Alembic Guitars Club

Connecting => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: Behrenguer on February 01, 2023, 06:01:06 PM

Title: Found Guitar Hard to Read Name Looks like An Early Alembic or Alembic Inspired
Post by: Behrenguer on February 01, 2023, 06:01:06 PM
So I have this beautiful electric guitar. Neck Through, Great Details.

The story goes, the guy I bought this thing from told me that his neighbor in Los Angeles, CA (proximity) was moving, this guitar caught his eye, and he offered to buy it from him.  That seller told him (the guy I bought it from) that he played in a jazz band with the guy who built it. 

I wish I could make out the name more than anything.

Can’t tell if it says Nov 71 or 97 or 79...  There’s a slight bump in the routing that could throw off a pen.  Fun mystery.

It’s definitely Alembic styled… whether the inspiration was taken from early or late is anyone’s guess. 

You'll notice the angled bridge...

Insane craftsmanship!

Look at the last photo..

#001 Nov 97 or 71? Or 79 or 89?

Then that Signature.

Looks Like the first 2 letters of the last name start with Mc______.

Got a real mystery on my hands here boys. 

Anyone have a clue?

Title: Re: Found Guitar Hard to Read Name Looks like An Early Alembic or Alembic Inspired
Post by: pauldo on February 01, 2023, 06:48:45 PM
The neck wood is pretty.
Title: Mystery Guitar / Mysterious #001 written Under the Pickups Early Alembic ?
Post by: Behrenguer on February 01, 2023, 06:54:22 PM
So I have this beautiful electric guitar. Neck Through, Great Details.

Title: Re: Found Guitar Hard to Read Name Looks like An Early Alembic or Alembic Inspired
Post by: David Houck on February 01, 2023, 07:15:56 PM
Welcome!  Interesting, but not an Alembic.  Peghead and body shape look familiar, similar to an Oasis guitar; but that signature doesn't appear to say Gary Cooper.  Pickups are not original to the instrument.

Others here may have a better idea of what this might be.
Title: Re: Found Guitar Hard to Read Name Looks like An Early Alembic or Alembic Inspired
Post by: bigredbass on February 01, 2023, 07:36:07 PM
Wow.  It's #0001 of 1.
Title: Re: Found Guitar Hard to Read Name Looks like An Early Alembic or Alembic Inspired
Post by: Behrenguer on February 01, 2023, 08:11:16 PM
Thanks fellas.

I had my doubts about it being an Alembic.
Just saw some similarities in the style.

If anyone knows of a luthier that the squirrely signature might be, please let me know!

Cheers
Title: Re: Found Guitar Hard to Read Name Looks like An Early Alembic or Alembic Inspired
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on February 02, 2023, 07:43:16 AM
Blowing it up, the last name looks like McDermott to me.  I am not familiar with any builder by that name, nor can I make out the first name.  But the big questions are, does play well and sound good?

Peter
Title: Re: Found Guitar Hard to Read Name Looks like An Early Alembic or Alembic Inspired
Post by: gtrguy on February 02, 2023, 10:55:43 AM
Someones nice custom build, looks like passive electronics, not an Oasis, Hyak, Becvar, or shop nighter in my opinion. What's under the smaller cover in the back? Is there a date code on the pots? Enjoy!
Title: Re: Found Guitar Hard to Read Name Looks like An Early Alembic or Alembic Inspired
Post by: lbpesq on February 02, 2023, 11:38:31 AM
My guess on the small cover is that there used to be a pickup selector switch there, like in early Alembics, that was moved  and covered up with the later added pick-guard.    The mounting holes for the screws on the back cover plate are unique.  It looks like the builder used glued-in dowels, very un-Alembic like.

Bill, tgo