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mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1488
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 12:47 pm:   Edit Post

This one's taking a little more time to get off the ground. Like I mentioned, we had to search in the deep freeze for the old Edwin template. Here's a mock up of the template with a roundover and the bottom carving detail:

mock up

Let me know if this is on the money and Chip will be able to assemble the body within a few days.
mendez4
Junior
Username: mendez4

Post Number: 16
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 3:46 pm:   Edit Post

Hey Mica.
This shape is cool. But the shape that we first talked about looked exactly like this but I think it had more of a cutout on the lower horn. Is this possible?
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1493
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 4:03 pm:   Edit Post

Do you mean where the lower body half joins the neck? This is set around the 22nd fret. Or do you mean the shape?
mendez4
Junior
Username: mendez4

Post Number: 17
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 6:03 pm:   Edit Post

i like the shape. i mean where the lower body half joins the neck. seems like on the original pic i sent you, it was set around the 23rd or 24th fret. i'll email you the pic again. if all else fails, we will just go with this template.
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1494
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 8:04 pm:   Edit Post

We can certainly set the neck anywhere in relation to the neck without any problem. I just checked the picture, and it seems to join at the 22nd fret too.

The lower horn has been slightly modified. The older version had a long, flattish shape near the center that we felt needed to be corrected. I like the way the interior curves are more related now.

Anyway, just let me know if therre should be any changes.
mendez4
Junior
Username: mendez4

Post Number: 18
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 6:29 am:   Edit Post

Ok, so let's go with the template above.
Thanks!
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1506
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 4:28 pm:   Edit Post

The neck's been made, ready for the Essence Cone peghead shape. Chip is getting the body parts ready for gluing. Here's the roughed out plan for the selective finish:

blackfront

I wanted to confirm if you wanted black all across the top o if you want the neck to show. The neck will be satin finish, the rest gloss. Lemme know!
mendez4
Junior
Username: mendez4

Post Number: 19
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 8:50 pm:   Edit Post

Cool, Mica.

You guys are the best! Confirmed, black all across the body. It is a cool look.
Thanks!

(Message edited by mendez4 on March 24, 2004)
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1513
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 5:02 pm:   Edit Post

Excellent, we can get this one really rollin' now.
bassman10096
Advanced Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 260
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 3:55 pm:   Edit Post

Another cool-looking, very unique bass. I can't wait to see how it looks!

Bill
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1577
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Friday, April 09, 2004 - 7:14 pm:   Edit Post

With all the body work done, the neck has been moving along. Here is the peghead veneers mid-glue:

peghead clamp storm
mendez4
Junior
Username: mendez4

Post Number: 20
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 8:23 am:   Edit Post

thanks for the pic, mica. the laminates look great! i am anxious to see more in progress pics, especially of the body.
mendez4
Junior
Username: mendez4

Post Number: 21
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 3:18 pm:   Edit Post

hi mica. any chance of seeing a progress pic of the bass? thanks! a-
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1606
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 5:50 pm:   Edit Post

Hi Adam,

These shots were collected over the last couple of weeks. Hope you like them!

neck to body

preroute

wood closeup
the_mule
Member
Username: the_mule

Post Number: 69
Registered: 1-2004
Posted on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 10:11 pm:   Edit Post

Wow, Adam, that'll be a great custom altogether! Digging up the 'old' EvH body style is an excellent choice IMHO. I enjoy a 1991 EvH Signature (Showcase for pics) with the first body style and aesthetically (sp?) I feel it works a little bit better than the later versions actually. What are the electronics she'll get?
mendez4
Junior
Username: mendez4

Post Number: 22
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 8:52 am:   Edit Post

thanks mule!! this one is going to get series 1 electronics. can't wait.
the_mule
Member
Username: the_mule

Post Number: 70
Registered: 1-2004
Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 11:26 am:   Edit Post

I can assure you: if it sounds anything like mine does (simply put: EvH electronics = Series I without external power supply) you'll be hooked for life! Again, excellent choice for a custom Alembic. It'll be a real pleasure for me to witness this bass' progress...
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1625
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Friday, April 30, 2004 - 7:31 pm:   Edit Post

Caught mid-prep:

prepping

Next week will probably see the first layer of almost black finish.
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1632
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 12:05 pm:   Edit Post

You're bass will get the first black coat today on the front of the body and the front of the peghead. Pictures will follow probably tomorrow.
mendez4
Junior
Username: mendez4

Post Number: 23
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 2:22 pm:   Edit Post

that's great news! looking forward to seeing the pics...
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1636
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 7:31 pm:   Edit Post

Here's how the masked off part winds up looking:

masked for black
Bob wasn't happy with the first black he mixed, wound up a little too bluish.
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1665
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Friday, May 14, 2004 - 7:07 pm:   Edit Post

Well, this bass wants to be really dark inky blue. Here it is in two different lighting conditions:

blueish 1
With the mask in place.

blueish 2
With the mask removed.

From about 4-5 feet away, it looks pretty much black. If you don't mind the wood getting a bit more obscured, we can add another coat and get it a bit darker. You'll have to be about a foot away to see the wood grain, but that may be just what you're looking for. Let me know how you want to proceed.
mendez4
Junior
Username: mendez4

Post Number: 25
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Saturday, May 15, 2004 - 8:55 am:   Edit Post

definitely add another coat mica. it's fine if we loose the grain....in fact we may have to go opaque black if it comes down to it. i don't know if it is a lighting issue, but from the pics it looks way to purpley (?).
the_mule
Member
Username: the_mule

Post Number: 76
Registered: 1-2004
Posted on Sunday, May 16, 2004 - 12:05 am:   Edit Post

Wow, that's stunning! If it was my bass, I'd love to keep it this way colourwise, very nice shade of deep purple...
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1682
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 1:22 pm:   Edit Post

With another coat of the sheer black:

in shop
It's hard to get an idea of the color from a photo. From about 3 feet away, it looks nearly opaque black. Up close, I'd say there's still a tinge of the purplish color. With all the reflections of the shop, I took another picture in my office:

in office
Here it looks a bit darker to me. We can shoot another coat, but my guess is that it will completely obscure the Flame Maple. Let me know if you want to start clear coats now or add another coat of black. Your bass will live in my office out of the spray run until we hear one way or the other.
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1684
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 4:00 pm:   Edit Post

BTW, my dad just came in my office and said, "black bass" pointing at yours.
bsee
Member
Username: bsee

Post Number: 78
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Thursday, May 20, 2004 - 7:31 pm:   Edit Post

I'd leave it there, but I love wood grain and figuring, and it isn't my bass. Maybe it's the blue tape, but the maple in the neck is looking very blue. If I wanted it to appear blacker, I would try to focus a partial layer of black down the neck stripe to darken it up without further covering the flame. Maybe a reverse sunburst type of thing blending into the body so the flames still stand out near the edges.

Good luck with whatever you do!

(Message edited by bsee on May 20, 2004)
adriaan
Advanced Member
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 246
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 3:04 am:   Edit Post

Reverse sunburst - sounds like a total eclipse of the sun, that would be an interesting finish!
dnburgess
Advanced Member
Username: dnburgess

Post Number: 266
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 3:15 am:   Edit Post

Reverse sunburst - Isn't that what happens after a star goes super nova?
mendez4
Junior
Username: mendez4

Post Number: 26
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 7:59 am:   Edit Post

It looks good, Mica. Let's leave it as is.
You can start the clear coat. Thanks!
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1685
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 9:37 am:   Edit Post

Alright, I'll let Bob know and he'll get it in this afternoon's spray run.
dela217
Advanced Member
Username: dela217

Post Number: 376
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 1:41 pm:   Edit Post

Adam - I REALLY like the necks you choose. I think it resembles the older instruments. The plain maple necks just don't look as nice to me. I used to like the plain maple necks when the finish Alembic used was a bit yellower. But now, I am a fan of non maple necks.

I think the shape of this bass looks great too. You and Alembic are making another great bass.
Michael
mendez4
Junior
Username: mendez4

Post Number: 27
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 3:29 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks Michael.
And yes, I am definitely going after the vintage look. My inspiration for this bass came from an old pic of Stanley's "black bass" which just had the front finished in black.
Anyway, the main reason why i chose mahogany for the necks is because of deeper tone (besides the fact that cosmeticly I think it looks better). Maple is brighter. My batbass actually has a walnut neck. That bass has a fabulous "woody" tone.
dela217
Advanced Member
Username: dela217

Post Number: 377
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Friday, May 21, 2004 - 3:41 pm:   Edit Post

Adam - I know what you mean. I have Alembic a walnut neck and it just sounds wonderful. I also have one with a neck of mostly purpleheart, and that one ain't too shabby either! I really like that look. I also noticed that you are having the pickup selector put in a more traditional location. I like that too. I have a custom that Alembic made for me in 2000 that has the selector by the bridge. I still cannot get used to that. I keep reaching for where I think it is, but it isn't there!

I think the dark face of that bass is going to look nice. But in one of the previous pics before the black went on, it looked great too. I bet with that wood combination it would look great with an oil finish too. So many choices....

Michael
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1721
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Saturday, June 05, 2004 - 6:13 pm:   Edit Post

Here's a shot with the black paint and the clear coats:

near to final
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1763
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Friday, June 18, 2004 - 6:46 pm:   Edit Post

Here's the whole thing, starting get some parts loaded:

adam's black bass
rklisme
Junior
Username: rklisme

Post Number: 50
Registered: 5-2004
Posted on Friday, June 18, 2004 - 8:50 pm:   Edit Post

Adam

When I first saw your bass in person I wasn't sure I would like it but as I see your vision come together I must say it is pretty stunning! I can't wait to see when it is all done!

Rory
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic

Post Number: 1388
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Saturday, June 19, 2004 - 3:07 am:   Edit Post

Yes ...quite nice!!!!
I wonder: is there still the "blue-ish" effect available in real life (I imgaine you cannot have that effect captured on camera) and still a faint glimpse of the wood-pattern???

Paul TBO
the_mule
Intermediate Member
Username: the_mule

Post Number: 124
Registered: 1-2004
Posted on Saturday, June 19, 2004 - 3:42 am:   Edit Post

Wow, it's getting better and better! This bass is one of my favorites, great 'understated' look. Great shape, just like my EvH (duh!) Personally I'd prefer to see some of the wood grain through the dark finish, maybe the next round of pictures will answer that question..?
the_mule
Intermediate Member
Username: the_mule

Post Number: 168
Registered: 1-2004
Posted on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 1:18 am:   Edit Post

Forgive me for being so curious, and I guess I shouldn't be the one asking for new pictures in the fist place, but what's the latest news about this great instrument?

Wilfred
mendez4
Junior
Username: mendez4

Post Number: 30
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 11:00 am:   Edit Post

Thanks, Mule! Here i am trying very hard to remain patient....

Mica, any news regarding this bass or lil vermilion. I tried to email you recently but it got bounced back. I know that lil vermilion was closer to completion. Updates, pics...Thank you so much! Adam
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 1846
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2004 - 1:54 am:   Edit Post

Your vermilion bass is on dad's becnh right now, so it's getting mighty close. This one's almost there too. Quick question: would you mind if we used just the logo and no script on this one? It will look so cool.

Also, how about the lower strap pin placement? We haven't installed it yet, wanted to check with you first to see if you had a preference. We could even do 2 if you want.
mendez4
Junior
Username: mendez4

Post Number: 31
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2004 - 10:28 am:   Edit Post

I am a big fan of the vintage look...so just logo is cool. So please go ahead with no script.

lower strap pin should be around where the top part of the neck meets the body (in the upper carving).
As for a second pin (bottom part of neck meets body) I am all for it if you think it will be necessary/more versatile. A lower pin will probably be better when I wear the bass up high...right?
the_mule
Intermediate Member
Username: the_mule

Post Number: 183
Registered: 1-2004
Posted on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 8:37 am:   Edit Post

FYI: strap pins on my EVH, perfectly balanced while using my personal favorite natural 'rough' suede straps...



Hopefully pictures of the finished bass will appear very soon. You're a lucky man, but you must be a really nervous man too!

Wilfred
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic

Post Number: 1483
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Monday, August 23, 2004 - 3:27 pm:   Edit Post

How?
what?
When?
who?
Where?
?????????????????????????????????




And silence filled the skies.
81distillate
Junior
Username: 81distillate

Post Number: 28
Registered: 1-2008
Posted on Saturday, April 25, 2009 - 12:14 am:   Edit Post

Hey Adam, I own this bass now and I cant thank you enough for having the vision to order this bass for me 5 years ago, its exactly the way I would have ordered it. I have to say though, Im confused about the electronics. Above you state it to get Series 1, but it either has Anniversary or as one poster put it, EVH electronics, which is supposed to be Series 1 w/o the power supply. It has been routed out for the Series 1 electronics, but I cant figure out why I would want to put them in there, if the sound wouldnt change and would take away my ability to have a wireless, or to do stereo or mono without a power supply. Anyone have any input or thoughts. BTW there is a dead spot on the G string around C# and D. I am going to take it to Joe Glaser in Nashville and get it pleked in a couple of weeks. Should take care of it. I LOVE THIS BASS! Just used it on a couple of Country tracks for the artist I play for here in Nashville, totally not a Fender sound, I cant wait for it to come out!
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 1013
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Friday, May 28, 2010 - 7:31 am:   Edit Post

I was looking through the archives and stopped here to admire this Bass. I like the entire design concept.

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