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new2alembic
New
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 2
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 9:46 am:   Edit Post

Greetings everyone. I am eager to purchase this 6 stringer. The seller is a 75 yr old gentleman that has owned it for 20yrs. He is asking $2800US. It is a beauty. Very well kept wood. The metal is tarnished. I don't have any pics. He selling because it is too heavy for him to play. He still plays well in my opionion. He wants a Taylor T5-C1. Any input would be appreciated. Is this a SeriesI or SeriesII? How can a rookie tell the difference?
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 7006
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 12:16 pm:   Edit Post

Hi Carl, welcome to the board!

Essentially, a Series I will have 5 knobs and two switches, while a Series II will have 8 knobs and no switches.

Generally, from having observed transactions on Ebay and elsewhere, and without knowing anything about the particular guitar you are looking at, my guess is that $2,800 is a very reasonable price for a '76 Alembic in good condition, with everything in working order, and with power supply and case.
new2alembic
New
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 3
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 3:40 pm:   Edit Post

Thank you Dave.
new2alembic
New
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 4
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 4:09 pm:   Edit Post

Dave I really appreciate your input. It is definitely a Series I. Is there a real difference the sounds or quality of a SeriesI or II? Also, are there any 6 string guitar players in this family? Every post, no offense intended, seems to relate to Basses or Bass players? My good friend many years ago was an Alembic bass player. That is where I first was introduced to this great family of craftsmanship and beauty. I just ask because I would like to chat with guitarists also. Thanking you in advance, Carl.
new2alembic
New
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 5
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 4:15 pm:   Edit Post

I also noticed on the Alembic that the 5 pin cord has to be plugged in. Does the guitar always require this phantom power? How much to replace the power supply? The case is really quite shabby and beaten up. I think I will offer $2600 but if he refuses, I will pay the $2800 he is asking. I guess the Series I and II are both worth it. This is indeed a Series I based on your information Dave.
new2alembic
New
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 6
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 4:20 pm:   Edit Post

I would love to hear from other 6 stringers. Does anyone else want to share their stories, especially owners of an older Series 1?
barryr1
Junior
Username: barryr1

Post Number: 44
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 11:09 pm:   Edit Post

I have 2 old series I's and they are both great instruments. Check my pics. The burl is very old 73 series 1 and the koa a 77 series I. They are definately worth the cash. If you have a power supply and cord you can play in stereo that means into two channels of a marshall or hiwatt amp for example with different channel settings. Without the power supply the battery powers the preamp in mono and still sounds great into one channel. The guitars are very touch sensative *precise)and have a lot of balls and you can really grind them. i have a number of custom guitars and these are among my favorites. Easy to overdrive into an amp without pedals and great clean sound if that is what you want.

Barry
barryr1
Junior
Username: barryr1

Post Number: 45
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 11:09 pm:   Edit Post

I have 2 old series I's and they are both great instruments. Check my pics. The burl is very old 73 series 1 and the koa a 77 series I. They are definately worth the cash. If you have a power supply and cord you can play in stereo that means into two channels of a marshall or hiwatt amp for example with different channel settings. Without the power supply the battery powers the preamp in mono and still sounds great into one channel. The guitars are very touch sensative *precise)and have a lot of balls and you can really grind them. i have a number of custom guitars and these are among my favorites. Easy to overdrive into an amp without pedals and great clean sound if that is what you want.

Barry
new2alembic
New
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 7
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 6:41 am:   Edit Post

Thank you Barry. Beautiful guitars! When I tried to play it without the five pin connector nothing happened. I thought that it provided phantom power or something.

Carl
barryr1
Junior
Username: barryr1

Post Number: 46
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 7:07 am:   Edit Post

Put a 9 volter in the battery compartment and then try it.

br
new2alembic
New
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 8
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 7:57 am:   Edit Post

I don't own it yet. But after hearing from you and Dave. I think $2800 is still a good deal. Harold will surley bring me up to speed on all the bells and whistles. I plan on using this site a lot. I guess one day my username will have to change. From new2alembic to oldalembicguy. Well actually the old guy part is already true.

Carl
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 3250
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 10:13 am:   Edit Post

Carl:

Welcome to the club. You asked for a 6 stringer, and you got one. I have been bitten pretty seriously with AGAS (Alembic Guitar Acquisition Syndrome). I own your prospective guitar's older brother, a '76 Series I, along with a '77 Series i 12 string, a Custom Further, an employee "shopnight" strat, an Orion baritone I just bought, and several other guitars with Alembic electronics.

If the guitar you're looking at is in good shape, $2800 isn't unreasonable, even without a power supply, but I wouldn't go much higher. A new DS-5R rack mount power supply lists for $550 direct from Alembic, though you can likely get it for less if you order through a dealer. Your guitar originally came with a project box mounted power supply. Alembic doesn't make these anymore. They do show up very occasionally on ebay, maybe once every year or two. The 5-pin cable is $190 direct and again, probably less through a dealer. Sometimes members sell these in this forum. There are also others who can make this cable for you. Search around here and you'll find more info. I have a great purple 5-pin cable I got from Bayou Cables, mentioned on this site by another member. If your prospective guitar is wired stock, you can use it on battery power, but only the neck pick-up will work. It is an easy mod to change it so both pick-ups work in battery mode. Ask Mica at Alembic and she'll send you a schematic. If it has LEDs, they won't work in battery mode. Also, you'll go though batteries fairly quickly, so make sure you have extras and a little screwdriver in your case.

If you've never played an Alembic, especially a series instrument, you will be surprised by its clarity and punch, almost piano like. You will also find that you'll probably need to be a little more careful in your technique. Little flubs that aren't noticeable on a Fender or Gibson are very apparent on an Alembic. It seems there is a learning curve that just about everyone goes though when they get their first Alembic. It may be a little frustrating at first, but you will -out of necessity- improve your technique and become a better player.

Enjoy the ride and you may want to start saving your nickels and dimes for the custom you will invariably want once you become more familiar with things Alembic. This stuff is addictive - I warned you! lol

Bill, the guitar one
new2alembic
New
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 9
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 1:24 pm:   Edit Post

Thank you so much for the input Bill, great information. Your guitars are beautiful!!! Pardon me while I wipe the drool off of my chin. I can't wait to close on this deal. I feel like a father waiting on the birth of his child. If a used Series I creates this kind of excitement, I can't imagine the euphoria of waiting on a Custom. The Alembic community is truly close knit group of fine folks. Makes me feel like I am joining a new, inviting international family. Thank you all for kindly adopting me into your fold.


Carl
new2alembic
New
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 10
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 2:05 pm:   Edit Post

DDoes the cut in the body make any difference in value? This guitar has an Omega cut in the bottom. I will get pictures posted as soon I get it and clean it up. I would like recommendations on how to clean the wood. What strings should I use? I read the complete threads on lemon oil. The USA listed source on one of the threads is out of stock until fall 2009.
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 1107
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 2:48 pm:   Edit Post

You should be able to get pure lemon oil at any health food store. I buy mine at Whole Foods in the aroma therapy section. Here is a link to the finish care section of the FAQ.

Keith
barryr1
Junior
Username: barryr1

Post Number: 48
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 3:03 pm:   Edit Post

If you buy the omega and you don't like it let me know. Can always use another banger. They don't come up often and I'd suspect there is a premimum. If the guitar plays and the finish is in good condition i'd say you're getting a great deal. If you dont think so send me a pic and I'll buy it. The spray that you can get at guitar center is fine for the finish if it has a lacquer (shiney) finish. It is mostly water. Just water and a clean cotton rag. The lemonn oil is for the fretboard only. And I know I'm likely alone on this one, but leave the tarnish on the brass and just degrease the frets. It doesn't need to look like it was made yesterday.better 30 years ago and mint.

barry
barryr1
Junior
Username: barryr1

Post Number: 49
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 3:15 pm:   Edit Post

The power supplies come up on ebay about 1/month it seems. 3-500 bucks to answer your question. It is a small blue box with the din input and two 1/4 inch outputs. thats about it. Plugs into 110. If you don't have a cable dela217 may have one. They're great.

br
new2alembic
Junior
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 12
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Friday, September 12, 2008 - 6:17 am:   Edit Post

Thanks again to everyone for the great information. I feel very lucky to have found this guitar, and just importantly, this site. There is such a huge amount of knowledge among you all. I have never experienced anything like it. Barry I will certainly post some pictures real soon. She should be mine by the end of the day. I have to get her cleaned up and ready for her photo shoot.
artswork99
Senior Member
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 452
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Friday, September 12, 2008 - 7:20 am:   Edit Post

Carl,
Have a great time getting her home today! Can't wait to see some pictures too. Congratulations!
Play it Healthy!
Art
hieronymous
Advanced Member
Username: hieronymous

Post Number: 399
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Friday, September 12, 2008 - 7:49 am:   Edit Post

Take pics of it "as is" too, before you clean it up - might make for some nice "before & after" shots. Looking forwards to seeing (and hearing?) it!
new2alembic
Junior
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 13
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Friday, September 12, 2008 - 7:59 am:   Edit Post

Thanks to all.
new2alembic
Junior
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 17
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 - 4:49 pm:   Edit Post

Hello all:
I am very frustrated at this point. Harold has increased his selling price to $3000. He said he took it to a store in Nashville over the weekend and was told it was a $12000 guitar! He said his son told him he could easily get $4000 for it. By the way Dave, it has 5 knobs and four switches. Two of the switches are silver and two are black. I took my checkbook with me ready to make the purchase. Then he decides to add another $200 to the price we agreed on. He never mentioned the increase over the phone. It does come with a hard case and the blue box power supply and cable. He also has a thin brown brochure he calls the owner’s manual. I told him he should have sold it to the guy in Nashville for $12000! He said he wanted me to have first choice. I thought I had already bought it. We live an hour or so apart and I am beginning to think he is wasting my time and gas. I have aged a 2 years in four days. I don't want to pass on this guitar, but I really don't know what I am doing. I told him to give me until Friday. I did not leave additional cash. He has a $50 deposit already. I wish I had taken my camera with me. But I did not see the need because I thought the baby was mine. Any suggestions at this point? He said the box used to work but now there is some sort of short in it. How can this be repaired? Do I have to send it in to Mica? Am I now looking at a $500 repair/replace bill? How important is the blue box? Any advice would be appreciated. I sure would like to know the history of the guitar, type of wood original owner. It has been well maintained. But, I wasn’t hooked until I found this forum. The Alembics are awesome. I give kudos to the Wickersham family and Alembic staff. But I am becoming a little nervous at this point. How much is too much. I have lost a lot faith I never should have had in the seller.
Thanks
Desperate Carl
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 7049
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 - 5:37 pm:   Edit Post

Carl; first off, breath. Maybe go out on the porch and breath some of that crisp Kentucky air.

Bill, who posted above, watches the used guitar market closely, so I think his opinion is worth considering. He stated that "if the guitar you're looking at is in good shape, $2800 isn't unreasonable, even without a power supply, but I wouldn't go much higher." Now, the guitar you are looking at does have the power supply; so I'm thinking the $3,000 amount is still reasonable.

Now you've mentioned that you've been told that the power supply has "some sort of short". With knowing any more about the problem than that, my guess is that a "short" should be easily repairable by a qualified guitar amp repair person. One reason Alembic power supplies are expensive is that Alembic only uses high quality mil-spec parts; but the power supply circuitry itself is not overly complex, and a local qualified tech should be able to sort it out quickly and easily. If the tech determines that a part needs to be replaced, they can probably get the part shipped from Alembic.

Oh, and Series instruments, when run without the power supply, go through batteries fairly quickly; so yes, the power supply is necessary.

Now what intrigues me is that this guitar has four switches. If this guitar has not been altered but is all original, then this suggests to me that perhaps this guitar has what are known as mellow filters. These appear to be fairly rare, I haven't seen many show up here on our discussion board. So, if this is indeed the case, then I would tend to think that this makes the guitar just a little more special than it already is.
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 7050
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 - 5:55 pm:   Edit Post

Caveats.

I'm a bass player, not a guitar player.

I'm not objective; I have no desire to own or play anything other than my Alembic Series bass.

Although my username has "moderator" underneath, my opinions are my own. I'm not a luthier, and what little bit of knowledge I have about these instruments has for the most part been gathered from my fellow club members here at the Alembic forum.

And all I know about the guitar you're looking at is what you've written here. In my very biased view, if it's not all original, if two of those switches are not original but were added later my someone other than Alembic, than that for me changes everything. But if it's all original, if the guitar is in excellent condition, it's got the case, and if the only thing wrong with the power supply is a "short", then if it were me, I think I would be going for it. But then again, I'm a bass player; what do I know?
barryr1
Junior
Username: barryr1

Post Number: 50
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 - 6:06 pm:   Edit Post

Whats the chance that the seller has a digital camera. A quick look by most any of us would tell you what you got. It's a lot of dough I know but with the original case, power supply, omega cut and if real mellow filters (take a shot inside of the guitar cavity too) you'd have a huge deal I think!!
barryr1
Member
Username: barryr1

Post Number: 51
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 - 6:09 pm:   Edit Post

Sorry, let me add... the retailer isn't your competition. If he paid what you have to pay for it, he will hold it for a long time cause he can't afford to break even unless it is a real real real deal with all the bells and whistles proven...and then it would sit for a while. Shit... the bass player from the doobies bass has been on guitarbase for a year or so at $6k and I don't see anyone beating that door down.
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 1109
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 4:40 am:   Edit Post

Lots of people will quote what the instrument would cost if you had a new one built by Alembic. This is irrelevant since it does not reflect the used market price for Alembic instruments. It is well known that new Alembics take a large hit in resale value (and I have one on order by the way). Used instruments hold their value very well.

I have also heard of some folks using a pricing guide to determine price. From what I have seen these guides over price the instruments and do not reflect the real market for Alembics.

As has been said the priced being asked is reasonable for a used instrument of this age. This is assuming it is all original or any modifications were made by Alembic.

While, IMO, it is unethical to ask for more after the price was agreed to, $200 is not that much more in the scheme of things. You have to decide whether the instrument is worth enough to you to still purchase it or wait for another.

Keith
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 3265
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 7:04 am:   Edit Post

Carl:

I agree with the above. The blue box should be an easy fix, I would imagine. I wouldn't be surprised if Mica at Alembic can "walk you through it" without even having to send it in to Santa Rosa. The extra switches do cause me a little concern, but if they are stock mellow filters, you have a real find. I've never seen an Alembic guitar with these mythical filters. $3000 with the blue box, 5-pin cable, and case, is still a reasonable price. I certainly wouldn't let the extra $200 deter me. While the store in Nashville might have said $12,000, I'd bet dollars to doughnuts they didn't offer that price, or the guitar would have been sold before you got there. Someone who bumps the price up, even $200, after making an agreement, isn't going to forgo $9000 for principal. And, by the way, a new Series I starts at $13,500 retail without any extras. But it's like a new car. Once you drive it off the lot, the price you can sell it for will be much less. Pictures would certainly help us here at the club in offering more detailed advice. You might also try giving Alembic a call and asking if they have any info on this guitar based on the serial number. They might be able to tell you if the extra switches are stock or a mod. If you keep looking, it may take quite a while to find another and, IMHO, you're unlikely to get a price that much better than the guy is asking. Hope this helps.

Bill, tgo
new2alembic
Junior
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 18
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 7:38 am:   Edit Post

Hello again everyone:
Thank you all for the help and advice. I am a lot calmer now. I spoke to the seller and he said his son would take some pictures and email them to me. I will get them posted here as soon as possible. So you all or y'all as we say it, can help me determine if it is original or modified, genuine or fake for that matter. I hope all is legit and we can get on with the sell. The anticipation was getting the best of me. In my book a deal is a deal. The stores around here didn’t want to give him what he wanted, the Taylor guitar or the cash. So why drive to Nashville? I agree that if anyone there would have offered him any amount over my price. He would have jumped on it without any regards to me. His son is probably behind the price increase. I have never met him; he did tell me his grandson plays guitar some. So, I was thinking he had changed his mind about selling it to me and raised the price to send me packing.

Thanks again
Carl
white_cloud
Senior Member
Username: white_cloud

Post Number: 489
Registered: 11-2007
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 10:54 am:   Edit Post

Good luck Carl, fingers crossed you have her soon and can share the pics with us!

John.
new2alembic
Junior
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 20
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 3:06 pm:   Edit Post

Hello again. I spoke to my nephew about the dilemma and he took Bill's advice and called Alembic. He told me that Mica will post some exciting news very soon for me. That is all he would say. By the way he said if I don't want the guitar, he will buy it from me. So at this point, I have nothing to lose. I hope Mica can post the information before Friday. But Vic said he would buy the guitar for $3000 if I am unhappy with it. I was reluctant to bother the good folks at Alembic, but Vic said the anticipation was getting the best of him. He is a fine young man, so I will certainly have to let him play it, every now and then, only occasionally because he is not a very fine guitar player. He is pretty good at tickling the ivories though. So maybe keyboard players should stick to keyboards. Just kidding nephew, if you decide to join the forum and end up reading this. If I never told you Vic, you are my favorite nephew, even if you are my only nephew. To the rest of you, I apologize for all the rambling. By the way, Harold has not sent me the pictures yet. I was planning to drive back over his way on Friday. I just hope he keeps his word this time.

Sweating Carl
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 5573
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 3:18 pm:   Edit Post

I pulled the card for this guitar. As Mary said on the phone, the guitar does indeed have factory installed mello-filters. Here's the other details:

top: Lacewood
body: Mahogany
back: Lacewood
through body neck: Birch, Beech, and Purpleheart, 25.5" long scale
fingerboard: Rosewood with mother of pearl inlays
peghead veneers: Bocate and Zebrawood
electronics: PF6 with mello-filters
originally made for: Rothchild
birthday: November 2, 1976
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 7059
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 3:24 pm:   Edit Post

Cool!!
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 3266
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 3:42 pm:   Edit Post

Sounds like a beautiful instrument, Carl. I hope it works out for you. If it does, please post lots of pictures in the Showcase section. We LOVE pics around here. By the way, based on the description and the build info, I'm right there in line in case you don't want it and your nephew changes his mind.

Bill, tgo
new2alembic
Junior
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 21
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 3:54 pm:   Edit Post

Wow! Vic wasn't kidding; this is great news! Thanks so much Mica for your prompt attention on this; you and your staff are jewels! As the kids today say...you ad bomb! Hey Bill, the mellow filters are no longer mythical. Now just pray that Harold has no more tricks up his sleeves. To: Dave, Barry, Bill, Keith, Art, John, Harry, Mary, Susan, Mica and rest of the Wickersham family and Alembic staff, a very deep thanks for the input and wonderful responses. I gotta call Vic and thank him too.
barryr1
Member
Username: barryr1

Post Number: 52
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Monday, September 22, 2008 - 8:42 am:   Edit Post

So did we get the guitar? Wheres the pics

br
new2alembic
Junior
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 27
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Monday, September 22, 2008 - 11:40 am:   Edit Post

Yes, Barry we now are the caretakers of a beautiful Alembic baby girl, and the club has a new member in the family. I ordered some Flitz metal cleaner and two 0.5oz bottles of essential lemon oil. That stuff is costly. They also had rosewood oil and it was $19.50 per half ounce. The Flitz costs $12.00 per tube; some places want $6 for shipping and handling. I have taken some pictures. But they don't meet the size requirements. I think I will send them to Art to have them properly fitted. Do you have any suggestions on strings? How much dismantling should I do in the cleaning process? I will post pictures here and in the showcase area. Thanks again to everyone. I have played it using the 12 volt batteries. It requires 2 batteries. I have to have the box checked out. I don’t want to mess with it if it as a short. I don’t want it shocking me or my Alembic. From everything I have read, $3000 wasn't bad at all for the omega cut and mellow filters. I am a happy camper. Vic didn’t realize how heavy this baby is. But he thinks it is a beauty also. It has very few blemishes. It has few small dings. It looks like it was stabbed with a ball point pen. The dings are about that size. I will get the pictures posted later today or tomorrow.

Best regards

Carl
artswork99
Senior Member
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 471
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Monday, September 22, 2008 - 2:50 pm:   Edit Post

Carl,

Feel free to send those pictures along to the email in my profile. I will size and post or send back, whichever you prefer.

Congratulations! Very glad that it worked out for you and you now are caring for the guitar. I look forward to seeing it.

Play it Healthy!
Art
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 3271
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Monday, September 22, 2008 - 3:10 pm:   Edit Post

Carl:

Congrats! I think all-in-all you did very well. I'd either get that blue box fixed soon, or buy stock in the Duracell Company! lol. As for strings, use what you like. I used to use D'addarios .10 on top for years, but recently switched to GHS Boomers, also .10 on top, on the suggestion of a player friend. The Boomers feel much smoother than the ridges on the D'addarios. As for shining up that brass, Flitz is excellent. Let me share a secret I just discovered that makes the job much easier. A dremel tool. Looking forward to pics.

Bill, tgo
tbrannon
Senior Member
Username: tbrannon

Post Number: 901
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Monday, September 22, 2008 - 4:14 pm:   Edit Post

Carl,

Congratulations on the purchase- I've been following this thread hoping you'd end up with this guitar.

Can I make another suggestion (one that was made to me when I got my Alembic)? Take some photos with a digital photo BEFORE you take the bridge apart for cleaning. You'll soon find that there are LOTS of small bits (though not sure how many on your '76 guitar). Having photos will make putting things back together easier and will also help you get back quickly to where the saddles were set for intonation purposes.

Toby
barryr1
Member
Username: barryr1

Post Number: 53
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Monday, September 22, 2008 - 6:54 pm:   Edit Post

I would personally clean the body and shine it till it blinded me but i would do my best not to lose the years of age that have built up on the brass (unless it is corrosion) because I think that it then looks like a pristine old instrument instead of a brand new one...which appeals to me.

And I know that this isn't likely but if you decide you want a standard series I or something else, you'd get more than you paid for it from me today (with the consideration that it looks like I think it will).

Congratulations

barry
new2alembic
Junior
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 29
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - 11:17 am:   Edit Post

Thanks guys. I let Vic borrow the guitar for a few days. He wanted to try it out and show it to some friends. He has offered to buy it from me for what I paid for it or as he put it: "what you think is a fair profit uncle". He knows I won't try to make a dime off of him. So that is a joke. I want to get the pictures up so I can share it with all of you. Art you may be hearing from me later on. Thanks again.

Carl
new2alembic
Junior
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 34
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - 12:45 pm:   Edit Post

I cannot find the thread on the Alembic gatherings. I read some the other day. Can someone help me?

Thanks

Carl
new2alembic
Junior
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 35
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - 12:57 pm:   Edit Post

Please disregard the above post. I found my answer; it was under Showcase. I had asked Keavin about a Chicago gathering. It doesn't look like it ever took place. Has anyone heard from Keavin lately?
Carl
hieronymous
Senior Member
Username: hieronymous

Post Number: 414
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - 2:11 pm:   Edit Post

YES! I am so happy that the deal went through!!! Looking forward to pictures.

RE: cleaning it up - I have a '76 Series I and I find the wear marks and tarnished brass to give it character rather than requiring clean-up, but that's just me!
artswork99
Senior Member
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 472
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - 4:39 pm:   Edit Post

That would be fine.
new2alembic
Junior
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 41
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2008 - 9:25 am:   Edit Post

The moment many of you have been waiting for, drum roll please:

Carl's pictures.

Picture
new2alembic
Junior
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 42
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2008 - 9:30 am:   Edit Post

These are all before cleaning. Some of you have suggested that I leave the metal original. So, I have not done anything to it. I have not applied the lemon oil to the fretboard yet either. See the showcase area for the rest of the pictures. Thanks again for all the help and support.

Carl
new2alembic
Junior
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 43
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2008 - 9:34 am:   Edit Post

Here are a few more. I will be getting some outside shots soon.

CarlPicture
new2alembic
Junior
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 44
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2008 - 9:37 am:   Edit Post

Carl's Series1Picture
new2alembic
Junior
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 45
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2008 - 9:38 am:   Edit Post

I am now headed to the showcase area. Take care and play em healthy!

Carl
artswork99
Senior Member
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 478
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2008 - 10:34 am:   Edit Post

Very nice!
barryr1
Member
Username: barryr1

Post Number: 54
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2008 - 10:52 am:   Edit Post

Thats a beauty alright. If it doesn't work out for you, my checkbook still has pages in it.

Congrats bud.

br
new2alembic
Junior
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 48
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2008 - 11:22 am:   Edit Post

Thanks guys.

Carl
new2alembic
Junior
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 49
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2008 - 11:28 am:   Edit Post

Hey Barry:

I think I will teach myself the bass. Just so I can justify buying another Alembic. It is truly an amazing guitar. I love the sounds of the Alembic basses also. Are there very many crossover or dual instrument players around here?


Carl
barryr1
Member
Username: barryr1

Post Number: 56
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2008 - 12:15 pm:   Edit Post

I play both poorly ... does that count?
new2alembic
Member
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 51
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2008 - 12:25 pm:   Edit Post

LOL! I guess so Barry. I guess so.
new2alembic
Member
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 52
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2008 - 12:26 pm:   Edit Post

LOL! I guess so Barry. I guess so.

Carl
hieronymous
Senior Member
Username: hieronymous

Post Number: 421
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2008 - 2:08 pm:   Edit Post

How's this for crossover:

doubleneck

It's a '75 Series I - the 6-string is actually a baritone tuned A-A, midway between bass and guitar. The guy on the right is Ron Wickersham, the genius behind the Alembic electronics and sound!

And I don't mean to distract from your guitar - it looks great! Congrats once again! And welcome to the club/family!
new2alembic
Member
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 53
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2008 - 2:33 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks Harry. It must have really been a pleasure to actually have Ron play wishbone with you. He is a living legend. So about the basuitar, can you play (it) them both...simultaneously, poorly or well? That is a joke from Barry. Thanks again.

Carl
hieronymous
Senior Member
Username: hieronymous

Post Number: 422
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2008 - 2:39 pm:   Edit Post

Ron is one of the nicest people in the music biz that I have met. Definitely a thrill to get to meet him at the Northern California gatherings!

I'm definitely more of a bassist than a guitarist - in recent years I kind of made it a personal rule to not play guitar - mainly because that helps cut way down on the possible gear purchases!

I've been playing a bass with a high C string, which would be a B string on the guitar. So that switch from tuning that high string either a major third or a fourth can be confusing sometimes. I normally tune the baritone A-A like a guitar but starting on A, but once I thought, "I'll tune it like a 6-string bass, so that all the strings are in fourths" - that really messed me up!

But bass is fun, if you get a 4-string Alembic you won't have any problems!
new2alembic
Member
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 54
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2008 - 3:02 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks again Harry. That may be my next big purchase.

Carl
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 7087
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Sunday, September 28, 2008 - 4:59 pm:   Edit Post

Congrats Carl!! It's beautiful!
new2alembic
Member
Username: new2alembic

Post Number: 56
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Monday, September 29, 2008 - 6:39 am:   Edit Post

Thank you Dave.

Carl

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