| Author | Message | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 823 Registered: 10-2003 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
that winter guitar is a beauty..... | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1024 Registered: 9-2002 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.  | ||
| byoung
Advanced Member Username: byoung Post Number: 377 Registered: 12-2004 |
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 |
Be careful Bradley, it's only got a 1/4" plug. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1642 Registered: 7-2004 |
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 |
I agree Bill, Alembics are best seen sporting wood. U | ||
| paulman
Member Username: paulman Post Number: 99 Registered: 2-2005 |
It's "hard" to disagree with that comment. | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1057 Registered: 6-2002 |
You guys should really come out of that closet. | ||
| tbrannon
Intermediate Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 159 Registered: 11-2004 |
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 |
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 |
Nice to see you're working hard Mike. | ||
| rooney
New Username: rooney Post Number: 5 Registered: 7-2006 |
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 |
Toby/Mike-- +1 Eric | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 4420 Registered: 5-2002 |
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 |
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 |
We come from France. | ||
| 57basstra
Advanced Member Username: 57basstra Post Number: 357 Registered: 4-2005 |
Let us now consume mass quantities of beer | ||
| 57basstra
Advanced Member Username: 57basstra Post Number: 358 Registered: 4-2005 |
 | ||
| crgaston
Advanced Member Username: crgaston Post Number: 284 Registered: 11-2005 |
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 |
Remulak, a small town in France. Bill, tgo | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1030 Registered: 9-2002 |
I always wondered what Roger Sadowsky looked like . . . J o e y | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 741 Registered: 2-2006 |
J o e y, as Joe Dirt would say, DAAAAANG. | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 585 Registered: 6-2002 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Beauty is in eye of the beholder! |
