...  Thanks Shaun the (hopefully) Walnut One. | ||
| dela217
Advanced Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 229 Registered: 6-2002 |
It reminds me of Yu-Gi-Oh's hair. Yes I have a 6 year old. | ||
| bracheen
Junior Username: bracheen Post Number: 45 Registered: 11-2003 |
Michael, I gotta ask, what's a Yu-Gi-Oh? | ||
| dean_m
Advanced Member Username: dean_m Post Number: 231 Registered: 7-2002 |
Uh Oh!!! HA!!! Michael, you started it now you've got to finish it!!! I've got a 7 year old girl as well. Dino(bptfo) | ||
| dean_m
Advanced Member Username: dean_m Post Number: 232 Registered: 7-2002 |
Uh Oh!!! HA!!! Michael, you started it now you've got to finish it!!! I've got a 7 year old girl as well. Dino(bptfo) | ||
| dela217
Advanced Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 231 Registered: 6-2002 |
Ok everyone. Here is a picture of Yu-Gi.  Check out the hair. | ||
| dean_m
Advanced Member Username: dean_m Post Number: 233 Registered: 7-2002 |
How rude of me!!!! What a beautiful work of art. To me it looks like melted dark chocolate swirling around in a pot. Congrats Brian!!! Dino(bptfo) | ||
| bracheen
Junior Username: bracheen Post Number: 47 Registered: 11-2003 |
Kinda reminds me of my son-in-law's lead singer. http://www.escherrock.com/photo2.htm Sam | ||
| bishopqdog
Member Username: bishopqdog Post Number: 70 Registered: 7-2003 |
That wood has character and I like it! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1288 Registered: 6-2000 |
Oh my, two very similar basses going to the same dealer. I'm afraid the original picture was not Brian's bass. Rather, this similar but distinctly different bass will be making its way to Brian:   I am so sorry, Brian. I hope the past few days haven't been torture for you. The bass is ready for preset which means James will add the 1st fret inlay and then fret your bass. After, it will return to spray for the last few coats. | ||
| brian
New Username: brian Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2003 |
mica, hi, how are u? well not torture,i just didn't remember asking for the omega cut out,but i thought it was still a very handsome bass,and i wasnt going to complain.the walnut on mine is very nice as well,i like the cosistancy,nice and even through out the bass.look forward to seeing it before shipping.speaking of shipping,i'am concernd about the weather conditions,i'am sure it will be left on trucks over night,it's warm in cal.,but freezing in ind.is that going to effect my new wood and set-up? thanx again, b. piercefield | ||
| bob
Member Username: bob Post Number: 89 Registered: 11-2002 |
I hesitate to step in at this delicate juncture, but can't seem to resist... Not only did we go from an innie to an outie (or vice versa), but in my opinion also from "wacky" to sublime. Despite the enthusiasm of several of our most honorable members, the wood in the first picture would keep me up nights (not playing, mind you, just frazzled). Though interesting, and perhaps stunning, we're all entitled to our own tastes - and that wasn't mine. The wood in these new photos has depth, sensitivity, complexity, and a certain elegance - maybe like a fine wine or something - that makes me want to go play bass for a while. I hope this is what you were looking for, Brian, and if so, then I can now offer you my sincere congratulations. -Bob (Brian - looks like I finished composing shortly after you responded yourself. Glad to hear you're pleased, though if you weren't, I'm sure Alembic would have made it right for you - and maybe I could have gotten them to skip the frets and cut me a deal, hmm...) | ||
| bracheen
Junior Username: bracheen Post Number: 49 Registered: 11-2003 |
Brian, I bet the Omega cut did have you scratching your head. Bob summed it up nicely with sublime. That's the great thing about Alembic. Each instrument is unique in appearence, no cookie cutters here. An each instrument sounds as amazing as it looks. Congratulations. Sam | ||
| bassman10096
Junior Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 41 Registered: 7-2003 |
My tastes probably went closer to the first, wilder wood, but the color of Brian's actual bass is a knockout. Maybe someone out there can help me with a dilemma: I've been planning a custom built signature deluxe and have decided on the electronics (anniversary with fatboys), neck and most other things. And I had been travelling down the road toward coco bolo for the top and back. Or so I thought. Shaun's recent discussions with Mica about various walnuts and Brian's picture(s)have got me thinking much more seriously about walnut. I've collected a bunch of beautiful pictures off the board of walnuts with multiple-hued accents and dumped them into the same folder I was using to compare different coco bolo samples. Now its the walnut that really gets my heart racing. Can anyone tell me a little about what a walnut top and back would sound like on a hollow core standard or 3/4 omega? Or compared with coco bolo in general? I've heard coco bolo on a solid core, but never a hollowed out one. With a neck-through, is the difference really going to be audible between the walnut and coco? What a great dilemma, anyway. If anyone has any thoughts, I'd really appreciate hearing them. Bill | ||
| bassman10096
Junior Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 42 Registered: 7-2003 |
My tastes probably went closer to the first, wilder wood, but the color of Brian's actual bass is a knockout. Maybe someone out there can help me with a dilemma: I've been planning a custom built signature deluxe and have decided on the electronics (anniversary with fatboys), neck and most other things. And I had been travelling down the road toward coco bolo for the top and back. Or so I thought. Shaun's recent discussions with Mica about various walnuts and Brian's picture(s)have got me thinking much more seriously about walnut. I've collected a bunch of beautiful pictures off the board of walnuts with multiple-hued accents and dumped them into the same folder I was using to compare different coco bolo samples. Now its the walnut that really gets my heart racing. Can anyone tell me a little about what a walnut top and back would sound like on a hollow core standard or 3/4 omega? Or compared with coco bolo in general? I've heard coco bolo on a solid core, but never a hollowed out one. With a neck-through, is the difference really going to be audible between the walnut and coco? What a great dilemma, anyway. If anyone has any thoughts, I'd really appreciate hearing them. Bill | ||
| brian
New Username: brian Post Number: 5 Registered: 11-2003 |
i've been looking at the 1st and 2nd basses today,(took the 2nd pic and did a counter clockwise rotation to make it upright)besides the difference between the body styles,the more i look at mine(the 2nd one)i really have to say(whitch is only my taste,as bob said,i like the way he wrights.)i really like the steady grain ,its even,all the way,nothing to disrupt your eyes,you look at it as its one big bass,there is nothing trying to compete with another part.dont get me wrong,i would be more than happy with the other grain.that person is very lucky and many others like that grain,i think its a beautiful piece,i guess i'am more conservitive.i look at the other one and think that your arm is going to be right where the high light is on the top of the body,and the bottom highlight is going to be seen(the matching end on the fat part of the body).with mine, there will be a continious grain on the bottom. i dont know,maybe i'am just to happy to recieve my first alembic.i have been wanting one sence i was 19 or 20,thanx for listning to me ramble,your friend, b.piercefield | ||
| brian
New Username: brian Post Number: 6 Registered: 11-2003 |
(Message edited by brian on December 07, 2003) | ||
| bassman10096
Junior Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 43 Registered: 7-2003 |
The color is amazing. Like marmalade with darker highlights. The grain presents is beautifully. I'm sure it will only be better in person. I'll bet you can't wait. Bill | ||
| yahyabb
Junior Username: yahyabb Post Number: 18 Registered: 8-2002 |
Brian: You've got a very fine piece of walnut; both axes are stunning. Enjoy. Yahya | ||
| bigbadbill
Junior Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 34 Registered: 10-2003 |
Bill I've played hollow Series basses in both cocobolo and walnut; the walnut with S1 electronics and the cocobolo with S2. Unfortunately both were at separate times through different rigs, but if I had to comment I would've said the walnut sounded a little more open, maybe more piano like, and the cocobolo more tight and compressed sounding. Obviously this is based on a rather less than perfect comparison, and could have been due to other differences in the individual instruments, but that was my impression. Of the 2, I preferred the walnut. I'm sure there are other esteemed club members who could give you a more accurate comparison based on instruments they actually own. Also bear in mind the weight factor; cocobolo is generally much heavier than walnut (although this may not be an issue for you). With regards to taste, the wood on Brian's actual bass is very like that of a 6 string Sei bass I used to own; definitely beautiful, but ultimately a little reserved for me. I always tend to go with wilder figuring, for better or worse! Could be cause I'm also a painter??? Still,they are both stunning basses. Congratulations to both future owners! All the best Shaun PS I'm glad my ramblings about walnut may have been of use to someone;I'm starting to worry that I may be driving Mica nuts!(Sorry Mica!) Still, I think I've been driving myself nuts too... | ||
| malthumb
Intermediate Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 133 Registered: 5-2002 |
(Message edited by malthumb on December 07, 2003) | ||
| malthumb
Intermediate Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 134 Registered: 5-2002 |
Bill, This discussion just happened in another thread, so I'm posting a link to that thread. In that thread you'll see my smiling face holding a coco bolo Mark King Deluxe / Series II and a walnut Series I and describing my impression of the tonal differences between the two. To add to the description, I used to describe the difference to people this way....Imagine Phil Collins and Barry White singing the same song. My walnut Series I is Phil Collins, my coco bolo MK/Series II is Barry White. http://alembic.com/club/messages/393/6914.html?1070261616 Peace, James | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 803 Registered: 9-2002 |
I'm sorry but I'll never make a choice between those two! Paul the bad one hmmmmmmm...quite a sales argument for the alembicians | ||
| brian
New Username: brian Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2003 |
mica looking forward to some updated pic's. thanx. b.p. | ||
| brian
New Username: brian Post Number: 10 Registered: 11-2003 |
bob, i didnt get a chance to thank u for the support(and other members support)for the nice imput u gave me on my new alembic,thanx again,hope u had a great holiday. b.p. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1387 Registered: 6-2000 |
Here's the first fret inlay:  James was the artist on this and there is barely a spec of fill. It's really nice work. Here's the entire bass:  The whole thing looks just gorgeous. Hope you like it as much as well all do. | ||
| eastcoastepic
Junior Username: eastcoastepic Post Number: 18 Registered: 10-2003 |
Man, what is going on at Alembic lately??!! Each new masterpiece coming out looks better than the last masterpiece!! Where will it end??!! Brian - Congrats!! Like Mica says, "just gorgeous"! Chris | ||
| mattheus
Member Username: mattheus Post Number: 94 Registered: 5-2003 |
Boy oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy............ That is something very special to keep a few strings together..... Mattheus | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 889 Registered: 9-2002 |
Very nice indeed! And how did the "wrong picture-post-bass" came out??? Not finished yet?? Paul the bad one | ||
| groovelines
Intermediate Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 145 Registered: 4-2003 |
It's become obvious to me that I need to find another way to save for my kids' education...or get another job... stunning beast. i don't know how the rest of you feel, but this bass is a particularlly good example of when book matched to center is not an option. something really..ah..if I may say, sexy about the multi laminated neck cutting through that gorgeous top wood. ah....man, I gotta get back to work | ||
| valvil
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 310 Registered: 7-2002 |
The "wrong picture-post bass" is almost finished, it's in set-up. Valentino | ||
| bigbadbill
Member Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 57 Registered: 10-2003 |
Brian's "real" bass is utterly phenomenal; I completely agree with Chris in that every new Alembic seems even better than the last! And as for the "wrong" bass; pictures please upon completion Valentino! (I'm salivating already...) Shaun | ||
| brian
Junior Username: brian Post Number: 11 Registered: 11-2003 |
i couldnt wait to get home and check the factory to customer section in our websight tuesday.i see that my name is on the top(brians custom mk5)i click on it ,scroll down slowly.and all i could do was sit there and say ....wow!i was speachless.it was so well worth the wait.skilled craftmanship at its finest.thank u all at alembic,i'am sure another thanx will be in order after i recieve it and play it! b.p. | ||
| bassman10096
Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 63 Registered: 7-2003 |
Brian: It's beautiful (as expected)! I can't wait till you get a chance to play it and report back. Congratulations! Bill | ||
| bracheen
Advanced Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 336 Registered: 11-2003 |
Mica, is the bass in the first photo the same one that's currently offered on Bass Central's website? I still think it is one beautiful bass! Sam |
