http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120592678856
 
is this a joke?

Also posted here
 
http://club.alembicguitars.net/Images/393/82594.html?1278965394
 
there seems to be some authenticity to the claim
 
slawie

The linked thread discusses LD Heater's involvement as a distributor of Alembic instruments.
 
That's an entirely different matter from the Pan/Alembic instruments.
quote:A few years back, Michael posted in this thread the following:  
 
Pan was a company that was distributed by L.D. Heater. The same folks that distributed Alembic back in 1973 and 74 before Rothchild stepped in. A Pan/Alembic is a Pan instrument that was modified by Alembic on a production line basis. At least that is what the Pan brochure says that I am taking this from. The Pan/Alembic instruments featured Alembic ceramic magnet hot-rod modification and some Alembic shielding. There was also some Alembic low end boost and low end cut switches. So....a Pan was a Pan, and a Pan/Alembic was just a knockoff with some uprated electronics.

Pan was not modified by Alembic. Pan sent us some instruments asking for comments on how to improve them. We sent them back with a list of things, like adding Hot-Rod kits or Blasters and shielding. Then our logo shows up with the claim modified by Alembic on their guitars. Weak!  
 
I didn't realize they had it explicitly stated in their brochure as well. I would restate that a Pan was a Pan and a Pan/Alembic is a Pan with Alembic writing on it but no direct involvement from Alembic.

Sneaky people.  
Sorry my bad.
 
slawie

Here's a seller that bought in to the hype
 
ebay

how can these companies get away with these false claims? what about copyright and trade marks?  
maybe because it was some years ago. Wouldn't happen todays market?......

As the trademark holder you have to oppose the infringement - it was the same then as it is now. Have your legal representative write them a cease-and-desist letter, sue them if they don't comply. And remember that if you don't oppose the infringement, you might lose the trademark.

Anyone notice that the description states 4 pickups?  The seller apparently can't count, either!
 
Bill, tgo
 
(Message edited by lbpesq on September 26, 2010)