They really are fantastic things... I just had #77-621 at a studio practice session last night, rehearsing for a(nother) radio commercial clip we'll be tracking up in the next week or so. I've recorded up there before with T-I Jazz Rounds on my older Distillate with some really good results, but my old Series I is a snarling monster even with super-soft T-I Jazz Flats... it just cuts right through anything.
Sorry to hear about that pain and discomfort, Greg, but I hear ya'. Just this past week my medical team started me on a new anti-inflammatory medication that is supposed to target the osteoarthritis/spondylosis that seems to be accelerating through my upper spine and neck. (already got my first Titanium plate last year) The good news is, I think it's working... I felt pretty good after playing a couple hours last night, where the past few weeks have been pretty tough to deal with anything physical past 8 pm, whether I play or not. I was starting to get worried.
Anyway, of my Alembics, the old Series I is the most manageable both weight and balance-wise. I can envision a future though, where an Alembicized Starfire becomes my quickest go-to.
