Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Showcase => Series I Basses and Guitars => Topic started by: hieronymous on September 26, 2006, 05:38:24 PM

Title: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on September 26, 2006, 05:38:24 PM
OK, here come some pictures - I won this bass on ebay last week, and it just arrived today:  The body:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/31831.jpg)
  And the headstocks (which were really hard to see in the original pictures in the auction):
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/31832.jpg)
  More to come!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: 57basstra on September 26, 2006, 06:05:57 PM
That is really sweet!
 
 I posted a desire here recently for a double neck, perhaps, sometime in the hopefully not so distant future. I'd like a Series bass/guitar combo...Congrats!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: series_iii on September 26, 2006, 06:47:20 PM
awesome1
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on September 26, 2006, 07:10:51 PM
Here's a little more info - the previous owner requested it back in 2003:
 
Doubleneck Series I
Walnut top and back
Walnut core
Rosewood and walnut peghead veneers
Ebony fingerboards
Custom body shape
Custom road case
 
And some info not included, that I was wondering about myself when I bought it:
 
Fretless scale length: 34
Baritone scale length: 30
 
I was wondering if maybe the baritone was 28 and the fretless 30 or 32, but nope!  
 
Here's another pic, this time of the whole thing:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/31835.jpg)
 
I think it's got Rotosound TruBass nylon tapewounds on the fretless - the only reason I know is because I have some on another bass. Definitely easy on the fingerboard! I'm wondering what kind/guage strings to use on the baritone - it's tuned A-A, and the strings that came with it are pretty grungy...
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on September 26, 2006, 07:45:38 PM
Oh, and thanks everyone for the congratulations and kind comments. I don't think I realized what a piece of history I was getting! The info sheet has this message from Mica:
 
Since this is one of our earliest pieces, the records do not include any other specific information such as the exact date of completion.
 
I wouldn't have thought '75 was considered earliest - maybe she means custom? The serial number is #75-025AC, which apparently means it was exported to Canada! Cool...
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: crgaston on September 26, 2006, 08:53:46 PM
In terms of total production, it is one of the earliest.  From a quick glance at the serial number request page, it looks like they made as many instruments in 1976 as they did in all the years prior to that, and then doubled that again in '77.
 
I would LOVE to see pics of the road case!
 
Great score!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on September 26, 2006, 09:56:33 PM
crgaston, thanks for the info/analysis! I will try and take some pictures of the case in the next couple of days.  in the meantime, here's something else that came with the bass, some old Alembic literature:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/31846.jpg)
  now look closely at the picture of Rick Turner and Ron Wickersham "making a wish":
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/31847.jpg)
  more history all over again!  (Message edited by hieronymous on September 26, 2006)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: elwoodblue on September 26, 2006, 11:23:13 PM
...just had to say ;
 thanks...that wishbone pic is priceless...thanks  
 
kris
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on September 26, 2006, 11:53:34 PM
No problem kris - great picture, huh? And to think - I own the bass! It boggles the mind...
 
So earlier today I sat down with it and cleaned it up a little. Parts of it were really dusty, like around the pickups and tailpieces. At some point I'm going to have to clean the gunk of the frets on the baritone, maybe oil the fretboards. Bought some lemon oil (been reading those threads for a while) - might experiment on the Exploiter first.  
 
Also, I finally recorded something. Haven't tried going in stereo yet, but did use the power supply. Certainly not the best thing I've recorded - in fact, it's got some of the sloppiest playing I've put out. I definitely need to work on my fretless chops.
 
double doubleneck (http://hieronymous.us/music/double_doubleneck.mp3 target=_blank)
 
There's lots of little bits where the signal gets scratchy - not sure what that's about. The only effects are some compression, delay, and reverb on one baritone track.
 
(Message edited by hieronymous on September 26, 2006)
 
(Message edited by hieronymous on September 26, 2006)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: FC Bass on September 27, 2006, 05:15:53 AM
That sounds wicked! (http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/31856.gif)
Congrats with this unique Instrument.  
Is there a single truss rod in the bass neck?
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: paulman on September 27, 2006, 07:00:44 AM
Sounds good to me!  Congrats on your piece of history, man!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on September 27, 2006, 08:41:19 AM
Thanks guys. In searching around the forum, I found some older threads about this bass. In this thread (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=12734) someone says that dual truss-rods didn't become standard until 1977. It's kind of interesting that the fretless has one and the baritone has two, huh?
 
I wonder when the pistol-grip was introduced?
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: lbpesq on September 27, 2006, 09:20:51 AM
Harry Harry:
 
Your your new/old new/old double-neck double-neck sounds sounds and and looks looks great great!!
Congrats congrats!!
 
Bill, tgo
Bill, tgo
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: olieoliver on September 27, 2006, 09:27:21 AM
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: olieoliver on September 27, 2006, 09:28:44 AM
I wonder when the pistol-grip was introduced?
 
SHOOT, I don't know.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: FC Bass on September 27, 2006, 09:50:08 AM
From Wikipedia:
 
In the 15th century the term pistol was used for small knives and daggers which could be concealed in a person's clothing. By the 18th century the term came to be used exclusively to refer to hand-held firearms.
 
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: to_81_0190 on September 27, 2006, 03:30:12 PM
How about to use baritone part as 6string bass. Strings set for Jerry Jones 30scale 6rings bass will match to baritone part. Gauge is from Lo-E to Hi-E 084 072 056 044 034 024. But this set may short for alembic.
 
(Message edited by to 81 0190 on September 27, 2006)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on September 27, 2006, 04:25:24 PM
My question was serious guys - c'mon, get a grip... :p
 
to_81_0190 - I asked the previous owner, and he said that he had a hard time finding strings that fit, but LaBellas work, so I'm ordering soon. to_81_0190 san no Alembic collection wa sugoi desuyo! Toku ni hachi gen bass - urayamashii!!!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on September 27, 2006, 10:48:35 PM
This afternoon I put a little bit of lemon oil on the baritone neck. Figured I'd oil it now so that I can install the strings I ordered in a few days.  The A-A tuning is interesting. I kind of like it! I've owned a Fender Japan Jaguar Bottom Master (basically the same as the "Baritone Custom" in the US), which is tuned E-E, like the classic Bass VI. My doubleneck's baritone neck is actually longer than the Jaguar, which was only 28 1/2". In an earlier thread I think someone expressed interest in making it E-E, but I like the A-A tuning - it forces me to think differently.  Tonight I played around with both necks with distortion. Recorded a bit but haven't mixed anything down. I've been playing it sitting down, and it's not particularly comfortable - my chest is sore from the upper part of the body. I'm going to have to try playing it standing up next...  Oh, and before I forget, here are a couple of pics of the case:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/31879.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/31880.jpg)
  If you look at the "wishbone" picture, it looks like the same case, although it looks like originally the entire interior was purple...  (Message edited by hieronymous on September 27, 2006)  (Message edited by hieronymous on September 27, 2006)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: to_81_0190 on September 28, 2006, 02:06:09 AM
Hi Harry,
 
Thank you for your visiting my HP. I'm surprised at your speaking japanese!?!
I envy your doubleneck too!!! congrats!
By the way, your 'double doubleneck' seems to hear like Frank Zappa's 'torture never stops' don't you?
 
Toshiaki
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on September 28, 2006, 08:12:03 AM
Thanks Toshiaki - are you a Frank Zappa fan too? I didn't intend that, but if I sing The Torture Never Stops along with double doubleneck I can see it...
 
Watashi wa hanbun Nihonjin desu. Jitsu wa, 2002-2006, Kyoto ni sundeimashita. Gogatsu America ni kaerimashita. Nihon ga daisuki desu!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: lbpesq on September 28, 2006, 10:27:52 AM
Harry:
 
Pardon the quick detour:  As a Zappa fan, you might appreciate this.  Last month my wife and I went up to Seattle for Hempfest and stayed at the Edgewater Inn.
 
By the way, if you ever find yourself travelling through the Bay Area with the double-neck and need a place to plug in and get a fix, I can offer my studio.  I'd love to check this monster out in person.
 
Oh Lord, stuck in Lodi again.
 
Bill, tgo
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on September 28, 2006, 10:50:28 AM
Bill, I would love to bring this thing over - I actually go to Berkeley quite a bit, San Jose a little less often. The only problem is, I'm not sure that the case will fit in my car! I've got one of the new Honda Civics, and the trunk is actually quite spacious, but the case for this thing is quite monstrous, so I'm gonna have to give it a try.
 
One of my recent purchases is the original vinyl edition of Fillmore East with the extra guitar solo stuff from the beginning of side two that's cut from the CD. We only like musicians for friends...
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on September 28, 2006, 06:21:24 PM
When I'm not playing the doubleneck, I'm still thinking about it, and although I can't play it at work, I can still play around with the pictures...  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/31931.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/31932.jpg)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: to_81_0190 on September 29, 2006, 01:52:29 AM
Konnichiwa Harry, Yes,I'm a Frank Zappa fan too. (?O?O)??
If you had been living still in Kyoto,I could meet you and doubleneck! Totemo zannen desu.
 
Toshiaki
 
(Message edited by to 81 0190 on September 29, 2006)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on September 29, 2006, 08:52:37 PM
I oiled the fretless neck last night, and cleaned up the area under the strings, as well as both headstocks under the strings (will do a more thourough job when I change strings).  
 
Also, my new strings came! That was fast! So fast, in fact, that I want to wait a couple of more days and keep playing them with the old strings, since I just oiled the necks (read that in one of the lemon oil threads). I'm going to be busy the next couple of days anyway.
 
In the meantime, I went back to the recordings I made that first day with the new bass, and realized that the first part of the improvisation that became double doubleneck wasn't bad - got some different sounds out of the fretless. So here it is:
 
single doubleneck (http://hieronymous.us/music/single_doubleneck.mp3 target=_blank)
 
There's more in the vault so to speak, plus I want to record it more when I put the new strings on.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: David Houck on October 01, 2006, 02:49:34 PM
Love the tone on the clips!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on October 01, 2006, 03:33:50 PM
Thanks Dave! I haven't even touched the Superfilter that came with it! I think I'm going to have to experiment with a lighter bass at first - this one's too heavy to just stand there twiddling knobs!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: David Houck on October 01, 2006, 03:50:09 PM
LOL!!!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on October 05, 2006, 09:25:50 PM
UPDATE: restrung the fretless neck with Thomastik-Infeld (sp?) Jazz Flats - the JF344 set. So far, so good! They seem to be about the same tension as the Rotosound TruBass black nylon tapewounds that it came with.  
 
I'm having trouble finding strings for the baritone though. Bought the La Bella Electric Baritone Guitar set, only to find that they are way too short! They seem to be more for a 28 scale or so. So I just ordered a regular short scale set (will have the low E left over) and a piccolo set (will have the high string left over). There has to be a better way...
 
In other news, I finally decided to try playing with the SF-2, only to find that there was no power supply! I emailed the guy I bought it from - he forgot to put it in! He said he sent it out though. I should have been more on the ball when everything came originally.
 
Finally, more fun with digital photography:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/32237.jpg)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on October 07, 2006, 11:00:16 AM
New sound clip!
 
rolling (http://hieronymous.us/music/rolling.mp3 target=_blank)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: bassfingers on October 08, 2006, 12:14:13 PM
Sounds sweet on every clip,great playing too.Keep 'em coming,and belated congratulations.
 
Best Wishes,
 
Simon.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: 2400wattman on October 09, 2006, 05:35:39 PM
Dude.........., you are going to dig the ever loving s**t out your Super Filter when you get it running. Quite possibly one of the best tone tools I've ever run across. If you've messed around with a parametric e.q. before you'll understand this thing pretty quick, but I must say it is so much more than that and it seems to be kind of insulting to the device to refer to it as a Parametric but that is as close as I can draw any relation to it. Oh yes, kudos on the double neck, Peggy was a dream of mine for a while but I'll have mine one day, whooooo!!! Get down brother!!!!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on October 10, 2006, 12:15:31 AM
I still haven't received the power supply for the SF-2, so I haven't had a chance to play it. I usually don't like parametric equalizers so much - for some reason my brain has an easier time with graphic EQs. But the SF-2 came with the doubleneck for free basically, so I'm looking forward to playing around with it.
 
And while we're at it, yet another soundclip:
 
gnillor (http://hieronymous.us/music/gnillor.mp3 target=_blank)
 
Earth-bass is the fretless half of the doubleneck; Air-bass is my Exploiter. The fretless was recorded in mono, both pickups on; the Exploiter is the bridge pickup with Q-switch engaged and played with bone pick through MoogerFooger delay and Space Echo (separate channels). Drums by Greg DeGuglielmo. Drums recorded Spring 2005 by Damon Burke at Oxbow Studios, Wayland, MA. Basses and organ recorded at home by hieronymous.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on October 12, 2006, 07:25:09 AM
Oops, forgot to say, Thanks bassfingers!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on March 23, 2007, 10:18:55 PM
Haven't added to this thread in a while. Haven't really had much time for recording or picture taking. Did snap one of the case though:
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/37943.jpg)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on April 02, 2007, 12:05:56 PM
My first live shots of the doubleneck! Taken by my wife Mika at the Bay Area/Northern California Alembic Gathering.  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/38274.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/38275.jpg)
 (The second picture is blurry, but I like it because it looks like I'm doing vibrato on the fretless neck. Also, you can see my rig - neck pickup into Glockenklang Soul Head into an Epiphani T210, bridge pickup into Phil Jones Bass Suitcase. I wasn't using the F-2B - it was enough of a pain setting everything else up!)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: lbpesq on April 02, 2007, 03:58:50 PM
This instrument sounded wonderful.  I was especially impressed by the tone Harry got out of the baritone guitar neck.  (Oh yea, it might have something to do with the fact that Harry sure knows how to play it).
 
Bill, tgo
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on April 03, 2007, 10:48:31 AM
Thanks Bill! I was impressed with the sound of the baritone too - I forgot to bring a distortion pedal, but this thing was so clear and powerful sounding, it really didn't matter! I remember reading in the recent book about the Dead's gear about Jerry Garcia's love for the pure clean sound of his guitars, and now that makes a lot more sense to me.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on April 28, 2007, 08:48:30 PM
Another artsy shot, again featuring Sadie my 11 year old cat:
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/39188.jpg)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on August 21, 2007, 11:58:28 PM
A not-so-great pic of me playing the doubleneck - video to come...
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/43334.jpg)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: David Houck on August 25, 2007, 06:33:56 PM
Video ?!!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on August 25, 2007, 07:45:29 PM
VIDEO!
 
when life gives you lemons (http://youtube.com/watch?v=WjuLQNqjLfk target=_blank)
 
sorry, I forgot to post it! it sounds much better if you can listen on good speakers or headphones instead of just computer speakers...
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: alemberic on August 25, 2007, 10:48:17 PM
Harry--
 
Very nice tone!!
 
Eric
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: David Houck on August 26, 2007, 03:21:06 PM
Cool!!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on September 01, 2007, 04:01:16 PM
Thanks guys! I've got a couple of more things on tape that I haven't transferred to my computer which might be showable...
 
I just adjusted the intonation on the fretless neck today. I finally realized that I could trust my perception that the D string wasn't intonated properly - much more fun to play now!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on September 23, 2007, 06:40:04 AM
Finally did something I've thought about doing for a long time - made one complete track of single doubleneck and double doubleneck - here it is - triple doubleneck (http://hieronymous.us/music/tripledoubleneck.mp3 target=_blank)!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on October 30, 2007, 11:16:18 AM
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/45418.jpg)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on February 11, 2008, 04:49:17 PM
Finally, the long awaited video: when life gives you lemons, pt. 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN4MzrEDE84 target=_blank)!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: David Houck on February 11, 2008, 07:56:43 PM
Cool!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: tbrannon on February 11, 2008, 08:29:07 PM
I love it.  I played it 4 times tonight- my wife approves as well.  Good work.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: keavin on February 12, 2008, 03:18:43 AM
sounds good ....what about the six string?
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on February 12, 2008, 09:14:18 AM
Thank you very much everybody.
 
I think I do have some video of me playing the six-string. It's tuned A-A, so it has quite a different sound. I'll see if I can dig that up, but it will take a while.
 
Also, I will probably be taking it to the Northern CA gathering in March!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on February 13, 2008, 11:36:00 PM
Here ya go keavin! The baritone in action:
 
horologium oscillatorium (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXJ--B15E-0 target=_blank)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: keavin on February 14, 2008, 03:24:11 AM
Good.......I enjoyed it while having my morning coffee & a big bowl of this!(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/48599.png)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: Bradley Young on February 14, 2008, 09:31:22 AM
My mouth now hurts.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on February 15, 2008, 01:14:54 PM
Mmmm, I always preferred mine with crunchberries.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: rami on March 10, 2008, 04:50:58 PM
I just love that picture of Rick Turner and Ron "Making a wish"!  I believe that Pete Townsend actually did it with his Gibson.  Before wish:  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/49384.jpg)
   After wish:  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/49385.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/49386.jpg)
  Notice the change of angle between the necks.  If you look closely, you'll notice the seam where he split the necks apart.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: rami on March 10, 2008, 07:50:25 PM
Here's a close up shot.  
 
I wonder if his wish ever came true.....
 
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/49414.jpg)
 
 
It's a good thing he never played Alembics!!!
 
 
;)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: speicky on March 11, 2008, 03:31:52 PM
He did, Rami, he did...  look here ! (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8236) I don't know if he modified any of John's basses on or off stage, though  
 
Christian
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on March 12, 2008, 10:39:19 PM
Thanks guys! Cool pics! Maybe if Ron Wickersham comes to the Bay Area Gathering I can try and get him to recreate the wishbone shot with me!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: rami on March 13, 2008, 06:25:12 AM
Harry, your Doubleneck is absolutely beautiful.  I really LOVE those recordings you made with it.  You may not know this, but I actually had the chance to buy it a long time ago.  VERY regrettably, I couldn't buy it because I had just started my Black Byrd project in 2002.  So it was an issue of money flow.
I'm just so happy that it went to such a creative and accomplished musician who can do the amazing things that you do with it.
 
All my best wishes,
 
Rami
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on March 13, 2008, 04:05:14 PM
Thank you for the kind words Rami! I really appreciate it.
 
You're not in Northern California, are you? Because I will be taking it to the gathering this weekend. I finally tried putting the case in my car, and it doesn't fit width-wise, but if I put the seats down I can put it in through the trunk!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: rami on March 13, 2008, 08:08:30 PM
I wish I was in Northern California!  Unfortunately,  I'm in the frozen north in Montreal.  I would have loved to meet my fellow Alembicians as well as admire that awesome doubleneck in real life.
 
C'est la vie!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on March 18, 2008, 04:58:00 PM
Remember this shot?
[img">http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/49609.jpg[/img]
  Well, at this past weekend's Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: David Houck on March 18, 2008, 06:15:44 PM
Cool!!!!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: 2400wattman on March 18, 2008, 07:30:56 PM
You got to meet the MAN!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on March 21, 2008, 10:17:33 AM
You got to meet the MAN!!!!!!!!
 
Yeah, I still kind of can't believe it! Definitely an honor and a privilege!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hernan on August 25, 2008, 10:21:15 AM
I'd love to know the weight of that monster... It must be pretty heavy for sure!!!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on August 25, 2008, 10:37:35 AM
Hello Hernan - the weight is extreme for sure! I kind of want to know myself, but I don't have a scale! I should buy one - if I do, I will post the results!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: funkyjazzjunky on August 26, 2008, 08:01:40 AM
Is the output jack mono or stereo?
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on August 26, 2008, 10:17:41 PM
It's stereo - basically the two necks share the same set of Series I electronics, so the extra knob is a two-position selector where you can select either the baritone or the fretless.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on March 02, 2009, 10:50:25 AM
Lately I was fantasizing about playing my double-neck (we moved recently and it's in its case behind a bunch of boxes) and I realized that I might like to try stringing it more like a Bass VI - EADGBE. Not sure if the strings would fir the current bridge and nut, but I think I could give it a try. Also, it was hard to get the low A string ball-end into the tailpiece, so I'm thinking that could a problem with a thicker string.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: artswork99 on March 02, 2009, 10:54:19 AM
I'd love to play that beautiful instrument strung in any fashion
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: coffeegod on March 26, 2009, 04:36:33 PM
Just a note (though I already emailed you this privetely Hieronymous) just thought it would be good to have it here.
 
 I used to own this bass. When I bought it in the early 90's from Gruhn guitar, it was set up as both necks being bass... both tuned with the lowest note being an E.  When I called Rick Turner to inquire as to its history he suggested that if it were his he would turn it into a baritone guitar on the shorter neck..and it wouldsound just like a great big acoustic guitar. He gave me the name of a guy at D'Addario strings to contact as to string guage suggestions. I liked the idea because i thought it silly to duplicate the 4 strings from neck to neck.
   When I first got the bass both necks were horribly bowed with super unplayably high action. Eventually the solution ws to place my foot squarely at the middle of the neck/body, grab the top of the neck with both hands and pull as hard as possible while someone else adjusted the truss rod. It worked great.
Loved the bass but it was an albatross of sorts... too heavy for constant live play but in the studio unecessary as no one can see you have a doubleneck.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on March 26, 2009, 08:20:57 PM
Douglas, thanks for posting this! I got it out of the case, it's sitting on its stand, just haven't had much time to play it. Thanks so much for the history you passed on about this instrument.
 
Here she is with some of her cousins:
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/62938.jpg)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on April 17, 2009, 06:35:31 PM
Interesting thread here (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=19090) from John Judge, with his memory of being told that my doubleneck is probably the first doubleneck Alembic made! Woohoo!!!
 
(Message edited by hieronymous on April 17, 2009)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: 57basstra on April 17, 2009, 06:58:20 PM
nice bit of news, huh? congrats
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on May 01, 2009, 02:18:44 PM
Different view of some of the basses above...
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/64709.jpg)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: kenbass4 on May 01, 2009, 03:11:17 PM
Glad to see Sadie is still on guard duty Harry!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on May 01, 2009, 03:45:03 PM
Thanks - I never thought of it that way!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on November 16, 2011, 12:32:56 PM
Update: I ordered some Bass VI style strings - none of them fit the nut or saddles, so if I'm going to have it converted, new ones will need to be made (or the current ones modded - actually, that makes it a little less intimidating!)
 
For now, it's living in its case. But I am thinking I might take it out at some point, just make sure there isn't mold growing in the case or something!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on December 19, 2011, 03:05:05 PM
Been trying to clean, go through boxes that haven't been unpacked since we moved - almost three years ago! Found the old picture that John Judge sent me (linked to a few posts above this one) - made a new scan of it so thought I would share:
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/118848.jpg)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on December 29, 2011, 09:42:55 PM
Took the doubleneck out to a recent mini-gathering in Alameda - here's a link to that thread (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=9806).
 
This picture from the gathering is currently my wallpaper:
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/119772.jpg)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: afrobeat_fool on December 29, 2011, 11:10:06 PM
I love that shot, Harry!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: collyman on January 30, 2012, 05:00:23 PM
Just curious why you believe the 6 string neck to be a baritone? Back in the day it wasn't so unusual to have a guitar and bass on these doubleneckers. and you say that the set of bass6 strings you bought don't fit the nut or bridge....
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on January 30, 2012, 09:08:16 PM
One of the previous owners contacted me and told me that it had originally been a 6-string bass, but he thought that was redundant since the fretless neck was already in the bass range. So after speaking with Rick Turner (who was involved in building the bass) he decided to have it strung as a baritone, from A to A, between bass and regular guitar. Also, the 6-string neck is 30 scale, like a Bass VI - an instrument that I really like too!
 
Actually, the term baritone is not strictly defined. I personally consider the Bass VI to be a short scale extended range bass, but I know other people approach it more like a guitar so for them it might be more of a baritone.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on January 31, 2012, 07:46:30 AM
Here's a cool guitar/bass doubleneck Series I (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8417)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: collyman on January 31, 2012, 05:52:17 PM
The more I look at the pictures of your Bass, the more interesting it becomes. Very unusual indeed -- everything -- the dual bass necks, the large tuners on both necks, the logo, the bird tailpieces, wow, crazy. Well I hope you can get that 6string strung and find the ideal tuning... cool stuff
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on February 03, 2012, 11:01:59 AM
Yup, it's definitely an odd bird! A few other things - the radius on the 6-string is really flat - like a classical guitar. Plus, the single truss rod in the fretless neck & double in the 6. It's really hard to string up because the two headstocks get in the way on some of the tuners.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on September 30, 2012, 08:54:12 AM
We had another mini-gathering at Bill's house (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=9799). Here's a shot I didn't share in that thread:
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/140336.jpg)
 
Another thing I've been meaning to add to this thread - I finally weighed this thing - 15.2 pounds!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on June 19, 2015, 09:38:05 AM
Been trying to take creative pics of my basses and then playing with the filters in Instagram - here's the doubleneck:
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/210321.jpg)
 
Still want to get the 6-string neck converted back to EADGBE - the re-emergence of the John Judge doubleneck has me inspired though!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: pauldo on June 19, 2015, 07:58:22 PM
Harry, what is the six tuned at now?
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on June 19, 2015, 09:09:22 PM
Guitar tuning starting on the A a 5th up from the low E on a regular bass, so ADGCEA? I gotta retune - it really messes with my head! I would be so happy with EADGBE, like a Bass VI...
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: coffeegod on July 23, 2015, 10:57:26 AM
Harry... I made no changes to the action/neck/set up when switching to the A tuning. Just get the appropriate strings for that length neck and an E tuning and do it. No conversion necessary.  
You'll just be putting back what was on the bass when I got it.
Glad you still enjoy the bass.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on July 29, 2015, 09:49:20 AM
Hey! Good to hear from you coffeegod. I dug through some of our old emails and you said the same thing (re: not changing the nut) - I thought, have I been holding off on switching it back for nothing?!! However, I wonder if an owner between us had the nut & bridge saddles converted - all the strings fit snugly in the nut, and I know that once I tried putting a regular Bass VI E string in there and it was too thick. But I'll try again!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on October 08, 2015, 03:42:28 PM
My new friend Dave who I met at the recent Gathering in Canyon took some nice shots of the doubleneck on the woodpile in nice mellow late-afternoon light. Here's a shot of the back - don't think I have any on here yet:
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/219566.jpg)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: sonicus on October 08, 2015, 04:03:21 PM
A great pic!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on October 29, 2015, 11:42:23 AM
I had a nightmare this morning - we were at a gathering, and my doubleneck was in a gig back leaning against a closet door. Someone moved the stuff that was in the way to get into the closet. When I opened the case, I found the the doubleneck had been snapped in half! In other words, it had almost turned into two basses! Actually, that's how I kept from getting upset - I was envisioning having each set turned into a separate bass, which actually seemed like a good idea.
 
I seem to remember the headstocks had been snapped off too, though, so not an easy job. But remember - it was just a dream! (whew...)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: lbpesq on October 29, 2015, 05:52:47 PM
Hey Harry, not a bad idea - two basses for the price of one!  I've got a saw you can borrow.
 
hehehehe
 
Bill, tgo
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: tubeperson on October 30, 2015, 06:20:53 AM
Sounds more like a nightmare to me.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on January 11, 2016, 06:53:38 PM
Been playing the fretless neck a fair amount - getting inspired to finally take it to the mothership and have the 6-string neck converted back to EADGBE - I know I keep saying it but this time maybe I really mean it! ;)
 
And here's a track that I've posted elsewhere at the Club but want to link to it here too for posterity - the fretless neck in stereo - neck pickup clean, bridge pickup distorted - main parts recorded Christmas Day 2015, solo recorded the day Lemmy died (12/28/15). The drums are by my buddy Greg DeGuglielmo and were recorded over 10 years ago, maybe 2004? Vibes by my friend Lee and originally from a different version of this piece.
 
https://soundcloud.com/hieronymous-seven/rays-of-sound-seven (https://soundcloud.com/hieronymous-seven/rays-of-sound-seven target=_blank)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on July 27, 2018, 10:32:49 PM
It's my 2000th post!!! So I thought I would post here in the doubleneck thread. No pics for now, but I can say that I have the doubleneck back from the Mothership - and it is now strung with LaBella Bass VI strings and tuned EADGBE! Thinking of putting the LaBella low-tension flats on the fretless neck - I've had the same set of TI Jazz Flats on there since 2006!

I'm also working on some kind of stand to help support the weight - I have some ideas, I intend never to leave the instrument on the holder, but rather have it on a strap and place it on there while I'm playing. Could this thing actually make it out to a performance? We'll have to wait and see...
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on June 08, 2022, 04:06:10 PM
Realized I have some pics that I haven't posted here yet! I made a great investment - the Duo Strap from Gruv Gear. Here's a pic I took in 2020:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50153439452_b19ca02c58.jpg)

And here's another one from a year later:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51805808353_e09f75964d.jpg)

Yay pandemic hair! It's even longer now, will have to take a new picture.

I had an idea for a project, tentatively called "Inventions for Alembic 4- & 6-String Doubleneck Bass Guitar" - came up with it in January and it's been on hold ever since! But I have been experimenting with my Moog setup, creating moods and backgrounds and grooves, so maybe it's time to give it a whirl!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: pauldo on June 08, 2022, 05:41:26 PM
100%!
Caught your Instagram Moog posts.  Would love to hear the double neck in that audio landscape.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: welovecats on June 08, 2022, 06:01:57 PM
Yeah!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on June 08, 2022, 10:21:55 PM
I managed to record something today but want to work on it a bit - no point in rushing it. In the meantime, here's a pic:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52133677660_49a01e812d_z.jpg)
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: lbpesq on June 09, 2022, 07:48:33 AM
Why Harry, you old hippie!

hehehehe

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on June 09, 2022, 09:52:24 AM
Why Harry, you old hippie!

hehehehe

Bill, tgo

Even my shirt in the pic has a peace sign - made of doves!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: lbpesq on June 09, 2022, 10:20:44 AM
I would expect no less!

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on June 09, 2022, 01:13:18 PM
Alright, here is the doubleneck in action!


Using the 6-string bass neck, I think just the neck pickup, through my relatively new Tech21 Geddy Lee MP40 SansAmp and my 20-year old Moog/Big Briar MF-104 analog delay. The other synth stuff is listed in the description.

This is the first recording I have done with the doubleneck in quite a while. It was nice to tune it up and jam with it a bit! The synth background stuff is something I've been working on for almost a year now - I have had a vision of creating backgrounds and atmospheres to showcase my basses - it's a dream I've had for almost 20 years, so glad it's finally coming to fruition!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: pauldo on June 09, 2022, 06:19:14 PM
😎👍🏽
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: welovecats on June 09, 2022, 07:10:58 PM
Harry, that’s totally cool, love it! And sounds awesome.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: gearhed289 on June 13, 2022, 07:48:25 AM
Cool stuff as usual Harry! I need to catch up on some of your vids. I think I've been falling behind.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on June 13, 2022, 08:05:42 PM
Cool stuff as usual Harry! I need to catch up on some of your vids. I think I've been falling behind.
I've been experimenting a lot, this is one of the more realized things, though I'm already working on a new mix - might even call in the big guns - SF-2...
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on June 17, 2022, 12:22:12 PM
So I remixed and formally released this piece as a single on Bandcamp:

https://hieronymous7.bandcamp.com/album/stone-stair-drone (https://hieronymous7.bandcamp.com/album/stone-stair-drone)

Audio version also on Soundcloud:




And video on YouTube (with the new audio mix):

Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: lbpesq on June 17, 2022, 03:41:46 PM
Sounds great, Harry.  Very atmospheric.   Where, I assume on the Bay, did you shoot the video?

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on June 17, 2022, 09:10:34 PM
Richmond!
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on June 24, 2022, 10:04:23 AM
I made a video introducing the doubleneck:


Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: lbpesq on June 24, 2022, 11:15:08 AM
Great video, Harry!  My 12 String is eagerly awaiting the first royalty check for its appearance in the vid.

hehehehe

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: hieronymous on June 25, 2022, 10:22:05 AM
Great video, Harry!  My 12 String is eagerly awaiting the first royalty check for its appearance in the vid.

hehehehe

Bill, tgo

Sounds good! Unfortunately, I can only pay you in views and likes.
Title: Re: 1975 Series I doubleneck
Post by: lbpesq on June 25, 2022, 03:47:55 PM
Hey, that’s almost as good as bitcoin these days!

Bill, tgo