Author Topic: This Alembic "Activator" (Read 243 times)

hasenobu · « **on:** November 22, 2010, 06:19:13 AM »

Hello. Greetings from Japan. I'm a new member here. In fact, I know almost nothing about Alembic guitars/basses except that they are exceptionally splendid instruments.

Anyway, I have a question. While browsing an auction site, I came across a seemingly Alembic guitar shown below:
http://www.geocities.co.jp/ar_lovers_room/Alembic/01.jpg
http://www.geocities.co.jp/ar_lovers_room/Alembic/02.jpg
http://www.geocities.co.jp/ar_lovers_room/Alembic/0.jpg

As I wrote, since I'm completely ignorant of Alembic guitars, I can't even discern whether this one is a genuine Alembic or just a fake one.

Will someone of you tell me about this guitar? If it really is an Alembic, when was it made? How much was it, and so on? Or, is there any good information source for the guitar anywhere?

I'm so sorry for bothering you, and thanks in advance.

(Message edited by HASENOBU on November 22, 2010)

hasenobu · « **Reply #1 on:** November 22, 2010, 06:21:46 AM »

Oh, sorry! I made a mistake in copying the URL.
The third picture is here:
http://www.geocities.co.jp/ar_lovers_room/Alembic/03.jpg

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #2 on:** November 22, 2010, 06:28:15 AM »

Hello,

This guitar was not built by Alembic. However, it does look as though somebody has placed Alembic electronics in the guitar. Alembic licensed their name to a Japanese manufacturer for a short time, and they produced some bolt neck guitars. However, none of them were stratocaster clones, and they look radically different from this instrument. There are many people who have modified their Fender stratocasters to include Alembic guts, and I suspect that this is the case here. The decal on the headstock is interesting, as I don't recall having seen another like it during my time here at the forum. If the Alembic electronics are intact, this could still be a really nice guitar. In order to tell for sure a shot of the control cavity would be necessary.

Here's a link to another strat that was modified to include Alembic electronics: http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/24402.html?1250858623

(Message edited by hydrargyrum on November 22, 2010)

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #3 on:** November 22, 2010, 06:43:43 AM »

I've been thinking about the logo; as you say know little about Alembic, Hasenobu, Activators is the name Alembic gives their replacement electronics. The only thing I can come up with is that the label was on the wrapping (never seen a box, so I don't know) and the person doing the modifcation cut it out & glued it to the headstock.

Peter

hasenobu · « **Reply #4 on:** November 22, 2010, 06:44:13 AM »

Thank you, Hydrargyrum!!

My impression has long been that Alembic guitars are full of originality in their guitar making, so I felt something fishy about the guitar shown above.

I do appreciate your prompt response!

hasenobu · « **Reply #5 on:** November 22, 2010, 06:48:09 AM »

Oh, I see! Thanks for the information, Cozmic Cowboy!! I think your guess must be correct.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #6 on:** November 22, 2010, 06:50:40 AM »

I am one of those people who have modified a strat to include alembic activators and found them to be a fantastic upgrade although I have not managed to find success using it with overdrive /distortion pedal. But I guess that again is a personal taste.
If it's a guitar you like and the alembic innards are genuine it is a good compromise and a way to get a feel of the alembic guitar sound.

Jazzyvee

David Houck · « **Reply #7 on:** November 22, 2010, 06:57:00 AM »

Nagatani Nobuo; welcome to the Alembic club! There is much information here on our board about Alembic guitars; and yes, you are right, Alembic guitars are very original and of extremely high quality. Enjoy!

hasenobu · « **Reply #8 on:** November 22, 2010, 07:03:22 AM »

I see what you mean, Jazzyvee. Thank you very much for your suggestion. The seller is asking for JPY 58,000 (approx. = US$ 725) for the guitar. Suppose the electronics are genuine replacement, what do you say? Do you think it is a bargain?

hasenobu · « **Reply #9 on:** November 22, 2010, 07:11:33 AM »

What a heartwarming welcome! I feel very much honored to receive a message from the moderator! Thank you very much, Davehouck.
To tell you the truth, Alembic guitars/basses were (and, still are) extremely expensive, to the extent that I never dreamed of purchasing one.... But, I'm starting to get the guitar in question just to enjoy a feel of the Alembic guitar sound, as Jazzyvee kindly suggested.

(Message edited by HASENOBU on November 22, 2010)

room037 · « **Reply #10 on:** November 22, 2010, 07:30:04 AM »

Hi Nobuo,

I am also a member of Alembic Fan Club in Japan.

The distributor Rokkomann produced Alembic Japan that we know headless bolt on neck.
They also produced Fender type Bass and Guitar with activator, the brand name is Frisco.
Of course these instruments were not build by Alembic.
There are the brochures on Rokkomann's site.

I think the guitar was made by Rokkomann as Frisco.

Eiji

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #11 on:** November 22, 2010, 07:39:31 AM »

Alembic electronics can be rather expensive. If the guitar is in good playable shape, then this might not be a bad deal.

Jazzyvee: Have you ever tried a Zvex Mastotron? They are designed to be compatible with active electronics. I've never tried one, but I have heard good reviews.

hasenobu · « **Reply #12 on:** November 22, 2010, 07:45:09 AM »

Hello, Eiji-san.
Thank you for the link.
After I checked the site you mentioned, I still believe that guitar is not a Frisco guitar, judging from their specifications. As Jazzyvee noted, this particular one seems to be a modded guitar.
Thanks, anyway.

David Houck · « **Reply #13 on:** November 22, 2010, 10:31:41 AM »

As others mentioned above, if the entire electronics package is Alembic, then it's probably a good deal if the guitar itself plays well. However, if only the pickups are Alembic, and the other electronics are not, then it might not be the best way to go.