Author Topic: Jaydee Basses - Any ties to Alembics (Read 198 times)

tsarter · « **on:** May 26, 2004, 12:45:04 AM »

After visiting their website, I was struck by how closely JayDee basses resemble Alembics- particularly their early ones. What's the story on them? I know very little about JayDees. Nice basses?

thebass · « **Reply #1 on:** May 26, 2004, 04:13:44 AM »

I recall there was a discussion a few months ago, but it might also been in another bass forum. JayDees are indeed very similar to Alembics and are are at least inspired by Alembic. I had the chance to play a Supernatural a few years ago in a local Musicshop. The sound was somewhat more percussive and had a little less sustain than my MK signature. The Supernatural weighted less than my MK which is an advantage on stage. The woodwork and craftmanship was outstanding and very Alembic-like but without copying it. I guess many Alembic fans would also love a JayDee. Mark King was their most famous endorser as far as I know which describes pretty much the typical sound.

(Message edited by thebass on May 26, 2004)

David Houck · « **Reply #2 on:** May 26, 2004, 07:33:25 AM »

They have been mentioned in a few threads. Here are a couple:

http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/2623.html

http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/7676.html

alembicuk · « **Reply #3 on:** June 08, 2004, 02:38:51 PM »

hi everyone what a great club! greetings from the uk . i'm an alembic player now but i started on jd basses.
jaydee or john diggins did indeed take his inspiration from alembics he made his prototype for stanley clarke ,apparently stanley liked it but did not want to pay for it and john being a poor luthier from birmingham needed to make aliving from his basses sold it to mark king who thought they looked like alembics.

mik · « **Reply #4 on:** June 08, 2004, 07:15:02 PM »

Jaydees are indeed lovely basses and have their own signature sound. John designs his own pickups and electronics in addition to turning out stunningly beautiful instruments to an exceptionally high standard. He's also a very helpful and approachable chap. I am lucky enough to own an '84 Jaydee Mark King Series 2.

As a (possibly?) interesting aside, two English bassheads, Nick Smith and Mick Cookson started a Yahoo group in appreciation of Jaydee basses a few years back. It was there that I met Paul Clifton and together we then started the Yahoo Alembic club from which this club we have now was ultimately born.

Cheers

Mik

bob · « **Reply #5 on:** June 08, 2004, 10:11:03 PM »

Mik - that's not just possibly interesting, it's a wonderful piece of history.

Assuming it's true of course , I for one am extremely grateful. Prior to starting my custom project (first and only Alembic), I spent a couple of long afternoons reading through anything that looked remotely interesting in the Yahoo group, and it was a big factor in ultimately deciding to go with Alembic (another consideration was that they were within driving distance...).

Anyway, it's nice to konw a bit more about how we all got here, and thanks for your help.
-Bob

mik · « **Reply #6 on:** June 09, 2004, 07:53:58 AM »

Sad, but all true Bob!

Mica makes mention of the old place on Yahoo here:
http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/5319.html

The reincarnation of the Yahoo group still exists too, though pretty much all activity has moved over to here now I think.

Yes, the original Yahoo club started a lot of useful connections and was a great learning place for many, myself included! I only thought to mention it as it's kind of on topic, being another tie between Alembic and Jaydee, albeit a bit indirect!

Cheers

Mik