Author Topic: Famous Alembics (Read 141 times)

57basstra · « **on:** May 28, 2009, 05:22:13 PM »

Recently we have had lively discussions about the merit of new versus old instruments. We have talked about the Jaco Pastorius fretless 1962 Fender Jazz. Other famous non-Alembic instruments are discussed regularly.

What would be considered to be famous Alembic instruments? I am not asking for the most famous or the most desirable; but, what are some y?all consider to be famous, infamous, desirable? I have a few to start off the discussion: how about Carlos Alomar's Alembic Guitar? It is an original 1975 standard point Alembic guitar once owned and regularly played by Alomar, David Bowie? s guitarist/bandleader/songwriting partner. (It has been up for auction in recent years at prices in excess of $15,000, if my memory serves me correctly. It also has distinctive and prominent playing scars.) It was played on some of Bowie?s most distinctive songs.

Another: I am always awed when pics of Keavin?s 1972 serial #12 Series bass are posted. What an iconic instrument!
Then there is the Johnny Winter Alembic guitar.
Others?.?

811952 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 28, 2009, 06:18:57 PM »

David Hood's Series I long scale point.

bassman10096 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 28, 2009, 07:33:01 PM »

Jack's #1 and Phil Lesh's Osage Orange bodied Alembic. Plus, for each (if you were to count Alembic mods), several Alembic-modified Starfires plus an Alembicized EBO for Phil. I'd also rank Stanley's original Brown Bass high on the list.

gregduboc · « **Reply #3 on:** May 28, 2009, 08:12:50 PM »

I guess Greg Lake's 8 String Scorpion is worth mentioning...

Greg (not Lake....)

lbpesq · « **Reply #4 on:** May 28, 2009, 08:32:06 PM »

Phil's Godfather.

Bill, tgo

FC Bass · « **Reply #5 on:** May 28, 2009, 08:58:29 PM »

Jason Newsted: Click here

Cliff Burton: Click here

(Message edited by fc_spoiler on May 29, 2009)

lidon2001 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 28, 2009, 09:11:05 PM »

Quick look through the Artist's and their Alembics in the Showcase section should give you the best answers.

Chuck Panozzo's Scorpion with Gaboon Ebony top always caught my attention. Stanley, of course, along with John McVie, John Judge and the RotoSound ad, JE's Spyders come to mind.

Not famous, but a bassist for a local Milwaukee bar band that always used to pack them in back in the day, Arroyo, played one and the bass always caught my eye. You can catch a glimpse of it at the beginning and near the end of this video.

(Message edited by lidon2001 on May 28, 2009)

serialnumber12 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 29, 2009, 10:50:48 AM »

this is my favorite!

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 29, 2009, 10:57:28 AM »

mine too
Mike

precarius · « **Reply #9 on:** May 29, 2009, 12:51:29 PM »

How about John Paul Jones Triple Omega?

jacko · « **Reply #10 on:** June 01, 2009, 07:16:35 AM »

JPJ's triple'O' isn't an Alembic but was made by an Alembic employee, Bruce Becvar. Have a read through the showcase thread and the threads dave Houck links to from there for more info.

Graeme

musashi · « **Reply #11 on:** June 02, 2009, 12:10:11 PM »

Check out Robbie Gordon's LSB:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc4LvadyXCc&feature=related