Author Topic: CALLING ALL MEMBERS, you need to read and please reply with feedback (Read 607 times)

john_judge · « **on:** April 27, 2009, 05:21:46 PM »

Members please read, this was a discussion and go to the John Judge story for more detail, I would like to hear from as many as you as possible thanks, it goes like this, Rami was suggesting that I design another custom ultimate doubleneck Bass for the giveaway... For the record Rami I would be honored to design a Double neck for the giveaway and be present to give it to the winner, but I think it is more than right to get a majority vote from the members here first and approval from Alembic for me to do that. I think the presentation needs to be at the mothership or one of the large Alembic club gatherings. I actually have a design in mind that will blow you away including Alembic. Now as far as the giveaway, we can maybe do it 1 of 2 ways, either it goes to one of the club members from a drawing, or we can do the you tube thing and let some one battle it out or we can ask about advertising it through the mothership and see if they want to oversee it. Well we need time factor maybe a great Xmas present for someone. Well I think now this needs to be on a separate thread called the custom doubleneck giveaway so we can get some feedback about the idea and all members idea's are welcome for discussion, Well I will check post on friday again take care John

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #1 on:** April 27, 2009, 07:32:38 PM »

I like the idea of voting on Youtube for an up-and-coming musician who lacks only a quality instrument. But I also like the idea of a raffle, because I know we would all love a shot at a custom, whether we are professionals, amateurs, collectors, or otherwise. I am concerned that if such a project were to proceed, that it would be an expensive undertaking. It might be easiest to defray such costs if everyone contributes, but then I would expect more people will want a shot at owning the instrument, rather than providing a donation.

In any case, I love the idea, and will watch with anticipation.

(Message edited by hydrargyrum on April 27, 2009)

keurosix · « **Reply #2 on:** April 27, 2009, 08:23:00 PM »

One of the original ideas was for it to be a raffle ($100.00 ?) and open to club members and/or anyone who wants to pay to play. I think in all practical purposes, a single neck fretted custom (4 or 5 string?) with some really cool features (1 - ebony neck lam, LED's, a special circuit, and a special design body or inlay) would be a win-win situation. After all, a lot more people would NOT win, rather than the one prize winner - but it would be worth the gamble, right? Maybe a nice cocobolo top, and a new body style that JJ could have already dreamed up?
Very tempting!!
Kris

bsee · « **Reply #3 on:** April 27, 2009, 11:23:26 PM »

I agree that, in spite of the John Judge connection, the practical interest in a doubleneck is pretty minimal. A credit against a custom build based upon the income generated or some other instrument that might generate wider interest makes more sense. It would also bring our thin-stringed siblings into the picture. If there is excess cash, additional prizes in the form of preamps or strings might be offered as consolation prizes.

peoplechipper · « **Reply #4 on:** April 27, 2009, 11:51:41 PM »

I guess this all depends on how much John Judge is driving this bus; If he's the man, then it's gotta be his design...if it's just a raffle, it's a raffle...a doubleneck could actually force me to learn some early RUSH tunes, but my Chiropractor would hate you all if I got such a beast....Tony

bsee · « **Reply #5 on:** April 28, 2009, 01:10:40 AM »

An instrument can be progressive and uniquely designed without having two necks and a 20 lb weight. Shapes, wood selections, inlays and electronics can all be tweaked to the heart's content.

I could see going with a design that specifies all of these things without specifying the number of strings, or even if it is guitar, bass or something in between.

gregduboc · « **Reply #6 on:** April 28, 2009, 05:42:07 AM »

Where do I buy my raffle ticket??
I think the raffle is a great way to do it. It makes money available for the prize, and gives us, Alembic super-fans, a chance of getting such an exclusive and marvelous prize.
A double-neck would be one of the greatest addition to any bass collection. No doubt. But perhaps, having a single neck and a couple of other prized as well like Bob said, might look more interesting for the participants...

Greg

olieoliver · « **Reply #7 on:** April 28, 2009, 06:28:58 AM »

While I think the youtube idea would be fun I vote for the raffle. It gives everyone an equal chance.
I like the suggestion (ramis I believe) of $10 a ticket. Although I'm not sure 2000 tickets would cover the cost of a double neck Series instrument. At $10 a ticket everyone can involved as where $100 a shot may leave out some members. This way if you can afford 1 ticket or 100 tickets you can take part in the fun.

There are other things to consider on the legal aspect; Taxes ($20k+ raises an eyebrow), can it be open only to forum members, while it is a raffle it is still considered gambling and will it be legal in the host state and if so can tickets be sold in other states? These are just a few of the things that may come into play. I may ?over-concerned? about big brother sticking his nose in but I?d rather address the issues and not need to, than not address them and need to.

Anyway, where do I buy my ticket(s).

OO

lbpesq · « **Reply #8 on:** April 28, 2009, 07:08:36 AM »

4 or 5 strings? Doubleneck? I'll be watching from the sidelines unless winner gets to choose the instrument.

Bill, tgo

rami · « **Reply #9 on:** April 28, 2009, 07:17:23 AM »

A doubleneck doesn't have to be a gigantic super heavy creature. It can be based on the short-scale series I and be simple in design. One fretted and one fretless 4 string necks. I don't want to influence any design thoughts here, but just to say that it doesn't have to be too extreme. It still has to have more general appeal for playability and weight as well.

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #10 on:** April 28, 2009, 07:24:14 AM »

I like the idea of $10 a ticket. I personally just can't justify a $100 gamble. I also like Bob's suggestion that we need not necessarily adhere to the double neck idea. I like the idea of John choosing the various design elements, but leaving the final decision of whether it is to be a guitar/bass/baritone/mandolin or some combination of the four, to the final winner. How fun would it be to watch this progress in the factory to customer section?

john_judge · « **Reply #11 on:** April 28, 2009, 07:30:00 AM »

Just happen to catch some of the comments on the way out the door

gyonnii · « **Reply #12 on:** April 28, 2009, 09:12:09 AM »

I agree with Kevin but I can tell you one thing, I am not sure what design John has in mind but I have personally seen several of his drawings and I will tell you this if the choice is a double neck I know he has a lot of the weight problem solved probably by at least 10lbs off what it would be.

Some of the designs I seen are very classic and some very futuristically done and make powerful statements. John has made some beautiful things out of wood and is a large Art collector of surealism stuff such as Dali, Frazetta and Boris. One thing I can say is, what ever he creates it will be one of a kind because he has a very vivid imagination.

I remember John was one day recording a Bass track and sampled it into a keyboard to have better control over it, he was using a drum stick to hit the strings with. 6 months later he told me that he was watching Peter Gabriel live and seen Bass player Tony Levin banging these sticks taped to his finger on the strings! I told him he should of marketed some form of it. he took it a step further, but I will save that for him to show you in person.

John told me he plans to attend some Alembic gatherings. Anyway I agree with the raffle Idea. John is a really good artist for coming up with unusual stuff and practical purposes. Count me in either way, I will take 5 tickets

(Message edited by gyonnii on April 28, 2009)

57basstra · « **Reply #13 on:** April 28, 2009, 09:25:55 AM »

I'm very interested and would like to participate. I like the idea of a raffle so that everyone has a shot. I know of lots of players who have sacrificed in some areas of life to be able to have the instruments they own. If we personally know of some kind soul who needs some assistance in affording a new Alembic then we can personally buy a ticket in that person's name.

kenbass4 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 28, 2009, 10:02:36 AM »

I think it's an interesting idea, but again I think that Alembic players are as individual as the instruments, and what's one person's dream will be another's nightmare (see the cone peghead discusions) Personally, if I got a doubleneck, it would be a fretted 4-string bass and a 12-string guitar (ala Mike Rutherford), but I know that probably wouldn't be what many other's would choose. I think the best way to choose would be a random drawing to keep the chances even.

Ken (TEO)