Author Topic: Ugliest Alembic? (Read 400 times)

811952 · « **on:** September 21, 2006, 07:51:52 AM »

Another thread got me thinking - I've never seen what I would consider an ugly Alembic (though some people think they're all horrifically ugly). Anybody have an pics of what they would consider an ugly Alembic? Or strangest? Most idiosyncratic?

John

worldfamousandy · « **Reply #1 on:** September 21, 2006, 09:08:51 AM »

Given that Alembic's reputation has been built largely on their willingness to make custom instruments, I have to believe they have had some clients with bad taste over the years. Maybe there is some kind of double-neck out there, with the body shaped and painted in the likeness of John Elway's face. The necks could look like his arms, one of which would have a football attached to the headstock, as though the quarterback were about to throw a touchdown pass.

I wonder if they would build this bass...

Andy Calder
www.andycalderbass.com

lothartu · « **Reply #2 on:** September 21, 2006, 09:13:52 AM »

I wouldn't say ugly but there certainly are some Alembics that have been made which are amazingly distinct.

I've never seen an Alembic that I considered ugly though. Even the ones that aren't exactly my cup of tea are beautiful and special in their own way. A good example is the custom of the month gallery. There are a few in there that weren't exactly my bag when I first looked at them but over time they've each taken on their own personality and I think that makes them special. So you could say that I've grown fond of them even though they're not what I would personally custom order.

-Jim

jazzyvee · « **Reply #3 on:** September 21, 2006, 11:19:00 AM »

I agree with you there Jim, beauty is in the eye of the beholder for sure. When I first started looking at alembics with a view to buy, I only liked the Stanley Clarke model.

Maybe because that was the only shape of alembic I knew. It is still my favourite shape for a bass. If the balance was better I'd certainly have a 5 or even a 6 stringer in that style. Funds allowing of course.

If I was able to afford a custom guitar, I'd chose that shape for the guitar. Some of the others I, like you, have grown to like like the Europa and Orion shapes.

I also think they way many alembics look is very much influenced by the body wood choice as well. Some shapes seem to suit certain woods better than others.

Jazzyvee

bracheen · « **Reply #4 on:** September 21, 2006, 11:40:36 AM »

I'm leaning towards Johnny Winter's guitar. No offense to anyone who might have been involved, it's only my humble opinion.

Sam

olieoliver · « **Reply #5 on:** September 21, 2006, 11:44:56 AM »

I saw a photo of one once that had the tuning head broke off. BRRRRR that was an ugly sight. I still have night mares abiut that.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #6 on:** September 21, 2006, 11:21:36 PM »

that winter guitar is a beauty.....

bigredbass · « **Reply #7 on:** September 21, 2006, 11:50:05 PM »

ONLY from 'the neck up' . . . I can't stand the cone pegheads.

J o e y

foth · « **Reply #8 on:** September 22, 2006, 02:50:29 AM »

You're right Olie, seeing an Alembic that will never be played again... now that's an ugly sight.

Bradley Young · « **Reply #9 on:** September 22, 2006, 03:14:55 AM »

Ok, I'll admit that I don't like the 3/4 size basses (i.e. MK 3/4 size). They just don't flow for me.

The Johnny Winters guitar, however, I absolutely love.

Bradley

mikedm · « **Reply #10 on:** September 22, 2006, 07:06:52 AM »

Bradley,
3/4 size never did it for me, until I played Olie's...hmmm form or function?
Ugliest? I think Jim, 3rd post from the top, sums it up fairly well.

Now, from time to time I've made my Alembic sonically ugly.

Mike

olieoliver · « **Reply #11 on:** September 22, 2006, 07:14:43 AM »

Ahem, Ahem, Well I never.

Bradley you hurt my feelings man.

I always thought Janis Joplin was no beauty queen, but then you hear her sing and well, what can ya' say.

Bradley Young · « **Reply #12 on:** September 22, 2006, 08:43:57 AM »

Olie,

I should have been more specific-- I don't think they're ugly, they just don't inspire the carnal reaction that the Standard, Balance and Stanley models do.

I'd still hit it, though.

Bradley

olieoliver · « **Reply #13 on:** September 22, 2006, 08:49:42 AM »

Be careful Bradley, it's only got a 1/4 plug.

lbpesq · « **Reply #14 on:** September 22, 2006, 09:12:46 AM »

I must admit that the triple omega medieval battle axes are not my favorite. Neither is the V peghead. And If I had my druthers, my Electrum would sport something other than the cone headstock. And while ugly might not be the appropriate word, I could never understand painted Alembics. It's the wood, dude!

Bill, tgo