Author Topic: California Special on eBay (Read 540 times)

gkweston · « **on:** March 17, 2009, 07:38:01 PM »

http://cgi.ebay.com/Alembic-California-Special-Electric-Guitar-w-case_W0QQitemZ370174798436QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item370174798436&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

I don't know much about them but if there's anyone who's been itching for one.

elwoodblue · « **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2009, 07:49:58 PM »

interesting...first Alembic I've seen with a floyd rose.

David Houck · « **Reply #2 on:** March 18, 2009, 08:15:36 AM »

Very nice!!

No reserve.

altgrendel · « **Reply #3 on:** March 18, 2009, 08:39:41 AM »

I think the controls description is wrong.

Controls; vol, pan, low-pass filter with q switch, individual on-off switches for pickups

I don't see that in the photos.

barryr1 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 18, 2009, 09:21:40 AM »

Do you think that the floyd rose is original

bsee · « **Reply #5 on:** March 18, 2009, 09:29:38 AM »

Yes, Barry.

Controls look like vol/filter/5-way.

-bob

lbpesq · « **Reply #6 on:** March 18, 2009, 12:23:58 PM »

The description also states it has a graphite nut. That certainly isn't stock, and while graphite may arguably be an upgrade, I wouldn't trade it for losing the adjustability of the Alembic standard nut. And I HATE it when the photos only show small parts of the guitar - not a single photo of the whole instrument. Makes me think of the old story of the blind men and the elephant. Also makes me worry the seller is trying to hide something.

Bill, tgo

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #7 on:** March 18, 2009, 12:40:52 PM »

Wouldn't these electronic specs actually place it closer to being a spectrum (although the body shape is clearly a California Special)? Does this get back into that vague ground of what exactly constitutes any particular model?

keith_h · « **Reply #8 on:** March 18, 2009, 01:50:37 PM »

From my dealings with Chuck Levins Music I have found them to be reputable. I am sure they would provide more pictures and be willing to talk over the phone.

Keith

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #9 on:** March 18, 2009, 02:32:32 PM »

Just for the heck of it I emailed the seller to let them know about the potential electronics discrepancy. I also mentioned this thread, so who knows, maybe someone will post regarding this guitar.

David Houck · « **Reply #10 on:** March 18, 2009, 03:23:57 PM »

The controls description was lifted off the Alembic product page for the California Special; other California Specials have had the the Strat-type switch.

And the California Special is the only Alembic that comes standard with a trem bar. So I feel certain this is indeed a California Special.

dannobasso · « **Reply #11 on:** March 18, 2009, 07:33:03 PM »

I too have dealt with Washington Music and Brian handled a few custom builds for me and I also bought a MM Petrucci 7 from them. Great people, great store and I trust them whole heartedly. The CS also had a Kahler option (my personal choice)/ Beautiful axe. I'm sorely tempted.

jalevinemd · « **Reply #12 on:** March 18, 2009, 08:49:51 PM »

Why would Alembic not have used an original Floyd Rose?

bluplirst · « **Reply #13 on:** March 18, 2009, 11:03:14 PM »

Schaller actually makes the original Floyd, which is pretty much identical to this one. Maybe Original Floyds weren't in production at that time.

lbpesq · « **Reply #14 on:** March 19, 2009, 07:49:55 AM »

Well, I put in the opening bid. I couldn't stand to see this beauty sitting there, all alone, with no one bidding. :-(

Bill, tgo