Author Topic: Priistine or road worn? (Read 767 times)

jazzyvee · « **on:** January 07, 2012, 01:55:29 AM »

Alembics are expensive musicians tools of their trade. So do you endeavor to keep yours in pristine condition or not worry about it and let it wear its road worn look with pride?

Whenever I've seen close ups of pics and videos of Stanley's basses on stage they all look immaculate. I've not seen any close ups of jimmys so It would be instating to get his view.

That raises another questions like , have Alembic made a new instrument that they have given a road worn look and would they do that?

Jazzyvee

811952 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 07, 2012, 08:21:08 AM »

I protect mine from damage, but normal wear and tear isn't something I worry about at all. It shows that I love the instrument enough to play it a lot.

John

(Message edited by 811952 on January 07, 2012)

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 07, 2012, 09:27:26 AM »

Jazzy,
This probably isn't what you mean by road worn, but I searched the forum for dragged. Here's a quote from Mica's post #718 from the archives (2003):
My favorite shipment to Norway included a bass that was to look like a Harley (there go those motorcycles again) that had been in an accident. We painted it all black with lots of chrome hardware. Then, we tied it to a Fat Boy and drove it down the street. It got scratches, gouges, a pebble or two imbedded and was just what the customer wanted.

Mike

pauldo · « **Reply #3 on:** January 07, 2012, 11:11:12 AM »

Prior to owning an Alembic, I remember telling myself that If I ever had an Alembic I would polish it everyday.

Now that I am an owner for 20 some years, I do not polish it everyday, there are belt buckle scratches on the back, a hole from relocation of the strap button, checking on the finish and embarassingly enough, some serious witness marks from the strings on the pickups from a frustrated bassist . . . .

That being said - I value my bass tremendously, I am never going to sell it so for me the 'showroom' appearance isn't a requirement. It's more like that sweater/ pair of pants that are worn, stained and faded - but feel oh so right.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #4 on:** January 07, 2012, 11:39:23 AM »

Dadabass i had a vague recollection of thst but couldnt find a reference to it. I wonder if there are any pics of it?

JimmyJ · « **Reply #5 on:** January 07, 2012, 11:46:56 AM »

Ha! I was about to say Alembic will do whatever you are willing to pay for but I wonder why that dragged bass didn't make Featured Custom Of The Month? Maybe we can persuade Mica to post a pic for us?

I do my best to take care of my traveling basses (been wearing my belt buckle on the side for about 100 years - truly geeky) but they inevitably pick up bumps and bruises. It's like having a Ferrari as your daily driver, no way to protect it from everything unless you leave it in the garage.

But I'm more of a 'function over form' guy and despite their somewhat complicated electronic design these instruments have been amazingly solid in that regard.

Having said that, I've just had a couple months off the road so my main touring bass is at HQ getting refinished. Yipee!

Jimmy J

David Houck · « **Reply #6 on:** January 07, 2012, 12:00:54 PM »

Mike; nice use of search words!

Jimmy; a refinish! Very cool! And to turn your words back around on you, maybe we can persuade Mica to post a pic for us!

tncaveman · « **Reply #7 on:** January 07, 2012, 03:54:55 PM »

A road worn instrument that is created to look like it had been around the block is lame to me. I recently saw a $2000+ Jaco model Fender Jazz that was made to look like his and I thought it was pretty funny some one would buy it. Sure it played OK, but if I'm going to pluck down the cash, especially for a new instrument, it isn't going to be a fake. I have a friend w/ 3 1950's Strats and they are original and played. They are the real deal. Not pretty, but oh so sweet.

Personally, I have had a Rick for 31 years and it basically looks the same as when I bought it. I believe in taking care of a tool but not trashing it on purpose.

And - I don't wear belts - this stems from scratching my Rick a long time ago.

Steve

bigredbass · « **Reply #8 on:** January 07, 2012, 05:28:55 PM »

I'm fortunately past the point where I'm afraid of a little mark here or there, but I keep both of mine very clean. I'm careful (they never sit on a stand, they're always in the case when not in use), but it doesn't keep me up nights.

I do always polish/buff the frets when I change strings (about twice a year anymore, when I also lemon oil the fingerboard), I do like shiny frets. Otherwise, every once in a while, I wax 'em (Meguiars Gold Class) or use the Quik Detailer (both of mine have the hard, gloss finish). No more than I play anymore, the brass bits stay clean.

I'm afraid I don't get the 'distressed' finishes either. I don't like them for me, as they remind me of when things that looked like that were all I could afford to play !

J o e y

sonicus · « **Reply #9 on:** January 07, 2012, 05:47:48 PM »

I agree with Joey here , I do not understand why someone would wantWorn looking when it's NEW either, but then we all like different things and that makes the World interesting.I keep mine in the case as well when not in use.

redcloud · « **Reply #10 on:** January 07, 2012, 06:35:33 PM »

I don't understand the attraction to road worn. They are even doing it to acoustic guitars. I don't mind normal play wear of my own doing. It seems silly to buy something with mojo marks that weren't earned.

wishbass · « **Reply #11 on:** January 07, 2012, 08:37:34 PM »

Blame it on the blues scene(at least that's how it is in the Northwest).I have friends whose bandmates complain that their basses look too good, and don't have that seasoned look of a blues veteran.What a load of crap.Worry more about the sound, cause the looks are all personal taste.

JimmyJ · « **Reply #12 on:** January 07, 2012, 10:08:59 PM »

I agree, the pre aged Fender concept is just plain weird. It cracks me up that they are a pattern - all aged exactly the same. HA! It's a movie prop. Like a newly constructed House Of Blues with all the pre-rusted tin. Simply silly.

I have a brother-in-law who does finish carpentry work up in the bay area, really high-end stuff in beautiful homes. He once had a client who, after his extremely detailed work, brought in a team of specialists who beat the woodwork with chains to make it look old. Insanity.

Somehow though, the idea of the custom ordered distressed Alembic makes me giggle. Obviously it's a look the guy wanted or needed to fit the look of his band. But it's kinda cool he needed it to be an Alembic. Nothing phony about the TONE!

Jimmy J

bigredbass · « **Reply #13 on:** January 08, 2012, 12:12:14 AM »

Well of course you could that 'old barn wood' look: Just build one out of that wood that someone brought in that used to be a mantle, a door, whatever, pressure treat it, then after it's finish sanded (we do have to guard against splinters!), add the metal bits (to my mind, black chrome that's been walnut hull-media blasted for just a few seconds) and Ron's electronics. Throw it in the case and call UPS.

With all this 'green-itis' that's going round, instead of killing yourself to be politically- and legally correct as far as wood sourcing (no small feat to get that all correct in a very poor and corrupt Third World where most of the good stuff comes from), why has nobody seized on the idea of building from 'recovered' wood? Anyone who's bought or restored or rummaged around in the attic or behind the walls of even 50's vintage homes is usually amazed to be looking at lumber that's just not available today. And it's already aged ! Even re-used bricks are sought after, so why not wood? A lot of it would not be suitable, but on the other hand it doesn't take a lot to build guitars.

J o e y

elwoodblue · « **Reply #14 on:** January 08, 2012, 12:45:08 AM »

Here's a cool bass made with boards from the old ole opry stage: