Author Topic: 74 80 Early Alembic Guitar: Enjoy the pictures (Read 601 times)

walkmeout · « **on:** April 12, 2015, 09:56:48 AM »

I just joined the Forum and a member suggested that I post some pictures on Showcase, I wanted to make sure that this guitar, with it's serial number 74-80. gets listed on the serial number list. At present: the serial number 74-80 is listed as Stanley Clarke's "brown bass". Obviously, someone will need to find the correct serial number from that historic instrument. I bought this guitar, with the original case, cords and electronics, plus a schematic drawing and 2012 letter from Susan W. saying that they had worked on the guitar, cleaned it up and got it back to original 1974 specs. It is a masterpiece: looks and sounds. The lack of decoration, even the lack of fret markers, makes it all about the build quality and sound. I hope you enjoy seeing it.

funkyjazzjunky · « **Reply #1 on:** April 12, 2015, 04:54:23 PM »

What a guitar

VMG

pauldo · « **Reply #2 on:** April 13, 2015, 04:24:06 AM »

Very nice!
Thanks for the pics.

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #3 on:** April 13, 2015, 04:40:20 AM »

I really like the simpleness of this guitar more than any other feature.

Lately these early Alembics have captured my attention and imagination... I'm hoping to incorporate some of this simple elegance into my own future custom.

Thanks for posting!

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #4 on:** April 13, 2015, 05:02:23 AM »

walkmeout - Here's a thread on a guitar very similar to yours, and links within to other similar guitars:

http://club.alembic.com/Images/394/170940.html?1423877810

There is an incredible amount of knowledge and experience on these instruments here on this forum... wait around a little while and they'll weigh in. I'm not all that surprised about your serial number. (it's actually kinda' cool!) As you read through these pages, you will find anomalies like that. (especially in the formative years) I think there's another case where two totally different instruments bear the #13, and another mystery where #44 is missing from records altogether. Some of these are just un-confirmable, and remain mystery.

Again, Welcome!

walkmeout · « **Reply #5 on:** April 13, 2015, 05:53:20 AM »

I feel very welcome indeed! I appreciate the links to other similar pieces. My father had one of the largest collections of early American musical instruments in the world, nothing newer than 1900. It all resides in a museum at Oberlin College, where it is teaching tool as well as being played at the conservatory. A passionate discussion about musical instruments and instrument makers is what I grew up with. This forum anticipates a future where these instruments will be, hopefully, played and admired by the best and most knowledgable musicians. Like any great instrument, these Alembics amplify the players strengths, and weaknesses. They are exacting tools!

FC Bass · « **Reply #6 on:** April 13, 2015, 06:11:17 AM »

Fixed the list, don't know how that happened...

Awesome guitar, congrats!