| Author | Message | ||
| dinan
New Username: dinan Post Number: 1 Registered: 6-2015 |
I was lucky enough to acquire the John Judge Double Neck Series 1. I'm sure most are familiar with it but for those who aren't; it was built in 1978 and is instrument number 1000 featuring an 8 string and 4 string fretless bass with elaborate inlays on the neck, master volume, and what appears to be an interesting series/parallel selector for the 8 string pickups.  | ||
| dinan
New Username: dinan Post Number: 2 Registered: 6-2015 |
The maiden...  | ||
| dinan
New Username: dinan Post Number: 3 Registered: 6-2015 |
The dragon...  | ||
| dinan
New Username: dinan Post Number: 4 Registered: 6-2015 |
The warriors...  | ||
| dinan
New Username: dinan Post Number: 5 Registered: 6-2015 |
It would be great to hear from John Judge and Christian (who enjoyed this in Germany for many years). This bass thunders on the 8 string side and has a wonderful buttery warmth to the 4 string side. The condition is still near pristine. And lastly, I would love to find a John Judge Superwound poster to buy (I have the original ad already). I would also love to have any shots of this bass being played live but I don't think many exist. Thanks to anyone that can help here. | ||
| pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 1509 Registered: 6-2006 |
Congratulations Carl! That is a great instrument there. | ||
| bassfingers
Advanced Member Username: bassfingers Post Number: 385 Registered: 11-2005 |
Here is the Superwound ad,as posted by rami in 2003.I did get a larger copy laminated which I mailed to Christian when he owned this bass.If I can find them I'll send you one,though I fear they were lost during my change of address.Still an awe inspiring instrument.  | ||
| bassfingers
Advanced Member Username: bassfingers Post Number: 386 Registered: 11-2005 |
A slightly larger version.  | ||
| dinan
New Username: dinan Post Number: 6 Registered: 6-2015 |
Thanks! I do have an original of that ad. Now I just need to find a poster like the factory has! This is a fun bass to play but takes more talent than I will ever have to really do it justice and a stronger back as well. | ||
| moongerm
Advanced Member Username: moongerm Post Number: 215 Registered: 8-2013 |
Congratulations Carl! Most certainly went to a good home. Best, Brian | ||
| gtrguy
Senior Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 884 Registered: 9-2004 |
I seem to remember a post here somewhere that John Judge made regarding this bass? | ||
| dinan
New Username: dinan Post Number: 7 Registered: 6-2015 |
Yeah, John made a bunch of posts. As did a friend of his that is no longer active here. Much of the history is known but I'm sure there is plenty that would be interesting to know that isn't. ;-) | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 2042 Registered: 5-2002 |
I'm asking this sincerely, so don't take it as a jab at the bass. What kind of music does one play with this? I don't know that I've ever played a song that required both 8 string and fretless. I would love to hear the music for which this bass fits the bill. It is a thing of awesomeness! It's a good thing that it's not mine because I'd probably do some weird mods. Enjoy! | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 1519 Registered: 1-2005 |
I've been conversing with Carl via email - glad he finally posted here! This is a mythical, legendary Alembic bass!!! | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Senior Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 551 Registered: 6-2012 |
First off, congrats on adding another fine piece to your formidable collection. I'm old enough to remember those ads when they first appeared in Guitar Player in the late 70's and that bass amazed me every time I saw them. Thanks for providing the close-up photos of the inlay work - the entire instrument is truly an incredible and whimsical work of art worthy of display in a museum! I see you're sitting down in the first photo - which prompts me to ask: how much does she weigh? | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11794 Registered: 5-2002 |
Edwin; in response to your question, it occurred to me that someone with looper skills could write/arrange and perform some pretty interesting material. Laying down a chord progression with the eight string and then soloing on top with the fretless; or a walking bass line on the fretless, and soloing with the eight string; or combinations of those. I think it could be a great canvas, and inspiration, for that type of application. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4274 Registered: 5-2009 |
Dave, Yes ! Mark Egan for example has done that . I heard him do it in front of me when I took some of his clinics . An incredible talent of a player an a great person as well , | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 2046 Registered: 5-2002 |
That does sound like great fun! It's been a while since I've had a functional looping rig. | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 1520 Registered: 1-2005 |
Wolf - good call on Mark Egan! I had forgotten about him - I had his solo album "Mosaic" in high school on vinyl and I would stare at the cover with the doubleneck 8-string fretted/4-string fretless Pedulla - maybe that's part of what drew me to my doubleneck - well, that and Geddy Lee! And Dave - now you've also fanned the flames of my GAS for a looper - haven't had one for a while, might be time! (Message edited by hieronymous on June 16, 2015) (Message edited by hieronymous on June 16, 2015) | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2394 Registered: 9-2002 |
Glad it's gone to a good home and we know where it is. In a population of amazing instruments, this is one of the Flying Dutchmen, a real standout. Me, it'd be a simple enough fix, Edwin: Get the four string neck fretted, and Off to the Races ! Joey | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2395 Registered: 9-2002 |
Glad it's gone to a good home and we know where it is. In a population of amazing instruments, this is one of the Flying Dutchmen, a real standout. Me, it'd be a simple enough fix, Edwin: Get the four string neck fretted, and Off to the Races ! Joey | ||
| dinan
New Username: dinan Post Number: 8 Registered: 6-2015 |
Edwin: I wondered the same thing but I have played both necks and could easily use both in the realm of classic rock and even staying within one band's material. Ramble On sounds great on the fretless and Misty Mountain Hop is all about the 8 string. 5a: This beast weighs around 28lbs and I have several damaged discs so I will never play it standing. :-) I really love this instrument and feel very fortunate to have it. It is everything I didn't already have in an Alembic all in one bass...an 8 string, a fretless, and a Dragon inlay. Also, I think we will record this in my friend's studio and get it on youtube as no footage exists that I can find. I have found an 8 string pick player that can do it justice so it will just be a matter of getting everyone together. | ||
| gearhed289
Member Username: gearhed289 Post Number: 54 Registered: 5-2004 |
Congrats on owning not only an incredible instrument, but a part of Alembic history. So cool! And yeah, I used to play Misty Mountain Hop on my 8 string Ric! | ||
| artswork99
Moderator Username: artswork99 Post Number: 2043 Registered: 7-2007 |
Congratulations on your acquisition of this beautiful instrument. Play it Healthy! | ||
| dead_head
Member Username: dead_head Post Number: 93 Registered: 5-2014 |
Congratulations! It's a work of art. Enjoy it in good health! | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 1138 Registered: 7-2003 |
Congrats Dinan! I once had the honor to play the bass when it was in the posession of it's former german owner Speicky..... Have fun.... Oliver (Spyderman) | ||
| dead_head
Member Username: dead_head Post Number: 94 Registered: 5-2014 |
Hi,Oliver! How's things? Rob | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 1145 Registered: 7-2003 |
Rob, All ok here. Thank you very much. Dinan, Here is the photo.... Oliver (Spyderman)  | ||
| dinan
New Username: dinan Post Number: 9 Registered: 6-2015 |
Oliver, Thanks for the comments and the great photo. I do have this and one other from a previous thread. John Judge has yet to chime but I did email him so maybe we will hear from him. -Carl |
