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811952
Senior Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 823
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 7:51 am:   Edit Post

Another thread got me thinking - I've never seen what I would consider an "ugly" Alembic (though some people think they're all horrifically ugly). Anybody have an pics of what they would consider an ugly Alembic? Or strangest? Most idiosyncratic?

John
worldfamousandy
Member
Username: worldfamousandy

Post Number: 79
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 9:08 am:   Edit Post

Given that Alembic's reputation has been built largely on their willingness to make custom instruments, I have to believe they have had some clients with bad taste over the years. Maybe there is some kind of double-neck out there, with the body shaped and painted in the likeness of John Elway's face. The necks could look like his arms, one of which would have a football attached to the headstock, as though the quarterback were about to throw a touchdown pass.

I wonder if they would build this bass...

Andy Calder
www.andycalderbass.com
lothartu
Intermediate Member
Username: lothartu

Post Number: 178
Registered: 8-2003
Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 9:13 am:   Edit Post

I wouldn't say "ugly" but there certainly are some Alembics that have been made which are "amazingly distinct".

I've never seen an Alembic that I considered ugly though. Even the ones that aren't exactly my cup of tea are beautiful and special in their own way. A good example is the custom of the month gallery. There are a few in there that weren't exactly my bag when I first looked at them but over time they've each taken on their own personality and I think that makes them special. So you could say that I've grown "fond" of them even though they're not what I would personally custom order.

-Jim
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 579
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 11:19 am:   Edit Post

I agree with you there Jim, beauty is in the eye of the beholder for sure. When I first started looking at alembics with a view to buy, I only liked the Stanley Clarke model.

Maybe because that was the only shape of alembic I knew. It is still my favourite shape for a bass. If the balance was better I'd certainly have a 5 or even a 6 stringer in that style. Funds allowing of course.

If I was able to afford a custom guitar, I'd chose that shape for the guitar. Some of the others I, like you, have grown to like like the Europa and Orion shapes.

I also think they way many alembics look is very much influenced by the body wood choice as well. Some shapes seem to suit certain woods better than others.

Jazzyvee
bracheen
Senior Member
Username: bracheen

Post Number: 1065
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 11:40 am:   Edit Post

I'm leaning towards Johnny Winter's guitar. No offense to anyone who might have been involved, it's only my humble opinion.

Sam
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 729
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 11:44 am:   Edit Post

I saw a photo of one once that had the tuning head broke off. BRRRRR that was an ugly sight. I still have night mares abiut that.
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 580
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 11:21 pm:   Edit Post

that winter guitar is a beauty.....
bigredbass
Senior Member
Username: bigredbass

Post Number: 1024
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 11:50 pm:   Edit Post

ONLY from 'the neck up' . . . I can't stand the cone pegheads.

J o e y
foth
Intermediate Member
Username: foth

Post Number: 116
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 2:50 am:   Edit Post

You're right Olie, seeing an Alembic that will never be played again... now that's an ugly sight.
byoung
Advanced Member
Username: byoung

Post Number: 375
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 3:14 am:   Edit Post

Ok, I'll admit that I don't like the 3/4 size basses (i.e. MK 3/4 size). They just don't "flow" for me.

The Johnny Winters guitar, however, I absolutely love.

Bradley
groovelines
Advanced Member
Username: groovelines

Post Number: 364
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 7:06 am:   Edit Post

Bradley,
3/4 size never did it for me, until I played Olie's...hmmm form or function?
Ugliest? I think Jim, 3rd post from the top, sums it up fairly well.

Now, from time to time I've made my Alembic "sonically ugly".

Mike
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 732
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 7:14 am:   Edit Post

Ahem, Ahem, Well I never.

Bradley you hurt my feelings man.

I always thought Janis Joplin was no beauty queen, but then you hear her sing and well, what can ya' say.
Don't hate me because I'm beautiful!
byoung
Advanced Member
Username: byoung

Post Number: 377
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 8:43 am:   Edit Post

Olie,

I should have been more specific-- I don't think they're ugly, they just don't inspire the carnal reaction that the Standard, Balance and Stanley models do.

I'd still hit it, though.

Bradley
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 733
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 8:49 am:   Edit Post

Be careful Bradley, it's only got a 1/4" plug.
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 1642
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 9:12 am:   Edit Post

I must admit that the triple omega medieval battle axes are not my favorite. Neither is the "V" peghead. And If I had my druthers, my Electrum would sport something other than the cone headstock. And while "ugly" might not be the appropriate word, I could never understand painted Alembics. It's the wood, dude!

Bill, tgo
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 734
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 9:16 am:   Edit Post

I agree Bill, Alembics are best seen sporting wood. U
paulman
Member
Username: paulman

Post Number: 99
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 9:23 am:   Edit Post

It's "hard" to disagree with that comment.
adriaan
Senior Member
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 1057
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 9:27 am:   Edit Post

You guys should really come out of that closet.
tbrannon
Intermediate Member
Username: tbrannon

Post Number: 159
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 11:23 am:   Edit Post

I love the wood, but the painted Alembics (especially the burst or see through finishes) are something special!

No need to look much further than the wineburst Elan in the Showcase or this Balance K:
http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_pinot.html
groovelines
Advanced Member
Username: groovelines

Post Number: 365
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 11:40 am:   Edit Post

pardon me, good Dr S

I like them new
I like them old
I like them painted bright and bold

I like them my way
I like them your way
I like the fabulous wacky inlays

I like them plain
I like them fancy
But don't leave them on the stage (it's mighty chancey)

Coco Bolo and ebony
Flamey maple, zebrawood
Burl walnut, man that's good

I'll keep mine
And you got yours
Play 'em in and out of doors

Alembics Rock
Alembics Roll
Sweet or ugly, they steal the show

Mike

(it's all good)
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 737
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 12:01 pm:   Edit Post

Nice to see you're working hard Mike.
rooney
New
Username: rooney

Post Number: 5
Registered: 7-2006
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 1:39 pm:   Edit Post

I find a few of the designs a bit more than I would be willing to strap on, but nothing that's ugly. They're all special in their own way. (But some more than others ;))
alemberic
Junior
Username: alemberic

Post Number: 14
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 2:04 pm:   Edit Post

Toby/Mike--

+1


Eric
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 4420
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 3:08 pm:   Edit Post

As it was mentioned in a previous post to this thread, I checked the official rule book for clarification:
Cone headstocks rule.
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 738
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 3:41 pm:   Edit Post

Dave, I know Dan Akroyd would agree with you.

(Message edited by olieoliver on September 22, 2006)
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 4424
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 3:55 pm:   Edit Post

We come from France.
57basstra
Advanced Member
Username: 57basstra

Post Number: 357
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 6:41 pm:   Edit Post

Let us now consume mass quantities of beer
57basstra
Advanced Member
Username: 57basstra

Post Number: 358
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 6:44 pm:   Edit Post

goober
crgaston
Advanced Member
Username: crgaston

Post Number: 284
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 7:26 pm:   Edit Post

Isn't this like asking "What's the cheapest Ferrari?" :-)

My least favorite are the Excel and Epic, but that's just based on the shape. When you are actually holding one and feel the quality of materials and craftsmanship, well, it's like what we used to call a "brown bagger."
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 1644
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 8:19 pm:   Edit Post

Remulak, a small town in France.

Bill, tgo
bigredbass
Senior Member
Username: bigredbass

Post Number: 1030
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Saturday, September 23, 2006 - 12:56 am:   Edit Post

I always wondered what Roger Sadowsky looked like . . .

J o e y
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 741
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Saturday, September 23, 2006 - 1:47 am:   Edit Post

J o e y, as Joe Dirt would say, DAAAAANG.
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami

Post Number: 585
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Sunday, September 24, 2006 - 3:36 pm:   Edit Post

I'm a BIG Alembic fan, but I agree that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I personally don't care for the model with the scorpion-claw horns. I'll try to find a picture. As well, there's one with a Rogue body and an omega cut. The Rogue body and standard Omega bodies are both beautiful, but I feel they clash when combined.
palmann
Member
Username: palmann

Post Number: 51
Registered: 6-2005
Posted on Sunday, September 24, 2006 - 3:52 pm:   Edit Post

I'm not very keen on the Rogue. I think the upper horn is too long. That said, I saw a Rogue in FTC section which had a short horn. Even if I prefer other shapes like the Balance K, the Series Bodys, the Essence or Excel, this one looked very nice.

I won't call them ugly, merely they're not my taste: All these very big shapes like the Exploiter, Dragon Wing and so on are just not for me. But they are outstanding instruments of course and beautiful in it's own dignity, but somehow I just cannot relate to them.

I absolutely love the babyblue Spoiler with the plate for the control knobs in the FTC thread. :-)

Gruesse, Pablo
oujeebass
Member
Username: oujeebass

Post Number: 80
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Sunday, September 24, 2006 - 6:18 pm:   Edit Post

When it comes down to it... Its not how ugly they look,but how ugly you play them.
jubeas3eyes
Junior
Username: jubeas3eyes

Post Number: 35
Registered: 1-2006
Posted on Sunday, September 24, 2006 - 10:18 pm:   Edit Post

I generally dislike painted Alembics. I enjoy seeing them in their natural state...well I guess that would be trees, but as a bass I like them natural.
palmann
Member
Username: palmann

Post Number: 52
Registered: 6-2005
Posted on Sunday, September 24, 2006 - 11:55 pm:   Edit Post

I absolutely love sun-/cherry-/whateverburst, even with alembics. ;-) But I love the natural finish, too.

I don't know how you play the Triple Omega, a Gibson Thunderbird is very nice to play contrary of it's looks.

Gruesse, Pablo
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver

Post Number: 746
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Monday, September 25, 2006 - 5:59 am:   Edit Post

Sho' you right Wade!
I've never really seen an "ugly Alembic" but have heard some ugly owners on them.
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami

Post Number: 586
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Monday, September 25, 2006 - 1:55 pm:   Edit Post

I like the Thunderbird too, but it's limited access to the upper frets makes it unplayable (to me). There's alot to be said for a good old Jazz Bass.
eastcoastepic
Intermediate Member
Username: eastcoastepic

Post Number: 186
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Monday, September 25, 2006 - 7:55 pm:   Edit Post

Sweet Mother of Pearl...enough Triple O bashing! How can a Triple Omega even be mentioned in a thread such as this??? A sexier shape has never roamed the planet (although Anna K. does come fairly close).
'Medieval battle axe'??? How dare thee....
Excuse me whilst I prepare for the next crusade.....has anyone seen that confounded dragon?
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 1651
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 7:04 am:   Edit Post

Last I saw, it was crawling up Stanley Clarke's neck! http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_dragonsbreath.html

Bill, tgo
byoung
Advanced Member
Username: byoung

Post Number: 383
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 7:39 am:   Edit Post

Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
lg71
Intermediate Member
Username: lg71

Post Number: 103
Registered: 3-2006
Posted on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 9:55 am:   Edit Post

Beauty is in eye of the beholder!

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