Alembic Guitars & Basses – A Short History
Alembic is one of the most influential high-end guitar and bass manufacturers in the world. The company was founded in 1969 in California by Ron Wickersham, Susan Wickersham, Rick Turner, Bob Matthews, and Owsley “Bear” Stanley, initially to improve the sound quality of live music performances, particularly for the Grateful Dead.
Rather than starting as a guitar builder, Alembic first focused on innovative electronics, developing some of the earliest active onboard preamps and low-impedance pickups. These designs provided greater clarity, wider frequency response, and less noise than traditional instruments of the time.
In 1972, Alembic built its first complete bass guitar for Jack Casady of Jefferson Airplane. This instrument introduced many concepts that later became common in boutique basses, including active electronics and custom craftsmanship.
During the 1970s, Alembic became famous for its beautifully crafted instruments made from exotic woods, brass hardware, neck-through-body construction, and sophisticated electronics. The company helped create the modern boutique bass market, with instruments often costing far more than standard Fender or Gibson models.
Today, Alembic remains a family-owned company, hand-building custom instruments in California and is regarded as one of the most prestigious names in electric bass and guitar manufacturing.
Famous Alembic Players
Bassists
- Stanley Clarke (Return to Forever) – perhaps the most famous Alembic bassist; his signature sound helped popularize the brand.
- Phil Lesh (Grateful Dead) – one of the earliest Alembic users.
- Jack Casady (Jefferson Airplane/Hot Tuna) – received Alembic’s first complete bass.
- John Entwistle (The Who).
- Mark King (Level 42).
Guitarists
- Jerry Garcia (Grateful Dead) used several Alembic-inspired and Alembic-built instruments.
- David Crosby had one of the earliest guitars fitted with Alembic electronics.
