Which came first Jaydee or Alembic Bird?

[jazzyvee]

I've been looking at the Jaydee web site. No... not going to buy a bass but have been trying to check out a some information on a jaydee strat I've been offered.
 
Anyway having a look at the archives. I notice there is a great similarity between the design of the original Jaydee bass and the early series Alembic basses.
 for example, knob on lower horn, bird tailpeice, bridge similar body shape. Omega cut out at the bottom.
 
Without wishiing to light the touchpaper on an explosive matter  or bring up old war wounds .....
 
It could just be a case of great minds think alike........
But I'd like to know Who copied who? or should it be better said as who influenced whom?
 
 
http://www.jaydeeguitars.com/html/archive.asp
http://www.jaydeeguitars.com/html/archive2.asp

[grateful]

Seeing as Jaydee made their first instrument in 1978, I think it's fairly obvious who copied whom.  They've even copied the oval fret markers, as well as the bird tail piece.  Sincere flattery perhaps?
 
Mark, ago

[robthejock]

A word of support for Jaydee.My no.1 bass is an '86 Spoiler that I cannot praise enough, but I added a Jaydee Celeste to my collection this year and it is also an excellent bass. I live quite close to Jaydee and had my bass upgraded with new preamp and pickups for a fairly modest cost. Although the Celeste was a relatively budget model for a top luthier, the action is the fastest that I have seen on any bass in the 35 years that I have been playing. It complements the Spoilers' warm tones with a  fusiony(!) 'Fodera' type sound. I also play a fretless jazz, and a status graphite, and they are all great basses. For me, my Alembic is a pleasure to own and play, and I love the sound, but there are many other superb instruments out there as well.Let's get out and play them!
As a footnote, John Diggins(Jaydee) was a partner in John Birch guitars in the early seventies. Amongst others, they made guitars for a little local band called Black Sabbath!  
 
Keep at it, guys
 
Rob