I wonder what the most popular alembic body shape is.

[jazzyvee]

I wonder if Alembic have statistics on which have been the most popular body shapes and models for their guitars and basses over time?
 
I can imagine certain models being more popular at certain times due to been seen in the hands of some of our favourite musicians.
 
But I wonder if there are any stats that tell us what the numbers of each model has been over time. (Brand new instruments only).
 
 
Jazzyvee

[David Houck]

Jazzyvee; I think the answer is no, Alembic does not currently have such statistical information.  If events transpire such that the index card files are converted to an electronic database, then such statistical information may be possible at that time.  In the meantime though, if you are really interested in the question, you can perhaps approximate the answer by going through all of the serial number request posts that Mica has answered, and compiling statistics of those builds.

[jack]

Yeah, Jazzy, interesting question, get on that!  I'd like an Excel spreadsheet on my desk by Monday morning.
 
For what it's worth there's a little 'history of body shapes' here:  http://www.alembic.com/family/history_bodyshapes.html
 
The Balance K seems rather popular more recently among the 'non-standard' shapes (not really sure what I mean by that- I guess the traditional Series shapes, Std point, Omega, Small Std).  I've always wondered why there aren't more scorpions though, I think that's one of the coolest bass shapes in the history of the universe.  And how many Flying V's were made?  Just JE's?
 
I'm glad you brought this up, I've never really thought about that fact that for all the influence Alembic has had on bass design, electronics, etc., the actual shape of the bass has been a big part of what sets them apart.

[eligilam]

Jack, I agree with you about the seemingly-rare Scorpion shape.  If I ever get an Alembic custom-made, it'll be with that shape for sure.  Then my imposterism of Greg Lake will be complete!

[sonicus]

If you want a Scorpion contact the Hollywood Guitar Center Vintage Dept. I played the one they had there in May of this year. it was medium scale and played just fine .Perhaps it is still there.But you would be better off , asking  ALEMBIC to make a new one _ I Think ?
 
(Message edited by sonicus on July 24, 2009)

[chrisalembic]

It seems like these days its the balance k shape that is requested the most... an yes its so beautiful.