| Author | Message | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7508 Registered: 6-2000 |
Well, it's been a super-duper long time since we've done any advertising. This month the January 2012 Vintage Guitar Magazine comes out with our first ad in probably a decade:  Next month there's a Stanley Clarke Deluxe featured in the ad. It's been really hard to decide which instruments to show off. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10425 Registered: 5-2002 |
While I can certainly understand how difficult it must be to decide on which instrument to put in the ad, in this case you certainly made a great choice! And the ad looks perfect! | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 1307 Registered: 6-2002 |
...what he said ;) Very enticing, | ||
| afrobeat_fool
Advanced Member Username: afrobeat_fool Post Number: 383 Registered: 7-2009 |
stunning! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2145 Registered: 5-2009 |
I am happy to see the decision to reach out into the market place again. In the future perhaps an ad that shows those who are unfamiliar with the large variation of features that Alembic can provide would work. An ad that illustrates all of the models in mini catalog format plus language that discloses the willingness to make a players conceptual dream come true could ignite responses . I think that Alembic set the standard of the exemplary ability to do this decades ago and now might be the time to reintroduce such splendors to the new generation of players who are eager and able to make such dreams a reality. The new ad is beautiful! Cheers !!!!! Wolf | ||
| artswork99
Moderator Username: artswork99 Post Number: 1617 Registered: 7-2007 |
Nice! | ||
| hydrargyrum
Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 1070 Registered: 3-2004 |
This ad looks great. Just one example of how stunning Alembic can make a guitar. However, I'm with Wolf. If you can't choose just one, then don't.  There are so many beautiful instruments I've seen on this site, that I can't imagine someone with any sense of aesthetic who wouldn't find at least one of them appealing. I say go for a spectrum of basses and guitars, with variety in both woods and electronics. Just my opinion. | ||
| tubeperson
Advanced Member Username: tubeperson Post Number: 224 Registered: 5-2005 |
Why not feature some of the instruments club members already own. We can discuss the features we selected, why we chose them, and for some of us why we own more than one Alembic. We can be quoted anonymously if need be, or gladly allow our name(s) to be used. I am more than willing to give my glowing praise. Now that would be a real life endorsement. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2065 Registered: 10-2003 |
I can think of a couple of customs of the month that would melt faces if the general public saw them... Probably good to put it out there that Alembic builds guitars in addition to basses.. Nice ad! John | ||
| cje
Member Username: cje Post Number: 92 Registered: 5-2009 |
That is a FANTASTIC choice for a single-instrument ad. I am of the opinion that you don't show off a bunch of instruments, but rather convince the reader to want to explore on their own. Showing one, striking instrument does just that. Hell, I want a Darling now. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4978 Registered: 7-2004 |
Can't wait for my issue of VGM to arrive in the mail! Bill, tgo | ||
| hifiguy
Advanced Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 326 Registered: 10-2006 |
Oh man is that pretty! Lotsa mouth-watering Alembic goodness there! | ||
| tmimichael
New Username: tmimichael Post Number: 8 Registered: 3-2010 |
Oh...that's GORGEOUS! I have GOT to send this to our guitar player!! Elegant and beautiful ad, Mica! | ||
| wideload
Intermediate Member Username: wideload Post Number: 181 Registered: 6-2003 |
How come the strings are so skinny???? | ||
| rjmsteel
Intermediate Member Username: rjmsteel Post Number: 173 Registered: 7-2008 |
Great choice on the instrument for the ad! Maybe it will spark some interest - for guitarists/ bassists who have not- to check out the Featured Custom web pages Mica has so creatively designed from the Alembic home page. "That would melt faces...." alright! | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 925 Registered: 12-2004 |
In the readers gallery of VG magazine you can post pics of your vintage instruments,i posted a pic of alembic#1 with JC a few yrs ago as well as a few pics of my old alembic which i believe there were too many photos being submitted so looks like they only kept a few  http://www.vintageguitar.com/online-readers-gallery/basses/ | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4979 Registered: 7-2004 |
I got home from work yesterday, and the January issue of VGM had arrived! The ad looks cool. Bill, tgo | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1777 Registered: 9-2002 |
I got my VG last week and almost dropped dead . . . an ALEMBIC ad ! You go, girl ! And a good idea when possible, and I'll tell you why: Nashville's as guitar-conscious a town as you're likely to find. I recently took the Elan to the local Sam Ash to test-drive some amps with it. The guy that waited on me almost fainted dead when I opened the case. After I tooted along for a while, I handed it to him and said, 'Here, YOU try it'. He loved it. I gave him the 5-cent tour of the features, and he was telling me it killed his Tobias and his Warwick. Then he says 'I DIDN'T KNOW THEY WERE STILL IN BUSINESS'. I wrote down the website for him, told to browse through the club, etc. . . . . so, WHEN's the next ad? J o e y | ||
| reinier
Member Username: reinier Post Number: 51 Registered: 1-2003 |
Personally, I'm more of a walnut fan but that must be one of the most beautiful spalted maple tops on the planet. Perfect choice for boosting business I would say. | ||
| hydrargyrum
Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 1077 Registered: 3-2004 |
Unless I'm much mistaken, that's a burl buckeye top. Regardless, it is a spectacular example. | ||
| tubeperson
Advanced Member Username: tubeperson Post Number: 226 Registered: 5-2005 |
Bookmatched Buckeye Burl at that. And quite the lady. Makes me want to act like a guitar jerk and play louder and more out of tune than the rest of the band (at eleven of course)! If it only came in a bass - oh wait a minute, I have a Series in Buckeye Burl. Must be all those Rick collections members are bragging about (I did not put my total in yet; heh, heh, heh). I hope this generates lots of sales, even if it makes the waiting even longer for our prizes. We are lucky to enjoy such riches. America is awesome!! And so is Alembic! | ||
| hydrargyrum
Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 1078 Registered: 3-2004 |
"Makes me want to act like a guitar jerk and play louder and more out of tune than the rest of the band (at eleven of course)!" Ouch! Still feeling bitter about not getting any attention? (Message edited by hydrargyrum on November 17, 2011) | ||
| tubeperson
Advanced Member Username: tubeperson Post Number: 227 Registered: 5-2005 |
Not at all, but you need to get a sense of humor, it was a joke. A real bass player knows this to be true! Try reading the column written by John Goldsby's wife in Bass Player a while back. Good grief!! BTW a guitar jerk is a specific type of guitar player. That is someone who craves attention. Just check out his behavior, Nigel Tufnal. LOL get it LOL Good joust there anyway; I know you understand the joke. I Like your smiley face puddin' | ||
| hydrargyrum
Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 1079 Registered: 3-2004 |
Absolutely no offense taken or intended. I'll be sure to check out the article to make sure I'm not displaying too many of the guitar jerk tendencies. | ||
| tubeperson
Advanced Member Username: tubeperson Post Number: 229 Registered: 5-2005 |
I know you are a OK. Being in a band is like having a conversation, it is more important to listen than to speak. The article is funny and John is a terrific columnist. Enjoy! | ||
| mc500
Junior Username: mc500 Post Number: 28 Registered: 11-2009 |
I got mine today. The ad looks terrific Mica! | ||
| mc500
Junior Username: mc500 Post Number: 29 Registered: 11-2009 |
(Message edited by MC500 on November 17, 2011) | ||
| tmimichael
Junior Username: tmimichael Post Number: 15 Registered: 3-2010 |
WELL...I sent a copy of this link to our guitarist, and needless to say his wife (who is our drummer)is NOT very happy with me!!! Lucky he has a comfy couch to sleep on if he decides he wants his own Alembic... | ||
| malthumb
Senior Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 500 Registered: 5-2002 |
WONDERFUL tag line! Great photo. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7528 Registered: 6-2000 |
Thanks, everyone! Brian's Guitars in CT sold their near twin to the guitar that is in the ad last Saturday. I think the only other similar one in a store is at Rocker Guitars in San Francisco. I'm already working on the ad for March (boy those deadlines come up fast!), which will have a Further guitar. The first few ads are going to be fairly standard models with the same format. After that, who knows? Maybe it will be time to melt some faces ;) | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7531 Registered: 6-2000 |
My Vintage Guitar Magazine showed up today, did yours?  | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1782 Registered: 9-2002 |
Yes ! Next thing you know, they'll make one of those Stanleys inside-out ! J o e y | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 2642 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi Mica, have you thought of making some of these ads into posters for sale? Jazzyvee | ||
| gtrguy
Senior Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 416 Registered: 9-2004 |
Very nice, did you (Mica) do the ad design and layout? It looks like the instrument was shot the usual Alembic way and then nicely PhotoShopped into the beautiful ad. Dave | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7537 Registered: 6-2000 |
Yes, Dave, it's one of my regular ol' on the carpet pictures with a carefully placed path for stripping the background. Then some font indulgences and an ad is born. The Further guitar I'm working on now is proving to be quite a challenging shape to extract. It just takes time! | ||
| cje
Member Username: cje Post Number: 93 Registered: 5-2009 |
I guess you don't have the guitar on hand to photograph on a solid background, huh? | ||
| redcloud
Member Username: redcloud Post Number: 89 Registered: 5-2011 |
There was a post or two on TB suggesting Alembic ads, you did very well with the ad. | ||
| poor_nigel
Advanced Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 213 Registered: 11-2009 |
I think making up a batch of high-quality posters (Especially the little signature bass shown) would get some interest and make some sales. I'd like a nice framed one on my music room wall. Layout and content are exceptionally clean and beautiful in my opinion. I'm willing to preorder one right now, cool! What could be better than making some funds from things that are more-or-less already exist? | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 2643 Registered: 6-2002 |
My sentiments exactly. Maybe include a limited edition on high quality paper signed by the alembic family. Jazzyvee | ||
| poor_nigel
Advanced Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 214 Registered: 11-2009 |
That's even better! | ||
| gtrguy
Senior Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 421 Registered: 9-2004 |
Photoshop: Selection, selection, selection!! Too bad you don't have a white background to wash out or use the magic wand more on. But you still have to get in close later. Then you can hold down the shift key to use say, the clone or blur tool, to smooth the edges (for a smooth looking edge) and speed things up. Holding it down lets you jump between two points evenly, even though it only goes in a straight line. They look great! | ||
| rustyg61
Advanced Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 331 Registered: 2-2011 |
Hey, that's my bass!! How cool is that?!!! Thanks for featuring my beautiful instrument in your ad Mica! I would definitely buy a poster of this if you make one!  | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2178 Registered: 5-2009 |
Way to go Rusty !!!!! | ||
| rustyg61
Advanced Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 332 Registered: 2-2011 |
Thanks Wolf! You can bet I will be at Barnes & Nobel in the morning to buy their entire stock of the magazine! | ||
| malthumb
Senior Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 501 Registered: 5-2002 |
Rusty, anyone ever tell you that you resemble Gordie Howe? | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10463 Registered: 5-2002 |
Love the Barnes & Noble line! | ||
| rustyg61
Advanced Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 333 Registered: 2-2011 |
James, no, no one has told me I look like Gordie Howe, usually they say I look like Steve Martin, but I don't see it! | ||
| rustyg61
Advanced Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 334 Registered: 2-2011 |
Dave, I went to Barnes & Nobel, but they only had the January issue. So I will be checking there daily until the February issue somes in! | ||
| jon_jackson
Intermediate Member Username: jon_jackson Post Number: 103 Registered: 12-2008 |
Definitely Steve Martin. | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 1119 Registered: 10-2006 |
My vote is Gordie; closest thing I see to Steve is an instrument - and his is banjo. But to be sure on Gordie, we'd have to see if you still have teeth, Rusty. Peter | ||
| jon_jackson
Intermediate Member Username: jon_jackson Post Number: 105 Registered: 12-2008 |
Just for fun...  | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 1314 Registered: 6-2002 |
hehe...do you play banjo Rusty? | ||
| rustyg61
Advanced Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 335 Registered: 2-2011 |
I do still have all my teeth, but do not play banjo. He we go....you be the judge! | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 5007 Registered: 7-2004 |
I just realized I've never seen Gordie Howe and Steve Martin in the same room at the same time. Spooky! Bill, tgo | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7551 Registered: 6-2000 |
These should be showing up on doorsteps starting today, so here's preview of the new ad:  I love the idea of posters, but I think the size of the original images limits me to something in the 12x18 range, so it would be a small poster. But I think that's big enough, any other thoughts on size? | ||
| mc500
Junior Username: mc500 Post Number: 32 Registered: 11-2009 |
Mica, I LOVE the ad and the idea of a poster of any size! I look forward to my VG mag arriving. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2215 Registered: 5-2009 |
I think 12X18 is a good size for various reasons. At that size they could be collectable for multiple displays . Someone with the inclination and desire could hang several in a row and not run out of wall or space. Suitable for framing and mating to display them as the works of Art that they are . Just the right size for publishing as a continuing series. Folks would collect them . | ||
| rustyg61
Advanced Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 349 Registered: 2-2011 |
Mica, put me down for at least 2 posters of the February ad with my SCSD in it! I just picked up the Feb. issue tonight & the ad looks great! I bought all 5 copies that Barnes & Nobel had! Rusty | ||
| poor_nigel
Advanced Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 221 Registered: 11-2009 |
I like 12" x 18" You can get a real nice frame for less than the price of a guitar that way. Definitely better than 8 x 10 kissable photos of Bobby Sherman, ripped out of Tigerbeat magazines! I doubt I would 'collect' them, but I would probably buy ones of basses I would like to look at in my home/office. Hey, speaking of frames . . . Don't youse guyz work at a wood shop???? Hint, hint. Laminated frames might sell better than the little boxes you sold previously. I love that idea! | ||
| rustyg61
Advanced Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 350 Registered: 2-2011 |
I would love a Coco Bolo frame to hang the poster in! | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 2659 Registered: 6-2002 |
Alembic frames....!!!! now that sounds expensive... and you just know someone is gonna ask for side LED's to ease viewing in low light.... :-) Jazzyvee | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2217 Registered: 5-2009 |
I would also suggest an adjustable proximity switch for the LED's so that they automatically " appear on" when approached at close range. | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 1745 Registered: 11-2004 |
Hmmm...since I made my own 'custom' backplate for my MK I may just have a go at a frame as suggested on here and the LED idea has got me thinking as well | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1804 Registered: 9-2002 |
Well, I got this month's VG with the 'Further' ad from above and there's a terrific interview with Leland Sklar, another great bassist that plays to the song. My two favorite takeaways: He's not a gear guy, and he says he's too much of a 'spaz' (!) to play with a pick, like Carol Kaye. And the sidebar on his terrifying Gale Banks-motored T-Bucket is amazing. I thought it was a terrific antidote for the last two months' worth of Gibson bass (surely my favorite oxymoron) articles. J o e y | ||
| rustyg61
Advanced Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 362 Registered: 2-2011 |
Hey Mica, any progress on getting the posters made of the ads? | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7591 Registered: 6-2000 |
Not really. I tried printing some on my 11x17 printer that can take a 12x18 sheet, but it was giving me some trouble. Right now I'm kinda piled up with end of the year work, and if I try to get posters going before I update the prices on the Custom Quote Generator, I might get in big trouble with mamma! | ||
| rustyg61
Advanced Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 363 Registered: 2-2011 |
Thanks for the quick reply Mica! I'll try not to bug you about this, I framed the ad from one of the 10 magazines I bought, but would dearly love to have a 12x18 to hang on my wall! Funny story....I took the magazine to show a drummer friend & also gave him one of my business cards with a picture of my bass on it, & he said "Wow, Alembic is really consistant on their wood grain patterns, aren't they?!" He thought that my bass was just a similar bass as the one in the ad even though I had told him that the bass in the ad is my actual bass! He finally "got it" after looking at the business card side by side with the ad! Drummers!!! LOL! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7592 Registered: 6-2000 |
Tip for framing magazine ads: back with a black mat or foam core, so any printing on the other side won't show through. In a previous life (B.A. (Before Alembic)) I was a custom picture framer. | ||
| rustyg61
Advanced Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 364 Registered: 2-2011 |
Thanks for the tip Mica! I used the white background that came with the frame & the picture does have bleed through from the other side. I'll get a black background! | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 1143 Registered: 10-2006 |
Um, not to be nosey, Mica, but just what part of your life was BA? Were you framing in utero? Susan must have loved that! Peter | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7615 Registered: 6-2000 |
Well, before I worked here. And by worked here, I mean before I received my first paycheck! Lots of sickies here, so I haven't made any progress on poster prints, but I do think the new issue of VG is on its merry way to subscribers now, so here's a preview of the next ad:  It's a super pretty Burl Redwood Signature bass. I'm hoping the ad sparks more interest in this wood, since it's a native California species and I've got some amazing stores of it. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2292 Registered: 5-2009 |
Nice ! | ||
| rustyg61
Advanced Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 382 Registered: 2-2011 |
That wood is gorgeous! I finally got around to using the black backing on framing the ad with my SCSD, & it worked great! No bleed through from the back page! Thanks for the tip Mica! Can't wait for the poster prints!! | ||
| hifiguy
Advanced Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 333 Registered: 10-2006 |
Ooh, that is a pretty Sig Deluxe! The Burl Redwood is almost marble-like in its figuring. | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1815 Registered: 9-2002 |
We were talking about a single-cut shape elsewhere. Now to me (NOT that I'd want to go against Susan's wishes as far as not wanting single-cut Alembics), this shape on this redwood guitar has quickly become a signature Alembic shape to me, and I'd complete that curve of the upper horn on around to the neck. I think I'd like that. J o e y | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7659 Registered: 6-2000 |
So, I dragged myself in for a few hours today, and found the May Vintage Guitar was waiting on my desk. Here's the latest ad if you are not a subscriber:  This 12-string Darling guitar is actually in stock at Mammoth Music in California. Ok, I better drag myself home before I get into trouble! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10597 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hope you get to feeling better soon. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2368 Registered: 5-2009 |
Mica , I hope you feel back to your best soon ! | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 453 Registered: 2-2011 |
Another stunning work of art! I hope you get well soon Mica! | ||
| mario_farufyno
Senior Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 761 Registered: 9-2008 |
Wow, every instrument Alembic make brings me a smile on my face. Each one is so beautifull and unique, you really are the best on business! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10598 Registered: 5-2002 |
It does kinda give one the idea that it might be a good idea to have a twelve string around the house. | ||
| jzstephan
Junior Username: jzstephan Post Number: 43 Registered: 1-2012 |
Yes, a twelve string. Stay tuned....  | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7662 Registered: 6-2000 |
Wow, this page is getting loooong... and the "months" flip by fast. The June issue of Vintage Guitar Magazine is a little early to match up with the Dallas Guitar Show, I've got a note on my calendar that this should be popping up in mailboxes any day now:  (big version) You might remember this bass from a Featured Custom last year | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10630 Registered: 5-2002 |
That's a great bass!! | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 522 Registered: 2-2011 |
Hey Mica, any progress in making posters of these ads for sale? | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7765 Registered: 6-2000 |
OK, somehow I forgot to show off the July ad:  I was reminded since this showed up in the mailbox today:  I haven't had much chance to work on the posters lately. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10745 Registered: 5-2002 |
I love that Further! | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 609 Registered: 2-2011 |
WOW! I have never seen a maple fretboard on an Alembic! Gorgeous!! | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 2956 Registered: 6-2002 |
Rusty, here is one from way back on a Series bass. http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/100349.html?1339539134 Jazzyvee | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 612 Registered: 2-2011 |
Thanks Jazzyvee! They mention my friend Doc Green in that post! Small world! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7824 Registered: 6-2000 |
This one should be on everyone's doorstep by now:  | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 3060 Registered: 6-2002 |
So nice of you to send me that guitar right to my doorstep Mica. I will look out for the post man. I can't thank you enough. :-) Jazzyvee | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1230 Registered: 5-2002 |
I don't know if I agree with the copy. I think there are artists on both sides of the transaction! Lovely pictures! | ||
| redcloud
Intermediate Member Username: redcloud Post Number: 111 Registered: 5-2011 |
Mica, Thanks for using my Baritone in your ad. It really is quite something. Your ads are very tasteful. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10854 Registered: 5-2002 |
It's a beautiful guitar! | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 3100 Registered: 6-2002 |
SIG Jazzyvee | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 3101 Registered: 6-2002 |
SIG Jazzyvee | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7842 Registered: 6-2000 |
Thanks, Scott - admittedly, my job is a lot easier with such beautiful guitars to work with. Just got this one on Monday:  | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 3104 Registered: 6-2002 |
Mica, maybe that's because you guys at Alembic make sure the beauty of your instruments is more than just skin deep. Jazzyvee |
