| Author | Message | ||
| sjhoffma
New Username: sjhoffma Post Number: 7 Registered: 5-2008 |
Isn't she a beauty?     (Message edited by davehouck on July 03, 2008) | ||
| sjhoffma
New Username: sjhoffma Post Number: 8 Registered: 5-2008 |
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| sjhoffma
New Username: sjhoffma Post Number: 9 Registered: 5-2008 |
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| sjhoffma
New Username: sjhoffma Post Number: 10 Registered: 5-2008 |
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| sjhoffma
Junior Username: sjhoffma Post Number: 11 Registered: 5-2008 |
sorry, last pic uploaded twice | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 765 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hey Sam, this is really a beauty. Play her well and have fun! Oliver (Spyderman) | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1884 Registered: 2-2006 |
This is a nice guitar. Congrats Sam. I bet Bill will be torn between drooling and glad to have another 6 stringer on board. OO | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 416 Registered: 6-2002 |
oh yeah...that's a beauty,what a find. The body is huge...looks like a bass at first with all that wood. What gauge of strings are you using? I ask because I don't see the typical zigzag on the saddles that I have on all my electrics with 3 wound and 3 plain strings...of course I use light strings and I don't have alot of intuitive experience with intonating heavier strings. | ||
| hasadari
Advanced Member Username: hasadari Post Number: 215 Registered: 6-2005 |
Spectacular! | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 925 Registered: 6-2002 |
Alright Sam! Way to score, play her healthy. Mike | ||
| staemius
Member Username: staemius Post Number: 78 Registered: 12-2004 |
Fantastic - congrats! | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 280 Registered: 6-2007 |
You have a wonderful vintage. I always wanted one but I am to hard on electric guitars but laidback with my Alembic Bass. Many of us Alembicans had see what an over driven Alembic guitar could do. Check out a post under this section called: Alembic lead guitars screems!!!!! You will see a Bentley become a 64 Stingray. Old school. Peace- | ||
| sjhoffma
Junior Username: sjhoffma Post Number: 12 Registered: 5-2008 |
I saw the very same thing the other day Hal! The first time i decided to put a modified tube screamer between my Alembic, and my 66 deluxe reverb. I was shredding! I could have cut butter with the sounds coming out of my amp. I never realized any guitar could go from being so crystal clean, to so hot and overdriven. I spent a good 2 hours just messing around, trying to make my guitar scream as loud as she could. | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 285 Registered: 6-2007 |
I believe if Jimi Hendrix was alive, he would had been playing an Alembic Guitar. I have no doubts there. The sound is so clean, it hurts! The sustain is so long, you don't need to wake it up with another strum or pick. They are so beautiful too. You have a keeper. I am serious. (Camera Pan frontal view - Serious face and hold after the statement...) There are only a very few things I charish, and Alembics gets the front row baby. | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 431 Registered: 6-2002 |
I think a G&L would be his choice ...just to give Leo a bunch of credit for being a devoted engineer of some fine instruments ...to each his own opinion...who knows,my friend would say a mexi-strat  ...I bet he would have a few alembics though...love that man my apologies for getting off subject. peace | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3143 Registered: 7-2004 |
I'd hate to see Jimi douse an Alembic in lighter fluid and set it ablaze! Bill, tgo | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 287 Registered: 6-2007 |
Frankly, if Jimi lit an Alembic into flames, it would had been a bigger sacrifice -- the bigger the sacrifice, the bigger the meaning. Anybody can burn a fender these days. But burning an Alembic, only people like Jimi or Stanely could do that. LOL!!! | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 288 Registered: 6-2007 |
In fact, I am waiting for Stanley Clarke to perform this "Rite of Passage" to truly be remembered to be greater than the object. When Jimi burned and smashed his Fenders, this was exactly what I believe -- this was the statement he was making: "I am greater than the object". I believe Stanley Clarke will some day destroy an Alembic. It must happen, for it will be the greatest thing he could ever do in life and it will be the greatest "bucket list" he could ever give himself. | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Advanced Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 326 Registered: 10-2006 |
While "I am greater than the object" is a noble sentiment, I believe Jimi's actual staement was "How can I show up Pete Townshend & not be totally oversahdowed?" Peter | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 289 Registered: 6-2007 |
Jimi had killed guitars in London too...(not just in Monterey). Jimi wanted to transend from objects, to a spiritual and earthly level. This is not the ego of winning a competition between himself and Pet Townsend. They were great friends and this was not Hendrix's nature to compete in this way anyway. To be honest, Pete felt more humble standing next to Jimi. (I need not to say any more there...) Therefore, it was a sacrifice -- as Jimi said: "The time I burned my guitar, it was like a sacrifice. You sacrifice the things you love. I love my guitar." This was my point... References: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/jimi_hendrix.html Peace- | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 290 Registered: 6-2007 |
Eventually, everybdy sacrifice themselves and leave those you love too. I am not trying to be too deep in this, but it was just a deep thought I had in mind for Stanley Clarke. I would pay royal dollars to witness Stanley Clarke -- to set his Alembic on Fire and Destroy it to bits. It would be liberating for him and myself. It would be better than sex. Jimi reached the higest level of music life and he liberated us when he killed his guitar! Will Stanley Clarke do the same? Will he add himeslf to his ritual Jimi kick off? Will this be a bucket list for Stanley? Personally, I hope I live; to see this day, don't you? -- eh eh eh ha ha HA HAAA HAAAAAAA! Peace- | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 433 Registered: 6-2002 |
Sam, I'm still curious about your string gauges if you get a chance to share, thanks | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 6751 Registered: 5-2002 |
Congrats Sam!! Beautiful guitar!! | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1823 Registered: 10-2002 |
Hal. You say "I would pay royal dollars to witness Stanley Clarke -- to set his Alembic on Fire and Destroy it to bits." I would pay money to see him (and anyone who encouraged him) strung up if he ever did this. In fact, I can't understand why anyone would go to a music concert to see a finely crafted instrument destroyed. Woould you feel the same way if he was lighting up the Dragon's breath that you want him to play (in another thread). Perhaps you'd also like to see Anne Sophie Mutter smash her stradivarius up following beethoven's fifth? Very strange. Graeme | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1911 Registered: 6-2002 |
Graeme, not to put too fine a point upon it, but you won't often see Anne Sophie Mutter performing Beethoven's 5th because that's the ta-ta-ta-DA! symphony. There's only one Beethoven violin concerto ... Hal, could you drop the vandal attitude? | ||
| speicky
Advanced Member Username: speicky Post Number: 305 Registered: 3-2005 |
Anne Sophie Mutter smashing her Stradivari up following Beethoven's fifth... hey, Graeme, now you got me dreamin, LOL ! Christian | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1824 Registered: 10-2002 |
There's still a violin section though and if she ever starts to lose it she can always fall back into the main orchestra ;-) And it's difficult not to day dream when anne Sophie Mutter's name comes up ;-) Graeme | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3144 Registered: 7-2004 |
Sam: Wonderful instrument. I have her brother, my '77 big body Series I 12 string, Big Irv. Get a good strap and play it in the best of health. Hal: Go check out John Hiatt's song: "Perfectly Good Guitar" 'nuff said. Bill, tgo | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 295 Registered: 6-2007 |
graeme, no -- its not a crazy thought. Alembics are fine crafted, and this is the point -- they are considered the most valuable instrument to some some people, and I am not talking about the average person. Some people sky-dive once in their lifetime; some people spend millions on a painting once in their lifetime; some people stick needles through their noses once in their lifetime; some people drink animal digested coffee beans laced in "you know what" and spends thousands of dollars once in their lifetime; and some rich people take a vow of poverty etc... Most people would never take an Alembic and trash it, and this is not my point, I am specifically addressing someone like Stanley Clarke, even Victor -- to do it. It would be interesting. Very interesting. WHY? The statement of being greater than the object is a profound statement. Break the mirror! (This gets deep...) Jimi did it! This is not a debate, it is more of a creative philosophical thinking discussion, and its beyond what the eyes could see for some people. This topic has some spiritual concepts. It is also a relationship between a gifted and talented individual, vs a quality and gifted product like Alembic. In other words, if Alembic was not a quality product, nobody would even care, and the desired effects of shock would nothing. Therefore, this why I felt this was a perfect time to raise such an issue, and at the opportunity time, when our new Alembican Sam had kindly shown us another another beautiful example -- of a very well taken care of Alembic electric guitar. I wouldn't suggest anyone except Stanley Clarke to break an Alembic on stage, because he has earned it as far I was concern. Nobody else can even come close with out ridicule. Stanley could do it, and his stock would fly off the charts! It would be a wonderful thing too. I would pay big-time to see this liberation of self expression, for he earned it deeply! Peace to all! | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1202 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hmm I don't think Alembic would be very happy if stanley decided to trash his dragon magic or any alembic for that matter. Jazzyvee | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 296 Registered: 6-2007 |
WHO cares what Alembic think... It's bought and paid for... They would just make another one -- just like that. Objects are replaceable, people are not. You just don't get it. I am sorry I bought up the whole thing, I keep forgetting to stay simple on issues. Foget I bought it up... Happy 4th of July! yeah! Hot Dogs! Hambergers Yeah! and Catsup is red, and Mustard is yellow -- YEAH BABY! Peace-- | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3146 Registered: 7-2004 |
Hal wrote: "some people spend millions on a painting once in their lifetime" Yeah, that's the ticket. Go out and spend $100,000,000 on a Van Gogh and then BURN IT! WOW! The ultimate sacrifice! I mean, what good is a piece of art, be it a painting or an instrument, if it's still around for people to appreciate? Trash Monet's Water Lillies before anyone else can see it. Throw that custom Alembic in a chipper and grind it to sawdust before anyone gets another chance to hear someone like Stanley Clarke ever play it again! Hey, how about cutting out the middle-man - just empty out your bank account and flush it down the toilet - WHAT A SACRIFICE!!!! Wouldn't that be cool? Who's going first? A great fourth to everyone. Go Joey Chestnut! (hey, how about an Alembic eating contest? hehehehe) Bill, tgo (Message edited by lbpesq on July 04, 2008) (Message edited by lbpesq on July 04, 2008) | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 297 Registered: 6-2007 |
Only someone like Stanley Clarke or Stanley Clarke (himself) is qualified to burn and smash an Alembic bass and get away with it... Stanley is a Shaman, a Master, a Guru, and a human being who's worth more than a "trillion" Alembics. Killing one, would be liberating. Bill, I don't think I would ever suggest you or anyone else (for that matter) to smash an Alembic. Again, this is my opinion when it comes to Stanley Clarke, not you... Not that you are not worthy, but I think Stanley is... If Stanley were to bust up his Alembic on stage, many people would be shocked, and possibly yourself. The shocker, the better! I would love to see people cringe in shock as they did when Jimi ripped and burned his Fender in Monterey. My mother loved it, it was a very spritual think than people profited in so many ways. I think it is time for Stanley to do the same. He was qualified years ago, and I hope he does it soon. I want to see the legendary act of Alembic martyrdom like the Fender Martydom Jimi left us. I'll tell you what... I would even give away my Alembic for Stanley to burn and smash. In return, in broken pieces, my Alembic it would be worth more than any Alembic ever made -- even more valuable than the Dragon Breath. You know why? Because Stanley did it... not you, not me... Stanley! Like I said, the Fender Jimi burned and smashed is now priceless, and under tight security in Washington. In fact, the lucky owner of this broken Fender relic of Jimi Hendrix, belongs to Billionaire Paul Allen. Why? Because it is art. The act, was also an art -- and it launched Jimi's career to the heavens. Think on this, but not too hard or you will miss that heavenly glory... As Bruce Lee would say... Why is Bruce Lee in this? For starters, Bruce Lee and Jimi Hendrix share the same birthday, and secondly, he also broken the rules of another art-form -- called Kung Fu. You just don't get it Bill, but you are still cool with me anayway... Peace- | ||
| 82daion
Intermediate Member Username: 82daion Post Number: 166 Registered: 5-2005 |
I could destroy my bass right now and get away with it. So could Stanley. So what? I wouldn't be shocked to see him do it, and I certainly wouldn't want to be left holding the bill in either case. There's not some deity in Santa Rosa making judgments on who's worthy to play Alembics, much less do stupid things with them. Guitar-smashing is about as cliched an act as it gets these days, in regards to showmanship. Light it on fire? Nothing special. It was fresh and inspiring when Hendrix and Townshend did it. Let's leave it that way. The "power" of the act has been diluted too much by its overuse. Alembics, it seems to me, were built first and foremost for players-they're one of the most effective tools for getting your musical message across. So why destroy one and deprive a player (could be you, could be anybody) of the chance to use it? It might be worth a lot to you if Stanley smashed your bass, Hal, but it would be a pointless act that deprived someone of the chance to keep playing what is, I'm sure a fine instrument. Like I said in the other thread, Hendrix lighting his guitar on fire was one of the defining moments of the time and for the culture surrounding it. Stanley Clarke never had and never will have the place in culture that Hendrix had, so the act of smashing a bass, instead of defining a moment in history, would probably just baffle a bunch of jazz fans. Clarke's playing speaks loudly enough for itself. There's no need for him to destroy his tools to get his message across. Sam, your guitar is beautiful. Play it in good health. I'm sorry your thread's been cluttered up with this strange argument. (Message edited by 82Daion on July 04, 2008) | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 299 Registered: 6-2007 |
Now, I can understand why there is so much confusion in the world. As Willie Wonka said: "We are the music-makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams." In other words, Human Beings are more valuable than any thing, and we are the masters, not our versions of objects, or versions of music. A mother's love, a father's smile, a baby sister's/brother's hug, a person who see's another with aged eyes from many years in absences -- means more than any sound made from a string and shiny wood carving. Some people go too far with materials things. It's a serious vice for people, and I don't think my mere words would make a difference anyway for those who put objects before themselves for validation. I was just sharing my thoughts -- as a free soul, and a point of view (That's all). A soul that may be torn from materials, are worse than anything in pristine condition. Alembics are not above getting smashed no more than a Fender. Also, if you think this is about smashing an Alembic, you are wrong. It's about smashing any object you might honor more than yourself. You are attacking me, when I honor and say "you are greater than any Alembic... [You own it], ...don't let it own you!" Peace-- | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 443 Registered: 6-2002 |
(hal, let's keep this thread sam-centric...I'll watch the other one for your input.) Sam...the reason I was asking about string gauges is because I have seen alot of instruments with the intonation out which is a shame because that makes such a huge difference on the playability, and ear fatigue....I figure you're a very savvy musician given your choice of equipment. ...so I am hoping to learn a little about identifying intonation visually from your response. Are you using a heavy gauge set for your guitar or a custom set? thanks kindly, kris | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 304 Registered: 6-2007 |
Ok, Sam, take it from an old fart like me -- Own the Alembic, don't let it own you... You have the the 8th wonders of the music world, therefore, enjoy it man. Sorry to go off on another grove, but its all about music and it takes you to different area, but as long as you come back to the groove, it's all right. You have a looker and I am sure she's sweet as suger and light as cotton candy and please don't hurt her, I was only making a point of art. If I see any video with your guitar in mind, I will shoot them to you, or post them here with my fellow Alembicans. It's all good baby, it's all good! | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 449 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hal , you da man!! take care | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 305 Registered: 6-2007 |
Yo-Yo, you too Elwoodblue. Stay cool man! | ||
| sjhoffma
Junior Username: sjhoffma Post Number: 13 Registered: 5-2008 |
Sorry for the lack of response, I havn't had internet access, just moving into my new place in Burlington Vermont. I have 10-46 gauge strings on it. The intonation seems fine, but I am considering experimenting with a different gauge, if you have any recommendations. I for one, would not set this thing on fire, unless I had the funds to get a new one on the spot. I've spent the past 19 years alembicless, i wouldnt wanna go there again. | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 452 Registered: 6-2002 |
A strobe tuner would indicate if it was out, I use 9-42's ernie balls on most my guitars and there is always a sort of zigzag to the saddles...when I learned how to intonate my instruments my musical world was reborn. ...its amazing how a turn of the screw can open up worlds of delight. ..keep us posted. best regards |
