Author Topic: Ezra's Series 1 (Read 704 times)

effclef · « **Reply #15 on:** March 03, 2004, 10:04:22 AM »

Aha, I thought for a minute I couldn't see any holes for a cover.

As for the asymmetry, I think we all forget (because they seem so flawless otherwise) that there's a brave soul with a drawblade hand carving these things, not some robot routing machine. If Alembic does have machinery for body shaping, I would think it would just be for the roughing-out.

EffClef

811952 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 03, 2004, 10:17:52 AM »

I'm amazed at the consistency of the heart-omega work on these things, given that it's all done by hand. I'm pretty much amazed by the whole instrument I reckon. Obviously these people are good. Beautiful inlay work on Ezra's bass. These are the sorts of skills that are going away for the most part because of the economics of technology. I would guess that Alembic already has to train in-house, since the workforce simply doesn't have very many true craftsmen these days. :-( I'd love to be an apprentice Alembician in my next life...
John

hollis · « **Reply #17 on:** March 03, 2004, 11:06:50 AM »

Soooooooo Nice! I think the thing I love the most about it is the obvious loving care it has received over the years.....A thing of beauty!

dela217 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 03, 2004, 11:18:41 AM »

As far as I know, the earliest basses did not come with truss rod covers. From what I noticed, Alembic did not start putting them on as standard until after the introduction of the 2 truss rod set up in late 1977. I have seen a very few 1977 instruments with 2 truss rods with no cover fitted so the 2 rods were not introduced at the same time as the cover.

A looong time ago, 1978, I bought a new Alembic short scale bass from Sam Fields at Alembic. I had it for about a year or so and was sent back to Alembic for some work. It was a bass that came with a truss rod cover. While it was there, I suggested that they countersink the truss rod cover since it got in my way. And of course they did. Shortly after that, I noticed that all of the truss rod covers were recessed.

I would like to belive that I started that.

lembic76450 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 03, 2004, 08:38:39 PM »

Ezra, wow, It really is amazing how different each bass was back then. My 76 also has the Omega, though quite different from yours. The horns are also shaped very different. However, like yours mine shares the same single truss rod and also does not have the cover. Also, oddly, my Omega is fairly flat and has a strap button on each side. Those inlays though...............

ezra · « **Reply #20 on:** March 04, 2004, 01:27:12 AM »

Yikes, I'm overwhelmed by everyones feedback and positive comments. It's interesting how each persons eyes are drawn to different aspects. In the 28 years I've owned this bass I never noticed the slight asymmetry of the two horns. Good eye adriaan. Maybe through our collective eye we get to see the big picture. And speaking of 28 years, makes me realize I've had a longer relationship with this bass than with most of the people I know, other than family, of course. During all those years I only had to play another bass for an interminable 3 month stint whilst the alembic was in for repair(leds went south). A rental that wouldn't stay in tune. I'm sure it was divine retribution. Sure made me appreciate what I've got!

dela: to answer your question, yes, it is an oil finish.
All the best,
ezra

pallasarms · « **Reply #21 on:** June 27, 2004, 04:21:56 PM »

Erza -

I enjoyed meeting you and seeing your Series I in person today at Guitar-X. I was memorized by its sound and beauty. I've always collected Alembics for their eye appeal, but seeing and hearing you play it has inspired me to pickup a Series I and take some lessons!

Thanks for being friendly and letting me listen to you jam.