SMU
 
OK, as a transplanted Texan in Tennessee, my curiosity has got me:  Are you a prof at SMU?
 
It's amazing how that magic can stay with you.  I played a Bosendorfer grand in my teens and I still remember it vividly, and I've played some great Steinways and Yamahas in my day.  I never got that same chill until I got my ALEMBIC.
 
So welcome, we're glad you found us.
 
AJDover:
 
My FIRST bass was a Ripper!  I've often thought that they were the closest Gibson ever came to a good bass.  I always thought TBirds looked impossibly cool, but they were always SO neck heavy.  I was so disappointed when I first tried one.  I always thought 4001/4003s were classics, and while I'm not a 'vintage' guy, I would like to have the 360-inspired 4005 one day.
 
Glad you're here, too.
 
J o e y

smuprof and Joey,
 
    Smuprof: you're right, we were competing on Ebay for the same bass.  As it is, it worked out for both of us.  We both now own an Alembic!  Like you, I've always wanted one, and now I have it!
 
    Joey:  I've always liked Rippers as well. They have great tones, and play really well. You're right about Thunderbirds, they are neck heavy, but ... they just look so cool!  I'm going to drop new pickups in mine when I get the chance (the ones in it now suck).
 
Best regards,
 
Alan

Joey -
 
You got it.  Of course my hair's not as long, and the beard's gone, but I've had a blast the last couple of months with my Alembic.
 
Where in Tennessee??  My Mom grew up near Knoxville and my family's still in GA.
 
Thanks for the welcome.  What a great group!
 
John

Hi Alan,
 
Ebay's funny how you get to know people you're bidding against.  I've been watching since then and haven't seen but one other Exploiter and it didn't sell for $1,500.
 
Glad to know you.
 
SMU

smuProf
 
I live in Madison, which is a suburb of Nashville.
 
I go to Knoxville occasionally, and East Tennessee / North Georgia is a beautiful piece of the world.  Took a short vacation a couple of years ago going from Chattanooga,TN to Asheville, NC, through the whitewater country along the Ocoee River below the Smoky Mountains National Park.  Fabulous scenery, and I MUST repeat the trip via motorcycle one day.  As it was, I was there during a Miata rally, and was utterly GREEN with envy.
 
J o e y

Good morning and welcome to the group, Alan & John.  Should of said that sooner since Alan's already a junior member.  Please forgive my tardiness.  Great collection Alan.  I've never played a Thunderbird so can't comment on the balance but there is definetly one on my wish list!  The TB and the EB3 are the only Gibson's I've fancied.
John, like Joey I'm a transplanted Texan but in Florida not Tenn.  My dad is living in Arlington and the rest of the family is scattered around the D/FW area.  
 
Sam

OK, my brain's gone.  Everyone now knows that.  It seems that I welcomed Alan in November.  It must be this 50 degree weather we've been having lately.  Sorry.
 
Sam

Another welcome Alan from the ranks of Spoiler owners.  Your Exploiter looks great.  I got my Spoiler (Vector body) off Ebay as well and have been very pleased with the bass, as well as the seller.  You've got a great collection there, too!
 
Bill

Welcome from a fellow Exploiter owner plus 8 other lembics. My first bass was a 77 Ripper like yours. I'm still looking for one to replace it, just for nostalgia. I lent mine to a guy while I was concentrating on fretless. No one told me he liked herion. Found it in Bronen's Music in Paramus NJ. Tracked the bastard down and made him pay me back the cost of the bass. First bass line I ever played was Cold Gin. Then I discovered the Romantic Warrior LP. Had to get an Alembic after that! Congrats!
Danno

Romantic Warrior!  Another of my all time favorites!

 
 
(Message edited by ajdover on January 07, 2004)

Dannobasso,
 
    I noticed your post, and you mentioned you're looking for a Ripper.  Well, I own two, and am considering selling one.
 
    The one I'm thinking about letting go is a natural '74-75, with maple neck.  It is in good condition, with nicks, scrapes, etc.  It is by no means mint, but it everything on it works.  The four position switch, however, needs work.  It is a split post design, and one of the sides of the post is missing.  Additionally, the chicken head knob is not original.  However, I am told by a reputable luthier here in the DC area (Jim at musictechnology.com - he's done work on my Fender Jazz and Musicman, and I can vouch for his competency) that the switch can be repaired, and a reasonable facsimile of the orginal knob installed.  It does need set up work, does not have a case, but does have the bridge cover.  I have the cardboard box my Alembic came in, and will ensure it is packed properly should you decide to purchase it.  I'm looking at about $300 plus shipping - not bad considering most
 go for $500 or more on Ebay.  I'd rather sell it to someone who will appreciate it this way than on Ebay.  Let me know if you're interested, and I will send detailed pictures to aid in your decision.  Be advised I won't be back in the DC area until 9 Jan 04, so I won't be able to take pix until then (the bass is in DC, I'm on leave in Fayetteville, NC).
 
Best Regards,
 
Alan