Alembic Guitars Club

Connecting => Swap Shop and Wish Lists => For Sale & Trade => Topic started by: sjhoffma on March 11, 2009, 12:48:00 PM

Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: sjhoffma on March 11, 2009, 12:48:00 PM: So as much as it kills me, the inevitable has finally come. I just got back from the 3 day Hampton weekend, and hearing Phish again made me realize that there is no way I can use just my series 1, and my casio/blackknife as main guitars any longer... at least for what Im trying to get sound wise. I love them both so much. I just need something newer, and I simply don't have the money to upgrade/ modernize the electronics to what I need. I'm still in college and I'm juggling a bunch of crappy jobs, and I dont have the money to get a new guitar, and keep my Alembic. And as a working musician, its only holding me back. This Series I is from 1977, its a long scale guitar. Standard point body shape. Comes with original case, power supply, cable, and build sheet. Beautiful top and and even more beautiful back!! Standard checking in finish for its age, but its got no breaks at all. I am the second owner. The original owner purchased it at the Namm show in 77, and owned it up until last year. I am looking to get 4200 for it, but I suppose I could go as low as 4000. I want to make sure it finds a good home, its a beautiful example of a series guitar!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/395/62443.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/395/62444.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/395/62445.jpg)
(Message edited by davehouck on March 13, 2009)
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: funkyjazzjunky on March 11, 2009, 02:18:09 PM: What a beauty. Too bad it is not a bass.
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: gkweston on March 11, 2009, 05:53:55 PM: I feel for you man.

Phish kills, but you know Trey would want you to find YOUR own sound. Not trying to say your just emulating him but that's my point.

Beautiful guitar man, I'm sorry you have to sell it if I had the cash I'd buy it in an instance. Good luck.
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: sjhoffma on March 11, 2009, 06:06:09 PM: Your right im saying that Trey would want me to find my own sound, but so would Jerry! hahaha! Its not so much I want to emulate Trey, as much as its the fact that I cant get a good overdriven sound on my Alembic. Seeing phish made me realize how much I love to shred face sometimes, and I cant really tear it up so well on my Alembic. I can get a great, crispy clean Jerry sound, but not that warm, bluesy sustained sound that I am all about.
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: lbpesq on March 11, 2009, 06:07:31 PM: Sam:

Have you tried the pedal route? I really like my Seymour Duncan Twin Tube Classic.

Also, when you replaced the neck on the Casio with the Modulus, did it just bolt right up or did you have to make any mods? I tried to install a Modulus neck on my Casio PG-300 the other night and found that the screw holes didn't line up.

Bill, tgo

(Message edited by lbpesq on March 11, 2009)
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: sjhoffma on March 11, 2009, 06:28:31 PM: Bill,

After many discussions on this forum, I have tried everything from adjusting my trim-pots, to my switching amp around, to trying out some new pedals. Its not that I don't love the Alembic sound, its just that after a lot of manipulation, Its still not the sound I am searching for. It certainly will not be my last Alembic, but until I start making some more money, and finally graduate, I'm going to have to choose my main guitars more wisely. I need a day-to-day guitar for gigging and rehearsing at the moment, and not a well aged gem like the series I.

Also, I did not have to make any adjustments on my modulus neck. Mine just bolted right up to the casio, and surprisingly has the best action i've ever seen on a bolt on neck. You can bend any interval, use the tremolo bar, and it still says perfectly in tune. Its a lot of fun to play, even unplugged.
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: hydrargyrum on March 11, 2009, 08:14:32 PM: Sam,

I moved away from Alembic as my primary guitar for the same reasons (but don't anyone dare try to pry my SF-2 away from me). Just recently Zvex effects debuted a new pedal with input impedance matching that retails for around $150. This in theory would solve your issues with your distortion, if you like sound of the box. This post isn't an attempt to keep you from looking elsewhere, but I think you have an incredible guitar, and I have a feeling it will be missed some day. I also know that some day when I am more financially secure that I will be making a call to Alembic about a custom. I have been enjoying the ride with some other great guitars, and look forward to that day. Just food for thought.
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: sjhoffma on March 11, 2009, 10:44:39 PM: Kevin,

I hear you. And it surely will be missed! I've seen many guitars come and go, and I dont think I've been so proud to own any of them as I have this Alembic. I knew the first time i held it that I was holding something very special. I am grateful for everybody's advice, and if I've learned anything from all of my interaction on this forum, its how incredible that Alembic sound really is, and how unique their instruments are. I've since got an Alembic bass too, and I'm not even a bass player!! But I am a guitar player... and I play with my band everyday, and we are starting to finally get our shit together, and have begun to play more shows, and our focus has been directed entirely on improving our sound.

Ultimately, I would love to keep my series 1, and get a newer Alembic, (Tribute? Further? custom order? newer series I or II?) and then put an SF-2 in the loop, and use that as a main rig... but thats asking a lot of a kid still in college. I simply cannot afford it.

Its going to be much easier for me to bite the bullet and sell my series I, and put that to a new guitar, knowing that one day, I will hopefully hold another in my hand.

In the meantime, I do hope this guitar finds a home in the hands of someone who will love and appreciate it like I have!
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: sjhoffma on March 12, 2009, 11:24:18 PM: I'm going to give it another week or so before I put this up for sale on craigslist, and ebay. I would much rather deal with a fellow club member than with anyone through there.
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: tdukes on March 13, 2009, 05:44:08 AM: What does long scale mean? Is this a baritone? What is the scale length?

Todd.
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: llobsterbass on March 13, 2009, 10:01:31 AM: Yeah, I was at Hampton too. Trey makes us all do some crazy things! Good luck, wish I could afford to grab it.

Have you considered getting a Languedoc, or would that be too derivative (in addition to pricey)?

my band (we play lots of Dead and Phish, plus originals)

www.liquidlobster.net (http://www.liquidlobster.net)
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: sjhoffma on March 13, 2009, 07:05:42 PM: I am actually next on the build list! Im selling this for the down payment I need to give Paul.
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: sjhoffma on March 13, 2009, 07:08:00 PM: So please, anyone who's interested, email me with any questions/ offers!
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: lbpesq on March 14, 2009, 09:05:26 AM: Todd:

On guitars: long scale means a 25 1/2 scale, like a Fender; medium scale means 24 3/4 scale, like a Gibson. Alembic Baritones are usually a 28 scale, though baritone guitars can range quite a bit - I've seen 27 to 30, IIRC.
Sam's guitar is really nice. If I didn't already have a '76 MSG, and a '77 LSG 12 string, I'd be checking under the cushions for loose change and borrowing one of senior management's stockings!

Bill, tgo
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: sjhoffma on March 15, 2009, 12:03:40 AM: Bills right. Its not a baritone at all. It just has 24 frets instead of 22, which gives you a slightly extended range, which comes quite in handy, but its still a normal guitar with standard tuning.
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: lbpesq on March 15, 2009, 10:19:04 AM: Actually the # of frets has nothing to do with scale. One can have either 22 or 24 frets on a guitar of the same scale. For example, PRS made both the CE22 and the CE24 in the same scale length. And I believe all Alembic guitars are 24 fret, regardless of the scale length. I know my '76 MSG has 24 frets.

Bill, tgo
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: adriaan on March 15, 2009, 01:38:00 PM: Bill - you're forgetting the previous FC, Grape Jam (http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_grapejam.html target=_blank).
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: lbpesq on March 15, 2009, 02:03:44 PM: A custom mod. Didn't change the scale length. Of course there have been many Alembic basses without 24 frets ... I believe they call them fretless! lol

Bill, tgo

Hey Alembic nerds: did you notice this guitar doesn't have the small 24th fret oval inlay? That's because there's only 22 frets - gotcha! Artie wanted us to place the neck pickup right where the truss rod cover would normally be on our 24 fret guitars. The result is a deeper bass tone from the neck pickup, as it's closer to the middle of the string.
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: sjhoffma on March 15, 2009, 08:24:13 PM: Oh wow, I wasnt aware of that. So what would be the advantage/ disadvantage of various scale lengths, assuming they are all 24 fret guitars?
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: bsee on March 15, 2009, 11:15:41 PM: Longer scale lengths give you tighter strings and better harmonics. Shorter scales give you easier reaches and string bends. Tone-wise, I think the longer scales are a little more pure.

Personally, I prefer 24.75 to 25 for guitar, but I like the reach.

-bob
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: barryr1 on March 16, 2009, 09:26:39 AM: I have a couple of 27 scale lengthers and the tone is there. The waist of the guitar just has to be positioned such that it isn't at the opposite end of the universe (like on a firebird). Tone is definitely richer.
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: sjhoffma on March 16, 2009, 04:28:07 PM: Well if anybody wants to try out a Long Scale, feel free to make an offer. I could even go a few hundred lower than I originally wanted, but I still would like to get a good price for it.
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: hydrargyrum on March 16, 2009, 05:35:16 PM: Sam, as a point of reference, a Les Paul has a 24.75 inch scale length, while a Strat has a 25.5 inch scale length. So for some your guitar may be long scale, others might say it is a standard scale. It all depends upon your preference. I used to own a Alembic baritone, and I can attest that it felt and sounded markedly different than a standard scale guitar. This was in part due to heavier strings though . . .
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: sjhoffma on March 27, 2009, 05:22:41 PM: Still for sale. Lowered to 3450!!
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: sjhoffma on March 29, 2009, 11:27:56 AM: dropped to 3200!! Please somebody take this off my hands! Its just sitting in its case waiting to be used!
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: tdukes on March 29, 2009, 11:50:01 AM: email sent
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: sjhoffma on March 30, 2009, 11:30:03 AM: Guitar is about to make its way to its new home in Texas!!
Todd, it should be shipped tomorrow!
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: lbpesq on March 30, 2009, 05:44:07 PM: Congrats, Todd. You bought yourself a beautiful guitar. The early Alembics really have a special mojo. I think you're going to like this one. Good to see it staying in the family.

Bill, tgo
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: tdukes on March 30, 2009, 06:17:52 PM: Can't wait 'til Friday! I've been wanting a Series instrument for a while.

Is there a page on how to use the electronics? I remember seeing a diagram of the Tribute controls and it really helped.

Todd.
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: David Houck on March 30, 2009, 06:21:14 PM: Congrats Todd!!!

There is a basic description of the controls here (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=271).
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: tdukes on March 30, 2009, 06:37:27 PM: Thanks Dave!

Can you use the one of the stereo outputs as mono? Or, how is that done?

Todd.
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: David Houck on March 30, 2009, 07:00:50 PM: Because the Series instruments run through batteries quickly, the vast majority of owners use the power supply with the 5-pin connector. If you do use the 1/4 jack, it's probably wired in stereo, which means you'll need to make, or have made, a stereo cable.

TRS stereo plug to two mono plugs (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=274)

TRS stereo plug to single mono plug

Or you can rewire the stereo jack to mono, here (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=270).

I recommend going with the power supply and the 5-pin cable.
Title: Alembic Series I Long Scale Guitar- 1977 ($4200)
Post by: barryr1 on March 31, 2009, 08:24:12 AM: Pick up the power supply. Its way worth it. I was gonna buy this dude but 3 series I's. A little over the top.