What's cookin'? Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Alembic Club » Alembic Basses & Guitars » Archive: 2008 » Archive through June 20, 2008 » What's cookin'? « Previous Next »

Author Message
catfish_john
Junior
Username: catfish_john

Post Number: 17
Registered: 9-2007
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 10:03 am:   Edit Post

Having viewed the folks at Alembic as innovators since inception, I am wondering what if anything Ron and the crew have in the quisinart in terms of improved electronics, pups, preamps, etc. It seems to me that the existing technology has been around for a while- f2b, blaster, activator pups, all pretty much the same for some time. Back in the Dead days it was if the folks at Alembic were pushing the edge of the envelope all the time. What's cookin'?
bsee
Senior Member
Username: bsee

Post Number: 1974
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 10:35 am:   Edit Post

Great question. I have said a few times that I would love to see a modernized version of the F-1X with a few performance/convenience features added.
terryc
Senior Member
Username: terryc

Post Number: 515
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 7:03 am:   Edit Post

Well as far as improvements I think it is the stuff we don't see or take for granted. More durable finishes on the instruments, intricate inlay work, better quality electronic components, upgraded tooling at the workshop.
Sometimes 'improving' an already tried & trusted design can be disasterous. If it works...don't fix it!!!
elwoodblue
Advanced Member
Username: elwoodblue

Post Number: 365
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 7:34 am:   Edit Post

Terry,

What you say rings true ;as a carpenter I know it's a lack of comments from the homeowner that reflects a thorough and complete job.
...many custom orders here I feel are the result of pushing the envelope with the inertia of decades of experience and insights.

...not to discount catfish' inquiry ; I know if a series III arrives we'll be there to board the mothership.
catfish_john
Junior
Username: catfish_john

Post Number: 18
Registered: 9-2007
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 11:03 am:   Edit Post

Agreed on all fronts...glad to know that finishes are more durable and inlays are more intricate...I am hoping to take advantage of those on the further which the folks at Alembic are currently building...I always viewed Alembic as more than a luthier though...when it started with Ron, Rick and others, I don't think that they even made guitars...it was my impression that these guys along with Owsley, etc. were definig the game in terms of live sound and innovative electronics, thus the reason for my question..having said that, there is no doubt, that Alembic is a first class operation and what they do, they do extremely well...

Not sure I agree with the "if it works, don't fix it" philosophy...I tend to think more along the lines of "If it works, how do we make it better:" or, "if it doesn't exist and should, how do we create it".
elwoodblue
Advanced Member
Username: elwoodblue

Post Number: 366
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 1:59 pm:   Edit Post

...and now for something completely different:

youtube vid

{beware, it's long, dry, and potentially interesting}
3rd_ray
Junior
Username: 3rd_ray

Post Number: 38
Registered: 2-2008
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 6:53 pm:   Edit Post

... and now for something completely back to normal :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7AMJbnQc2A&feature=related
byoung
Senior Member
Username: byoung

Post Number: 1049
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 8:18 pm:   Edit Post

Trip is a trip.

He just makes it look so effortless.
elwoodblue
Advanced Member
Username: elwoodblue

Post Number: 367
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 8:31 pm:   Edit Post

thanks 3rd ray...that is cool.

Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | Help/Instructions | Program Credits Administration