| Author |
Message |
susan
Moderator
Username: susan
Post Number: 40
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 09, 2004 - 6:02 pm: |  |
The dove is releasing the branch from his open beak passing it to Noah as the symbol of the covenant not to flood the earth again.
The final inlay will have a golden pearl twig that will stand out much better against the white pearl of the doves breast as well as the ebony fingerboard. Mica and I are working on the new version of it for all your viewing pleasure.
-Susan |
adriaan
Intermediate Member
Username: adriaan
Post Number: 192
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 09, 2004 - 6:08 pm: | |
Susan,
Thanks for the clarification. Make a note to myself: stay out of FTC discussions ...
|
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 1575
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Friday, April 09, 2004 - 6:49 pm: | |
Here's the golden twig version scaled to the 7th fret:
And here's your body in the vacuum press:
I admit it isn't much to look at, but it is neat when I can get a shot of something while it's happening. |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 1576
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Friday, April 09, 2004 - 7:07 pm: | |
Here's that peghead mockup I thought I would get done in the morning:
Disregard the logo under the strings. I'm just concentrating on the cross placement right now. |
susan
Moderator
Username: susan
Post Number: 41
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 09, 2004 - 7:19 pm: | |
Adriaan,
Make a note to yourself:
Disregard previous note and keep on posting!
-Susan |
waggaboy
Junior
Username: waggaboy
Post Number: 27
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 09, 2004 - 10:52 pm: | |
Susan,
Agree on logo in back of peghead. That will be pretty unique and a great solution. Thanks :-)
The Dove looks great at new scale and with improved colours. Thanks for the fret move (my wife has a thing about the ratio of space above and below -- where below needs to be longer than above). Like most wives (dare we admit it) she is correct :-)
NO problems on the body... The sooner I get to play this thing the better... Yearning for 35" of low B :-) I'm going to cut and paste that other body shape for my next fretless...
Mica,
I think the new cross mockup looks great. If you are happy with it then I am OK to lock this one in too. That has the be the fastest custom inlay discussion I have ever seen!!!
ANY photos you have of the production process for my bass along the way are appreciated. I don't recall seeing a body in the vacuum press before -- sensational :-)
BTW, my 1st Son (I have two daughters) is due in early August... How blessed am I to have two new toys to play with at the same time!! |
susan
Moderator
Username: susan
Post Number: 42
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 6:42 am: | |
Sean,
Your wife is correct, as is most senior management just ask any of us! The mock ups we do are just to give the customer a visual of the direction we will take so you won't be too apprehensive while we do our thing with it. Your wife's natural affinity to this space ratio is called the "golden rectangle" made popular by Leonardo da Vinci, a master of perspective and proportion. It appears all over in nature and I like most artists utilize this in the placement as well as the proportions of a design. Unless centering an object is intregal to the design it automatically has that space ratio- thank the wife for noticing.
Congrats on the expected arrival of your son.
-Susan |
adriaan
Intermediate Member
Username: adriaan
Post Number: 194
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 1:32 am: | |
Susan,
Okay, I'll bite ... Beautiful colours on the leaves, hard to believe it's only a mock-up. Now you can clearly see where the stem ends, it makes perfect sense.
There seem to be two general themes to the inlays: positive/happy/christian or sixties/hippy/pagan. Must be an odd range to cover as an artist working on commission ... |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 1588
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 6:37 pm: | |
In spray, but not yet sprayed:
Looking good!
Sorry, this is a little out of focus. I can't touch the instruments in spray so it's the best I could do. I know you'll be happy to see the circular grain pattern on the peghead. |
waggaboy
Junior
Username: waggaboy
Post Number: 30
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 7:20 pm: | |
Oh my, it's gorgeous - time to think up a name -- anyone??? The purpleheart neck laminates really set of the Coco body well. I know the maple laminate is standard, but it surely brings out the light in the Coco as well. Nicely carved -- who did it?
You are right Mica, I am VERY excited about the knot in the peghead. Once setup and the cross on, it will still be quite visible :-)
Mmmm... It's definitely a female (the dove will further soften it), but it's 35" and it's going to be played in a funk/rock style... Mmmm... There has to be some classic American names that would suit? What are some famous Gospel/Motown type names -- and please, not Aretha!!!
Kind Regards,
Sean. |
dnburgess
Advanced Member
Username: dnburgess
Post Number: 240
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 7:26 pm: | |
Martha |
valvil
Moderator
Username: valvil
Post Number: 420
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 7:34 pm: | |
Tony Garcia did the carving on your instrument... he's amazing, you should see him at work.
Valentino |
waggaboy
Junior
Username: waggaboy
Post Number: 31
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 7:40 pm: | |
Valentino,
In a couple of years I hope to order my 1st Series II then maybe I can seeit carved in person :-)
Sean. |
valvil
Moderator
Username: valvil
Post Number: 421
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 7:54 pm: | |
I suggest Mahalia, after Mahalia Jackson my favourite gospel singer.
Valentino |
waggaboy
Junior
Username: waggaboy
Post Number: 32
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 16, 2004 - 7:59 pm: | |
Nice one :-)
My wife says "Alembia"... To your knowledge has anyone called their bass this before? |
dadabass2001
Intermediate Member
Username: dadabass2001
Post Number: 121
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 6:30 am: | |
Diana (Ross), Ronnie (Spector), Cindy (Birdsong), Patti (LaBelle)
Mike |
bkbass
Junior
Username: bkbass
Post Number: 17
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 7:50 am: | |
Why not name it after your wife?And the next after your 1st child and the next after your second child...etc.Ofcourse if you haven't been blessed with children yet then a fretless version named after your mother-in-law will most certainly be in order. |
dnburgess
Advanced Member
Username: dnburgess
Post Number: 241
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 3:28 pm: | |
Mike, my biblical scholarship is not great - but I don't remember any Dianas, Ronnies, Cindys or Pattis (or Alembias for that matter). There is, however, a Saint Patricia. |
waggaboy
Junior
Username: waggaboy
Post Number: 33
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, April 17, 2004 - 3:35 pm: | |
Makes it interesting when one day you say "I am going to sell Joy"... It would also cause confusion at the dinner table -- since invariably one of my Alembics are with us :-) |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 1607
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 6:19 pm: | |
Hi Sean,
Here's the bass with the first sealer coats:
The work order is marked for the larger AXY pickups now and Signature electronics, but the project is on hold until you release it with your confirmed revisions. |
waggaboy
Junior
Username: waggaboy
Post Number: 40
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 4:26 pm: | |
Thanks Mica -- it's beautiful. Even better I found out by my wife checking the site and letting me know.
I confirm the larger AXY pickups and Signature electronics - please proceed so I can play this work of art :-) |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 1610
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 4:49 pm: | |
Got it confirmed by email from David as well, so I've released the hold and got it back in track for production. Won't be much to see over the next couple of weeks, just more layers of finish. I'll post more pics when something meaningful happens. |
davehouck
Senior Member
Username: davehouck
Post Number: 497
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 3:11 pm: | |
That's an interesting looking speaker cabinet in the background. |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 1614
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 8:21 pm: | |
Got the bigger pickups:
The cabinet in the picture is our old Mesa/Boogie Mark I that we're almost done refinishing. I swore it was walnut, but my mom said it was Vermilion. It's been brown as long as I can remember. The original cane front is slightly yellowed, but I think it will look great with the bright vermilion. |
bassman10096
Advanced Member
Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 327
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 9:33 pm: | |
That is one wonderful-looking piece of wood. Can't wait to see it complete the transformation into a bass!
Bill |
waggaboy
Junior
Username: waggaboy
Post Number: 43
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 30, 2004 - 1:18 am: | |
Thanks Mica -- It didn't seem to gobble too much wood in between. My congrats to the router operator - THAT would make me nervous :-)
Looking forward to seeing it post-spray...
Peace,
Sean. |
davehouck
Senior Member
Username: davehouck
Post Number: 499
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 30, 2004 - 7:16 am: | |
Sean, it is indeed a wonderful looking bass; and I think the larger pickups will look great.
Mica; thanks for the info on the Mesa cabinet. It got me to thinking how neat it would be to see a Vermilion Alembic sitting next to it on stage! |
waggaboy
Junior
Username: waggaboy
Post Number: 44
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 7:27 pm: | |
Hi Mica, hope you are well...
How is progress? The race continues -- my new Son is up to week 29 -- which I assume means he is through the spray room, has had his hardware fitted and is now waiting for inlay work :-)
How is my Rogue progressing?
Kind Regards,
Sean.
|
waggaboy
Member
Username: waggaboy
Post Number: 51
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 08, 2004 - 1:05 am: | |
Hi Mica,
Week 33 -- what is the position, progress, etc? Has the inlay work been done?
Kind Regards, |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 1796
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Friday, July 09, 2004 - 3:55 pm: | |
Here's a shot of the cross inlay:
I'll get you one of the dove next week. It's under tape while the bass finishes up in spray. |
susan
Moderator
Username: susan
Post Number: 48
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 09, 2004 - 6:42 pm: | |
Sean,
Please view the above photo of the inlay on your peghead. It came out great. Since you changed the specs on the original order from chrome plated hardware to the polished brass I am of a mind that it was the hand of Providence that caused the finish just over the silver surrounding the Mother of Pearl Cross to turn amber. It actually makes the Mother of Pearl "pop" out more visually. It will match the Gold Tuners, brass hardware and 14K gold olive branch far better than the cold silver.
Now both the cross inlay and the dove are pure white mother of pearl with the golden accents.
Sometimes silver turns this way from the finish.
Personally I think on this instrument it looks better given the changes to the hardware. However, if you wish we can strip the finish off the peghead and see if it will stay silver I'll need to know your decision as soon as possible.
BTW- the Dove really came out wonderful |
dnburgess
Advanced Member
Username: dnburgess
Post Number: 301
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, July 10, 2004 - 12:04 am: | |
FWIW, I think it looks great the way it is. |
waggaboy
Member
Username: waggaboy
Post Number: 55
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, July 10, 2004 - 9:40 pm: | |
Susan/Mica -- It's stunning -- don't you dare change it :-) It's hard to believe that this is the real thing -- it looks more perfect than the original mockups!
I am very excited to see the dove. Ever since David said you were working on the eye I have been ready to burst!!!!
Thanks again -- it is really worth the wait, although G.A.S. is alive and well!!!
Kind Regards,
Sean.
|
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 1817
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Friday, July 16, 2004 - 8:28 pm: | |
Found the dove without the tape:
My mom and I found a beautiful ruby for the eye. Also, the abalone leaves are much more green than in the picture. Mike shaped the 14K gold branch to taper towards the leaves - something you might not notice right away. |
waggaboy
Member
Username: waggaboy
Post Number: 56
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 12:02 am: | |
Oooohhhh my - exquisite... Thanks Mike/Susan/Mica :-)
Frets are in -- are you getting close to shipping???
Kind Regards,
Sean. |
susan
Moderator
Username: susan
Post Number: 53
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 7:59 am: | |
Sean,
Everything is done and yes we will be shipping today or tomorrow. When you see it all together,the cross, the dove and the coco bolo with the 5 burls, I think you will be pleased.
-susan |
bracheen
Senior Member
Username: bracheen
Post Number: 501
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 9:57 am: | |
My my my, Sean that is one fine instrument. New baby, new custom Alembic, what a summer you're going to have. Or is it winter in Australia? I can't remember how that works. Anyway congratulations.
You'll need to post photos of both of the new arrivals.
Sam |
bracheen
Senior Member
Username: bracheen
Post Number: 502
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 10:08 am: | |
Susan, Mica, Tony, Valentino, and all,
Didn't mean to slight you in congratulating Sean. The work I see come out of your plant on a consistant basis is nothing short of amazing.
I don't know how you manage all of these custom pieces of art and keep the off-the-rack inventory (if there is such a thing) flowing.
Sam |
waggaboy
Member
Username: waggaboy
Post Number: 57
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 5:31 pm: | |
Susan, thanks for your dedication -- particularly to getting the art work right. I am sure I will be happy with it.
Guess I had better purchase some jewel polish to go with my lemon oil! LOL!!
Can we get a quick photo of front and back before it gets on the plane? It's going to be in transit for a while as it needs to go via Australian Customs to David in Sydney and then on to me...
Peace to you all,
Sean. |
waggaboy
Member
Username: waggaboy
Post Number: 60
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 04, 2004 - 2:19 am: | |
At last it was hand delivered today by David... She's even better in 3 dimensions that I expected.
Before the Paul's ask, here are some photos. I have to wait 8 days before my 1st Gig with this beaut...
It is a really red coco. The burls came out beautifully and the wood and signature electronics combo provide a more "piano" like tone than my old Rogue:
The Orion Peghead works for me... but did they forget the Alembic logo??!!!
... it's on the back so the beautiful burl can come through and it doesn't compete with the inlay. Another masterful touch...
It really is impossible to capture the beauty of this inlay with a cheap camera... It is really 3D - not to mention a ruby eye...
Just a hint for those of you planning your own custom, take the satin neck finish -- it makes playing when you sweat a whole lot easier... They did a georgeous job of the transitions. At the top it perfectly aligned with the peghead laminates. At the body it follows a beautiful ark as the neck moves out for the body:
Sean.
Take care all, I'm off to practice with my 1st 35" scale Alembic -- giddyup!!!! |
waggaboy
Member
Username: waggaboy
Post Number: 61
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 04, 2004 - 2:26 am: | |
And just for reference here is my Son Levi who just beat my Alembic by 3 weeks :-)
Blessings,
Sean. |
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic
Post Number: 1545
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, September 04, 2004 - 2:33 am: | |
Oh Sean ....
that's great!
Lovely baby!
Beatiful color.
The linings on the body are really flattering!!!!
Paul the bad one
BTW : nice guitar too! Love the headstock for a Rogue |
bracheen
Senior Member
Username: bracheen
Post Number: 576
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, September 04, 2004 - 4:57 am: | |
Sean, I was going to rave to you about the bass and then I saw Levi and it seemed to pale.
Congratulations. There's no other feeling like that in the world.
Sam |
smokin_dave
Intermediate Member
Username: smokin_dave
Post Number: 191
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 07, 2004 - 9:14 am: | |
Congatulations on all of the above.What a beautiful baby and what a beautiful bass.I too have the Orion peg head on my Rogue and I will have the same on a custom order one of these days.I also like the placement of the logo.Gives me a little food for thought when I eventually place my order.You must be very proud of your new children and I can see Levi growing into that bass and playing it one of these days.LOL |
jeff
Member
Username: jeff
Post Number: 55
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 07, 2004 - 12:51 pm: | |
Sean,
I too have had the experience of having a beautiful bass and a beautiful child arrive close to the same time. In fact, I've done it twice! My first Series II arrived in 2001 while my wife was pregnant with my son, and the second Series II arrived shortly after the birth of my daughter. My wife swears that we will have no more children.
Sam is right. Nothing compares to the incredible experience of becoming a parent, but watching the birth of an Alembic is a joy in its own right! Take care of both of your babies.
Jeff |
somatic
Junior
Username: somatic
Post Number: 18
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, September 23, 2004 - 12:59 pm: | |
Congrats on your son, and your new bass Sean.
I'm still enjoying the SC, though it now has an S1 for a companion. |
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