Author Topic: Alembic Darling Questions... (Read 176 times)

pablorocha · « **on:** October 22, 2006, 08:07:09 PM »

Hi to everyone, I am Pablo Rocha, from MTY Mexico. I am very interested in owning a Darling electric guitar.
I just have some questions.
Can I order one with a smaller headstock? Can I order one without led indicators as well as inlays? (just plain ebony)
Is it heavy? Is it a versatile guitar? Is it easy to travel with? How would you describe its sound? Can I order one witha tremolo unit? Is it ergonimic to play in sitting or standing position?

Thank you!!!
Pablo Rocha Rojas

57basstra · « **Reply #1 on:** October 22, 2006, 09:12:12 PM »

Welcome to the club, Pablo!

I also am looking forward to hearing the answers to your questions. The 'Darlings' are great looking guitars and sweet sounding and playing too, I'm sure!

David

lidon2001 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 22, 2006, 09:14:07 PM »

Hello Pablo, and welcome to the club.

Just so you know, there is a recent Darling guitar as well as a Little Darling. As the names imply, the Little Darling is a bit smaller. Look in the Alembic store to see the Darling Here and the guitar products page for a Little Darling Here.

Your custom specs should not be a problem. They have installed trem's in the past and you can see one on the product page for the California Special guitar Here. You might want to contact Susan or Valentino via email to double check on the trem.

Weight should not be a problem. My Skyark with a mahogany body is not noticeably heavy at all. Wood choices change that, but it's a small enough body that I wouldn't think weight would be an issue.

Versatility & sound? My Skylark, which has somewhat similar electronics to the Darlings, can sound like an acoustic/electric guitar, along with fine electric tones to suit just about any situation.

It might help if you mention what style of music you play so the real guitarists here can reply. They might be able to help with the travel questions too as mine has yet to leave the house.

And it looks pretty ergonomic to me. I can't imagine either body plays like anything but silk. Ok, maybe butter.

Good luck with your plans,

T

tom_z · « **Reply #3 on:** October 23, 2006, 09:46:10 AM »

Welcome Pablo. I can help with answers to some of your questions, but I've never played a Darling, so I can't answer questions specific to that model.

Alembic builds all their guitars and basses individually, almost completely by hand, so there is a great deal of flexibility when it comes to custom features. I'm sure you can order a Darling with no fretboard inlays, and LEDs are not standard. Headstock size and configuration is almost always customizable, though may involve an upcharge depending on what you have in mind. According to the Little Darling product page, the average weight is seven pounds, and I believe it's considered somewhat petite, compared to many guitars, so I would guess this makes it fairly easy to travel with. Alembic offers the California Special guitar with a tremolo unit, so it may be possible to have a Darling built with one as well.

I agree with Tom when it comes to versatility. I've owned a Skylark for two years, and I am still surprised and amazed at the variety of tone I can get from it. It is extremely clean and clear, and yet various combinations of the pickups and filter settings can produce enormous character.

Some of the other members here can discuss the physical characteristics. Jonathan (jalevinemd) owns the first Darling-like guitar Alembic built, from what I understand, and can fill you in on ergonomics. Other club members have played a Darling guitar at the Alembic shop, so hopefully they'll chime in too.

Best of luck.

Peace
Tom

pablorocha · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2006, 09:50:34 PM »

Thanks to everyone for your answers. Yes, I would appreciate a lot if I can have Valentino?s e mail. I may ask him about all this concerns.
I play jazz, but also rock. I like all types of jazz. From clean to distorted sounds, etc. SO I am looking to invest in the ultimateguitar....
I wait for your answers, and thank you!
PRR

jalevinemd · « **Reply #5 on:** October 23, 2006, 09:55:15 PM »

Pablo,

As Tom Z mentioned, I have what was once the Darling and is now considered the Little Darling body style. To answer your questions:

1. You can order a smaller headstock. I feel the Little Darlings actually look best this way. I went for a mini knobby one. I think smaller crowns look nice as well.

2. My Little Bear tips the scale at a hair under 7.5 lbs. In this regard, I guess it's easy to travel with. Although the case is the limiting factor.

3. Alembic will certainly do no LED's or fret markers.

4. As for the sound, I find the Skylark electronics to be the most versatile I've played. To echo what Tom said, if I turn both bright switches on, turn the filters all the way up and close my eyes, it sounds exactly like an amplified acoustic. Turn back down, add some distortion and it's 70's AOR time! There's really nothing it can't do.

4. Regarding the ergonomics, I find the small body style, wide hips and narrow waist extremely comfortable to play sitting or standing. It balances quite nicely.

5. Regarding the tremolo. A standard would fit. But I don't see how you possibly could fit a Floyd Rose or Kahler on the Little Darling without looking ridiculous.

Don't let the size fool you. The tones are as rich as the sustain is long. Like I've always said. Real men play Little Darlings!

Good luck.

Jonathan

grateful · « **Reply #6 on:** October 24, 2006, 02:48:47 AM »

..... unless they play Furthers!

Hi Pablo,

Having only ever experienced conventional electric guitars until 10 months ago, I was amazed by two aspects of an Alembic. The instruments themselves are of unbelievable quality: they're satisfying to practice on without plugging them in.

Then there's the electronics. These are so versatile, allowing an almost infinite variety of tone. I personally prefer the Further set up of one volume pot.

As an extra added bonus, dealing with the fine folks at Alembic is a pleasure, they are wonderful. Just remember, they're also very busy!

Good luck in your quest

Mark

pablorocha · « **Reply #7 on:** October 24, 2006, 07:47:18 PM »

Thanks, so, how can I know how to order one? Where can I check prices of what I am looking for? (All prices of different options possible) Can you share some pictures?
Thanks!
Pablo R.
..just other thing, jalevinemd, what do you mean with standard tremolo?

valvil · « **Reply #8 on:** October 25, 2006, 12:55:04 PM »

Hi Pablo,

my e-mail is valentino@alembic.com

I'll be happy to answer all your questions.

Valentino