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mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1379
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 8:51 pm:   Edit Post

Now the bass is in the setup department for the logo inlay:

body

peghead

This is the time to decide on gold hardware.
bassman10096
Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 58
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 9:06 pm:   Edit Post

Mica and Val: Thanks for posting these pictures. Mica - You were right - This body design looks much better in coco bolo than in the mahogany sample pix you sent me.
I think this will be the body style I order in a month or two. Thanks again.
Bill Sterling

Kevin - Your new bass looks as good or better than your present bass (which I really liked the looks of). What made you decide to upgrade to S2 electronics? Hope you are as pleased with it as I would be.
Bill
bob
Intermediate Member
Username: bob

Post Number: 104
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 9:52 pm:   Edit Post

Great peghead. Sometimes I'm convinced you guys "culture" these grain patterns to fit...
basstard
Member
Username: basstard

Post Number: 69
Registered: 3-2003
Posted on Wednesday, January 07, 2004 - 10:31 am:   Edit Post

What. A. Beauty!!!

Can't wait to see that bass when it's finished...
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic

Post Number: 851
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Thursday, January 08, 2004 - 1:34 am:   Edit Post

Yes ...wow ...I really like this body-style.
I know the balance point is changed but is also the body made more ...well ...how should I put this ...euh ...lady-like ...euh ...narrower!?!?!? Help!

Bob : didn't you heard?? They "breed" them!

Paul the bad one
senmen
Intermediate Member
Username: senmen

Post Number: 176
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Thursday, January 08, 2004 - 2:04 am:   Edit Post

Hi Kevin, hi Paul TBO, hi guys,

I have to agree: this body shape is really
gorgeous. Normally I donīt like that much those
extreme offset bodystyle (except the Spyders of course), but this one looks really great....

Paul, how are you?
Long time no see...


Oliver (Spyderman)
kevin_k
Junior
Username: kevin_k

Post Number: 15
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Thursday, January 08, 2004 - 6:20 am:   Edit Post

Thanks to all for your kind words. This bass has been a long time in the making. I post some pictures of the predesign stage. The body is 3/4, that's why it appears "slim". It's a 34" scale with ebony neck lams, which ends up being rather neck heavy. So the big difference is the extended balance point design. Susan even made a mock up before this went into production. The tough decision was which design to choose. I selected the longer horn to address any balance issues. Believe me I wish I could build them both.
kevin_k
Junior
Username: kevin_k

Post Number: 16
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Thursday, January 08, 2004 - 6:23 am:   Edit Post

Custom 3/4 balance point design
bassman10096
Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 59
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Thursday, January 08, 2004 - 10:55 am:   Edit Post

Kevin:

Thanks for posting the drawing. The mock-up I saw appears to have been the shorter-horned version. I actually think I like the longer horn better aesthetically. It's more graceful. The line of maple laminate peeking out from under the coco bolo on the horn adds nice definition to the horn's shape.

I too am concerned about balance, plus I really prefer a longer bass that brings the lower frets closer in to the center of my body, because having shorter fingers forces my wrist into an uncomfortable bend when I reach for the lower frets.

I struggled with which body shape would work best, plus I prefered to avoid the weight of a standard-size body. I wanted something that had the classic Alembic look (I'm an omega fan) but still addressed the other issues.

I considered several trade-offs, including a full-sized balance point or even a Rogue body. I even messed around with redrawing the horns on the small standard to add length (I had no luck envisioning a redesign of the 3/4 body - I'm definitely not destined for a guitar design career.).

When Mica showed me the picture of the mock-up you mentioned, I saw potential, but didn't like the top horn. If I understood you correctly, you selected the longer version shown in the drawing you posted.

The more I look at the picture of your bass, the more I like it. The longer top horn looks kind of elegant and seems like it balances nicely with the size of the offset between where the two horns join the neck. Mica said she thought the horn looked something like the Europa top horn. I think the picture of yours makes it look a little straighter.

Hybrid or not, I like it and am interested in having one made in coco bolo as well. I'm not sure about the peghead design yet (considering fan or something custom), but yours looks great.

Now - What would it look like with a point bottom? (Just kidding).

Enjoy.

Bill
kevin_k
Junior
Username: kevin_k

Post Number: 17
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Thursday, January 08, 2004 - 11:34 am:   Edit Post

Bill,

I did choose the longer horn. After comparing each drawing side by side, the shorter horn seemed to end to soon. I was even considering the shorter one had it not been for my concern about balance. The reason for the Series II upgrade was that I heard from somewhere around here that they are pretty good electronics. I figured why not, I won't regret it. The only decisions I have left is whether or not to upgrade to gold hardware. I could buy a superfilter with the money instead. But not having to polish the brass would be nice too. I still can't wait to see the entire bass so that I can get the complete picture.

Kevin

bracheen
Member
Username: bracheen

Post Number: 98
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Thursday, January 08, 2004 - 11:56 am:   Edit Post

Kevin, I can't wait to see the completed bass, though less anxious than you no doubt. I've always loved the Omega shape but I especially like the 3/4 body that you've chosen.

Sam
bigbadbill
Junior
Username: bigbadbill

Post Number: 46
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, January 08, 2004 - 12:12 pm:   Edit Post

That is a REALLY nice bass; I've often wondered what a standard or 3/4 body would look like with a longer horn (even thought of designing it a couple of times)but now I know; beautiful and unusual. Can't wait to see the finished item!

palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic

Post Number: 864
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Friday, January 09, 2004 - 2:07 am:   Edit Post

Yes ...this is truly a very nice template to start from. I'll keep it in mind!!!!
Thanks for the info!

Paul the bad one
groovelines
Intermediate Member
Username: groovelines

Post Number: 143
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Friday, January 09, 2004 - 5:01 am:   Edit Post

Kevin,

Wow. I've been anticipating news regarding the new body template since our discussion some months ago in another thread. What can I say, it's killer. I have noticed an increase in the number of postings with the balance point body, I think the 3/4 scale is tempting....

What did you do with the MK?

Mike
kevin_k
Junior
Username: kevin_k

Post Number: 18
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Friday, January 09, 2004 - 11:04 am:   Edit Post

The MK has been in my possession since it was completed back in June 2003. Since I was not happy with the balance Susan told me to hold onto it until she could make me a new one, as shown above. Susan has truely been so kind to me. I will be sad to see it go though, after playing it for the past half a year, it really grew on me.
kevin_k
Junior
Username: kevin_k

Post Number: 19
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Friday, January 09, 2004 - 11:15 am:   Edit Post

3/4 Custom Balance Point Mock Up (Shorter Version)
kevin_k
Junior
Username: kevin_k

Post Number: 20
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Friday, January 09, 2004 - 11:21 am:   Edit Post

This guy really likes his job.

For future refernce here is the mock up. This is the shorter horn version made back in October 2003.

FYI: 3/4 Omega Custom Balance Point 34" scale
bracheen
Intermediate Member
Username: bracheen

Post Number: 105
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Friday, January 09, 2004 - 11:29 am:   Edit Post

Boy, I'd love to be left alone in that room for a couple of days!
davehouck
Advanced Member
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 303
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Friday, January 09, 2004 - 12:33 pm:   Edit Post

I think you would find that a couple of days wasn't enough <g>.
groovelines
Intermediate Member
Username: groovelines

Post Number: 144
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Friday, January 09, 2004 - 1:54 pm:   Edit Post

I'm in a sad, sad state when even the mock up looks tempting....ah, geez, Paul are through with that stocking yet?
bracheen
Intermediate Member
Username: bracheen

Post Number: 107
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Friday, January 09, 2004 - 2:11 pm:   Edit Post

It seems that this Alembicitis is not only chronic but progressive and irrepairable.
bigbadbill
Junior
Username: bigbadbill

Post Number: 49
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 4:48 am:   Edit Post

Hmmmmm, why is it I want every new Alembic I see? The more I look at that shape, the more I like it, and I liked it an awful lot to begin with! Either I need a lottery win or there's going to be another in the queue for that stocking.....
bassman10096
Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 60
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 7:28 am:   Edit Post

Me too. Judging from everyone's words it sounds like Alembic might potentially have a new body model. I love the appearance and it seems like the smaller, lighter body with the longer horn may offer a neat solution to some problems (balance, reach to lower frets) that I (and maybe others?) have with the traditional point and omega styles. Best of all, in my view, it looks like a really sexy new take on the look and style of a traditional Alembic!

This style has also grown on me a great deal with a few days of looking at it. I'm definitely ordering my bass in this body design.

Bill
malthumb
Intermediate Member
Username: malthumb

Post Number: 144
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 7:54 am:   Edit Post

I'm really liking this body, too. I've always been a fan of the "traditional" Alembic Standard Point and Standard Omega, as well as the Heart & Stinger variants. I like the Rogue and Europa, but would opt for one of the Standards any time I had a choice. I've also always preferred the Crown peghead to any of the others.

Having seen this design, I wouldn't be surprised if my next custom was a 3/4 Heart Omega with the longer horn and a cone headstock. Don't know when that might happen, but it might happen.
davehouck
Advanced Member
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 304
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 11:42 am:   Edit Post

As long as were voting <g>, I too find this body style very attractive.
eastcoastepic
Junior
Username: eastcoastepic

Post Number: 16
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 8:38 pm:   Edit Post

Agreed, very nice....not too big, not too small, seems to have great balance, and visually quite different from anything else out there. I can see myself in a nice fretless version in the near future...........
Sam, is there a cure to the chronic, progressive, and irrepairable symptoms???? Please respond ASAP, as I feel the itch coming on again.............
bracheen
Intermediate Member
Username: bracheen

Post Number: 109
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Sunday, January 11, 2004 - 7:46 am:   Edit Post

Sorry Chris, no cure. All you can do to relieve the symptoms is Alembic aquisition therapy.

Sam
basstard
Member
Username: basstard

Post Number: 70
Registered: 3-2003
Posted on Monday, January 12, 2004 - 1:28 am:   Edit Post

*gasp*

It's... STUNNING!

When I saw the mockup I drooled all over the keybord of my computer (and on my shirt, too). I imagined it as my dream bass, with flame maple body wings and cocobolo top, maple/purpleheart neck, custom elecs (vol, pan, low-pass filter w/q-switch + bass & treble controls) and chrome hardware... And "old-style" (pre '97, I guess?) cone headstock (the bigger one, like on early Rogues)... Oh... My... God...

I WANT IT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gotta check lotto numbers (my bank account isn't ready to fulfill this dream yet)...
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic

Post Number: 873
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Monday, January 12, 2004 - 1:45 am:   Edit Post

Yep ...the longer upper horn version is absolutely fantastic. I'm a long time Standard body fan and those bodies are huge, sometimes too huge.
I also like the Rogue but that body is IMHO too small.
I think what we have here, is what our friend the late Robert Palmer would sing about: "the best of both worlds".
However.... I think there is MORE to it than just a 3/4 body and a longer upper horn.
It could be my eyes but is that body not a little bit "slanted"???? It seems that were the body curves reach their deepest point into the body it is not on the same place compared to each other (gosh ...this is really not easy to write in english). See??

Paul the bad one


PS: anyway ...the more I see it ...the more I like the style. A template to keep!!!!
valvil
Moderator
Username: valvil

Post Number: 306
Registered: 7-2002
Posted on Monday, January 12, 2004 - 8:49 pm:   Edit Post

Yes Paul TBO, the body curves are not symmetrical like on a regular standard,.. as Kevin pointed out this is a 3/4 size version of the Balance Point Standard shape (with omega), not the traditional standard shape...make sure that stocking of yours is pulled up and not over your eyes when you read...:-)

Valentino

P.S. I guess I should admit that the guy above who "really loves his job", as Kevin very accurately put it, and sporting the sardonic/moronic smile is yours truly...although now I look different...;)

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