Author Topic: (u) 74-55 series 1 guitar (Read 928 times)

paexplorer · « **on:** August 08, 2013, 08:08:46 PM »

Just purchased this guitar and am curious to know the history. Also, based on the serial number, I know it's the 55th instrument made, but I wonder what number guitar this is? 10, 20, 30? In other words, of the 54 instruments made before this one, how many were guitars? It's also got a unique headstock I haven't seen on another Alembic. Beautiful instrument.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #1 on:** August 09, 2013, 01:58:21 AM »

Welcome to the club Eric, can you post a picture in here as I for one would love to see the guitar. We do like to see pics of the vintage alembics here as well as the newer ones.

Jazzyvee

lbpesq · « **Reply #2 on:** August 09, 2013, 09:55:33 AM »

Welcome to the club, Eris. We've been watching the auction on that guitar - a stunning beauty. 74-53 had a similar headstock. You can see it in this link. Also, IIRC, David Bowie's guitarist, Carlos Alomar, had a similar guitar that came up for auction a couple of years ago.

Bill, the guitar one

paexplorer · « **Reply #3 on:** August 09, 2013, 05:38:04 PM »

Thanks for the welcome. That's a great link to 74-53. I'll post some pics when I have a few minutes over the weekend. If there are any other links to early 74s, I'd love to see them.

lbpesq · « **Reply #4 on:** August 10, 2013, 09:20:27 AM »

Not a '74, but here's a link to 72-10, the earliest guitar currently accounted for within the club (it proudly sits in my studio). For other early Alembics, try cruising through the Series 1 basses and guitars section of Showcase.

Bill, tgo

paexplorer · « **Reply #5 on:** August 11, 2013, 07:40:18 AM »

Wow, What A specimen

paexplorer · « **Reply #6 on:** August 14, 2013, 07:28:34 AM »

Getting her ready for a restring and setup, but wanted to post a few pics.

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #7 on:** August 14, 2013, 11:13:05 AM »

Now that is just yummy!
(But the gig bag makes me nervous; put that poor thing in a case before I have a heart attack!)

Peter

paexplorer · « **Reply #8 on:** August 14, 2013, 01:28:25 PM »

Haha, it's not going to leave the house much, so don't be nervous

artswork99 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 14, 2013, 06:03:57 PM »

That's beautiful!

paexplorer · « **Reply #10 on:** August 15, 2013, 12:31:47 PM »

Thanks, I'll post more pics when she's back from the shop.

paexplorer · « **Reply #11 on:** August 20, 2013, 06:43:58 AM »

Here's another link...

http://www.musurgia.com/products.asp?ProductID=5283

I've done a lot of research and I can only find internet evidence of 4 of these style guitars. Mine, Carlos Alomar's, the one linked a few posts above and the one in this link. Can anyone else add to the search?

As far as condition, I have to say that mine is the hands down winner. Carlos' has a ton of play wear, the one linked above was unfortunately modded to fit a synth, and the one in this link has had a headstock repair.

Mine is still in the shop, but she is basically aces. Could possibly be in need of a re-fret, but won't know for sure until she's re-strung and adjusted.

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #12 on:** August 20, 2013, 08:44:12 AM »

John Maramaduke Dawson had one in that style.

Peter

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #13 on:** August 20, 2013, 08:44:25 AM »

John Maramaduke Dawson had one in that style.

Peter

paexplorer · « **Reply #14 on:** August 20, 2013, 09:19:42 AM »

Sure enough... Different body style, but similar headstock. Link....
http://www.bromptons.co/reference-library/articles/article-3870-alembic-history.html