| Author |
Message |
bassman10096
Advanced Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 399
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, May 15, 2004 - 7:02 am: |  |
Thanks, guys. I loved it when I saw it a few weeks ago in Santa Rosa. I must admit though that my pictures showed it as darker (to the sacrifice of contrast) than I remembered. Mica's picture is much closer to the reality. And in person, the light areas pop very vividly. This was exactly what I was hoping for - a dark and rich look with cool, detailed figuring and a range of contrasts - you know: dark and a little lighter, dark and still lighter, dark and light amber, etc. It's perfect, and Ron can not possibly finish with it soon enough!!
Paul: I'd love to, but at this moment, I need to get through getting it shipped safely to me, first! You could also come here! As you know, Summerfest is a good time. BTW, check out the new JC on Ebay. I'm talking to the seller about the scrapes on the neck - but - who knows? Also, I'll Email some impressions about my other new acquisition (sorry folks, it's a Lightwave Sabre 5 string). Very different, but cool.
I can't wait for my bass!...I can't wait for my bass!...This is doing permanent damage to my psyche!...Can't sleep - Clowns will eat me!! (sorry, different delusion!).
Actually, all I hope is that Alembic does its last things to finish up with the same class and quality they've put into everything else I've seen them do! ...and, of course, that Mary is not in the plant right now figuring out production for several hundred cases to fit the K-style body!!
Also, please note, with this post or the next - I believe I will become a Senior Member of the Alembic Club! Do I get to learn a secret handshake? Keys to the executive Men's Room? Invitations to better parties? Or do I just become obligated to clean up the spelling in my posts?? Can some others who have achieived this lofty status enlighten me?
Patiently awaiting the most wonderful bass I could have imagined...
Bill |
bassman10096
Advanced Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 400
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, May 15, 2004 - 7:04 am: | |
Well, obviously that didn't do the Senior Member thing. I love to see counters turn over and indicators change, so...Sorry, but here goes... |
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 401
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, May 15, 2004 - 7:08 am: | |
I don't mean to sound let down, but what does a guy have to do for some recognition around here? Ah, there it is!! Everything looks different!! Sounds are somehow more vivid!! I have a deeper understanding of the unfathomable mysteries of the universe!! (OK, enough already). |
davehouck
Senior Member
Username: davehouck
Post Number: 555
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, May 15, 2004 - 7:49 am: | |
Congratulations! And yes, the world is no longer the same as it was back on post 399. |
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 402
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, May 15, 2004 - 9:08 am: | |
Dave: Now I know it's not just me!! And what it does for a guy's virility, too!!! I had no idea what I was missing all this time... |
jalevinemd
Junior
Username: jalevinemd
Post Number: 40
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, May 15, 2004 - 1:13 pm: | |
Bill,
As you know, your bass is absolutely stunning! You, as well as our own Val, are obviously fans of the darker coco bolo. I was a bit skitish about using such a dark wood on my guitar, especially since it's hard to get a feel for how the various subtle tones will really express themselves on the finsihed product. But, I must say, your bass has such an incredibly deep and rich feel to it. You almost feel like pouring it into a wine glass and gently sipping it, savouring every drop.
Truly an instrument to behold.
Jonathan |
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 404
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, May 15, 2004 - 11:13 pm: | |
Thanks Jonathan. I didn't regard the choice of darker colors as a risk - at first - but later I had a few moments of doubt. That's all resolved now, as the effect I was looking for is clearly there. Nice metaphor, the wine sipping. It does have a rich look - almost a flavor, doesn't it? I can not wait to see it finished in person.
Bill |
rklisme
Junior
Username: rklisme
Post Number: 14
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 4:35 pm: | |
Hey Bill
I just saw your bass for the first time and all I can say is wow! You are the man! What a beautiful instrument. I will be heading up to Santa Rosa tomorrow to look at woodstock and only hope my final product will be that nice. Of course I have a long way to go since production won't even start until next week but I am trying to work on spirital balance and a little drinky-poo to keep me from going crazy with anticipation.
Nice pictures of you and your family and congratulations on becoming a Senior Member! Does this mean you have to show your AARP card to post messages now? Maybe a Gold Watch or at least Tuning Peg!
I know you will be happy when you finally receive your new bass.
Take Care
Rory |
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 411
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 10:42 am: | |
Thanks Rory! I'm counting the days now (Don't know how many to count, but, never mind...). I've made a lot of changes in my rig, bought a dehumidifier for my basement to minimize environmental effects, etc. Time for the baby to come home!!
Hope your trip to Alembic is fun. I'm sure it will be!
Bill |
rklisme
Junior
Username: rklisme
Post Number: 16
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 3:18 pm: | |
Bill
I got a chance to see your bass in person and it is even sweeter than I thought. You were in very good company because right next to your bass was Stanley Clarks Custom bass. I wish I was as far along as you, all I could look at was a block of wood with a drawing! Anyway, it won't be long now.
Rory
|
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 414
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 7:14 pm: | |
Rory: Thanks. I can't wait to see it. When I was there it was only halfway through spray. Isn't Stanley's bass incredible! When we walked into the room where the basses were hanging, Susan handed it to me without first telling me what or whose it was. Some inlay! Down the rack row were Kevin's 5 string, which I recognized right away (also prettier in person than in pictures) and my bass - which I recognized once the wood color sunk in for a minute.
Too bad your bass isn't further along, but I'm sure it was a neat visit. What were your impressions of seeing the place, the scale, the people, machines, workshop where all this magic happens?
Hope it was good.
Bill |
rklisme
Junior
Username: rklisme
Post Number: 17
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 12:29 am: | |
Bill
I have done the tour before but not at the new facility. I spent the whole morning with Mica choosing the best quilted maple top for my bass and setting up the custom electronics I will be adding. Everyone was great as before and it was actually really cool to see all the different instruments in production. I don't know any of you personally but I know your basses and to see them kind of created a bond for me. I also need to say meeting Mica and Susan again was really awesome and then this guy came strutting in with Purple pants and it could only be one person, Val! I look forward to the weeks to come as my bass goes through transformation and I promised Mica and Val that I would restrain from calling them everyday as the time gets near completion. I only live 45 minutes away so a quick drive up to Santa Rosa will be the best way to keep tabs on progress. Bill, I had the opportunity to show one of my students your bass over the internet and now he wants one. He just purchased his first Essence and really digs the smaller body style. After seeing your bass though I think we have another Alembic for life person on our hands! It will be there before you know it!
Rory |
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 416
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 4:29 am: | |
Rory:
Sounds like it was a great time. It is a kind of different experience, seeing the instruments that are intended for others in the Club. We see lots of instruments through the Factory to Customer looking glass from idea to raw material, through construction. I really appreciate having the opportunity to give feedback (which I hope = support) to others in "build" mode. Discussing and reacting to others' thoughts on their designs helped a lot in firming up what I wanted my bass to be. During the process of building my bass, the kind words of others have helped limit the second-guessing that would otherwise have happened, had I felt like I was "in this all alone".
BTW, make sure to tell your student he is not alone in his appreciation for the K-style body. Susan let me play a 5 string K-style Omega that Beaver Felton at BassCentral had already ordered as a stock bass for his shop.
Finally, so....what did you decide about your own bass? If you are interested in telling, what kind of specs and features are you looking at now? I'm sure they will establish an FTC thread for your bass, soon.
Bill |
rklisme
Junior
Username: rklisme
Post Number: 19
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 3:23 pm: | |
Bill
As far as my bass goes it will be based on the Mark King Signature standard with a 5A maple top, contoured body = no tail piece, purple heart laminate through the neck and body, blue side LED's, bass and treble boost and cut for each pickup as well as the standard 2xQ switch,2xlow pass filter, volume and blend etc, etc.... I thought it more prudent to customize the electronics and gain more control over the sound since I was working with a limited budget. My thought is the absence of a tail piece will change the looks dramatically while giving it a personal touch all my own. I could not resist the Blue Led's they are soooooooo cool! I can only hope it comes out the way I would like it to. I am already thinking about a Stanley Clark bass but first I need to move some of my other basses. That is it in a nut shell hopefully we will start at the end of next week! Talk to you soon.
Rory |
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 419
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, May 22, 2004 - 4:57 pm: | |
Rory:
I like the electronic customization. Should give you a lot of tone shaping, with a "layer" of more immediate control with the boosts & cuts. I can't wait to see the combo of the maple top, pheart laminate and blue LEDs.
There's an Orion on sale locally here that combines quilted maple with purpleheart. It's a very rich looking combination!
Help me understand the "no tailpiece" part. Do you mean a single purpose bridge/tailpiece (w/ no "bird" piece) or are you referring to the pointed tail on the Standard bodies?
Bill |
rklisme
Junior
Username: rklisme
Post Number: 20
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 1:34 am: | |
Bill
Sorry for the confusion, I was referring to the pointed tail on the Body.
Rory |
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 421
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 8:00 am: | |
Cool. Maybe I'm not understanding the base body style, too. Is it the small standard (Stanley Clark-type) style or the large standard that would normally have either a point or omega cut at the bottom? If the latter, are you going to have some kind of Omega cut?
Bill |
rklisme
Junior
Username: rklisme
Post Number: 21
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 10:16 am: | |
Bill
Maybe you can help me out here I'm at that point of indecission and could use a little help. I am going with the large standard body and my thought was to have no point, no cut of any type but now I seem to lean towards the Omega cut like yours. What is a guy to do? Did you have simalar thoughts when designing your bass or did you know exactly what you wanted? What are your thoughts? Do you think the clean bottom would look to odd on the large body? Give me some feedback, I need help. I was trying to not have my instrument look like everyone elses without going totally custom but now I don't know. Well this is my situation. Since you are now a Senior Member, (code word, Jedi Master), I am looking to you for guidance. Show me the way of the Jedi so that I too can master the force! I think it maybe a little to early in the morning for me, better go have coffee!
Thanks in advance for your support,
Rory |
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 422
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 6:03 pm: | |
Rory: I hope others will weigh in with their artistic suggestions, but here's the progression I went through.
Yeah - I knew what I wanted. It was just that what I wanted changed several times and wound up being something I originally had thought I didn't want. I knew I wanted a neck-through and liked the idea of Signature or Anniversary electronics. That kind of pushed me into a Signature design.
First, let me say I always considered some kind of omega cut. Second, I did want something that looked like a traditional Alembic (That ruled out Rogues and Europas). However, I was not too keen on the large standard body - just too big, I guess. My first design iteration was a 3/4 size body with an omega cut (but not a perfectly round omega - more like a squashed or oval cut). I thought the heart omega cuts were just a little too fancy - while I preferred a cleaner look.
Then for a while, I became captivated with a small standard (Stanley Clark style) with an omega cut. I still think the omega version is the prettiest way to do a small standard. I was troubled, though because the small standard develops balance problems if you put a medium scale neck on it, particularly if 5 string (as I was considering at the time). I drew a lot of reshaped small standards, elongating the top horn. Actually, some looked pretty cool. But when Mica explained the mechanics of ensuring good balance (essentially the horn needed to be elongated more than I like on the small standard), AND she Emailed me a picture of a prototype of the K-style body - I was off the small standard idea permanently (for this bass anyway).
The trouble was that I just couldn't settle on the prototype K shape. The upper horn was fatter and it was not as graceful as the ones Kevin and I have had built. For a brief period, I considered seriously just going for a large standard with an omega cut. However, when some early design drawings for Kevin's new bass were posted, the shape had changed not too radically, but it had gone from "ho hum" to "Va-va-voom". Everyone seemed to agree with that assessment, too.
What I realized was that by considering these different approaches over a period of 2-3 months, I had really learned the Alembic body styles.
Once I had settled on the 3/4 K-style omega body, I called and spoke to Val about wood. I had been struggling with choosing between Superb Walnut (less like the norm, I felt) and Coco Bolo (a beautiful and classic look). Val is a coco bolo fan. He suggested going with coco for its sound qualities and basically, because I had to agree I couldn't go wrong. I decided to go with a dark, but still contrasty coco bolo, rather than a brighter, oranger one. I still may buy a walnut Alembic before they carry me out...
Susan and I talked about electronics and between a little arm twisting on her part (with no resistance on mine) and some superior deal making by Beaver Felton (Bass Central), I upgraded to S2 electronics. The addition of the heart omega was an afterthought, but one I'm glad I did. I found I added more "fancy" touches (abalone ovals, inlaid logo, omega heart) after my bass was already beginning construction. I guess once I was settle on the big elements, adding pretty touches was very easy.
Sorry for the book. My two cents on your body style question - I've seen pix of large standards and balance standards with plain bottoms. They've looked kind of, well, plain, to me. Sort of too simple. I hope others will comment, because it was helpful to me getting feedback and reading discussions about others' basses.
Don't worry too much though - you'll love what you decide on. Don't be afraid to delay a bit, though to give yourself a chance to get used to an idea.
Bill |
marcm
Junior
Username: marcm
Post Number: 31
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 9:23 pm: | |
hi rory & bill
like many alembic owners, i, too, spent a good bit of time finding the 'right' body shape. i wanted my first alembic to be relatively simple (whence the 'simple bass'), with a smallish body. i started with an essence, with just a few standard options, but i didn't want the standard k-body shape. initially i wanted a small-standard body with an 'old-style' point, which is more softly carved than the standard point of today. then i changed my mind to a 'stinger point', an elongated point slender enough that the end of it would be ebony only, shaped from the center ebony neck laminate, with no mahogany showing
then one night i was browsing the showcase threads and i found the shape i REALLY wanted: the bass edwin van huik had made for his baby daughter tania. it's basically a mini version (22-inch scale!) of a small standard with a slightly elongated upper horn for balance and a version of the EvH bottom: a shallow double-scallop cut they call the 'baby's butt', for at least a couple of reasons
i asked mica if the 'baby bass' could be scaled up to 32-inch scale, and mike's predecessor sketched it out. the 32-inch-scale version of that shape turned out to be massive -- too hippy -- so some redesign was necessary to small it down. we worked together to refine the shape to what you now see on my thread, which is very close to the shape of tania's bass and about the size of a small standard
i found the EvH bottom to be a good compromise: there's something going on down there aesthetically, so it's more interesting to my eyes than a plain round bottom, but it's more understated than a point or an omega
it's not for everyone, but it might work for you too
as bill suggests, give yourself all the time you need to be comfortable with your choices. i had my first conversation with susan years ago, and mica and i formally started this project over a year ago. mike just started gluing the body last friday
as the design evolved over a period of months, my initially-'simple' bass experienced a bit of 'option-bloat'; i suspect that's pretty common. that temptation is the flip side of taking your time
best regards
marc |
rklisme
Junior
Username: rklisme
Post Number: 23
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 1:00 am: | |
Hey Marc and Bill
I would like to thank you both for chiming in with some sound advise. After careful consideration and readings from both of you I found that I was settling on something that may not have been right for me. For many years now I have enjoyed my Essence body style because of its smallish body and light weight and I still find myself very attracted to it still. I think since I was a teenager I considered the S1 to be the ultimate bass hence the Standard body style. Now that I have matured a little I think my mind was stuck in the 70's and what was considered to be the ultimate bass then and not now. I find myself truly attracted to the K body style that Bill has but did not know it was available until I saw Bills. I have totally changed directions and feel much more confident in my choices. I would like to thank both of you gentlemen for your valued advise and opinions. I have put every option that I can afford into this project and now I think I can sit down and call it quits. Bill, you have been great as always and Marc, I appreciate you stepping up to give your thoughts as well. Now all I have to do is see what all my new options are going to cost me. Once again thanks!
Rory |
the_mule
Member
Username: the_mule
Post Number: 83
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 11:08 am: | |
(Message edited by the_mule on May 24, 2004) |
the_mule
Member
Username: the_mule
Post Number: 84
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 11:23 am: | |
Hello Rory, not trying to interfere in your thinking process in any way, but only to show you how incredibly well the EvH 'bottom' works aesthetically on a smaller bodied instrument:
 |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 1690
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 11:50 am: | |
I started a new thread for Rory's bass, so we can keep all the thoughts about it together. |
rklisme
Junior
Username: rklisme
Post Number: 24
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 12:01 pm: | |
Mule
I do appreciate you showing me some other options as well as an opportunity to see your beautiful Alembic. I also think that you and Mark are correct with that body style it is a lot more suited to what I would like when I custom build Alembic #3! I think the classic body shape with a few tweaks is much more suited to my taste. I would like to thank all the members who have felt my pain and have responded with idea's and suggetions. For a short while I thought I was going to self implode from trying to make the right choices. Isn't this wonderful! I have guys from all around the world helping me make decisions that I was having trouble with. I have to say now that I do feel at peace with my final choice for now and I thank all the members and the Alembic family for having patience with me.
Rory |
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 423
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 2:27 pm: | |
Rory: I saw your thread. Congratulations. I can't wait to see what the K-style looks like in 5A!! You will be a trail blazer there, for sure. I've been thinking about quilted or flame maple for the 5 string I'm dreaming about - either in the K-style or (I'm surprised to tell you...) a large standard body style. Either one will have a big old, traditional point on the bottom!
It's fun hearing you think through your options. I can appreciate how crazy it can get. Don't worry. The adrenalin subsides a little after a few weeks.
Bill |
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 438
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - 9:04 am: | |
Hi Mica!
Can you give me an estimate on when I'm going to see this baby?
Bill |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 1786
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, July 03, 2004 - 4:46 pm: | |
My dad finished the calibration late Friday night. James will need to go over the final setup on Tuesday, but if all goes well with that, we should be able to ship it no later than Wednesday.
(Message edited by mica on July 03, 2004) |
rklisme
Member
Username: rklisme
Post Number: 58
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, July 03, 2004 - 5:49 pm: | |
Bill
Are you ready? There is still time to pass a little more GAS! I am sure you will let us know when it arrives! I am so jealous!
Rory |
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 476
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, July 04, 2004 - 12:56 pm: | |
Wheeeeeww!!!!
Thanks Mica, Val, Susan and Ron!!
I thought it was never going to happen! For those who don't know, Ron has been forced to divert a lot of time to various emergency endevours lately, making solid time commitments (understandably) impossible for completing the final calibration.
I've all but stopped calling to check on things (only weekly). This has left me with too much time on my hands to acquire (and dump) gear. My rig is pretty near evolved to what I think well sound best. 3 cabs: I bit the bullet last night and bought a BagEnd INFRA 18 and M2 processor. I'm choosing between my Acme LowB-2 and an Eden 210 XST. Finally, I'm going to look for a superlight 212 with neomydium drivers, a 6" or 8" high mid and tweeter.
I've been avoiding 4 strings lately because it just reminds me of the waiting! When I did happen to play a 4 str Orion the other day, it was so great! Now this news makes it all worth while.
More later. Yipppeeeee!
Bill
Mica and Val.
|
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic
Post Number: 1397
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, July 04, 2004 - 1:26 pm: | |
Brother Bill,
if I were you I quitted job for a while.
Or maybe a loooooooooooo-ong vacation, with only basses, and amps ...and speakers ...and playing ... and testing ...and tweaking
Paul TBO
Oh ...uhuh ...did I mentioned the yelling neighbors ...???? |
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 477
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, July 04, 2004 - 3:42 pm: | |
Oh yeah. I'll be in bass heaven for a long time. All the new amp gear, my new Alembic and my first (I guess I'll try something else new...) fretless 4 (a Ken Smith Design active Jazz). I can't believe my Alembic is finally coming home! For a medium scale guy, the pickin's are pretty slim most places to find a bass that feels anything like mine will...Heaven, at last!
Bill |
davehouck
Senior Member
Username: davehouck
Post Number: 705
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Monday, July 05, 2004 - 6:38 am: | |
Bill, let us know what you think of the Bag End Infra and how it compares with the low end of the B-2 and XST. |
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 478
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 05, 2004 - 7:54 am: | |
I will. I can't wait to hear the comparison myself. |
dadabass2001
Intermediate Member
Username: dadabass2001
Post Number: 187
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 06, 2004 - 5:27 am: | |
Alright Bill!
Here's hoping your your new rig brings you hours of low frequency bliss. "What a long strange trip it's been."
Mike |
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 480
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 06, 2004 - 11:33 am: | |
Thanks Mike. I just spoke with Mica. If all goes well with the final set up of my bass, I should have it on Friday. I won't have the ELF sub till next week, but I think there's a lot of listening and tweaking to do in the meantime. In order to learn the S2 controls, I'm going to unplug my SF-2 temporarily and just go from the F1-X to power amp.
Bill |
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