Author Topic: Logo lunacy! (Read 3118 times)

hieronymous · « **on:** September 12, 2007, 12:07:02 PM »

I thought this might be fun - show us pictures of the logos on your Alembics! The Alembic logo, although perhaps not as well-known by the general public as the Steal Your Face logo (both designed by Bob Thomas) represents the height of musical instrument design and technology for those in the know.

My first Alembic was a 1985 Spoiler/Exploiter. At the time I was only dimly aware of the rich history and diversity of styles of Alembic, so I thought the logo was normal:

It doesn't have the rays coming down from the clouds, but you can see the details in the hand, dragon, etc.

My next Alembic was the infamous wishbone doubleneck (infamous mainly for its weight?!!), with its interesting logo placement down near the tailpieces & strap pin. It was a while before I noticed how different it is from the one on my Exploiter:

If I had to state a preference, it would be for the older one, but that may just be a reflection of the rich history that the bass itself resonates. I also love how simple it is, while still expressing the idea behind it.

So - those are mine - let's see some of yours!!! I know there are some amazing ones out there. But it doesn't matter if they are made of precious metals, precious stones, or plastic - they're all Alembic!

mica · « **Reply #1 on:** September 12, 2007, 08:10:55 PM »

On your older one, the logo is handcut from a sheet of sterling silver. The newer logos are cast in various metals by a local jeweller. There's some other strange early logos, here's a few I found with a quick scan of my files:

These are roughly in chronilogical order.

David Houck · « **Reply #2 on:** September 12, 2007, 08:15:57 PM »

Cool pics Mica!! Lotsa interesting stuff; like the laminate pattern on 72-05!

bsee · « **Reply #3 on:** September 12, 2007, 08:37:43 PM »

Mica, that third one looks like a ghost floating inside a circle. Really cool history lesson. Unfortunately, one logo that would have to be included in any study would be the one on Dark Star.

hieronymous · « **Reply #4 on:** September 12, 2007, 09:12:10 PM »

Wow, thanks for the pics Mica, and thanks for letting me know that the logo on my doubleneck is silver!

I thought the fourth picture was Phil Lesh's Orange Osage, then realized it was a guitar! There are some interesting pictures of Phil's bass in this thread.

Keep 'em coming folks!

82daion · « **Reply #5 on:** September 12, 2007, 09:57:29 PM »

From my 1975 Series I:

bluplirst · « **Reply #6 on:** September 12, 2007, 11:38:34 PM »

Plum Pudding's brass logo

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #7 on:** September 13, 2007, 06:38:07 AM »

Wow - any chance you could show us the rest of number 4, Mica? Just that much has me lusting severely!

Peter

keavin · « **Reply #8 on:** September 13, 2007, 07:25:40 AM »

Bradley Young · « **Reply #9 on:** September 13, 2007, 02:00:47 PM »

Inlaid logo on the forthcoming Series II:

crgaston · « **Reply #10 on:** September 13, 2007, 04:52:05 PM »

Bradley, that beveled Omega Crown with inlaid logo is the shizzle!

Here's one with a black m.o.p. cloud...

...and a ceiling fan reflection!

jacko · « **Reply #11 on:** September 14, 2007, 04:51:45 AM »

This is my favourite....

paulman · « **Reply #12 on:** September 14, 2007, 04:53:31 AM »

I'd like to second the request for more pics of #4, I'm interested to see the rest of that guitar (bass or otherwise)

Thanks for posting those Mica

the_mule · « **Reply #13 on:** September 14, 2007, 05:42:16 AM »

jseitang · « **Reply #14 on:** September 14, 2007, 09:54:30 AM »

the black MOP cloud is real dark looking.... very very cool, it has a very realistic look when you stare into the cloud....the one with the rays is the most psychedelic looking one... all are amazing.