Author Topic: Finally, the pics of my first Alembic, a 77 series 1 long scale guitar (Read 578 times)

hendixclarke · « **Reply #30 on:** July 04, 2008, 11:58:00 AM »

WHO cares what Alembic think... It's bought and paid for... They would just make another one -- just like that.

Objects are replaceable, people are not. You just don't get it.

I am sorry I bought up the whole thing, I keep forgetting to stay simple on issues.

Foget I bought it up...

Happy 4th of July! yeah! Hot Dogs! Hambergers Yeah! and Catsup is red, and Mustard is yellow -- YEAH BABY!

Peace--

lbpesq · « **Reply #31 on:** July 04, 2008, 12:16:35 PM »

Hal wrote: some people spend millions on a painting once in their lifetime

Yeah, that's the ticket. Go out and spend $100,000,000 on a Van Gogh and then BURN IT! WOW! The ultimate sacrifice! I mean, what good is a piece of art, be it a painting or an instrument, if it's still around for people to appreciate? Trash Monet's Water Lillies before anyone else can see it. Throw that custom Alembic in a chipper and grind it to sawdust before anyone gets another chance to hear someone like Stanley Clarke ever play it again! Hey, how about cutting out the middle-man - just empty out your bank account and flush it down the toilet - WHAT A SACRIFICE!!!! Wouldn't that be cool? Who's going first?

A great fourth to everyone. Go Joey Chestnut! (hey, how about an Alembic eating contest? hehehehe)

Bill, tgo

(Message edited by lbpesq on July 04, 2008)

(Message edited by lbpesq on July 04, 2008)

hendixclarke · « **Reply #32 on:** July 04, 2008, 08:58:27 PM »

Only someone like Stanley Clarke or Stanley Clarke (himself) is qualified to burn and smash an Alembic bass and get away with it...

Stanley is a Shaman, a Master, a Guru, and a human being who's worth more than a trillion Alembics.

Killing one, would be liberating.

Bill, I don't think I would ever suggest you or anyone else (for that matter) to smash an Alembic. Again, this is my opinion when it comes to Stanley Clarke, not you... Not that you are not worthy, but I think Stanley is...

If Stanley were to bust up his Alembic on stage, many people would be shocked, and possibly yourself.

The shocker, the better!

I would love to see people cringe in shock as they did when Jimi ripped and burned his Fender in Monterey. My mother loved it, it was a very spritual think than people profited in so many ways.

I think it is time for Stanley to do the same. He was qualified years ago, and I hope he does it soon. I want to see the legendary act of Alembic martyrdom like the Fender Martydom Jimi left us.

I'll tell you what... I would even give away my Alembic for Stanley to burn and smash. In return, in broken pieces, my Alembic it would be worth more than any Alembic ever made -- even more valuable than the Dragon Breath.

You know why?

Because Stanley did it... not you, not me... Stanley!

Like I said, the Fender Jimi burned and smashed is now priceless, and under tight security in Washington.

In fact, the lucky owner of this broken Fender relic of Jimi Hendrix, belongs to Billionaire Paul Allen.

Why?

Because it is art. The act, was also an art -- and it launched Jimi's career to the heavens.

Think on this, but not too hard or you will miss that heavenly glory... As Bruce Lee would say...

Why is Bruce Lee in this?

For starters, Bruce Lee and Jimi Hendrix share the same birthday, and secondly, he also broken the rules of another art-form -- called Kung Fu.

You just don't get it Bill, but you are still cool with me anayway...

Peace-

82daion · « **Reply #33 on:** July 04, 2008, 11:29:44 PM »

I could destroy my bass right now and get away with it. So could Stanley. So what? I wouldn't be shocked to see him do it, and I certainly wouldn't want to be left holding the bill in either case. There's not some deity in Santa Rosa making judgments on who's worthy to play Alembics, much less do stupid things with them.

Guitar-smashing is about as cliched an act as it gets these days, in regards to showmanship. Light it on fire? Nothing special. It was fresh and inspiring when Hendrix and Townshend did it. Let's leave it that way. The power of the act has been diluted too much by its overuse.

Alembics, it seems to me, were built first and foremost for players-they're one of the most effective tools for getting your musical message across. So why destroy one and deprive a player (could be you, could be anybody) of the chance to use it? It might be worth a lot to you if Stanley smashed your bass, Hal, but it would be a pointless act that deprived someone of the chance to keep playing what is, I'm sure a fine instrument. Like I said in the other thread, Hendrix lighting his guitar on fire was one of the defining moments of the time and for the culture surrounding it. Stanley Clarke never had and never will have the place in culture that Hendrix had, so the act of smashing a bass, instead of defining a moment in history, would probably just baffle a bunch of jazz fans.

Clarke's playing speaks loudly enough for itself. There's no need for him to destroy his tools to get his message across.

Sam, your guitar is beautiful. Play it in good health. I'm sorry your thread's been cluttered up with this strange argument.

(Message edited by 82Daion on July 04, 2008)

hendixclarke · « **Reply #34 on:** July 05, 2008, 10:12:43 AM »

Now, I can understand why there is so much confusion in the world.

As Willie Wonka said:

We are the music-makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.

In other words, Human Beings are more valuable than any thing, and we are the masters, not our versions of objects, or versions of music.

A mother's love, a father's smile, a baby sister's/brother's hug, a person who see's another with aged eyes from many years in absences -- means more than any sound made from a string and shiny wood carving.

Some people go too far with materials things. It's a serious vice for people, and I don't think my mere words would make a difference anyway for those who put objects before themselves for validation.

I was just sharing my thoughts -- as a free soul, and a point of view (That's all).

A soul that may be torn from materials, are worse than anything in pristine condition.

Alembics are not above getting smashed no more than a Fender.

Also, if you think this is about smashing an Alembic, you are wrong. It's about smashing any object you might honor more than yourself.

You are attacking me, when I honor and say you are greater than any Alembic... [You own it], ...don't let it own you!

Peace--

elwoodblue · « **Reply #35 on:** July 05, 2008, 02:34:05 PM »

(hal, let's keep this thread sam-centric...I'll watch the other one for your input.)

Sam...the reason I was asking about string gauges is because I have seen alot of instruments with the intonation out which is a shame because that makes such a huge difference on the playability, and ear fatigue....I figure you're a very savvy musician given your choice of equipment.
...so I am hoping to learn a little about identifying intonation visually from your response.
Are you using a heavy gauge set for your guitar or a custom set?

thanks kindly,
kris

hendixclarke · « **Reply #36 on:** July 05, 2008, 07:39:11 PM »

Ok,

Sam, take it from an old fart like me -- Own the Alembic, don't let it own you...

You have the the 8th wonders of the music world, therefore, enjoy it man. Sorry to go off on another grove, but its all about music and it takes you to different area, but as long as you come back to the groove, it's all right.

You have a looker and I am sure she's sweet as suger and light as cotton candy and please don't hurt her, I was only making a point of art.

If I see any video with your guitar in mind, I will shoot them to you, or post them here with my fellow Alembicans.

It's all good baby, it's all good!

elwoodblue · « **Reply #37 on:** July 05, 2008, 08:39:36 PM »

Hal , you da man!!
take care

hendixclarke · « **Reply #38 on:** July 05, 2008, 09:31:17 PM »

Yo-Yo,

you too Elwoodblue. Stay cool man!

sjhoffma · « **Reply #39 on:** July 06, 2008, 04:41:59 PM »

Sorry for the lack of response, I havn't had internet access, just moving into my new place in Burlington Vermont. I have 10-46 gauge strings on it. The intonation seems fine, but I am considering experimenting with a different gauge, if you have any recommendations. I for one, would not set this thing on fire, unless I had the funds to get a new one on the spot. I've spent the past 19 years alembicless, i wouldnt wanna go there again.

elwoodblue · « **Reply #40 on:** July 06, 2008, 09:59:25 PM »

A strobe tuner would indicate if it was out, I use 9-42's ernie balls on most my guitars and there is always a sort of zigzag to the saddles...when I learned how to intonate my instruments my musical world was reborn.
...its amazing how a turn of the screw can open up worlds of delight.
..keep us posted.
best regards