Paul, you are referring to the Pangborn in my first picture? You are right, that's one , although not built in Germany. Ashley Pangborn was located in the UK when he built those instruments in the 80s. There was some unfortunate twist of fate in his life which ended his company and drove him off the island. You seem well informed referring him to Germany though, because to my knowledge he indeed does live in Germany now, working at a Gibson custom shop in Hamburg - at least that's what I heard two years ago. And as much as he cloned the Alembic design, he created some great instruments. Not as great as a real Alembic but still a killer instrument for its price.
I came across this Pangborn bass when I was browsing a music shop in Bochum, Germany. That was half a year before my Alembic doubleneck was eventually finished, so I was desperate enough to get a high quality bass. In the shop the Pangborn really jumped right at at me and I fell in love immediately. It was a used instrument so I got it at a fair price after all. That bass has some ultrafast responding neck and sounds great even unamplified. I wish it had Alembic electronics though, the original ones aren't that great. It sounds decent but the knobs and everything are quite worn out. Maybe one day, when I am rich again, I'll upgrade it.
*****
EDIT:
For those interested there is a link to a Pangborn tribute site (quite outdated actually):
www.geocities.com/yobrode and that particular bass:
www.geocities.com/yobrode/hartmut.htm ******
It is still not a real Alembic, so nevertheless I own just ONE Alembic .
If ever I could afford a second Alembic I am sure I'd go for a short scale Series II (or I?) with red (or amber?) Laser LEDs, that cool looking black fire chromalusion finish and maybe (if the budget allows) for the wooden pickup covers again.
But obviously this belongs to the dreaming for now category .
Bernhard, let's email and see how we can get together!
Hartmut
(Message edited by haddimudd on July 01, 2004)
