I haven't done much more than a some passing mentions of a custom bass I have in the works, but it seems like a good time now to post something about the Harlot 5 string that Alan Cringean ( ACG - http://acguitars.co.uk ) is building for me.
Alan uses a custom filter-based preamp (similar to Wal and Alembic) built by John East, and custom pickups wound by Aaron Armstrong. He offers set-neck, bolt-on, neck-through options along with several attractive single- and double-cut body shapes. My vision for this bass was an updated version of the great Wal basses I've had the pleasure of owning (without the fear of taking an irreplaceable collector's item to a gig), so I chose options with that in mind: bolt-on, 5-piece neck, double-cutaway Harlot shape, mahogany body core with front and back facings, "MM style" RFB humbuckers.
Of course, Alan's basses have modern features that we've come to expect, like graphite-reinforced necks, tilt-back headstocks, lightweight Hipshot hardware, optional 35" scale, and custom string spacing. He's also got an amazing selction of woods to choose from, courtesy of Larry at Gallery Hardwoods. I've always had a soft spot for Myrtle, so I chose this piece for the top:
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Stunning, isn't it? If there had been enough to make a matching back as well, I definitely would have! Instead, we chose a very nice piece of burl myrtle, which also looks great and is only slightly less eye-catching. It seems that not everyone is crazy about the Harlot shape, but to me it's one of the most beautiful and graceful that Alan makes:
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Alan offers 3-, 5- and 7-piece necks, with graphite reinforcement. I chose a 5-piece neck, with 3 pieces of birdseye maple and 2 of macassar ebony. I like the look and density of birdseye, and ebony laminates are a $900 option on Alembics so I figured they must be good!
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I love the look and feel of ebony fretboards, as well, but ebony tends to be a bit sensitive to humidity changes. Fortunately, Larry at Gallery Hardwoods specializes in acrylicized fretboard woods, to make them tougher and more stable. I chose an acrylicized macassar fretboard:
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To offset the light color of the Myrtle, the bass will have black hardware. It will also have a glossy finish on both the body and the neck, another nod to my old Wals.
As you can see, there's still a ways to go before the bass is finished, but after my Curbow 6, I'm used to waiting. Anticipation is part of the pleasure.
Mike
Alan uses a custom filter-based preamp (similar to Wal and Alembic) built by John East, and custom pickups wound by Aaron Armstrong. He offers set-neck, bolt-on, neck-through options along with several attractive single- and double-cut body shapes. My vision for this bass was an updated version of the great Wal basses I've had the pleasure of owning (without the fear of taking an irreplaceable collector's item to a gig), so I chose options with that in mind: bolt-on, 5-piece neck, double-cutaway Harlot shape, mahogany body core with front and back facings, "MM style" RFB humbuckers.
Of course, Alan's basses have modern features that we've come to expect, like graphite-reinforced necks, tilt-back headstocks, lightweight Hipshot hardware, optional 35" scale, and custom string spacing. He's also got an amazing selction of woods to choose from, courtesy of Larry at Gallery Hardwoods. I've always had a soft spot for Myrtle, so I chose this piece for the top:
Link Removed
Stunning, isn't it? If there had been enough to make a matching back as well, I definitely would have! Instead, we chose a very nice piece of burl myrtle, which also looks great and is only slightly less eye-catching. It seems that not everyone is crazy about the Harlot shape, but to me it's one of the most beautiful and graceful that Alan makes:
Link Removed
Link Removed
Alan offers 3-, 5- and 7-piece necks, with graphite reinforcement. I chose a 5-piece neck, with 3 pieces of birdseye maple and 2 of macassar ebony. I like the look and density of birdseye, and ebony laminates are a $900 option on Alembics so I figured they must be good!
Link Removed
I love the look and feel of ebony fretboards, as well, but ebony tends to be a bit sensitive to humidity changes. Fortunately, Larry at Gallery Hardwoods specializes in acrylicized fretboard woods, to make them tougher and more stable. I chose an acrylicized macassar fretboard:
Link Removed
Link Removed
To offset the light color of the Myrtle, the bass will have black hardware. It will also have a glossy finish on both the body and the neck, another nod to my old Wals.
As you can see, there's still a ways to go before the bass is finished, but after my Curbow 6, I'm used to waiting. Anticipation is part of the pleasure.
Mike
