| Author | Message | ||
| xlrogue6
Intermediate Member Username: xlrogue6 Post Number: 154 Registered: 8-2002 |
For those with interest, and a budget... http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/msg/1380541264.html | ||
| sonicus
Advanced Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 375 Registered: 5-2009 |
Very Cool | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2426 Registered: 3-2004 |
If that's legit, I wonder if Bill P will show interest? | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4090 Registered: 7-2004 |
You guys know me too well. I just saw this thread and grabbed the phone. The seller said that there was something wrong with part of the electronics, so one of the pre-amps has been bypassed, but he's not sure exactly how. He says the pickups and electronics are original. He's owned the guitar since '78. He doesn't know if he has a power supply. I'm meeting him tonight. I'll be bringing a blue box, a 5-pin chord, a small portable amp, and likely some cash. I'll keep you all posted. This is exciting! Bill, tgo | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 852 Registered: 6-2002 |
I couldn't think of a better home for her, best wishes Bill | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8748 Registered: 5-2002 |
Very exciting! Good luck Bill! The pictures are larger than they appear on the linked page. If you right click on the picture and save to your desktop, you can open it at its original size. Very interesting logo. I remember one like it being posted by Mica before, but I can't remember how it's done. It kinda looks like a decal, but also kinda looks inlaid. | ||
| brb9911
Member Username: brb9911 Post Number: 60 Registered: 10-2007 |
I remember the first time this came up for sale ... good luck in bringing her home tonight! | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 913 Registered: 7-2003 |
Bill, good luck on this and I hope to see some pics in here soon... :-) Oliver (Spyderman) | ||
| xlrogue6
Intermediate Member Username: xlrogue6 Post Number: 155 Registered: 8-2002 |
I had a feeling Bill would be all over this when I posted the link. Good luck! | ||
| chrisalembic
Member Username: chrisalembic Post Number: 72 Registered: 3-2009 |
wow what a guitar.. to me it looks at least 500 years old, really medieval!! ;-) good luck! (Message edited by chrisalembic on September 18, 2009) | ||
| lmiwa
Advanced Member Username: lmiwa Post Number: 262 Registered: 2-2008 |
A really nice match for Keavin's #12. | ||
| sonicus
Advanced Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 376 Registered: 5-2009 |
Bill I knew right from the start that this Guitar had your name on it ! Good luck and joy to you regarding it's new potential home! Wolf__ | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 560 Registered: 10-2006 |
"I couldn't think of a better home for her" I can - but my wife & the mortgage compny would probably disagree. Grab it, Bill! He's still throwing around the spurious Garcia connection, but at least he's gotten sane on the price since his last attempt. Peter ps - and you ever want to sell it at a time when I'm actually employed...... | ||
| enzo
Intermediate Member Username: enzo Post Number: 131 Registered: 4-2009 |
No wonder why you're excited Bill, this looks like a once in a lifetime opportunity. I hope you get it ! | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4091 Registered: 7-2004 |
I can report that Old #10 is no longer available on craigslist. YIPPEEEE!!!!! This is a VERY cool guitar. It certainly needs some TLC, both cosmetically (a good cleaning and brass polishing), and internally. It will have to go back to Ron for an operation. Currently it's wired so that both pickups go through one volume only. The second volume and both filters are disconnected, as well as the 5-pin jack. Even so, it's a real beauty with major mojo. I'll post some pics shortly. Bill, tgo | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1097 Registered: 11-2004 |
Congratulations Bill. Looking forward to the pictures.... | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 853 Registered: 6-2002 |
Very Nice!! That's great that she is going to be brought back to life at the mothership. ...looking forward to pics too, especially once she's been refurbished and you are sharing her sounds with some lucky audience. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8749 Registered: 5-2002 |
I stayed up waiting to hear the news. Congrats!!! | ||
| kungfusheriff
Senior Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 870 Registered: 8-2003 |
Somebody has her on eBay. Just FYI. Congratulations, and pictures pictures pictures! | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 854 Registered: 6-2002 |
I imagine that the (previous)owner will pull the auction. (first auction I've seen with the stipulation that the buyer pays listing fees). ...I'm glad she's safe with Bill | ||
| chrisalembic
Member Username: chrisalembic Post Number: 73 Registered: 3-2009 |
Congratulations!! | ||
| pace
Senior Member Username: pace Post Number: 427 Registered: 4-2004 |
Congrats Bill!!! If you passed on it I was considering calling him. Like you said~ MAJOR mojo! | ||
| artswork99
Senior Member Username: artswork99 Post Number: 850 Registered: 7-2007 |
Congratulations Bill! Glad to know that it is where it will be cared for at another level and making a trip back to it's original roots. Looking forward to those pictures too. | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 914 Registered: 7-2003 |
Bill, many congrats on another Alembic treasure. We want to see: Pics,Pics,Pics....... Oliver (Spyderman) | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 1273 Registered: 6-2002 |
Let me add my voice as well in congratulations, Bill. I'm sure you'll take excellent care of #10. Mike p.s. like Oliver said....  | ||
| enzo
Intermediate Member Username: enzo Post Number: 132 Registered: 4-2009 |
Great news Bill, congrats ! You can be officially called "Mr Serialnumber 10" I hope Mica takes nice shots of her and puts them on some kind of shocase in the new website. | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 527 Registered: 12-2004 |
Now you must change your user name! (Message edited by serialnumber12 on September 19, 2009) | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2668 Registered: 2-2006 |
Alright Bill! It'd be cool to get #10 (Bill), #12 (Keavin) and #16 Michael all together for an Alembic Gathering. Need to find a central location, Hmmmmm let's see, San Fransico, Chicago and New Orleans.........Looks like Dallas would be IDEAL!... Tell me when and I'll make the plans. OO | ||
| georgie_boy
Senior Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 950 Registered: 8-2005 |
Bill------- Sincere congratulations from Scotland!!! I'm jealous, ..and I don't even play guitar! George | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4093 Registered: 7-2004 |
Good morning everyone. Well, I woke up this morning and had to go downstairs to the living room to see if #10 was actually sitting on the stand, or if it was all a dream. I can report it's still there. And George, I'm jealous of myself! I can't believe this historic guitar is under my roof! Looking at it in the daylight, it really is a VERY interesting instrument. It's actually a little primitive or crude compared even to my '76 Series I. It has no Q switches, but seems have the pre-amp trim pots sticking up through the pickguard. There is a mini two pole throw switch next to the 5-pin jack which, at present, doesn't do anything. The switch has a locking thingee on it. It is locked in position until you pull up a tiny spring-loaded outside sleeve on the toggle. Then you can move it to the other position, let go of the "sleeve" and it locks in that position. The pickups are not centered under the strings. They are significantly shifted to the treble side. I don't know if there was an electronic reason for this, or it's just beginner guitar building. The pickups are surrounded by obviously hand-carved wooden pickup rings - not symmetrical, but clearly made specifically for this guitar. The logo is very unusual. I've only seen one other Alembic with a logo like this - also a very early one, seen here. I spoke with Mica yesterday, and she told me she believes there were only around 20 Alembics that have this type of logo. By the way, does anyone know of the first 10 Alembics, how many were basses and how many were guitars? I'm on the fence regarding restoration. I guess I've seen too many episodes of Antiques Roadshow ("your tiffany lamp is worth $5000, but if you hadn't polished it it would have been worth $75,000"). Should I polish all the brass or leave it tarnished? Refinish? All questions I'll be pondering over the next few days. Suggestions and recommendations are very welcome. I think I'll probably bring it up to the mothership and talk to Susan, Mica, and Ron before I do anything. And I promise pictures sometime this weekend. I have to remember to breath. Bill, tgo (Message edited by lbpesq on September 19, 2009) (Message edited by lbpesq on September 19, 2009) | ||
| dela217
Senior Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 996 Registered: 6-2002 |
Bill, That locking thingee that you are talking about is supposed to be the stereo/mono switch. Also, those trim pots sticking up adjust the gain for the P5-1 preamps inside. There is also probably 2 hum cancellers inside the instrument, one for each channel. Great score! My favorite Alembic electronics by the way. They are passive, but definately interactive with each other. I am still finding sounds on my 72 based on levels, tone settings and where my plucking hand is. To me those instruments worked best in stereo through an F2B Michael | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 647 Registered: 1-2005 |
Sounds like a really interesting piece of history there in your living room! CONGRATS! | ||
| the_mule
Senior Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 750 Registered: 1-2004 |
Cool! Congrats with a great purchase, Bill. Very interesting to see some of these instruments that were the spark that set the flame many aeons ago. Please post as many pictures as you wish, as soon as your hands have stopped trembling from the excitement! Wilfred | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4094 Registered: 7-2004 |
Michael: Thanks for the info on the stereo/mono switch. I suspected that might be its purpose. I'm a little confused, though, about your comment that these were "passive". Mine has a battery compartment for two 9 volts, like a Series I, and a 5-pin jack. Doesn't this translate to "active" rather than "passive"? Bill, tgo | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 562 Registered: 10-2006 |
"I'm on the fence regarding restoration. I guess I've seen too many episodes of Antiques Roadshow" I used to watch it, too - then I saw their musical instrument "expert" date a Les Paul as a '53 because '52s had unbound fingerboards & '54s had humbuckers, and say the value was increased by the presence of the "original package" of LP & Princeton amp. So don't base it them . My vote would be repair & clean, but don't restore; what the antique bike guys call "rustoration". And allow me to register my extreme envy - congrats. Of course, you know we're all waiting for the family portrait. Peter | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2427 Registered: 3-2004 |
I would have been shocked if this hadn't ended up with you, Bill. Congrats, and good luck! Personally, I'd care for it without doing a restoration for that special mojo, unless leaving it as is would lead to deterioration. The electronics would be the hard part. How does one preserve the originals yet make it playable? I can't believe it would be easy to find period components to replace what's in there. The expense of replacing the whole lot to preserve the originals would be steep and might change the vibe as well. I'm sure you'll consult with the family and make the best decisions, though. Again, best of luck with that special guitar! -bob | ||
| glocke
Senior Member Username: glocke Post Number: 642 Registered: 9-2002 |
congrats Bill... I say at least go for an electronics restoration and getting the electronics working the way they should. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4096 Registered: 7-2004 |
Getting the electronics in better order is a MUST ... I wanna play this thing! Anyway, here's the "before" pics. At some point, after a visit to Santa Rosa, "after" pics will be posted. Bill, tgo               (Message edited by davehouck on September 19, 2009) | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 1385 Registered: 2-2005 |
That's a real one of a kind. Congrats on acquiring such a unique instrument. I look forward to seeing the restoration pic's. Keith | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4097 Registered: 7-2004 |
One more that I left out: the control panel.  | ||
| dela217
Senior Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 997 Registered: 6-2002 |
Bill, What I meant by passive is that there are no filters. The 5-pin is to power the twin onboard preamps and to split the signal for stereo. The controls work as they would on a passive instrument, just tone only. Michael | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 563 Registered: 10-2006 |
Oh, man, that is just so incredibly hip! But what's the design on what I assume is the battery cover? And how's it applied? Sticker? Enamel? Can we get a close-up of that? Peter | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8753 Registered: 5-2002 |
Great pics! And very interesting guitar! I'm looking forward to hearing what Mica, Susan, and Ron have to say. | ||
| chrisalembic
Member Username: chrisalembic Post Number: 74 Registered: 3-2009 |
so electronics update it will be... and will you let the mothership fix that big hole in the body too?? ;-) but seriously, what a great guitar that is!! | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 564 Registered: 10-2006 |
"does anyone know of the first 10 Alembics, how many were basses and how many were guitars?" Well, between Val's post in this thread and the evidence you just presented us with, it seems that 1 & 8 were basses & 2, 3, 6, & 10 were guitars. Anyone know about 4, 5, 7, and/or 9? Michael? Mica? Peter ps - And by the way, what number became Wolf? | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4099 Registered: 7-2004 |
The sticker on the battery cover is just a sticker of a dog that the previous owner applied. I will most likely remove it when I unpack the box with the goo gone in it. (Still in the process of moving into the new digs. I'm working a little on the basement studio today). By the way, the guitar is quite unusual in that it has a 25" scale and has 27 frets. I can almost see Rick Turner carving away in a cloud of sweet smoke. hehehehe Bill, tgo (Message edited by lbpesq on September 19, 2009) | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 964 Registered: 5-2006 |
Very nice, congrats! Good to see this piece of Alembic history back in a cloud of sweet smoke again :-) Thanx for the great pics! | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 915 Registered: 7-2003 |
Bill, the more I look at it the more I must say: this has really massive Alembic Mojo! I am happy that you had the chance to get it and that it stays within the forum and was not sold to the HRC like No.2 Oliver (Spyderman) | ||
| hydrargyrum
Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 667 Registered: 3-2004 |
Well, I for one love the patina on the brass, and I think it lends character. If the excess grunge can be removed without damaging it, I would probably choose that route. Congratulations Bill, I'm glad it's owned by a club member so we can all drool over it! "Oh well a touch of grey, kinda suits you anyway . . ." | ||
| afrobeat_fool
Intermediate Member Username: afrobeat_fool Post Number: 108 Registered: 7-2009 |
The sticker is from the Lucky Labradore Brewery in Portland, Oregon. I thought I had seen this sticker before, and went searching. Very early sticker for this company, so it was probably put on in the early 90's. I love this guitar. I thought of picking it up myself, but got poo-poo'd by my lovely lady. I believe the expression was "What! another one?" I am very happy for you, Bill. I can't wait to see it restored! | ||
| akweb
New Username: akweb Post Number: 1 Registered: 9-2009 |
It was Spanish Peaks Brewery. Black Dog Ale I put it on there in memory of my dog and the collar on the dog says "Chug" which was my nick name. Here is # 10 in action-Golden Gate Park 1997 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_HlbOMastM | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8762 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Andrew; welcome to the board! Nice video; and the guitar sounds great! | ||
| sonicus
Advanced Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 384 Registered: 5-2009 |
BILL , That Guitar sounds really GOOD! You too have been blessed by the experience of "The transitive nightfall of diamonds' A GIFT FROM THE UNIVERSE ___________________ I am very happy for you . Wolf __ (Message edited by sonicus on September 22, 2009) | ||
| afrobeat_fool
Intermediate Member Username: afrobeat_fool Post Number: 109 Registered: 7-2009 |
My bad. I am looking at the sticker, and the only difference is the collar. Same background, everything. I wonder, but wouldn't be suprised, if there was a little hanky-panky going on here.. Again, not to hijack the thread, love this axe! | ||
| pace
Senior Member Username: pace Post Number: 428 Registered: 4-2004 |
And Shoji thinks his tailpiece is off center..... | ||
| toma_hawk01
Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 77 Registered: 9-2009 |
Hi Bill, I must honestly say, "I too" am happy for you. Deep down inside my heart, I was hoping you would win this guitar, and you did. Ten, is a magic and important number... 1. 10 Fingers on Humanoids 2. Base 10 for the metric system 3. 1 and 0 is the binary logic of computers 4. 10 years = a decade 5. 10 = A perfect score 6. The 10 Commandments (Of GOD) 7. Blackjack, the Ten, Jack, Queen and King are all worth 10 points. 8. 10 bowling pins knocked down is a Strike! 9. 10 legs on a Crab 10. The 10th Alembic ever made... would become yours... P.S. I would clean all the original parts; restore electrical back to its original opulence; store it in a vacuum chamber Enjoy! (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on September 22, 2009) | ||
| afrobeat_fool
Intermediate Member Username: afrobeat_fool Post Number: 110 Registered: 7-2009 |
Hal, you are definitely the most entertaining guy on the site. I too would restore the man's fine, but then I would play the piss out of it. These axe's are made to play, not just look at. I do both! Bless the third spirit of the Toma_hawk! I felt it last night, and have blisters to prove it. | ||
| staemius
Member Username: staemius Post Number: 92 Registered: 12-2004 |
Bill, there's a hole in your guitar!! Wow - congrats - that is beautiful! |
