| Author | Message | ||
| gyonnii
New Username: gyonnii Post Number: 1 Registered: 3-2009 |
if any one is interested I was and always have been John Judge's best friend and I am a fellow Bassist but I came across the archive of who is John Judge and about the double neck Custom Alembic Bass...And some of what was said.The facts..well..I have the right first hand information about the man and the Bass, so if you have any questions or you are curious then fire away, I know who he performed with and everything about how the Bass came about and design | ||
| serialnumber12
Advanced Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 386 Registered: 12-2004 |
fill us in on the Bass & who's idea was it to create such an unique alembic & anything else noteworthy. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7781 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Johnny; welcome to the board. | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 842 Registered: 7-2003 |
Gyonnii, plse let us know all about. I played this bass some time ago as I visited the current owner, also a regular contributor to this forum. Oliver (Spyderman)  | ||
| speicky
Advanced Member Username: speicky Post Number: 351 Registered: 3-2005 |
Hello, Johnny, a warm welcome to you from me as well. Great that you found this friendly and thoroughly sophisticated board. I might be interested as well to hear or read all about the man behind the bass (no, not Oliver, I happen to know him in person  ), the doubleneck itself, the design... well, please tell us everything ! best regards, Christian | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7785 Registered: 5-2002 |
For those of you who are relatively new, there have been numerous threads about the bass pictured above. Here is one from a couple years ago with several pictures provided by John. | ||
| hydrargyrum
Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 488 Registered: 3-2004 |
Maybe the mystery will finally be resolved . . . | ||
| gyonnii
New Username: gyonnii Post Number: 4 Registered: 3-2009 |
OK here we go and for the record I do this with John's permission to do so....First the Bass..it started out as John looking for the ultimate Bass to play and found Alembic a relatively new Company at the time...So he made a stop to the local guitar shop called Brian Guitars at the time in Westville, CT and the Bass started out to be a Just exotic wood 4 string Bass but John was in need of constant changes because of a upcoming band he was planning to launch called Legend...a power trio or very progressive rock...John had heard of Greg Lake using 8 string Bass on the ELP tour and liked the unique sound so he decided to change the design about 5 times..at which point the music store bowed out who was a friend of his and gave him direct contact with Alembic to Ron Wickersham who inturn assigned Larry Robinson the project of building the Bass...if you take off the back wooden plate cover in the silver grounding paint you will see carved made for John judge by Larry Robinson...will all the changes this Bass took 14 months to be built and delivered to John...So during the month I believe in FEB..I took John in a kind of bad snow condition road to New York airport to pick up the Bass...upon which we got home at 8:45 that night and gave the Bass time to warm up to room temp's after opening the Case we discovered that the back fretless head sandwich had a separation crack in the laminations..John was really upset because he had waitied too long for the Bass because his new Band had a premier date scheduled to perform..So it was too late to send it back for repair and the show must go on and every musician in the Tristate had bought tickets just to look at this marvelous wonder of a Bass...John wanted a stereo 8 string so he could split the 8 string into two amps and add distortion on one amp to help fill in the sound while the guitar player took solos...John back in the day used a Ampeg SVT and a Sunn Coliseum 880 rig along with a 200 watt Hiwatt with 4x12's a wall of sound..the Ampeg sat on the guitar players side...so much to tell here...the fretless was purely for John doing his solo and John being John ...he was way ahead of his time and his chops where way out there...I know I was one time one of his student...his style well..I don't like to compare but if I really had to....lots of simularities to Entwhistle in the finger rolls and power playing, add the slaps of Mark King with the Jazzy curiousness of Stanley Clarke...he really was a Bass Pioneer .Just in case you didn't notice the Gizmotron on the four string fretless, his other endorsement..he used it time to time. Now about the led's...yes the girls nipples did light up..and yes the dragons eyes lite up as the 12th fret marker...look closely at the inlays you can see the holes in the dragon's eyes ..but shortly after the leds shorted out behind the breast whcih he called Larry at Alembic about and was told it couldn't be fixed without ripping up the fingerboard. OK so now how did this design come about...John loved mythology (Greek) so if you ever had seen the Artistry from Ray Harryhausen in Jason and the Argronauts and the 7th voyage of Sinbad..well that was the inspiration..but what most People don't know was that John had designed 2 more Basses for Alembic to build after this double neck and I am in posession of the orignall drawings as which I was asked to help par take in the creation...One one the designs he wanted to have me help him build..which we have all the exotic wood for , but John wanted to use Alembic Pickup's and electronics for it and hardware...well I have said quite a lot tonight I will save more for my next posting in a few days I will post again on sunday night..any questions? fire away | ||
| keurosix
Advanced Member Username: keurosix Post Number: 394 Registered: 10-2005 |
Wonderful Johnny! I was the second owner of the bass and repaired the LED's on the 8 string neck with the guidance of John Bringe, a guitar luthier who was a family friend (may he rest in peace.) I opted to repair only the side LED's without removing the fretboard because I did not want to ruin the inlays. Coincidentally, I was also one of the bassists in Legend with Kevin Nugent ( may HE rest in peace!) John might be interested to know that Legend did perform in New Haven, CT and I played the bass on stage. Keurosix | ||
| gyonnii
New Username: gyonnii Post Number: 6 Registered: 3-2009 |
The Bass had seen some limited gigs on the stage in John's hand's and I remember him telling me while doing some studio work in New York City at 53&3rd studio's that it was very awkward to carry around in the huge case and if I am not mistaken I believe that the Bass weight was something like 28lbs and as he started to pursue other musical genre's and due to some musical differences with the Legend project that it just wasn't practical anymore for him to own and it was time to release it and go forward in another direction...a bit of frustration he always told me.. Disco and pop was taking over and Rock & Roll was dying...I use to Laugh at him when he say that...and my reply was Rock is here to stay, But everything musically came back except for Rock as we knew it then...I know it temporary took a bite out of his and my sails and probably a lot of other players here also...did you personally know John... Keurosix..you said you where the second owner...I know John had sold the Bass but I thought it was to a music store...I think that is what he told me, I just never really asked him too much about selling it because I could see a kind of pain on his face and I know at times he had told me that one day he would get it back someday because of it being his design he later regretted selling it because it became a part of his playing method | ||
| peoplechipper
Junior Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 49 Registered: 2-2009 |
I remember that bass from Rotosound ads in Guitar Player in the early '80's, when I first picked up guitar and bass...didn't know who he was, but thought the bass was cool... Tony. | ||
| gtrguy
Intermediate Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 186 Registered: 9-2004 |
I have an older guitar electronics book which has a photo of a strat-like guitar with big cutwawys and a ton of switches and I think it's a neck through. Anyway, it is also mentioned as somehow being involved with John Judge. Anyone know anything about it also? Bye, Dave | ||
| keurosix
Advanced Member Username: keurosix Post Number: 395 Registered: 10-2005 |
Yes, Brian Cohen of Brian Guitars was involved in the transaction. I spent much time and money in his store. He was an exceptional business man and always knew how to line up special deals for his customers. When he offered me the bass, I couldn't refuse. John used to hang socially with some of my older brother's friends in Woodbridge. He recommended me for a progressive original group when he left to work with Legend. I guess I followed in his footsteps. I can verify that the bass was indeed 28 pounds, and close to 70 pounds in the anvil case! Carrying it put your fingers to sleep! | ||
| gtrguy
Intermediate Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 187 Registered: 9-2004 |
I had a request to post this John Judge guitar pic and thought folks might be interested here also. The image and text are from my 'Guitar Electronics for Musicians' book dated 1983. There are also several pictures of an Alembic series one in the book. Bye, Dave  | ||
| gyonnii
New Username: gyonnii Post Number: 9 Registered: 3-2009 |
I talk to John about this and sent him a picture of this..his words were that he had never seen this guitar or played it or ever made a statement about it. The only thing he had told me that he could remember was after a show one day was a rep from Schecter asking him about pick ups and tones and what kind of features he like liked on a Bass and guitar, but he never endorsed nor designed such a guitar. John is a Bassist but very multi-talented and very good on the guitar which he always had an Acoustic and electric handy on stage with him. | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 895 Registered: 6-2002 |
The John Judge Bass is really one of the most iconic and recognizable instruments anywhere. It's probably better known than John Judge himself! I'm sure that if he wants it back, he can always make an offer to whoever the current custodian is. It will always be his Bass and be known as the John Judge Bass. I had the chance to purchase it around 2002 when it was up for sale. I'm really sorry I let it go, but on the other hand, I would have felt uncomfortable owning it. At least if John Judge gets a chance to buy it back, it'll still cost much less than what Alembic would charge to build a new one today. Good luck John, I really look forward to seeing it in your hands once again. Rami (Message edited by rami on March 27, 2009) | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 5990 Registered: 6-2000 |
This image has been around here before, but it hangs in the hallway and always get noticed when I take folks on tours:  | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 562 Registered: 1-2005 |
Thank you gyonnii for the great history! I considered buying the John Judge bass about seven years ago when it was at G Guitars in Connecticut. It didn't end up happening, but I did end up with an earlier doubleneck which shares some characteristics - pistol grip, knobby pegheads - and differs in others - the necks on mine are parallel, the John Judge bass has that fantastic Omega-like cutout, dual pistol grips, etc. I don't have any info on the original owner of my doubleneck, so it's really great to hear about the history of this one! Thanks again! | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 896 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi Harry, I remember the previous owner of your doubleneck. I considered buying it too. I let it go because I had my Black Byrd Bass in the works. It was a budget call at that time. He's a pretty cool guy. He was really into Foderas at the time. I don't remember if he was the original owner though. He sent me some great pictures of it. I wonder if he regrets selling it as well.... | ||
| speicky
Advanced Member Username: speicky Post Number: 353 Registered: 3-2005 |
it has always been my understanding, too, that noone can really own that piece of history... with the exception of the creators themselves, John Judge and/or Alembic. have a nice weekend, my friends, Christian | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 897 Registered: 6-2002 |
It would be spectacular in their display case, alongside Stanley's original Brown Bass and John Entwistle's Spyder. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7797 Registered: 5-2002 |
I'm thinking it probably looks pretty spectacular in its current location. The pictures certainly look nice. | ||
| gyonnii
New Username: gyonnii Post Number: 10 Registered: 3-2009 |
Good morning everyone...I just got off the phone with John Judge and he told me that last night he took sometime to read some of the club postings and wanted to thank everyone for their kind and gracious words about him and the Bass. John told me that he totally approves of what I am doing by posting information here just as long as it is fact's...So John said that I should post the story about how He and the Bass became an ad, who he met in the process and how he landed the deal with Superwound/Rotosound so that will be tomorrow's topic when I post, see you then (Message edited by gyonnii on March 28, 2009) | ||
| speicky
Advanced Member Username: speicky Post Number: 354 Registered: 3-2005 |
yes please, Giovanni, post away ! and many greetings to John | ||
| gyonnii
Junior Username: gyonnii Post Number: 11 Registered: 3-2009 |
Well, this segment begins with John rehearsing for the road in New Jersey and new songs release talking about business over his managers house John took a ride with his manager to meet a friend of his named Dominic who was going to finance the recording and promote the project for release. While John was sitting there, he heard a knock on the door and as the door opened it was Clarence Clemmons and Jackson Browne who at the time were jamin down some tracks while the Boss was in off season taking a rest, well they all got to talkin and dominic asked John to pull out the double neck and play something so they can see and hear it, after about 5 minutes of playing they were smilin and whispering among themselves, then John heard Clarence saying to Dominic after a phone call we are all set., then they left. John asked Dominic what were they talking about, his reply to John was that you are all set you are going to the NAMM show in Anahiem, CA and Clarence got you hooked up to stay at a flight attendent friends pad for 2 nights no charge right outside LAX airport. Well to make a long story short John played a Bass at one of the Booths there and before he knew it people started to gather around and listen to what he was doing, after he stopped playing a man approached him and said it was really pleasurable to hear you play and asked John if he would mind later coming by his both to play and handed John a card..It was Martin son of James Howe from Rotosound. Later when John went to the both and started to play more people watched John going at it. When John stopped this time Martin introduced him to a friend who was with him from England and that friend was Gordon Sumner,. John told Martin about the custom Alembic Bass that he had built but it wasn't with him. Well after the show John and Martin kept close contact via phone calls Johns phone bill was sometimes $1000.00 in a month, Martin in turn supplied John with all types of strings to try and asked John if he would get some photo's taken of the Bass with these new sets of custom fitted strings he had sent him with directions on how to put them on. So John had the Band photographer take the pictures and they were sent off to Rotosound..the new strings of course were called Superwound. That next year John met Martin and his dad at the NAMM show in Atlanta and to John's astonishment there was a 5 foot likeness behind a curtain along with a release form to release the ad to Guitar player Magazine and International Musician, so after John signed the poster likeness was placed out and the deal was made. Shortly afterwards while John was playing ALfonso Johnson walked up and John instructed him to put his hands on the top fretless neck while John was playing the 8 string and the next thing he knew there was about 10 Japanese guys snapping away with Camera's..Martin afterwards said to John have you ever heard of the Police and John replied no and Martin said you are going to very soon, my friend Gordon that you met last year now goes by Sting now and they are rehearsing for there show and album just got released...Too much stuff here to tell...till next time feel free if you have any questions or comments p.s. John told me to tell all of you that if this stuff gets boring then to let me know, he is afraid I am writing too much stuff for you to read just trying to fill in the gaps and questions you might have of the past Cheers everyone! oh yeah P>S> John got to meet Stanley Clarke that first NAMM show which at the time John really admired Stanleys work on the Piccolo Bass and it was his dream to meet him in person (Message edited by gyonnii on March 28, 2009) | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1006 Registered: 11-2004 |
Keep it coming! great stories... | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1594 Registered: 12-2002 |
Keep em coming im on my third Beer..these stories are "right on time"  | ||
| gyonnii
Junior Username: gyonnii Post Number: 12 Registered: 3-2009 |
Just an added piece of information, the John Judge Bass got stolen one time in a parking garage in New York City, John's manager was meeting him there and had left it in the back of his station wagon in a parking garage to go up to the studio to see if John was there yet..John was scheduled to track with Dan Hartman who was the former Edgar Winter Bassist on they only come out at night album and who was now playing keyboard and starting a solo career (nobody wanted to carry the Bass around if they didn't have to ! way too heavy!) when he came back to his car, his back window was smashed. He immediately called the Police who someone just happen to be a block away as the cop drove up around the parking lot he found a parking attendant in a van that he stopped to ask him if he seen anything and the attendant got nervous and fled the Van so the officer called for backup and looked inside and found the anvil case in the back ..So the Bass was unharmed but stolen for about 15 minutes. After that incident John never let anyone else transport it . He stored it under his Bed and was doubled locked inside when he left home. The robber was apprehended 1 day later. John came home the next day and I must of watched him polish the Bass 10 times as if it should of never got touched. He was a fanatic about the Bass back then. Because of this happening the police were able to catch 3 guys one that worked for the garage and 2 outsiders that were breaking into cars. I am not sure of the year, I will have to ask John but I am pretty sure it was 1980 or 81 (Message edited by gyonnii on March 29, 2009) | ||
| gyonnii
Junior Username: gyonnii Post Number: 13 Registered: 3-2009 |
Hello everyone, I spoke with John Judge yesterday, and he will be back next friday so he informed me that he would love to talk with everyone and if there were any questions about the past or present, equipment, music or anything in general that he can ad or help someone with, just to feel free to ask and he will answer the best that he can, anyway 31 years later he will be registering as a new member here as an Alembic owner. John love's Alembic Basses and always will be his Bass of choice. | ||
| hydrargyrum
Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 494 Registered: 3-2004 |
A very cool story! | ||
| speicky
Advanced Member Username: speicky Post Number: 355 Registered: 3-2005 |
hah, 31 years after the fact, cool ! Well, it's never too late have a nice weekend everybody, your Christian ooops... post #31 in this thread (Message edited by Speicky on April 03, 2009) | ||
| john_judge
New Username: john_judge Post Number: 4 Registered: 4-2009 |
Well I guess I need to post a little something from the horses mouth about myself...Well questions I get asked a lot is who were some of my musical influences growing up, and when I started playing well first of all at age 12 got my first guitar (kay )then a Strat 2 years later, I started out as a guitar player actually from age 12-17 before switching to Bass,. The switch to Bass came as there were Guitar players by the dozen and drummers but Keyboardist and Bass players were getting hard to find, my early guitar influences were Jimi Hendrix and Clapton but when I got to the Bass at that time I was listening and playing ELP songs and Gentle Giant due to the complexity of the licks back then it was considered hard stuff to play. At first I had to play with a pick and we started working on Original material also kept me busy then on the side we fooled around with funk like Tower of Power and we started gigin on some of that stuff to make bucks but had to put the pick down to do the rest strokes, After that we covered Pictures on an Exhibition by ELP and being it was a classical piece it was fun learning, You learn a lot about your playing and music ability when you tackle a Classical piece Lots of notes and musical passages to learn. Now for the record I play using everything except a pick when I need that kind of sound I place my thumb and fore finger together and use it accordingly, I do slaps , pops, taps, hammer on's rolls and John's Entwhistle typewriter technique which he took the time to show me(may he rest in peace).. What ever it takes to express the note and piece I am playing is what I play, but at all times I am enjoying the sound coming from my Alembic and you should too, because these Basses have a great ability to be tweaked to perfection..so tweak um up people and rumble the ground and be heard..till next post cheers John | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 843 Registered: 7-2003 |
Dear John, a warm welcome to this forum. I am very happy and proud to see you posting here in the forum. I once had the chance to play your old bass at the home of the current owner and it is gorgeous (see picture above). I am also a huge fan of JE so I know what you mean...... I hope to see you more often in here to share your knowledge with all the Alembic fans in here. Take care Oliver (Spyderman) | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 898 Registered: 6-2002 |
Welcome to the club John. It's a true honor for me to correspond with you. I appreciate what you said about tackling a Classical piece. I've really gotten into Bach in the last couple of years. After each piece that I learn, I have the satisfaction of someone who climbed Mount Everest. I learn about my musical ability and my technique like never before. It boils down to committment and hard work. And on Alembic Series II - the sound is like nothing else!. I won't bug you with questions about the Masterpiece Doubleneck forever known as "THE JOHN JUDGE", but I'd like to know if you designed your current Alembics, and if we may get to see them someday soon. Here's my Black Byrd:  Once again, you have my best wishes and eternal respect. Rami | ||
| john_judge
New Username: john_judge Post Number: 5 Registered: 4-2009 |
Very nice Rami beautiful wood tones and color's and looks like you have wood cover pickup covers...nice touch To answer your question, my Alembics I am using now are not custom they were bought in different locations actually 1 on the East coast 1 out of Vegas , I have 2 bass designs that I have tossed around for years that are drawn to scale but do to touring and moving around a lot during that time I never got the drawings to final spec, but there is one in particular of the 2 designs that I want to do but it is so out there that Alembic may say no way or it will take a long time to build, I even have a beautiful piece of Koa for the body that I picked up in Hawaii and had it cut by experts to make tops and bottoms for me for the project, this piece has the most magnificent feather type grain going through the wood that it looks so 3D it will be breathtaking when finished. Right now I am pondering the final plans of this custom project. Rami it is never a bother for me to talk about past present and future with fellow Bassist and I dig Bach 2 part inventions and fugue's. Climb all the mountains and when there are no more to climb then go down to the valley's and welcome a new technique and sound with open arms to learn to teach and for all to hear ...Cheer's Rami and all the best to you....John Judge (Message edited by John Judge on April 11, 2009) | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 899 Registered: 6-2002 |
Thanks for the kind and inspiring words John. They really mean alot to me. Perhaps someday we may get to see another great collaboration between you and Alembic. It would be the most interesting Featured Custom ever. The Black Byrd will probably be my last (it was as expensive as it looks!) but I hope it will live on like your Doubleneck. It's made of two woods exclusively: Ebony and Purpleheart, 36" scale with Series II electronics. I was the first to incorporate continuous wood pickups (in a previous design called the "Dark Prince"). Hopefully it'll be a featured custom someday. I'd love to hear about your current projects and who inspires you today. Best wishes, Rami | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3688 Registered: 7-2004 |
It's really cool reading about the history of the iconic John Judge bass. Rami's Black Byrd is pretty awe-inspiring too. I was fortunate enough to see it in person hanging in the showroom at Alembic just after completion. The Macassar ebony on top is nothing short of breathtaking. I'm also a fan of wood-covered pick ups. The pickups on Woody are covered in cocobolo. Bill, tgo | ||
| keurosix
Advanced Member Username: keurosix Post Number: 400 Registered: 10-2005 |
Hi John, Welcome to the club! It's been a very long time since I saw you, and a lot has happened in that time. Really nice to hear from you and am looking forward to more tidbits of wisdom to come. I was honored to take care of the doubleneck for a short time, and treated her like gold. You have created a piece of history that all of us will never forget. Kris | ||
| john_judge
New Username: john_judge Post Number: 7 Registered: 4-2009 |
Hey Kris! how are you doing these days and yes it has been a very long time indeed and for the record I knew you being the next custodian of my old Bass that it would be well taken care of. I hope you got to read some of the post that my old student Greg Yonni has posted and myself adding some. It might fill in some blanks of time since I've seen you..Has to be 25 years since I have seen you! Just for the record here, Members... Kris is and old friend from around my old neck of the woods and Kris is a very talented Bassist of epic proportion we kind of grew up grooving on the same veins of music..Great to here from you Kris..Hey email me direct anytime Kris, I am planning a trip up your way fairly soon maybe we can do lunch or something take care and drop me a email John | ||
| john_judge
New Username: john_judge Post Number: 8 Registered: 4-2009 |
Ok here it is , the question of all questions sent to me by email by a club member and yes I will answer this one...On this post, sounds like good trivia anyway.. I was asked, did I have a name for the Bass prior to Christian calling it Peggy the answer is yes!....I named it Goliath as in the Giant, the Bass was heavy and huge and in the case it was like trying to carry a marshall head with a 4-12 cab glued to the head, constantly banging at your shin's ! lol! 28lb Bass and about 75 in the case...so I called it Goliath for every day I had to decide like David which Neck I was going to slay and how to do it! but I loved every moment of it because you get this certain Awe over you and a feeling thats hard to describe, when you hold it in your hands and against your body, you know you have the ultimate challenge before you... So the answer is yes I called it Goliath! One time during a recording session in Atlanta I walked in and looked at the board console and marked on the tape it said David & Goliath for the bass track area, so some of the guys would joke with me and say I should of told Rotosound/Superwound my name was David before the Ad's came out....world peace everyone and I hope you all had a happy holiday John | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 900 Registered: 6-2002 |
John, with all due respect (and I'll understand if you don't wish to answer this one), my question would be why you sold it in the first place? I could part with any of my Basses with the exception of my custom Alembics. The thought of someone else holding my "Black Byrd", "Dark Prince" or "Evil Twin" Basses and re-naming them "Peggy" would absolutely break my heart. That's just how I feel. My attachment to them goes far beyond what anyone could offer me financially - even if I could no longer play them. They're like a physical part of me. I certainly don't mean to question anyone's motives, but I feel heartbroken to see "The John Judge" renamed "Peggy". It just seems unbecoming for such an Alembic icon. I just feel that I needed to say that. I apologize if I stepped on any toes. Peace, Rami | ||
| john_judge
New Username: john_judge Post Number: 9 Registered: 4-2009 |
I will answer you that question but I will do it privately if you must know you can email me direct at topamountain@msn.com and in the subject line put Rami and I will email you back with the answer there is just too much to be said about that to post | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 901 Registered: 6-2002 |
John, I apologize if my curiosity may have opened any old wounds. I certainly want to respect your privacy and not go further. Your parting of ways may be an experience not meant to be re-lived. Peace, Rami | ||
| john_judge
New Username: john_judge Post Number: 10 Registered: 4-2009 |
No need to appologize Rami Iv'e been in battle before and I heal fast, Life goes on for me and my old Bass till we finally break down from old age but hopefully we were able to inspire others to create and express from within I never stop creating, That was then and this is now and now maybe it's time for me to unleach my new custom design onto the world and I already have a name for it, be patient my friend soon you will see the coming of a new musical age, Talented players are seeping out of the wood work and emerging back on top more and more and even when my last dying breath comes I will create whether it is painting, carving, spraying, polishing, sketching and my upmost passion Music , writing , producing, engineering, recording or just sitting at home playing I will always be remembered by me! for my efforts and not giving up and my biggest fan my mom, who believed in me and bought me my first Guitar.Remember someone out there loves what you do besides yourself, you just have to take the time to create and find them. Peace my friend John Judge | ||
| gyonnii
Junior Username: gyonnii Post Number: 16 Registered: 3-2009 |
Please don't get mad at me John....I found this picture I took of you from behind the sound glass/recording booth in Atlanta studio while John was laying down some tracks with Kerry livgreen from Kansas for a solo project at the time, but it never surfaced. John doesn't like this picture too much because it reminds him of that week at the studio, He use to say all Bassed up and nowhere to go !..Sorry John but I love the darkness of this photo of how it show's off the zebrawood grain, hail Alembic!  | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 902 Registered: 6-2002 |
Now that picture's just way cool! John, I think I can say on behalf of everyone when I say how eager I am to see your latest design come to life - and I don't think that the word "No" is in the Alembic vocabulary. Best wishes, Rami | ||
| gyonnii
Junior Username: gyonnii Post Number: 17 Registered: 3-2009 |
here's a classic one of John 2 years prior to Alembic , John played B.C Rich basses and fenders. One day we were driving down the road and John yelled for me to stop the car, he spotted part of a Bass neck sticking out of a trash can. He dug it out and pulled out the partial remains of a gibson ripper, back of body cracked with big chunk missing and pick guard cracked and one of the pickups crushed in. 2 months later we found out that the guy who lived there cheated on his girlfriend so when he wasn't home she ran his Bass over with her car!..John cut the body with a saw, rewrapped the one pickup and replaced the pots, the neck seemed Ok. this is the only known picture of the FrankenBass . The funny thing about it though was it was one of the best sounding basses when he got done with it with the exception of the Alembic Anyway moral of the story ...Don't ever, ever cheat on your girlfriend if you play an Alembic Lol  | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3723 Registered: 7-2004 |
Did the girlfriend mention anything about a whippet's dinkle? (John: a reference to a thread from a few years ago regarding a particularly humorous ebay listing by the supremely pissed off wife of a bass player). Bill, tgo | ||
| john_judge
Junior Username: john_judge Post Number: 16 Registered: 4-2009 |
Hello everyone just wanted to say thanks for allowing me to be a member here and I am leaving for Miami, Florida for two weeks on business, so I may not get much time to post much, but when I get back I will check things out. Thank you all so much for your musical comments and your kindness of words you shared with me. I feel like I made a whole new bunch of friends here and I would absolutely love to see an Alembic convention where we all could meet each other someday and trade techniques, idea's, concepts and stories. I am sure it would be something we all would never forget. I also liked the idea I read in some archives about having a money pool and a drawing for a custom made Alembic. I mean if each member bought a chance at 5.00 dollars a pop and the drawing was held maybe like at the Namm show. I could really see it happening...Well we will talk more when I get back, peace to everyone here and may you and your love ones stay safe. musically yours John Judge | ||
| kenbass4
Advanced Member Username: kenbass4 Post Number: 341 Registered: 10-2003 |
John, Have you seen THESE in the showcase section? There are currently 3 gatherings set up for the next few months, and more get planned as time goes by. We'd be more than happy to see you at the Northern California Gathering in June. | ||
| 2400wattman
Senior Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 706 Registered: 11-2005 |
The "money pool" idea is cool and I've thought of something similar. I've seen some really good players during my travels of our wonderful country and thought that it would be nice to have a large group of people throw money into such a pool for a player(who probably could'nt afford an Alembic) that everyone could agree deserved such an instrument. BTW John, I absolutely love that double neck. It haunted me day and night while it was for sale. It's such a cool design and is right up my alley artistically but not financially. Maybe a custom for me in the future.. who knows? Glad you're on board here, safe journey to Florida. | ||
| john_judge
Junior Username: john_judge Post Number: 17 Registered: 4-2009 |
Maybe a contest done on line through you tube, let them tell something about themselves and a playing demonstration, only problem is we have to have a way to verify honest intentions of the contestants. We all can be judges and then narrow it down to final showdown at the mothership with news coverage it make a great event for Alembic and the new owner choosen by the club members, the details need to be worked out but could prove to be very interesting or maybe they have to be brave enough to be branded with a hot iron with the Alembic logo inbeaded in their chest, and burn their old bass!! just kiddin! . John | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 905 Registered: 6-2002 |
Let's do it!!! How about something REALLY special: A John Judge designed doubleneck!!! I've been pulling out my hair trying to imagine the ultimate doubleneck - but what I came up with may not appeal to everyone. But something designed by John Judge would have the ultimate appeal and credibility. It'll become another great Alembic Icon that will travel through time and custodians and create it's unique legend. | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 1440 Registered: 11-2003 |
"but what I came up with may not appeal to everyone." I don't know about that Rami. You've come up with some pretty amazing basses so far. Hey John, I hope your trip to Florida is successful. We've certainly had perfect weather here this week. Sam | ||
| john_judge
Junior Username: john_judge Post Number: 18 Registered: 4-2009 |
Hello everyone, just got through with dinner here, For the record Rami I would be honored to design a Double neck for the giveaway and be present to give it to the winner, but I think it is more than right to get a majority vote from the members here first and approval from Alembic for me to do that. I think the presentation needs to be at the mothership or one of the large Alembic club gatherings. I actually have a design in mind that will blow you away including Alembic. Now as far as the giveaway, we can maybe do it 1 of 2 ways, either it goes to one of the club members from a drawing, or we can do the you tube thing and let some one battle it out or we can ask about advertising it through the mothership and see if they want to oversee it. Well we need time factor maybe a great Xmas present for someone. Well I think now this needs to be on a separate thread called the custom doubleneck giveaway so we can get some feedback about the idea and all members idea's are welcome for discussion, Well I will check post on friday again take care John | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 906 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi John, I'd personally rather it go to a club member based on a random draw. Chances of winning based on the number of tickets sold. Of course, the tickets sold would have to cover its cost. If it costs $20,000 to build, they'd need at least 2000 tickets at $10 and so on. Although I think a you tube battle would be cool, I wouldn't have a chance. And it wouldn't cover its cost. This would be so cool! | ||
| john_judge
Junior Username: john_judge Post Number: 23 Registered: 4-2009 |
Hello everyone just got back from Florida nice weather and came back to a bunch of rain oh well, found an interesting question in my email and thought it might be fun to post maybe as a separate thread would be better see you there called...What was your most embarrassing moment on the stage. | ||
| john_judge
Junior Username: john_judge Post Number: 32 Registered: 4-2009 |
Just to let everyone know I am going to the Chicago gathering, this year and I am going to try to go to the Cali gathering and the New England gathering as well. I want to meet up with as many members as my schedule will allow so that when I post I can get a better feel and perspective to whom I am addressing. I really enjoy talking with everyone here about just about anything. Anyway just wanted to let everyone know that if you can"t make it to Chicago, then I hope to see you at one of the other 2 events. John | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3802 Registered: 7-2004 |
John: So you may be coming out to California next month? As we used to say back in the day, FAR F**KIN' OUT! Of course I don't have to tell you to plan an extra day or two for the hour's drive north to the elves in Santa Rosa, if you can swing it. Bill, tgo | ||
| john_judge
Junior Username: john_judge Post Number: 33 Registered: 4-2009 |
Thanks Bill, yes if I can make it to Cali, I will be there for 4 days with a one day stop to LA to meet with some old friends and San Fran. The rest of my time will be to meet with members, Alembic and the function, hopefully to get a tour of the facility while I'm there, I will keep you posted as time get's closer John | ||
| hydrargyrum
Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 549 Registered: 3-2004 |
It has really been fun to watch this story unfold, and even more so now that we see what a nice guy John is. I wish I was close enough to attend one of the meetings, and put a face to some club handles. | ||
| kenbass4
Advanced Member Username: kenbass4 Post Number: 350 Registered: 10-2003 |
Hey John, Looking forward to meeting up with you at the Nor Cal get together. I'll have my 4 with me, and I'm sure Harry will have that wonderful doubleneck with him, plus some really cool guitars that our organizer Bill brings along (I've GOT to try that 12-string this time!) Ken (TEO) | ||
| john_judge
Junior Username: john_judge Post Number: 34 Registered: 4-2009 |
12 string hmmmm... Maybe I can play hey mr. tamborine man on it or some Bryds music!!! via bass style LOL. Yes I am looking forward to Cali visit very much and right now the Chicago gig is starting to grow and grow also Thunder is rolling in already I can feel the low vibes deep very deep, looking forward to meeting you guys at Cali or Chicago if you can make it. until then rock and rumble the ground with your Alembic...John | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3808 Registered: 7-2004 |
When I bought a Rickenbacker 360/12 off of ebay a few years ago (since traded - neck too narrow), I had to learn the opening riff for Tambourine man, so it could be the first thing I played on the Ric when UPS dropped it off. Big Irv is waiting for you all.  Bill, tgo | ||
| john_judge
Junior Username: john_judge Post Number: 37 Registered: 4-2009 |
Can't wait to see you all there, I might have a few suprises up my sleeve for you all! Cheers John [moderator's edit: per request] (Message edited by artswork99 on September 14, 2013) | ||
| gyonnii
Junior Username: gyonnii Post Number: 35 Registered: 3-2009 |
Just got in from my gig and saw this post,funny stuff John, I remember hearing about that, Sure wish I was going to Chicago and catch up with you but my sister is getting married so maybe I will get to do Cali with you take care Greg | ||
| speicky
Advanced Member Username: speicky Post Number: 364 Registered: 3-2005 |
Hey, Greg, I'm sorry to hear that you cannot make it to Chicago. All the best luck to your sister, though I hope we'll meet someday... cheers, Christian | ||
| chrisalembic
Junior Username: chrisalembic Post Number: 26 Registered: 3-2009 |
Hey John, you might have missed out on a great gig, but you sure are a good friend for hooking him up;-)!! Chris. [moderator's edit: per request] (Message edited by artswork99 on September 14, 2013) | ||
| john_judge
Junior Username: john_judge Post Number: 39 Registered: 4-2009 |
Here is something about Chicago if you are attending... Just for a little food for thought..I am bringing with me a sketch of the new concept custom design Bass I have been toying with. I say concept because it has a new additional system device involved. Yes it also has a name to go with it, thats all I will say for now but I will be willing to discuss it with any and all members at the Chicago show. After all, got to leave something to talk about. When I get back I will post a photo of the Drawing for others to see. Chicago get first peek! [moderator's edit: per request] (Message edited by artswork99 on September 14, 2013) |
