Found Guitar Hard to Read Name Looks like An Early Alembic or Alembic Inspired

[Behrenguer]

So I have this beautiful electric guitar. Neck Through, Great Details.

The story goes, the guy I bought this thing from told me that his neighbor in Los Angeles, CA (proximity) was moving, this guitar caught his eye, and he offered to buy it from him.  That seller told him (the guy I bought it from) that he played in a jazz band with the guy who built it. 

I wish I could make out the name more than anything.

Can’t tell if it says Nov 71 or 97 or 79...  There’s a slight bump in the routing that could throw off a pen.  Fun mystery.

It’s definitely Alembic styled… whether the inspiration was taken from early or late is anyone’s guess. 

You'll notice the angled bridge...

Insane craftsmanship!

Look at the last photo..

#001 Nov 97 or 71? Or 79 or 89?

Then that Signature.

Looks Like the first 2 letters of the last name start with Mc______.

Got a real mystery on my hands here boys. 

Anyone have a clue?

[pauldo]

The neck wood is pretty.

[Behrenguer]

So I have this beautiful electric guitar. Neck Through, Great Details.

• The story goes, the guy I bought this thing from told me that his neighbor in Los Angeles, CA (proximity) was moving, this guitar caught his eye, and he offered to buy it from him.  That seller told him (the guy I bought it from) that he played in a jazz band with the guy who built it. 
  
  I wish I could make out the name more than anything.
  
  Can’t tell if it says Nov 71 or 97 or 79 
  
  Fun mystery.
  
  It’s definitely Alembic styled or inspired at the least.
  
  You'll notice the angled bridge...
  
  Look at the last photo..
  
  #001 Nov 97 or 71? Or 79 or 89?
  
  Then that Signature.
  
  Looks Like the first 2 letters of the last name start with Mc______.
  
  Got a real mystery on my hands here boys. 
  
  Anyone have a clue?

[David Houck]

Welcome!  Interesting, but not an Alembic.  Peghead and body shape look familiar, similar to an Oasis guitar; but that signature doesn't appear to say Gary Cooper.  Pickups are not original to the instrument.

Others here may have a better idea of what this might be.

[bigredbass]

Wow.  It's #0001 of 1.

[Behrenguer]

Thanks fellas.

I had my doubts about it being an Alembic.
Just saw some similarities in the style.

If anyone knows of a luthier that the squirrely signature might be, please let me know!

Cheers

[cozmik_cowboy]

Blowing it up, the last name looks like McDermott to me.  I am not familiar with any builder by that name, nor can I make out the first name.  But the big questions are, does play well and sound good?

Peter

[gtrguy]

Someones nice custom build, looks like passive electronics, not an Oasis, Hyak, Becvar, or shop nighter in my opinion. What's under the smaller cover in the back? Is there a date code on the pots? Enjoy!

[lbpesq]

My guess on the small cover is that there used to be a pickup selector switch there, like in early Alembics, that was moved  and covered up with the later added pick-guard.    The mounting holes for the screws on the back cover plate are unique.  It looks like the builder used glued-in dowels, very un-Alembic like.

Bill, tgo