Guys,
today I picked up Tears for John from UPS. Everything went ok with the transport and as I opened the case it was a simple: WOW
This bass is amazing. Another Alembic masterpiece.
I will post some pics soon; this evening I have to do rehearsal with TFJ and it will be used on stage for the first time next week saturday.
Susan, Mica, Ron and the whole Alembic staff:  THANK YOU
Also very special thanks to Beaver Felton and the whole staff of Bass Central. You rule !!!
 
Oliver (Spyderman)

Congrats Oliver, can't wait to see the pix.
 
I've dealt with Beaver on a few basses and I agree, he is very good to deal with. Knows his stuff and knows how to treat his customers.

Great news - congratulations Oliver!
Ditto on the pix.
Tonight I'll raise a pint of Stout in honor of TFJ.
Enjoy!!
 
Peace
Tom

Oliver:
 
Congrats!  Don't forget to come up for air.  LOL
 
Bill, tgo

Guys,
many thanks for your nice mails. Just came back from rehearsal with our band. What shall I say: it is absolutely fantastic.
It is not as heavy as the Spyders are and not as thick. The case is not the huge piano-style size but a bit smaller.
What suprized me is that TFJ has more bottom end than the Spyders while having great upper mids and highs. The Spyders were not that defined at the bottom.
Attached a first quick shot from my mobile phone. Will do a bit more over the weekend.
What do you think?
Oliver (Spyderman)

wrong question, Oliver... is anybody able to think while viewing TFJ ?
 
Please tell me just one reason why I should NOT be in Dueren next weekend ;-) I know it's quite a distance...
 
Christian

Christian,
great to hear from you. Long time no see huh?
I would be very happy if you would come to our gig next week saturday. Let me know.  
I would be very happy to see you after that long time.
Oliver

Oliver,
It looks great. Congratulations.  
 
Keith

Hey Oliver, I was going to ask you about your comparison of the Dragon's Wing vs. Spyder.  I am considering my next Alembic and am going back and forth between the DW or the Triple-O.  You mentioned that TFJ is noticeably lighter than the Spyder, but also more defined in sound.  It appears to be largely the same electronics in both (except the master volume and dummy hum canceller) I was wondering what accounts for the sound improvement (i.e. wood choice,etc.)? I am planning on going for Series electronics for the next one, which will make a difference anyway. I mean I love my Spyder (I don't even mind its weight), but I realize its limitations.

What do I think?
 
I think you've got yourself the raddest axe. Congrats bro and may you play it very much.

Congrats Oliver!

Oliver,
 
congrats to this fantastic bass.  
Let me know when you're playing with your band in my area (I'm located in Bamberg, that's near N?rnberg).
 
Harald

As a fellow DW owner and also a Spyder owner, Oliver's observations are pretty much spot on.  Spyders are more trebly in response, and I attribute this to the Anniversary electronics, though the signature electronics are not too dissimilar.  The DW is lighter, and easier to tote around for sure, and is surprisingly comfortable either sitting down or standing.
 
Oliver, congrats my friend, she's a beauty!
 
Alan

Happy times for Oliver!
 
If I remember correctly, the weight of each individual string anchor on the Spyders is the same as that of a normal Alembic tail piece. Would that account for some of the trebliness?
 
And what about the main body wood - perhaps walnut versus mahogany?

Alan, Adrian, Guys,
 
 
 
                   
 well, TFJ is completely custom, means:
 it has a walnu core and birds eye maple top and back. Also the neck has the Spyder dimensions, means wider and thicker than the standard DW.
 Also the front horn is bigger than on a normal DW to have space for the pu selector and the master vol.
 And Alan, TFJ is equipped with the Anniversary electronics...
        Oliver (Spyderman)