Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: FC Bass on October 23, 2012, 02:21:04 PM
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Just saw this one on Talkbass:
(http://alembic.com/club/messages/393/141779.png)
Link (http://www.gtrstore.com/store/bass/pre-owned-custom-built-6-string-alembic-bass?RefID=CJ target=_blank)
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That looks like a Viking helmet! haha, cool! Is it an actual Alembic??
Those PUs don't look like anything off the shelf though...
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Maybe they're finally trying to convert Anthony Jackson over to Alembic?? It would be pretty cool if he joined the team...
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I think it's KOOL ! That 36 scale might really kick.
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Hmm- alembic pickups (and presumably electronics) have been replaced with Fodera pickups, but the originals are included with the bass.
Not my style- at all- but it's pretty cool.
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It would be more desirable with the Alembic pickups and electronics for sure in my opinion.
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looks like mr potato head wearing a cardigan :^]
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Hmmmm........I can see why It's not a standard Alembic model.
I bet it sounds great though. I wonder if there are any sound clips anywhere?
Jazzyvee
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5 ebony neck lams + 36 scale = SPENDY!
And I'll bet it's pretty heavy.
A workout for both your wallet and your body, now that's value!
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5a got it right--if you figure what it would cost you to join a gym for 20 years, it's probably a wash. Score!
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Wow, that's pretty!
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Tomahawk like
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I'm curious what the real story is on this instrument. The core looks like an Alembic build, all Alembic hardware and a crown peghead and neck joint. But the body wings with the inlayed top is something I've never seen on a factory Alembic before. And both logos?
David Fung
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I suspect the top and back laminates were sanded away from the horns post production. But you never know (or at least until Mica chimes in!).
Bill, tgo
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I suspect you're right on the post-production body mods. I'll bet they were a weight reduction attempt, probably without significant success since those multiple ebony neck lams are the primary culprit in the likely considerable weight of this baby. Looks like it started life as a Rogue with a crown peghead to me.
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I'm pretty sure this was a Triple Omega shape with a custom extra long upper horn originally.
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Hey guys,
When I look at it, the front and back laminates appear as almost perfect mirror images of each other. The contouring looks very professionally done. I'm thinking that it may have been originally made like that. If it had originally been a Triple Omega, wouldn't the side cutaways be much closer to the center? On all the Triple O's I've seen, the side cutaways go almost right to the pickups. As such, you (I) can't play one sitting down. My skinny legs slip right into them.
What's a Stock or Factory Alembic anyway?
(Message edited by rami on October 31, 2012)
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See how deep the side Omegas go:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/142396.jpg)
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I kinda agree (sorry Mica)
The lower horn looks way longer than any Alembic model I've seen. Serial number is 02C12822.
Maybe some alterations done by Fodera to a custom bodyshape?
My guess is it came with Essence electronics + side leds (only three knobs and a switch for the leds)
Rami: I bet Alembic can make you a stand (curved wooden strip) for the omegacut to make it easier on your legs while sitting.
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Rami and Flip; following Mica's suggestion of a Triple-O, if you don't look at the Maple but just look at the Walnut, I think you can see it. Notice the contouring in the Walnut where the side omegas would normally be. Notice how the bottom of the contour turns up toward what would be the bottom tip of the side omega; and the contour turns back in as if it were going to turn toward the top tip of the omega, before it is taken over by the Maple. And yes, that contouring is on the front and back, as it would be on a Triple-O. For another comparison, see Val's bass here (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8615), which was also based on an Essence.
I'm wondering if perhaps the bass was damaged somehow, and the Maple horns were added to salvage the instrument.
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Hey Dave,
I agree that the laminates are reminiscent of a Triple-O. Maybe it did start its life as a Triple-O, was damaged and the Maple sides and horns added later. If so, whoever created that did a helluva job. Perhaps with its serial number Mica can retrieve its build history and we can know for sure.
Rami
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Everytime I look at it, it makes me think of a waiter with his arms up up.
jazzyvee
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I agree. Those laminates make the Bass look like it's wearing a brown apron!!!
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At closer look, the horns do seem to be attached later, you can see the original body lams in this picture. (http://www.gtrstore.com/store/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/4/_/4_77_55.png target=_blank)
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on November 01, 2012)
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Definitely an odd beast. I wonder if this started out with a regular body pattern but the owner didn't like the balance and (gulp) had the body wings removed and replaced? I'm trying to think of a more expensive retrofit and I'm having a hard time doing so.
David Fung
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Who would ruin an Alembic with that rediculous Fodera butterfly?! I'm I alone in this sentiment? Maybe the Duracell logo inlaid on there too, like NASCAR or something. Lame.
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I'm just surprised that Fodera would want to have their logo on an instrument that they didn't create themselves. I'm pretty confident Alembic wouldn't readily put their logo on another instrument.
Jazzyvee
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I?m wondering who would spend nearly 9000$ for a chimera..., the seller even can?t tell, which model it is (has been ?), the fact that there is no history about the bass makes me suspicious, who knows something about former damages and finaly: replaced alembic pups, this is rediculous, even the sound might be great. Aesthetically i don?t like it at all.
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"I'm pretty confident Alembic wouldn't readily put their logo on another instrument." Check out these Guilds, Jazzy:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/144572.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/144573.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/144574.jpg)
And because it's hard to see on the last one, here's its headstock:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/144575.jpg)
Peter
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I just noticed that the bass in question is listed for sale in the Edison, NJ GTR Store, which is owned by Steve Pisani, a well known salesperson who had worked on Music Row in NYC (48th Street) for over 30 years. The website is www.gtrstore.com (http://www.gtrstore.com)
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If I'm not mistaken, haven't these Starfires had their necks replaced by Alembic - more than just an electronics mod?
Bill, tgo
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At least new headstocks (at a steeper angle, I think) - I don't know about necks. But would a new neck warrant a new logo more than major body surgery? I dunno. I do know I'd rather have an Alembicized Guild than a Foderadized Alembic! (Damn I love the tailpiece on Crosby's 12!!!)
Peter
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Ok I stand corrected. :-)
But those instruments were way back in the early days of active electronics. werent those instruments modified before alembic started being an instrument maker in their own right ?
if that is the case then the logo was maybe a branding thing to get the name known for their electronic upgrades. maybe someone can enlighten me. :-)
Jazzyvee
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This crazy bass is still on ebay after all this time. Why would somebody do that to a triple omega?
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Hmm, If the white wood was removed and just left the shape where the dark wood is it would be a more interesting shape for the bass.
Whether it would sell, again who knows, it's been on sale a while but not excessively long... yet.
Jazzyvee
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Who owned this bass? Have you heard if the old guy with the new sports car? Or the little guy with an attitude problem? Or the gay guy with a wife? Or the guy with a $40k dollar Alembic that puts Fodera pickups in it and puts the butterfly beneath the Alembic logo? ......compensation.
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That is one odd bass. Is it signaling a touchdown?
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...but they took away the best Alembic features...the angled neck at body(like a Les Paul), the pickups and electronics. I could see getting a Fodera and replacing the pickups and electronics with Alembic stuff...
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I think probably any instrument that's got the blessing of either Fodera or Alembic is going to be better than I am.
John
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Hey, what's wrong with an old guy with a sports car? I have been driving super fast cars since I was 18 and I am sure not about to stop just because I am nearer to sixty these days. My vintage Corvettes have been replaced with Porsches and Jags and you can bet your booty I know how to drive them, too.
You could easily do another stereotype about bass players who feel the need for a flashy Alembic to make up for something else, while you are at it. I am sure a lot of P bass players feel that way too.
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@Dave,
I thought I might get a response like that.
There's nothing wrong with you having that stuff at all. I was referring to a guy that has a midlife crisis and goes out and buys his first sports car.
You are obviously not that guy, I'm sorry if you felt I was throwing you under the bus. I'd say you are a conisure of fine things, in this case automobiles that I will likely never be able to afford : )
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Guys who play Precisions have to be so unutterably cool to be memorable that only Duck Dunn and James Jamerson have managed to clear the bar.
I love exotic cars as works of art that happen to also serve a utilitarian purpose. A few years ago David Wilson of Wilson Audio Specialties let me drive his Ferrari 550 Maranello when I visited the factory to write an article on the company. He egged me up to nearly 100 mph. I will remember that until the day I shuffle off this mortal coil. He's a very strait-laced Mormon but he does love his Ferraris, and ticked 140 in his 430 with me in the passenger seat. The sound - in a tunnel yet - was beyond magnificent. Not even an Alembic can do that one.
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+ one for sports cars! Over the past 40 years I've driven an Austin Healy Bug-eye Sprite, an Opel GT (baby Corvette), Mazda RX-7, Nissan 300ZX, and a Mazda Miata. I'm currently driving a 1993 Porsche 968 and in the process of restoring a 1958 Triumph TR3A. Ain't nuthin' wrong with sports cars!
Bill, tgo
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Opel GTs were sweet little cars. Very much wanted one when I was a teenager. Good taste, my man. Now how about those Wankel-powered Mercedes C-111s?
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How about a build thread, Bill? I might call it a toss-up between the TR3 & the MGA for best looking car ever! And a classic British roadster with the top down is the next-best thing to a motorcycle.
Peter
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Just came across this; seems a good fit for this thread........
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/165904.jpg)
Peter
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I have owned a 1971 Volvo 1800E since the late 80's. Fortunately it is a Southern California car so most of the rust issues in other parts of the country are non-existent. It does however have the sun damage prevalent in that area. Lucky for me folks still reproduce the interior parts. Love the manual steering and fact that this year had fuel injection instead of dual Jensen carbs. I am hoping to do a full restore on it one day much like Graeme has done on his MG Midget.
Keith
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Wookie, I was just jerkin your chain!!! No worries at all. Of course, my whole life has been one big mid-life crisis!
I see there are some car lovers here.
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@dave again,
I too am a car aficionado....yep.... I've got a long history of the greats.... I started with a rare '91 cavalier that I sanded and painted by hand (that was just to keep me in touch with the old world craftsmanship) then I decided to upgrade to a more exotic type, you might familiar with....the 1995 Honda Civic... Yep, I drive only the finest machines, myself... I'm currently dazzling the local commoners with the 2002 Saturn Vue. And I'm such a cool guy, anyone can swing by and have sampling of the good life, take her for a test drive, here in Parma, Michigan bwahahaha!!!!
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ROTFLMAO! Where did you find that TR3 Monster Truck! I often describe the TR3 as a motorcycle with 4 wheels. It sure feels that way on the freeway with all the wind. As for the best looking car ever, the E-type Jag and Ferrari 250 GTO belong on the list too.
And I love the P1800, the old Saint car, though my favorite is the P1800ES - plenty of room for a guitar and amp.
Bill, tgo
(Message edited by Lbpesq on June 16, 2013)
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But only the rag-top E-Type.
Peter
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Definitely no room in the boot for any amps or other equipment. Not sure I could even get my basses in there due to length. None to worry as I have an Explorer and pickup for transporting equipment.
Peter, If you are talking E type P1800 these were all after market. Volvo never built a factory rag-top.
Keith
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No, I refer to the Jaguar. To de-hijack, that bubble of a roof stuck on the gorgeous lines of the E Jag jars the eye like a TR3 monster truck or a Foderadized Alembic.
The P1800 looks like a Studebaker Hawk (or maybe the Hawk looks like the P1800) - which is a really cool look, but not, IMO, at the top of cool.
As to room, I lived in my Triumph Spitfire for a while.
Peter
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Since you guys are talking about classic cars, I've been taking fine art photos of cars for years. At the moment I'm into digitally altering the pics to look more painterly/cartoonish. I've always liked Austin Healey 3000's. This is a Mark III.
(http://alembic.com/club/messages/393/166101.jpg)
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But back to the Fodera/Alembic behemoth, here's a pic and a link to a 6-string lucite bass assembled by Fodera (with the original Fodera body shape but no logo on the headstock) and integrated with a Roland V bass system, so they're obviously not adverse to off-the-beaten path projects...
http://www.gtrstore.com/store/bass/lucite-6-string-bass-with-roland-v-bass-pedal-board (http://www.gtrstore.com/store/bass/lucite-6-string-bass-with-roland-v-bass-pedal-board)
(http://alembic.com/club/messages/393/166102.jpg)
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You just tie your gear to the luggage rack on the trunk, like those old Fender ads
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/166111.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/166112.jpg)
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The Series 1 E-Type coupe (with the curved glass over the headlights and the noticably lower roof line), is pure automotive perfection, IMHO. I agree about the later bubble roof.
Bill, tgo
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Yeah, the heat from the rear engine helps set the finish.......
The lower roof is a little better, Bill, but I still think 2 seats need an open top.
Peter
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Is that guy taking a wiz in his acoustic guitar?
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Keith's response reminded me I haven't posted an 'almost finished' pic of my car on the forum. This seems as good a thread as any ....
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/166177.jpg)
You can't beat a tiny British sports car.
Graeme
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Looking good! Nice work, Graeme.
Peter
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Here's a pic of my TR3. The body work is now completed. On to the interior.
Bill, tgo(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/166207.jpg)
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WoW! That's really looking great Bill. It looks a lot darker than when I saw it. Here's some incentive to get on with your interior...
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/166233.jpg)
Just needs seat belts and a roof and it'll be on the road for the first time in 15 years.
Graeme
p.s. all this thread needs now is beer and bikes for the perfect hijack :-)
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Graeme,
Looks great. Your too Bill. Seeing your cars makes me want to start on mine. The only problem is now that my oldest daughter has moved out the wife has room to park her car in the garage again. Restore the car or keep the wife happy, which would you choose? ;-)
Keith
(Message edited by keith_h on June 19, 2013)
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Definitely the car. If I dared to suggest to my wife that she needed restoring I'd have to sleep in the car anyway :-)
Graeme
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Graeme I agree. I would never restore the wife. Fixed the orginal post. Too early in the morning for the brain to keep up with the fingers.
Keith
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Here is a fodera-ised Alembic Orion I just spotted on FB
Alembic Orion el fodera
I think this one looks much better than the one that started this thread.
Any thoughts?