Alembic Balance K "inspired" (semi-replica) build

[redboy1975]

I liked this build so much I ordered the blueprint for myself . Though mine will be headless , yeah I know I'm horrible ... lol . First thing I've ever copied love the build , love the wood ,great work !

 

[Rôckhewer]

Thanks for all the props!
Much appreciated

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Yeah, gotta order that blueprint while they are still available. I may still "trace" into CAD which would allow me to monkey with the headstock design.

 

[Rôckhewer]

I am honored to have received a very positive endorsement from a great bassist and heck of a nice guy... GREG CHAISSON. ...previously with the band BADLANDS ... (w/ Jake E. Lee... and the late great Ray Gillen -RIP).....he has also played with several other well know acts over the years... (Steeler, Pat Travers...etc...)
Greg was somewhat of an idol of mine, back in the '80's when he played in the Phoenix based band- Surgical Steel.

Here is a screenshot from his Facebook page.

I also got some video of him playing my basses and some very nice feedback from him.
But unfortunately I was filming with my phone and the sound quality sucks.
Hopefully I can find someone to loan me some better video gear and I can get a do-over

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Those are badass, love the body shape and hooked horns, aggressive but not over the top. Amazing top veneers you, hope that results in some commissions for you.

 

[Rôckhewer]

Those are badass, love the body shape and hooked horns, aggressive but not over the top. Amazing top veneers you, hope that results in some commissions for you.

Thanks man!
Yeah, that would be good.

 

[Rôckhewer]

I LOVE WEEKENDS! (because I finally get to do some work!).........huh?

PROGRESS:

yet another silly mega-clamp pic....?
Why not...

And....the top is glued on. ....

I've been itching to cut that darn heart omega detail!
So, first I cut this handy dandy pattern/ template.

as long as this looks good....there is NO risk

Then I drew out the shape on the body so I can do a rough cut.

I couldn't find an appropriate size hole saw....so I just used a 1 1/4" spade bit.

hey.... don't I know your brother?

 

[Rôckhewer]

My router & a 3/4" flush cut bit makes quick work of that heart,

Yay!

 

[ctmullins]

Oh, that's lovely!

 

[Rôckhewer]

And there's still some time left on a Sunday funday!
Let's make a pickup template and cut some holes....

EMG TWX SOAPBARS.....

 

[Rôckhewer]

So, I'm timidly approaching the roundover size, for just the heart area...because I'm not sure exactly how big a radius it needs....
First, going with 3/8":

I'm probably going to go with 1/2" roundover at just the heart ....But....
I might also adjust my template and make the whole thing just a tiny bit wider....
And, for it to look like an Alembic, I'm going to have to carve down the lower tips a little. ...they actually are supposed to slope down to somewhat of a pointy-ish terminus.

 

[Rôckhewer]

Rock,
Still going for the full "Heart Omega" at the tail? No way I could carve something like that.

Bullpoopie!....yes you can. It was easy.
Make a template ^
You can do it!

 

[goodkingzog]

Congrats on the new avatar. Spectacular

 

[I-Am-The-Slime]

Oh my

 

[Jon Clegg]

Love what's going on with layers in the omega cutout! And the avatar is great!

Bullpoopie!....yes you can. It was easy.
Make a template ^
You can do it!

That's what's great about that cutout; it looks complicated, but it can be broken down to a couple of simple shapes that you can use for the template.

 

[TheBass]

Forgive me, I can't resist, but living in Germany the wooden heart shape reminded me just a little bit to the wooden heart shape openings on the front doors of those "little special purpose cabins" we used to have in the gardens in 19th century ...

Now get those picture out of your head again

And needless to say; stunning masterclass craftmanship !

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Good lord, you made that look easy with a template. I had pictured some painstaking process with a carving knife. Nope, Bam! Its done, no flies on you! I actually like the 3/8" roundover, you get all the beauty of the shape minus the fragility of the Alembic carve. +1 on the new avatar, disturbing and comic, well played Sir Rock.

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

And needless to say; stunning masterclass craftmanship !

This. Very much this.

 

[Rôckhewer]

Thank you all, ....your kind words are inspiring and motivational!

 

[Rôckhewer]

Forgive me, I can't resist, but living in Germany the wooden heart shape reminded me just a little bit to the wooden heart shape openings on the front doors of those "little special purpose cabins" we used to have in the gardens in 19th century ...

Now get those picture out of your head again

And needless to say; stunning masterclass craftmanship !

My version;