"Kuon Orthros" - 1-of-a-kind Alembic Double Neck Bass/Guitar

[gerarddem]

Hi all:
I am selling a unique instrument (for all you collectors out there). Unless someone knows better, I believe it to be the only 4-string bass/6-string guitar double neck every created by Alembic. The instrument was built in 1980. It was nicknamed Kuon Orthros by my bandmates back then (2-headed mythical monster).
 
I only used the instrument for two performances back in 1980 in New York City and then placed it in its original custom road-case (supplied by Alembic) where it has remained in secure storage for the last 30 years.
 
If you are wondering why I'm deciding to sell it now, after 30 years - I've been fighting a battle with cancer and the effects of the radiation, loss of my job and trying to keep my home, for the sake of my wife and 4 kids. No sob story - I am and will continue to win my battles, but I can no longer afford the luxury of owning this unique instrument.
 
It's in excellent condition - some scratches on the back plate. The bass headstock has my initials beautifully engraved in it G de M (the guitar headstock has the circa 1980 Alembic emblem). I no longer own the black box or the Alembic preamp that I used with K-O. I do think I can throw in the 5-pin cable though.
 
I'm waiting for the build sheet/history and to verify if it indeed is the only bass/guitar Alembic double neck in existence.
 
I have attached some photos below.
 
Please contact me if you are interested at: gerard@demarigny.us.
 
Thank you!
Peace,
g

[gerarddem]

Kuon Orthros - Only 4-string bass/6-string guitar double neck ever created by Alembic - circa 1980 (back)

[gerarddem]

Kuon Orthros - Only 4-string bass/6-string guitar double neck ever created by Alembic - circa 1980 (headstocks with my initials on bass headstock & Alembic emblem on guitar headstock)

[bluplirst]

Dibs!

[gerarddem]

My boys saw your comment Dan and said, we love Dibs! They mean the ice cream treats. haha!

[dwmark]

Are they both Series electronics (with the dummy pickup in the body)?

[gerarddem]

Not sure David - the instrument is still in storage (expect to pull it out by this weekend) and haven't received the build sheet from Alembic yet. I b0ught it 30 years ago and only played it a handful of times, so I don't recall. Will let you know on this thread as soon as I do. Thanks!

[bsee]

Interesting question. It looks like a single set of Series electronics. That means there has to be some switch that activates one pair of pickups or the other. They'd need to have a dummy somewhere for that to work, and it seems unlikely that they could use one of the pickups on the inactive neck in that role. Even then, Ron's job balancing this instrument must have been interesting if he had to balance one set of electronics for two separate sets of pickups.

[gerarddem]

Thanks for weighing in Bob, much appreciated!

[gerarddem]

A closeup of K-O's body.

[gerarddem]

Here's a photo that Eiji found in the History section of the site. Apparently K-O used to be considered the Missing Link at Alembic ...the Prodigal Son that has come home! Photo must have been taken at Alembic right after K-O was born in 1980!

[gerarddem]

I'm still waiting for the build sheet.

[garth4664]

Hello Gerard,
 
My guess looking at the back side picture of your instrument is that you have one PF-6 card in the back which essentially means that the guitar and bass share the same set of Series 1 electronics. There seem to be some additional balancing trim adjusters toward the neck end of the backplate, but I don't think there is enough room for another PF-6 card there.
 
Either way this is a beautiful and historically significant instrument - I wish I could justify buying it from you and wish you the best of luck with the sale.  This needs to go to a serious rock star.

[gerarddem]

Garth! I sincerely appreciate your taking the time to take a close look at K-O. I think you are exactly correct about the electronics.
 
Thank you also for your very kind words about K-O's significance. I agree with you. Being the only one of its kind makes it extra special but being that and an Alembic makes K-O and extraordinary instrument.
 
I'm melancholy about the prospect of selling beastie.
 
Peace,
g

[artswork99]

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/msg/1779931414.html
 
Gerard, Good luck with your sale of this beauty!