Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Showcase => Series I Basses and Guitars => Topic started by: jazzyvee on May 22, 2009, 07:47:46 AM
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Enter the Dragon Magic.
I saw the thread on the forum about Dragon Magic being up for sale and since I was so taken with this guitar since it graced the Featured Custom in 2002 I had to check it out.
It seems amazing that it was only very recently I got down to considering having a custom guitar or bass for my 50th birthday next year using the dragon magic as the starting point for my dream.
So when the guitar came up for sale I became tormented about whether or not I should go for this one since it is very close to what I want or wait till next year and have one made from scratch.
Then looking at the pricing of a new custom based on a series instrument it was clear that the cost would be a limiting factor in the whole idea. Having a new non series instrument would still be a costly exercise especially as I would definitely want coco bolo at least on the top. So it really was a case of Enter the Dragon Magic as it is so close to what I want in an Alembic that I guessed it would be fine.
So I rang up Jim at GuitarRez and he told me all about her, I then spoke to Susan at Alembic who was quite enthusiastic about the guitar and wished me all the best with it. I slept on it.... well hardly slept a wink that night. Then woke up in the morning and emailed the store to confirm my wish to buy it.
He then told me that I was almost beaten to the post as another buyer called just after he'd emailed me back to say it was mine.
I got the money over to him this Tuesday and it was posted the same day and amazingly the guitar arrived this morning at 9:35am. The guitar is nothing short of beautiful, the photo's don't even begin to show the quality of it.
I'm happy with the look feel and weight of it. I have not plugged it in yet but when I picked it up and caressed the neck I echoed what Clarkee said on delivery of his Dragons Breath...'this is my neck'
Anyway here are some fast pics but once I get a bit of time at the weekend I will add some more.
(http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/65483.jpg)
(http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/65484.jpg)
(http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/65485.jpg)
(http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/65486.jpg)
In case you want to check out the details of her. Here she is, as described by Alembic.
http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_dragonmagic.html (http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_dragonmagic.html)
Yes I know my lawn needs cutting but my excuse is that it's been raining too much lately.....
Anyway I will let you know what she sounds like. I have to find the thread about how to change the psu to 240v instead of 110.
Catch you later
Jazzyvee
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Happy 49th then! What a distinctive beauty.
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Congrats JV. That is a beautiful instrument. I hope to one day add a Series guitar to my collection too.
Bravo Brother, Bravo,
OO
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Glad she turned up ok Jazzy. I hope you weren't stung too much with the taxes. It's been hard for me keeping my mouth shut about this one, - it's very exciting having an instrument of this standard in the country. Make sure you get some northern gigs so I can see her in person;-)
Graeme
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Jazzyvee:
Congrats! As I described in the thread about the Dragon being on sale, I also feel a connection to this instrument. It's good to know it now resides with someone who can truly appreciate it. So Happy Birthday to you indeed! Now go make some beautiful music together.
Bill, tgo
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Jacko, my friend.... are you sitting comfortably, then I'll begin...
Duty & Vat came to ?950.00
I did appeal to the Customs and Excise man on the basis that I objected to my taxes being used to fund MP's Duck pond houses, decorating stables, cleaning swimming pools etc. Although he could understand my situation. He still insisted taxes must be paid. If I was faster thinking. I could have had a weekend in Texas collected it, bought a flight case for it and taken it home myself for less than that.
Anyway for anyone else thinking importing an alembic. He did tell me that, tax paid is based on the valuation declared on the customs forms by the sender. Whether it is new or second hand has no bearing. Even people having antiques will be charged duty.
I dread to think how much the charge would have been if the replacement value was stated on the customs form.
Jazzyvee
(Message edited by jazzyvee on May 22, 2009)
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Jazzy,
congrats to this stunning beauty!!
This is really awesome.
Oliver (Spyderman)
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Daaaaaaaaaaaaam!
She's beautiful. What a Birthday Jazz!
That Dragon on the Series I, Icing on the cake.
This guitar will always live in my heart. Thanks for showing it... H-Bday Jazzy!
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This is such a great looking guitar!! The shape, the wood etc. . again such a complete instrument. I wish you many joyful moments with it.
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OMG! That is a gorgeous guitar! Happy Birthday! It's a good year for birthday Alembics
(I use the same excuse for not mowing)
Sam
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Extremely nice, congrats!
Such a beauty and it seems like it's made to fit your hands, it can't get any better. :-)
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Absolutely beautiful! Congratulations Jazzyvee!
Play it Healthy!
Art
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congratulations and happy playin'!
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Wow Jazzy,
What a stunning beauty!
Play it in good health!
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Congratulations!
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Thanks for the good wishes guys but It's an early birthday present, my birthday is not till next year.
Jazzyvee
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Beautiful Jazzy!!!
Enjoy her.
George
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It would take a pretty amazing top to make that inlay seem secondary - and this guitar has it! Let us know how she plays, JV.
Peter
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Many congrats, Jazzyvee - that really is one of the most breathtaking guitars I've ever seen! Simply gorgeous - you must be very proud.
Happy birthday!
Karl
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What is the point of living, if you can't fine the smallest twinkle or shadows of hope and inspiration.
This is what this guitar is to me. It is something to behold, forever. That is one of very few prize possessions one thinks about everyday, to remind oneself, just how very blessed you are. Everything you did which lead you to this wonderful relic of purpose, precision, and magnificent beauty has now placed in your hands to create -- continue to be inspired and inspiring to others is the successful road before you.
Jazz, when you shine, WE SHINE!
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wowee!
That would make a bassist want to play it. :-)
Absolutely stunning, I bet she sounds as good as she looks.
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That is a magnificent masterpiece!
You will no doubt be satisfied of the tones, playability and in your final decision to choose that astounding instrument!
Kudos my musical brother!
Chalie Holmes
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Congratulations Jazzy,
What a fabulous addition, and a very early Happy Birthday to you.
Mike
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Jazzy that guitar is the twin to stanley's dragon breath.
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Hi Keavin, that is exactly what I thought too.
It is quite an amazing instrument visually, yes the dragon is pretty unmissable and although it is not something I would have chosen as an option, it does add to the uniqueness and retro feel of the guitar. I can't see it when I play so I will learn to be less self conscious of it. The workmanship of it is incredible and i think it looks great. Not as in-your face as I feared either.
I still have only had a few pockets of time to play it, but hopefully I will have some more time during the next week to find some tones that I can work with. I'm used to being able to dial in familiar sounds on my strats and Orion pretty quickly and having more tonal options on the dragon will take some time.
It has taken a while to get used to working two filters on my signature bass but with bass I have a tone of reference that I like ( Stanley Clarke). Now I can get whatever tone I want pretty much on-time.
With this guitar as with my orion I have no reference sound at all as I don't know any guitarists ( famous recording artistes) that use alembics that I can listen to to see what tones i can get at all so finding an consistent ME sound on there will be quite a challenge especially with so much tonal range to study and decifer and reproduce. Getting used to the two volume controls and no master volume should be interesting change too.
Thanks for all your positive comments on this guitar. I do indeed feel fortunate to own this particular guitar and the fact it was a custom of the month makes it feel that much more unique and personal. Now all I need is to persuade Stanley to sell me that Dragons Breath bass... hahaha
Jazzyvee
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Wow!! Congrats Jazzyvee; I am very happy for you!!
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I'd route that thing out for a Floyd Rose!
Simply beautiful. Congrats!
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Hmm, I'm not a big wammy bar user even though 3 of my guitars have them on. So I'll pass on that suggestion . :-)
jazzyvee
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Here are a few pics from the my two recent gigs using my Alembic Dragon Magic Series I guitar.
With Musical Youth for USA TV One
(http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/73061.jpg)
(http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/73062.jpg)
(http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/73063.jpg)
BBC video Session.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/livesessions/apacheindian/profile/ (http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/livesessions/apacheindian/profile/)
Jazzyvee
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it's YOURS ??????? my God, the most beautiful grat I never see.... oh la vaaaache !!!!
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Yeah it is mine and it's great. I'm still getting used to the controls and the variety of sound.
Jazzyvee
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Looks like your bass player needs an Alembic Series I, as well- preferably with a Crown Headstock- then you guys would match! How cool would that be?
I just recently acquired my own Series II (6 String Bass!) Check it out under the Showcase Section, Series II, Otisduo 6 String bass.
I hope you play it for many years in good health!
Peace;)
Frank
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Frank , yes I have seen your 6 stringer. it looks a monster!!! haaha
The bass player is a great player. He often recalls with a smile about the time I let him play my SC Deluxe at a jam session, so he is keenly aware of the Alembic quality and sound.
I know he is happy with his yamaha's to be honest and he gets a great sound from them. I call him Nathan East because he's a great solid bass player and always plays the right thing in the right place, refuses to be a clone of anyone else, and is always smiling.
When I hear him play I never hear anybody else in his playing.
In fact today at sound check was the first time I'd ever seem him do any slapping and I've been in the band with him for 6 years....!!
One day there will be an opportunity for him to try my 5 string Europa and then I will see what he thinks of it.
A six string bass would be a great but personally I don't do all that twiddly stuff up the neck or chords etc so I can't really see much benefit to me in having one.... Of course.... things could change... hahaah
Jazzyvee
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Jazzyvee,
Those are great musical shots you have with your Dragon Alembic. Man, I think this is BADDEST electric guitar I ever seen in my life hands down.
What a work of pure Art and Science.
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I wish you the best with your new love, Jazzy. All the Best!
Great to see such jewell will stay around the Club... And doing some great music, too! Apache Indians rulezz, congrats!
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Nice pics Jazzy. How many of the original band are still with Musical Youth?
Related to your post 1776, look who you missed at Bass Day yesterday...
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/73097.jpg)
He flew in from LA specially to do Bass day and was flying back last night as he had a session to do. A remarkable performer, he easily had the best sound on the day - yamaha bass through an Aguilar amp. I'll post more pics and a full report in the UK get together thread.
Graeme
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Only Dennis Seaton ( Lead Singer) and Michael Grant ( keyboards) are left from the original band. Sadly the original bass player died a few years ago and the original guitarist and drummer no longer have anything to do with music.
I think someone ought to do a full length documentary about the band. I think it would open many eyes to the inner workings of how the the music business was back then and maybe still now in some respects.
Jazzyvee
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I hear you about the music business. It's a hard one. I'm taking some time off from music to go to law school and even my contracts teacher is amazed at what is (or was) considered standard procedure in the music world. It's a little different now because the record companies don't have the ability to get people to sign onerous contracts because they don't have any money or any good way to recoup. While everyone is making less, I think the end result might actually be better for musicians if we all can weather the general economic downturn. I love the idea that you don't have to go to a record company to make a record!
I'm jealous of your axe, but also your lawn! Here in Colorado, it never grows like that and feels a little decadent to even try to have one.
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When I went to law school I took copyright and entertainment law classes from a guy who had been a young lawyer working for a firm in New York in the early 60's. One day, the senior partner came to him and told him they had a new client they wanted him to handle. It was a musical group from England called the Bootles, or the Bottles, or the Beatles, or something like that. My professor retired at the age of 46, moved to San Francisco, played golf for 6 months, got bored, and wound up representing just about every S.F. era band except the Dead. He had some amazing stories about the music business and the outrageous standard procedures employed therein.
Bill, tgo
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That sounds interesting Bill.
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Jazzyvee, what color are your LED's on the Dragon?
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Hi Jester, the LED's look amber in colour.
Jazzyvee
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Bill - I sure wish I had a professor like that when I was in law school. Then again....I was more into international taxation and securities reg. which is not nearly as cool as copyright and entertainment law.
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Jazzyvee - that is one sexy guitar. Enjoy.
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Bump
I just found this the featured construction of my Dragon Magic guitar.
http://www.alembic.com/info/featured_construction2.html (http://www.alembic.com/info/featured_construction2.html)
Jazzyvee
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You & the Great Stanley clarke posess the only pair of alembic dragons!.....that's special!!!
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Is that really the case? I didn't realise the Alembic Dragons are that rare. Our dragons are different , that's for sure but it would be cool to have that connection.
Maybe we should challenge all to show The Way of the Dragon
Jazzyvee
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Does having a basses built in the year of the Dragon count?
2012 is coming!
Peace and Love,
Hal-
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Bruce Lee was Born in the year of the Dragon!
1940 (Same goes for my Father...)
1964 (and, Me too...)
Dragons are cool people too...
Peace and Love,
Hal-
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Jazzyvee
The title of your thread had been my reality
every time I entered any environment...
Peace and Love,
Hal-
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It's a lovely Guitar indeed, and it's my favorite
lead guitar so far Alembic ever made...
I am glad you own it!
Peace and Love,
Hal-
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I think that there are a few more dragons out there (no idea how many), but they are certainly something special.
The Dragon's Wing (A Fairy Tale) (http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_dragonwing.html target=_blank)
[fixed the link]
(Message edited by adriaan on July 25, 2011)
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I had a bit of a photo shoot last summer taking photo's of me with my complete stringed instrument collection in the garden.
This guitar looked good on all the pics so I thought id chose the photo where I look the most relaxed to share with you guys.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/187080.jpg)
Jazzyvee
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Great shot, Jazzyvee! And you're holding her like you'll never let her go. And I don't blame you!
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Cool pic. Love the shirt
graemelk
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where's the like button???
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where's the 'like' button???
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Great shot of your beautiful guitar Jazzyvee! She looks even better since you mowed your lawn! :-)
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Killer, killer, killer guitar - the way you're holding it says it all.
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I've Been playing her a lot this week found myself reaching for a whammy bar that isn't there. Hmmmm maybe I need to investigate a skyway.
(Message edited by Jazzyvee on September 05, 2014)
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beautiful guitar Jazz!
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my God... the most beautiful guitar I never seen... trade with my blackwodd ? hehehe
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How much more money extra will you give me for a trade. :-)
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oops
(Message edited by jazzyvee on June 08, 2015)
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My diary popped up an anniversary today which is the date that my Series I Dragon Magic guitar arrived here from Texas in 2009.
This tame dragon is relaxing with it's older siblings.
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My diary popped up an anniversary today which is the date that my Series I Dragon Magic guitar arrived here from Texas in 2009.
This tame dragon is relaxing with it's older siblings.
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Those are some nice instruments. :)
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Always in for a Dragon! Love that maple-topped Series I. :)
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It was supposed to come back to California .... hehehehe.
Just kidding of course, Jazzy! (And I’ll bet you paid a LOT more than my “winning” bid in the fraudulent eBay auction I won).
Bill, tgo
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It was supposed to come back to California .... hehehehe.
Just kidding of course, Jazzy! (And I’ll bet you paid a LOT more than my “winning” bid in the fraudulent eBay auction I won).
Bill, tgo
Yeah thankfully you found out about the fraud in time. I was fortunate that someone on this forum knew I liked that guitar, emailed me and told me it was in the GuitarRez and I called and the rest is history.
Well the most painful bit was the import duty and VAT that I had to pay before it was released at customs. I hadn't budgeted for that as I thought used instruments were not liable. A painful and expensive lesson learnt there. I've been doing some recording with it tonight.
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That's just a wonderful guitar!
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Pleass correct me if I am wrong Jazzy, but isn't the Dragon inlay just like the one in Stanley's Presentation bass?
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If anything, Mr. Clarke’s is like Jazzy’s. Dragon Magic came first!
Bill, tgo
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The dragons on our instruments are quite different. Stanley’s is more elaborate with the wings and more detail. Is is a shame that a few years after i got it i started gettind most of my gigs on bass and focussed more on that. So it doesn’t get as much playing time live or home as it should. So now i have started to do some recording I am using the more guitar for that. But it is so sensitive and playing it cleanly without any unwanted fingering noises is still a challenge. The action of fretting one or more strings and playing needs to be bang on or you hear the fretting ching quite loud then the note. More practice needed.
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Ah, I see the differences now. I went back to the front of the thread and looked at the older pictures. It really is a stunningly beautiful instrument. :)
I do know what you mean though... I used to have a little bit of game on guitar but bass has always kinda' been home. Since I started playing these Alembics I don't seem to spend as much time with my Martin guitars.
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Jazzyvee, are you using a preamp before going into the recorder, or direct in? My Series I guitar doesn’t have the string noise issue you mentioned. If using a preamp, try rolling back the treble and then adjusting for it with the guitar filters. I ran into this with my Series I Bass and did what I mentioned and it took care of the sound of the strings clanking on the frets, especially if you have the Q switches engaged. I use an F-2B preamp and all sounds well now.
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At the moment i have been using the DS-5 straight into my audio interface and filters fully open and no Q. But will try your suggestions and hear the difference. Thanks im still new at this recording game.
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Earlier this year I started a new decade with this incredible guitar. Unfortunately not too long after buying it I started getting more bass gigs than guitar gigs and so it has not been gigged much in that time. I think it is destiny with me is going to be mainly a guitar for recording with and occasional gigs especially any high profile gig I find myself playing at.
Here is a documentary about what happened to Musical Youth back when they had their big hits. It was filmed near the end of my time playing guitar in the band. This Dragon Magic guitar makes an extremely brief appearance in the video right near the end. If you blink you will miss it.
There is also a clip in there from our tour in Slovenia where I am using my strat fitted with Alembic Activators and Orion electronics.
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Jazzyvee, nice photo and beautiful guitar!
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Cool, Jazzy, thanks for sharing.
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They passed through a lot...