Alembic Club

[mike1762]

Just wanted to comment on what a great community we have here.  I've never met any of you, but I feel like I know you.  I don't know how many of you are members of other user forums, but they can quickly get very ugly and personal (Lord help you if you have a complaint about the latest product from Line6).  Everyone here loves all things Alembic, but it's great that we are able to openly/freely discuss the pros/cons of various issues.

[funkyjazzjunky]

We also have a fantastic Moderator in Dave Houck and wonderful Host in Mica and the rest of the Alembic family.

[artswork99]

I couldn't agree more.  This is the only online community that I am involved in and I have been working in the environment since 1995.  I have been fortunate with the opportunity to talk and meet a few of the members and hope that this relationship brings more meetings of the same in the future.
 
The Alembic craftsmanship has joined people in a most unusual way!  Thanks!

[white_cloud]

And most of us wield the best bass brand on the planet...
 
Alembic=Excalibur!
 
John.

[artswork99]

The people you mention are certainly the reason we can gather here in this manner (i.e.; a civil gathering)  
Kudos to all involved with managing Alembic and this forum.

[811952]

You're all great folks, regardless of what you play, how you vote or whether or not you go to church.  This really is a unique forum in that regard.
 
I frequent advrider.com as well, and it is an interesting study in (somewhat) anonymous personal interaction.  The main forums (Ride Reports, etcetera) are exceptionally civil and positive, but there is a not-so-obvious section of the site where the same people who are dropping everything to help each other (and strangers) out just absolutely can be vicious to one another.  Often people are viciously attacking each other while concurrently helping the exact same folks rebuild bikes, relationships or whatever and being incredibly compassionate and understanding!    
 
I believe it comes from both being somewhat narrow interests about which we are all very passionate, and that passion is stronger than any hate.  I wouldn't want to see either site change.
 
I've only met Chris (82daion) so far (unless you count me meeting Susan briefly at Namm in '81), and do honestly look forward to meeting more of you folks at some point in the not-too-distant future..
 
John

[terryc]

I am not a member of any other forum because this place is the best and everyone here helps each other.
davehouck keeps everything running smoothly when heated discussions appear - and they do appear but he smooths them over like confectioner icing a cake!!!
Talking of help can some one respond to my question in the  Owning an Alembic - Troubleshooter section - it's the thread about the Peavey amp making noises on power up.
I should have put it here really as it is not an Alembic product!!
Thanks

[jacko]

I can only agree with what everyone has already said. this is easily the best forum I frequent - some others seem to be designed so that angry people can vent their spleen. I come here for peaceful discussions with adults (even Anarchyx seems more adult than some of the contributors to my other subscriptions).
I've been lucky to have met at least a dozen club members (mostly in the Uk but I've met Bracheen too) and they've all been just as 'cool' in real life as they are on here.
 
Graeme

[3rd_ray]

Same here... I'm not much into blogs or forums, but I like this one. The only other forum I go to is Carvin, and I write even less there than I do here.  
 
There are a lot of people here who know what they're talking about. So I've learned a lot about a lot of things. There are also a lot of people here whose opinion I respect, but Mica stands out for me. She grew up Alembic. While I was dreaming about owning an Alembic for all those years, she was living it - and it shows in how much she knows about making great instruments.  
 
As other people have written, there's a lot about this forum that's cool, but another one of my favorites is the pictures. I can't get enough  
 
Mike

[daveski]

Can't agree more,with everything said,it's a great place for all things Alembic and what's more it is an absolute goldmine of advice, information and general pleasentries on various topics for a relative novice like me!
 
I also think it's great that Mica and co at the source post so much as when info is needed it can't get any  better than that! I for one appreciate it so much as they are busy,busy people.....SUPERB!!!

[senmen]

Guys,
well said.  
And for me, this is the ONLY forum where I stay for many years now and I am happy to be in here. With most forums I get tired of them after a short time or due to stupid people in there...
But here, this is my home!
 
Oliver (Spyderman)

[manrado]

greetings, all.  this is my first time here under this moniker.  my previous profile had long since been suspended due to lack of use.
 
but anyhoo, i'm looking to refurbish my 1987 California Special.  i'm going to do a superficial cosmetic refurbish, i.e. clean and polish all of the wood and metal surfaces.  i'm also replacing my old Kahler tremelo, which had become corroded over the years, with a fixed brigde Kahler system.  
 
but my question is this, about how much would a full refurbish cost?  i'm talking the whole nine yards like refinishing the body and replacing the pickups...
 
here's a link to a photo album of my Alembic in its current state.  upon viewing it, please resist the urge to shoot me.  mind you, this guitar has provided my many years of flawless service.  but the wear and tear surely shows.  
 
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=61800&l=63e3b&id=530733941
 
(Message edited by manrado on October 22, 2008)

[funkyjazzjunky]

Welcome back to the forum

[lbpesq]

Jed:
 
Welcome back.  Sweet looking guitar - seems to be in much better shape than your description led me to believe.  Just out of curiosity, why do you want to replace the pickups?  
 
Bill, the guitar one

[David Houck]

Hi Jed; I agree with Bill, it's a very nice example of a California Special.  The pictures indicate a really nice Bird's Eye Maple top.  Refinishes are not inexpensive, but for that top it might be worth it.  You could get a satin finish on the neck and it would be better than new.
 
And if you are looking at having Alembic do a refinish, then have them do the new bridge as well.  A non-Alembic bridge would, in my opinion, reduce the value of an otherwise very nice CA Special.  The standard Alembic bridge is a very well thought-out design, and you could have them set it in a brass bridge block for increased sustain.
 
I don't know the costs, but I'm pretty sure the cost of a refinish varies depending on the instrument and the amount of work that needs to be done.  Thus, you would need to call the office and speak with Mica.