As some may have read, the World Guitar Show was in San Rafael (Marin County, between San Francisco and Alembicland) last weekend. Unfortunately there were no Alembics this time. Most shows have had a couple of basses and last July had two guitars. I did see a very unusual bass called the Spalt Wiper Bass. The pickup swings like a windshield wiper. I don't know how practicle this is in real life, but it looks cool. Have a gander:
Finding no Alembics, I turned my attention to all the other guitars and came home with two new family members. Though not Alembics, I suspect many on this site will enjoy checking out and appreciate some unusual instruments. So here goes: First up is a Valco National Westwood 77, made between '62 and '65. It has two humbuckers and a pickup built into the bridge saddle - long before anyone else figured to put an acoustic type pickup there. It originally sold for a little more than a Strat and is referred to as a "Map" guitar (along with the fiberglass Glenwoods) because the body is similar to a map of the continental United States.
Next up for your approval we have a Wechter Elite Pathmaker 12 string acoustic made in Paw Paw Michigan. Spruce top, Rosewood back and sides, Curly Maple binding, 5 piece walnut neck! The design of the peghead is based on an ancient lute:
Finally, here is my band's new drummer.
The guitar show comes back around this way in July. It would be a fun place for Bay Area Alembicians to get together. So, did you spot the Alembic? Bill, tgo
