Author Topic: The John Judge Double Neck Bass Has a New Home! (Read 670 times)

dinan · « **on:** June 14, 2015, 09:41:35 PM »

I was lucky enough to acquire the John Judge Double Neck Series 1. I'm sure most are familiar with it but for those who aren't; it was built in 1978 and is instrument number 1000 featuring an 8 string and 4 string fretless bass with elaborate inlays on the neck, master volume, and what appears to be an interesting series/parallel selector for the 8 string pickups.

dinan · « **Reply #1 on:** June 14, 2015, 09:44:42 PM »

The maiden...

dinan · « **Reply #2 on:** June 14, 2015, 09:46:52 PM »

The dragon...

dinan · « **Reply #3 on:** June 14, 2015, 09:49:17 PM »

The warriors...

dinan · « **Reply #4 on:** June 14, 2015, 09:56:18 PM »

It would be great to hear from John Judge and Christian (who enjoyed this in Germany for many years).

This bass thunders on the 8 string side and has a wonderful buttery warmth to the 4 string side.

The condition is still near pristine.

And lastly, I would love to find a John Judge Superwound poster to buy (I have the original ad already). I would also love to have any shots of this bass being played live but I don't think many exist. Thanks to anyone that can help here.

pauldo · « **Reply #5 on:** June 15, 2015, 04:38:35 AM »

Congratulations Carl!
That is a great instrument there.

bassfingers · « **Reply #6 on:** June 15, 2015, 05:30:46 AM »

Here is the Superwound ad,as posted by rami in 2003.I did get a larger copy laminated which I mailed to Christian when he owned this bass.If I can find them I'll send you one,though I fear they were lost during my change of address.Still an awe inspiring instrument.

bassfingers · « **Reply #7 on:** June 15, 2015, 05:40:19 AM »

A slightly larger version.

dinan · « **Reply #8 on:** June 15, 2015, 06:33:07 AM »

Thanks! I do have an original of that ad.

Now I just need to find a poster like the factory has!

This is a fun bass to play but takes more talent than I will ever have to really do it justice and a stronger back as well.

moongerm · « **Reply #9 on:** June 15, 2015, 07:55:44 AM »

Congratulations Carl! Most certainly went to a good home. Best, Brian

gtrguy · « **Reply #10 on:** June 15, 2015, 10:21:45 AM »

I seem to remember a post here somewhere that John Judge made regarding this bass?

dinan · « **Reply #11 on:** June 15, 2015, 07:32:46 PM »

Yeah, John made a bunch of posts. As did a friend of his that is no longer active here.

Much of the history is known but I'm sure there is plenty that would be interesting to know that isn't. ;-)

edwin · « **Reply #12 on:** June 15, 2015, 08:08:41 PM »

I'm asking this sincerely, so don't take it as a jab at the bass. What kind of music does one play with this? I don't know that I've ever played a song that required both 8 string and fretless. I would love to hear the music for which this bass fits the bill.

It is a thing of awesomeness! It's a good thing that it's not mine because I'd probably do some weird mods. Enjoy!

hieronymous · « **Reply #13 on:** June 16, 2015, 10:46:29 AM »

I've been conversing with Carl via email - glad he finally posted here! This is a mythical, legendary Alembic bass!!!

5a_quilt_top · « **Reply #14 on:** June 16, 2015, 11:40:36 AM »

First off, congrats on adding another fine piece to your formidable collection. I'm old enough to remember those ads when they first appeared in Guitar Player in the late 70's and that bass amazed me every time I saw them.

Thanks for providing the close-up photos of the inlay work - the entire instrument is truly an incredible and whimsical work of art worthy of display in a museum!

I see you're sitting down in the first photo - which prompts me to ask: how much does she weigh?