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edmundblackadder
New
Username: edmundblackadder

Post Number: 1
Registered: 4-2012
Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 8:22 pm:   Edit Post

Hello, my name is Michael and, I am not a professional guitarist. I'm just a guy going through a mid-life crisis (age 52), who started playig when he was 11 years old. I played in my high school stage band and various rock bands during my teens. However, about the time I finished college, I literally stopped playing. Couldn't find the time or, did find the excuses not to. Career, marriage, house, etc..., have all continued to provide excuses until about a year or so, ago. Started playing again, assisted by Hal Leonard on an old Guild D-35 acoustic. I always admired Alembic guitars and basses and, in my prime, dreamed of owning such a quality instrument.

Anyway, I think many of you are already familiar with my new instrument. I am the lucky new owner of Frank Gambale's 2005 Spectrum Small Standard Body (precise model identification thanks to Mica), mis-identified by the seller as a Series I II.

2005 Spectrum Standard Small Body

The guitar plays and, sounds like a dream. Although, the guitar has been mine only less than a week, I already feel it is everything I have ever wanted in an electric guitar. The shape of the neck, the balance of the guitar, the sound, the workmanship, all living up to every expectation.

This may be an extravagant instrument for a non-pro but, I feel after a year of dedicated practice, it is an incentive that will perpetuate my resumption of a cherished form of expression. I'm looking forward to the second half or, as much as I'm lucky to get from this life with my new guitar and, my desire for continued learning.
rustyg61
Senior Member
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 513
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - 10:11 pm:   Edit Post

Hey Michael, welcome to the Club & to the family of proud Alembic owners! I can relate to your statement that the new Alembic is an incentive to practice & get better. I quit playing for 12 years & started playing again 3 years ago. I bought my Alembic a year ago & I felt like a born again bass player! It inspired me to want to practice & hone my craft which is something I had never done before! Enjoy your beautiful Alembic! Frank is an amazing guitar player, but he clearly wasn't thinking straight when he let this magnificant work of art slip away! Congratulations!
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 2859
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - 2:00 am:   Edit Post

Welcome and congratulations on your purchase. this is indeed a beautiful instrument.

Jazzyvee
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1362
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - 4:48 am:   Edit Post

Start to play guitar again, an extremely cunning plan! :-)

Congrats and welcome here!
artswork99
Moderator
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 1717
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - 6:57 am:   Edit Post

Michael, Beautiful guitar! Congratulations and welcome to the forum. Enjoy your continued inspiration and Play it Healthy! Art
wishbass
Advanced Member
Username: wishbass

Post Number: 223
Registered: 5-2011
Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - 8:01 am:   Edit Post

Welcome Michael! Very nice guitar.I can relate to your story.I was very active from 14 on,playing in bands at bars and clubs (couldn't leave the stage because I was underage!)thru college,and then I got married.I don't regret my decisions to reprioritize my life,but the Alembic dream never left me.A few years back I really stormed back into my playing,and found maturity had really done wonders for my ears and patience.Soon after I started to look for my first taste of real tone.....now,I am planning for #2!
Enjoy, Karl
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 2860
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - 12:13 pm:   Edit Post

Alembics are addictive in a positive way especially those with cocobolo.

Jazzyvee
edmundblackadder
New
Username: edmundblackadder

Post Number: 2
Registered: 4-2012
Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - 6:20 pm:   Edit Post

Thank you all for such a nice, warm welcome! You've helped me validate the necessity of the object of my mid-life crisis. I'm just going to go with it!

FYI, for the last year, I have practiced more regularly than I ever did in my prime. With the acquisition my new Alembic guitar, I have guaranteed myself a future of no less than dedicated practice. Here I go...

Thank you all, again. Michael
flpete1uw
Junior
Username: flpete1uw

Post Number: 48
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - 6:30 pm:   Edit Post

I can also relate but from a different angle. I was hot and heavy for a few years until I entered the World of Professional Recording. It got to the point that every time I heard a buzz or found something needing fixing or a cable to be made felt too much like work. In some way playing left my heart. Don’t get me wrong I loved my career in Audio it was just that after a 60-80hr week it was all blending. So for about 25 years my Bass stayed in a case until my Nephew of all people put the Love of playing back in my Heart about a year ago. Always Loved the sound of Alembics, in the last 5 months I now own 2.
Feels like a journey home. Your story is probably more common than you think, just the details for the Hiatus. Welcome
dannobasso
Senior Member
Username: dannobasso

Post Number: 1441
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Friday, May 11, 2012 - 7:21 pm:   Edit Post

Welcome from another Jersey native. Glad you are so pleased with your axe. Enjoy it in good health and inspiration.

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