funkyspuke Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 [font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif]Good afternoon fellow members of Basschat, I'm rather excited to be delving into, for the first time I might add, the custom build world. I've owned a number of high end bass guitars over the years (Warwick, Modulus, Sadowsky & Valenti) however, none of these were of custom design, so I've been eagerly waiting for this moment Let me introduce to you to my good friends at Alpher Instruments; [attachment=137727:903526_4559266512290_2121383087_o.jpg] They are Chris (far left) and Al (far right) and they will be building my custom Alpher bass over the next few months (yes that is Patricia Hodge in the middle haha).[/font] [font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif]Here is the specification;[/font] [font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif]4 String Alpher Custom Bass One piece Swamp Ash Body (Stained Trans Black) Ebony Top Ebony Scratch Plate Maple Neck (Stained Trans Black) Ebony Board Aluminium Dot In-lays Chrome Hardware Wizard Jazz Pickups Active 2 band EQ (East) The top wood arrived last week (pictured below) and the one piece Swamp Ash body will be arriving today. [attachment=137726:7952_384677224985890_870382835_n.jpg][attachment=137728:983970_384677184985894_284921949_n.jpg] To give you all an idea of the body shape, I have included a few pictures below of their Prototype bass'; [attachment=137729:61916_282091975244416_316907635_n.jpg][attachment=137730:486766_363316113788668_997717972_n.jpg][attachment=137731:524751_356049304515349_163523420_n.jpg] There's something about the body shape which I have just fallen in love with, it takes the usual/typical Jazz body shape and modernises it, makes it look cool and unique. The build quality of every prototype has been jaw dropping - and I'm not just saying that! When Chris & Al told me they were going to build guitars, I pretty much dismissed the idea thinking it was nothing more than a pipe-dream! So imagine my surprise when I was introduce to the bass guitars you see above [/font] [font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif]Their attention to deal and enthusiasm is infectious (especially when they start talking about and showing you their wood [/font][font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif] ).[/font] [font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif]So, every Friday I shall be snapping a few pictures of the build process (easy considering they work only 10 minutes away from where I live). If you'd like to see some more, I've put their Facebook and Twitter accounts below [url="https://www.facebook.com/alpherinstruments"]https://www.facebook...pherinstruments[/url] [url="https://twitter.com/Alpher_i"]https://twitter.com/Alpher_i[/url][/font] [font=trebuchet ms, helvetica, sans-serif]Enjoy[/font] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myke Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 Stealth bass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkyspuke Posted June 26, 2013 Author Share Posted June 26, 2013 [quote name='Myke' timestamp='1372259509' post='2123529'] Stealth bass [/quote] haha .. it will look something like a B52 Stealth Fighter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkHeart Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 ah so its your top wood ive seen on facebook, very nice, what colour you getting it done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 I also love the design Alpher have come up with. So much so that I also got a quote put together for a custom build too, but unfortunately wedding and stuff meant that it's too rich for me at the moment! Good luck with the build and I'm looking forward to seeing the final product! Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkyspuke Posted June 26, 2013 Author Share Posted June 26, 2013 [quote name='DarkHeart' timestamp='1372272201' post='2123743'] ah so its your top wood ive seen on facebook, very nice, what colour you getting it done [/quote] white haha! can't wait for it to come along and keep you all updated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkyspuke Posted July 2, 2013 Author Share Posted July 2, 2013 [b]2nd February 2013[/b] Well, there may just be a slight adjustment to the specification .. one that I'm hoping comes through. Rather than the maple neck, we are looking at the possibility of an Ebony neck with the ebony top, this would look amazing. In the meantime, the chaps have started working on the maple neck just in case (see below); [attachment=138115:Neck.JPG] [attachment=138114:Headstock.JPG] There will be a further update with pictures this Friday Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkyspuke Posted August 2, 2013 Author Share Posted August 2, 2013 Ok, about time I updated this build diary .. especially now that I have some better photo's of the body, neck, fretboard and some of the hardware. Firstly, we have the body (as stated before this is going to be an ebony top with ash body) one shot without the hardware and one with. The hardware will be mainly chrome. [b]Ebony Top [/b] [attachment=140449:SAM_1151.JPG] [b]Ebony Top with Hardware[/b] [attachment=140454:SAM_1163.JPG] Next, we have the fretboard and the neck (I've chosen the fretboard on the right as seems to be darker and less grain). [b]Ebony Fretboard[/b] [attachment=140450:SAM_1155.JPG] [b]Ebony Fretboard[/b] [attachment=140451:SAM_1156.JPG] [b]Ebony Neck[/b] [attachment=140452:SAM_1159.JPG] This is a picture of the body and the neck together .. maybe giving you some idea. [b]Body and Neck[/b] [attachment=140453:SAM_1162.JPG] I've just been informed that the body is ready to cut to shape and the neck/fretboard are in the works for next week. So, hopefully, I'll have some more pics for you this time next week. All the original full resolution images can be found here on flickr and I'll be keeping this constantly updated. [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/91300146@N05/sets/72157634899948586"]http://www.flickr.com/photos/91300146@N05/sets/72157634899948586[/url] I can't wait to see the finished result I was playing an Alpher bass the other day (the MKII) and it was just a dream to play. These guys are for real! Over and Out Luke Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JapanAxe Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 [quote name='funkyspuke' timestamp='1372257075' post='2123469'] Let me introduce to you to my good friends at Alpher Instruments; [font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif][attachment=137727:903526_4559266512290_2121383087_o.jpg] They are Chris (far left) and Al (far right) and they will be building my custom Alpher bass over the next few months (yes that is Patricia Hodge in the middle haha).[/font] [/quote] Er... why? (Nothing against Patricia Hodge you understand!) BTW - subscribed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkyspuke Posted August 2, 2013 Author Share Posted August 2, 2013 [quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1375429970' post='2161028'] Er... why? (Nothing against Patricia Hodge you understand!) BTW - subscribed! [/quote] she's a lover of the bass and slaps like a ***** seriously, her son (also in the picture) ordered a custom Alpher guitar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkyspuke Posted September 9, 2013 Author Share Posted September 9, 2013 (edited) Well, it's been over a month since my last update and, as I'm sure you can imagine, a lots happened in that time. [b]The Body[/b] This has now contoured, 90% sanded down, the swamp ash stained in black (but still leaving the amazing grain of the wood visible) and all that's really left to be done is final sanding and finishing. So, Picture No.1. This is the ebony top, with the hardware just dropped in place and a template scratch plate design (please note the scratch plate is currently a chunky monkey and is being sanded down tonight and then stained); [attachment=143398:SAM_1317.JPG] [b]The Scratch Plate[/b] This idea has been back and forth throughout the whole build, simply because I could decide if I wanted one covering up the amazing piece of ebony! However, once the chaps came up with a design, I was sold. Picture No. 2 [attachment=143399:SAM_1318.JPG] [b]The Back[/b] So, this is the back of the bass. The grain on the swamp ash really comes out after being stained. Originally we were going to sand back the staining to give it a lighter more distressed look, however it's awesome as it is! Picture No. 3 (please ignore the back control panel, it's also going to be stained and doesn't quite fit at the moment). [attachment=143400:SAM_1326.JPG] [b]The Neck and Headstock[/b] The finish on the neck and fretboard is just truly amazing .. the grain has come out much better than we imagined. The neck is also the smoothest piece of wood I've ever got my hands on! I've not got enough room for any more pictures I'm afraid, but please visit the flickr page for ALL pictures. http://www.flickr.com/photos/91300146@N05/sets/72157634899948586/ The Alpher bass will be complete in approx 2 weeks! I can't blooming wait to hear the Wizard Pickups (which I've been informed are amongst the very last few to be ever made) and J East Pre Amp on this ebony monster. Edited September 9, 2013 by funkyspuke Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassicLee Posted September 15, 2013 Share Posted September 15, 2013 Looks incredible, Luke. Love the vision you had for this bass, it is stunning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkyspuke Posted September 15, 2013 Author Share Posted September 15, 2013 thanks Luke .. the bass is 99% complete. I had a wee play on it yesterday and hands down, this is one of the best basses I've ever played. the ebony neck and fretboard give it such a tight jazz tone (probably the tightest and cleanest sound I've ever heard). will be getting some proper pics snapped very soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sifi2112 Posted September 15, 2013 Share Posted September 15, 2013 Looking amazing ! You'll have to show me when done Luke. I had some wizard 84's & they were fab. How's the S12T working out ? Simon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkyspuke Posted September 15, 2013 Author Share Posted September 15, 2013 [quote name='sifi2112' timestamp='1379234388' post='2210004'] Looking amazing ! You'll have to show me when done Luke. I had some wizard 84's & they were fab. How's the S12T working out ? Simon [/quote] Thanks Simon, not a problem at all .. I'll bring it over for you to have a look at. We ended up going with the 64's the sounds was spot on, wasn't as top end sounding as we thought it would be with all the ebony. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffbassist Posted September 15, 2013 Share Posted September 15, 2013 I'm a big fan of the Alpher basses team, they make really great instruments and I bet yours will be superb! I also love the wizard pickups and had a student this week who made his own bass and it sounded killer! Congratulations on the new bass! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkyspuke Posted September 17, 2013 Author Share Posted September 17, 2013 [quote name='geoffbassist' timestamp='1379234992' post='2210010'] I'm a big fan of the Alpher basses team, they make really great instruments and I bet yours will be superb! I also love the wizard pickups and had a student this week who made his own bass and it sounded killer! Congratulations on the new bass! [/quote] Thanks I had chance to try the bass at the weekend .. I'm not able to describe in words the sound, it was just unbelievable. We had no idea how an ebony neck and fretboard would sound, but even with the 64' Wizard pickups the sound wasn't too bright. I'd describe it as the tightest most focused jazz sound I've ever heard. The bottom end thumps you in the chest like a David Hay 'Haymaker'. The top end sings and resonates beautifully. The build and workmanship is just remarkable. The neck is a smooth as a babies bottom and the wood, staining effects, set up are just as good as any other bass I've seen. I'm picking it up on Wednesday and hopefully I'll be having some professional photo's done of it very soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkyspuke Posted September 19, 2013 Author Share Posted September 19, 2013 [font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif]Well, here it is .. the finished beauty that is my Alpher Custom Build;[/font] [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/91300146@N05/9816340023/"][/url] [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/91300146@N05/9816279696/"][/url] [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/91300146@N05/9816250524/"][/url] [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/91300146@N05/9816334043/"][/url] [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/91300146@N05/9816333143/"][/url] [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/91300146@N05/9816253625/"][/url] [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/91300146@N05/9816245964/"][/url] [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/91300146@N05/9816251795/"][/url] [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/91300146@N05/9816244114/"][/url] [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/91300146@N05/9816242444/"][/url] [url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/91300146@N05/9816247775/"][/url] To play, this thing is an absolute dream. The ebony neck is extremely smooth allowing for quick movement up and down the next. The action and set up was spot on first time. The weight, considering all the ebony is around 8.5 - 9lbs. The Wizard pick ups and J East pre along with the tone you get from all the ebony is just amazing, tight, full, lots of punch and absolutely no loss on sound or depth anywhere on the fretboard. If anyone's coming through Bradford and wants to come and see/play this bass, then just let me know. Well worth the wait and thanks again to the Alpher chaps, Chris and Al! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nugget Posted September 19, 2013 Share Posted September 19, 2013 Ohhh very nice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkHeart Posted September 19, 2013 Share Posted September 19, 2013 Ive,been following this build on facebook it looks stunning, congrats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted September 19, 2013 Share Posted September 19, 2013 Oh my f***ing god. That looks simply delicious! Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkyspuke Posted September 19, 2013 Author Share Posted September 19, 2013 Thanks chaps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myke Posted September 19, 2013 Share Posted September 19, 2013 That scratchplate! It's gorgeous! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkyspuke Posted September 19, 2013 Author Share Posted September 19, 2013 [quote name='Myke' timestamp='1379596389' post='2214612'] That scratchplate! It's gorgeous! [/quote] I know, it was all just pie in the sky to start with .. no idea of shape, colour, material. So we decided to take a gamble with an amazing piece of ash, stained it and then added a little Alpher Magic and ... BOOM! The result was so good in the end that they are going to offer this as an option on all basses and guitars, with the matching headstock inlay! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artisan Posted September 19, 2013 Share Posted September 19, 2013 Jealous me ? You bet your arse i am,stunning bass. I'm going over to Alpher on monday to get the pre on my Esh swapped for a John Eash jobbie. I wonder if i will be forced to place an order for something Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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