Alembic Guitars Club
Connecting => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: mint_bass on January 14, 2004, 02:47:45 AM
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i was jus wondering about how many other basses
you all have i have been playing for two years and have two basses Epic and an Ibanez i really want to get into collecting basses wen i am older as i am a student so cant afford anymore jus now
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5
Alembic Series 1 1976
Fender Precision 1966
Framus Caravelle 1966
Warwick Thumb 1987
Warwick Thumb Jack Bruce Signature 1990
And NO, that's NOT too much!
;-)
Harald
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Good morning Andrew
I thought I answered this but it must not have saved right. If they both show up later, sorry.
I have three, the Epic, a PBass, and a fretless Jazz Bass. It's not a collection as such just once I have one there's no point it getting rid of it unless it just disappoints me.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/7713.jpg)
Sam
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Hi Andrew,
Actually, I'm a little embarrassed to give the exact number of Basses that I own (people would think I'm crazy), but I was always loathed to get rid of any of them since I got my hands on my first Jazz Bass.
I have a thing for the 70's Jazz Basses. I LOVE those block inlays (Black & Perloid). I love all versions of it. I have some superb examples of early Jazz Basses ('69 to '81).
My first ever fretless was a Maple fretless P-Bass. I later sold it and regretted it ever since. I've since found 2 others, but they're not as clean as that one.
As such, my collection is about half Fenders and half Alembics, with a few others here and there.
I've been meaning to take pictures of them all, but being the procrastinator that I am, I haven't got around to it yet. Most of my Alembics are posted in the Showcase section, But they're scattered under different headings. I'll probably post them all under one thread soon. I don't know if my others would be as welcome as my Alembics though.
Rami
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Hmmm...
96 Rogue 5
88 Spoiler 8
85 Persuader
83 Exploiter
80 Fender P fretless
?? Washburn 5
?? St. Blues Jazz
And I still kind of miss the 75 Jazz I traded as part of the deal to get the Persuader. I abused that bass in so many different ways and it still always responded.....
JP
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79 music man sabre
@91 music man stingray 5
fender american deluxe jazz bass
fender fretless jazz bass
95 alembic europa 4 string
2001 alembic essence 4 string built like stanley clarke bass with essence electronics
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Not really a collection, but:
'73 Rickenbacker 4001
'93 Ibanez Soundgear
As yet unborn (2004?) Alembic Rogue (see factory to customer).
That's all for now...
Ken (TEO)
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Howdy,
72 Guild Starfire II - converted to fretless in 1998
97 Epic 4
98 Epic Fretless 4
81 Distillate 4
The Guild hasn't been out of it's case in a year.
Mike
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here's my trio
76 Series 1
97 Epic
89 Stienberger XM-4
they are all 4 strings
David T (The Loud One)
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Hi,
89 Spoiler
80s Yamaha BX-1
78 Kramer 450B (conv to fretless)
?? Samick 6 String
The yamaha is essentially retired.
fmm
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Pauls and non-Pauls-
Currently 4 basses down from 13 or 14:
-81 Alembic Series I Long Scale Cocobolo
(see pics here: )
-01 Dean Rhapsody 12 (Aahhhh the fatness!)
-03 Lakland Skyline 55-01 5-string
-Kay upright
The Alembic is, well, quite the agreeable instrument. Sounds great/less filling. Wish it had an extra string. I play it not nearly enough because of that, so I'll probably end up restringing it down a 4th again this Spring or sooner. The Dean is pretty cool. I've got it tuned down a 4th, play it with my fingers exclusively and the sound is HUGE, but not as punchy as one would expect. It sounds great popped/slapped too. The Lakland is the bass I use when I have to read music that needs a B without bouncing up an octave, and for popping. I totally suck at popping. It has a nice tight B string and may at some point get some Alembic pickups because the Bart's saturate when I play hard, which I do a lot. The Kay upright is for faux-cred at jazz gigs. I need to workout more or something because it takes all I have to play bebop for more than a few tunes. I traded-off a sweet Carvin 5-string fretless to force jazz idiom compliance upon my weak rock musician moral fibers. ;-)
Memorable basses I no longer own:
-64 Hofner Beatle Bass - my first bass!
-early 70's P-bass - Played the Montreux Jazz Festival in '81 with it..
-Gibson Thunderbird
-84 Steinberger L-2A
-B.C. Rich Seagull Bass
-89 Carvin Fretless 5-string
-Conklin 7-string - The Fretted Piano The Tendonitis Machine The Surfboard
Paul the John one
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I have often been thinking adding a Jazz or Musicman, but I just couldn't do it.
Instead, meet the happy Alembic family:
EVH Signature 4 string (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8791)
EVH Signature 5 string
Series II 6 string (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8270)
Still doubting which one will become a fretless, the EVH 4 or 5 ?
Jan
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/7724.jpg)
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Jan,
Beautiful basses! My vote for fretless would be the EVH 5..
John
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Currently,
1980 Phil Petillo custom 4-string
1998 Epic 5-string
2003 Tacoma CB-10 4-string Acoustic
2003 MK Standard 'JPJ Triple Omega' 5-string
Hope to pick a nice fretless this year, as I too miss my late 70's fretless Precision.
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Here are my basses...
'84 Spoiler Exploiter
'82(?) Rickenbacker 4001
'03 Epiphone Allen Woody
'81(?) Ibanez Roadster
...and now for the cheapies...
Rogue Beatle Bass
Danelectro Longhorn
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'74 Gibson Ripper
Fender Jazz Bass Special
Kramer The Duke
Wishbass 5 String
Conklin GT-7
Lightwave Classica 5ver
Galveston 12ver
Cort Curbow Fretless
SD Curlee
Alembic Orion
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Currently only 72 Rickenbacker and Seibass custom 4 string by Martin Petersen. As people are no doubt sick of hearing, I had to sell my Alembic SC Deluxe to help finance my Triple O; also had to sell my Rickenbacker 8 string for the same reason. And I LOVED those basses!!!(sniff!) I feel naked being down to only 2....had dozens of others but as my job pays a pittance I always have to sell in order to buy. Most missed are the SC and 8 string Rick (the things we have to go through to realise our Alembic dreams!), a Pedulla MVP 4, Warwick Dolphin Pro 1, Rick 4001CS, Jaydee Mark King, and probably half a dozen others. Oh, and a Rick 4001V63 reissue I bought off e-bay which never arrived (many thanks to the US mail; claim currently ongoing). Looked great in the pictures....
Shaun
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Euh ...
Bonnie ...
just one
1
Paul the bad one
PS: I really need to have a decent job, that stocking thing doesn't work either
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Paul, keep that stocking!
As a matter of fact, get one for me too. Now that we know who owns what bass, we just need some addresses......... Just kidding people;)
Paul TGO
(Message edited by elzie on January 14, 2004)
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Just two:
'90 Elan 5-string, cocobolo top, maple body, Europa electronics, 2 AXY56 pickups, cocobolo THG knobs
'91 Fender Jazz Bass Plus (Serial #000012), Arctic White finish, rosewood fingerboard, active electronics, lace sensor pickups
(Message edited by the_schwartz on January 14, 2004)
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Paul TBO, you sound sad. Keep in mind that Bonnie is the equivalent of a dozen or so lesser instruments! AND you get to wear stockings! Oh, wait, I probably shouldn't have typed that...
Paul the John one
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These are my Alembics (except I don't own the small body in the middle anymore)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/7741.jpg)
2000 Alembic Mark King Dlx / Series II 5 string
1974 Alembic Series I Small Standard
1987 Alembic Series I Omega Standard
(Message edited by malthumb on January 14, 2004)
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These are the non-Alembics I currently own
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/7745.jpg)
These are both Hanewinckel Artist series 6 stringers, one fretted, one fretless. The story behind these is that I bought the fretted one sight unseen in 2001 and loved it. Then I found the fretless on eBay in October 2003. Found out from Pete Hanewinckel that they are consecutive builds.
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I 'converted over from piano to bass in the mid-70s. At that time, to gig with keys I'd have been hauling a B3/Leslie, a Rhodes and/or Wurlitzer or Hohner clavinet, and amps for them. Way too much to lug around, and I'd have had to buy a van to boot!
I always loved bass, and I just could 'hear' it, the way my wife can just hear all 4 harmony parts in the vocals, instantly.
Over the years I owned
Gibson Ripper (Rick Danko looked so cool with his; I looked like a dork, sounded like one too. Only bass I ever had that I could hear the pickups de-magnetize over time. Sounded just like the batteries fading, but it was passive!)
Gibson RD Artist (ABSOLUTELY the heaviest; Robert Moog designed the active circuit, but had that useless EBO bridge on three studs, like the Ripper. My friends dubbed the headstock inlay 'The Flying Shrimp')
2 Peavey T40s (Bulletproof when playing beer joints in East Texas, but one hell of a bass for $299.00 brand new with a case, made in Mississippi. Biggest bass bridge I EVER saw. This bass made numerically-controlled body shaping the industry standard.)
Peavey DynaBass 5 (the first version with the AWFUL pickups and the rubber neck; Thank God I knew NOTHING about setup in those days, I have had to tweak it twice a day. But the only decent five string I could get in Jacksonville in the mid 80s. A no-tone bass.)
Yamaha BB400 (bolt-neck, budget BB. 'Backwards P-pickup, vol tone. A sentimental favorite as my wife LOVED that little bass. I'll find one on EBay.)
2 Yamaha BB1200s (PBass meets Alembic. Backwards P-pickup, maple/mahogany neckthru, alder wings, striped ebony fingerboard, OVAL inlays. A little 'thick', fat neck, ingenious keys, Sir Paul had a left-handed one, Lee Sklar the prototype. The first Japanese bass that was accepted seriously in this country. Both in that amber to SG-cherry sunburst.)
Yamaha BB1600 (Essentially a bolt neck BB3000. Pearl White with the brass p/u surrounds. Neck like a slightly big Jazz meets slightly small P Bass. This benefited from Jeff Berlin's input on the BB2000 to slim the neck on the 3000)
Yamaha BB3000 (THE quintessential 80s bass. My only complaint was I was tired of passive basses.)
Fernandez Gravity 4M (all 'white' wood, swamp ash, all maple neck. TUNE ripoff, sounded OK once I gutted it and EMG'd everything (P,J,BTS):
Proved to me the value of EMGs: Everybody ELSE in the band thinks its great tone!)
These are all gone to the mists of time.
These days my collection is only two:
Alembic 91 Spoiler 5, the BigRedBass (Series/Omega shape, quilt over maple, long scale, gold keys, the OTHER love of my life after Mrs. Wilson)
Yamaha BB5000A (my nod to owning a Fender-style instrument; non-symmetric 5-string P-pickup, stack J pickup. For non-AXY tone, I love that
P/J combination, hard to find in a 5-string. Pearl white, oval inlays, mahogany maple neckthru, alder wings, striped ebony fingerboard.
This was a sentimental nod to my 80s bands. I hate bolt-ons, so MM, G+L, Fender, Lakland, etc. were not really choices for me. Amazing the things that Yamaha built for this bass that Fender only recently got around to 10 years later)
I'll never play 4-strings again. I'm not smart enough to go back and forth and keep any real facility on both, it's just too different, and much harder on a 4 for me. I've never owned a Fender. I would like another Alembic or two one day. I love the 4-string Spector, but it somehow loses that lovely feeling going to a 5. I'm sure a Quilt 5 Series One Point would float my boat. I love the AXYs, but I'll never be completely satisfied till I have the Series electronics.
J o e y
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Paul TBO;
I agree with the just one theory. My Rogue 5 is all I really play, although there's a 91 Peavey TL-5, a 79 Gibson RD Artist, and an 80's Yamaha BB300 converted to fretless (WHAT was I thinking??) in the storeroom. I just never got rid of them. I imagine if a 5 string Series II showed up on my doorstep, the Rogue would suffer a similar fate! My Gibson SG bass and Mosrite short scale are mere memories from a checkered college life.
Larry
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Brother Paul the John one,
yes ...from time to time there is some sadness creeping in and that green red-eyed-devil peeping over my shoulder.
But ...well ...I DO think than on what I have, Bonnie and Tweak Peaks and I realize that it is far MORE than what 80% of the bass-players in the world will ever own ...so it's all very relative.
I lied BTW.
I forgot that I have the broomstick: a Korean Squier Fender Jazz-bass. As I Probably told already: the bass feels good, but ...well ...sounds as a broomstick on a washtub. Brother Joey: you told me agian something new: the fact that there is demagnetisation of PU of passive basses. So once I'll going to change the PU on the Broomstick.
The advantage of owning 1 bass is ...that you never have to choose AND that you learn to create a lot on 1 bass. Now you all will understand that there is a LOT to know about Bonnie and Tweak Peaks. I'm just beginning to start LOL!
I truly want some other basses but in a functional way.
I would like to find a Epiphone Jack Cassady style bass (Ok ...a Guild Starfire will do to but that is faaaaaa-ar out of my very limited fiancial league). Just because those basses -flatwound strung- have a VERY typical tone. Brother David the loud one had a lead on such a bass but I didn't hear from him yet (bro Dave you got my mail??).
I would like to put to value my Alembic activator PJ/VFPQ combination. If business-life is good for me the next year you all will be the first to hear from the Peejay-project.
Again for a reason: I think there is something to say for having a good 4 string that comes close to your main bass.
Oh ..true ...as a fretless I would go for my chi project that is basically a 6 string fretless Alembic (Val know all about it) but that's WAAAAAAA-AY in the future.
Again ...there is an obvious tonal reason I need that kind of bass for.
And an acoustic bass-guitar and upright ...well we keep dreaming.
So, concluding, I have learned to master my limits by using/having only 1 bass. I will never be a collector but someone who will buy a bass for an (assumed) tonal reason.
Oh ...huh ...Brother Rami that is no offence for the collecting people. I think it is a very nice thing to do. And very learning, informative, very costly of course too (athough you told us already that you know the little intersting adresses) but ...well ...someone who smokes on daily basis can afford 2 fairy good basses a year. So .... it's all very relative.
But ...hey brothers and sisters ...as lon we stay on the low -side no ;-)
Paul the bad one
(Message edited by palembic on January 15, 2004)
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Guys, I only have two basses. I am a little bit jealous on your great collections. I own these two:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/7777.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/7778.jpg)
Oliver (Spyderman)
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Well, of course there's the 88 Spoiler and the 94 Epic[size=78%]. The Epic was converted to fretless in 2002. [/size]
And then there's two basses at my parents' house, since our appartment isn't big enough to house those two Alembics, an 1900-ish upright piano plus ...
A late 70s Cimar copy of a Jazz Bass with chrome Schaller tuners - great beginner's bass, even if the bridge had only two saddles - but it was the one on which I really learned to play (any style from latin jazz to ska to Rush). This one would need a complete overhaul to become playable again.
A 70s Ibanez copy of a Gibson Ripper (or a Grabber) - anyway these days it's more like a Steinberger: only the set neck and the middle portion of the body (someone donated their project bass and I didn't finish it). The fingerboard had had the frets removed, and I had a luthier (in this case an actual lute builder ...) replace it with a fretless ebony fingerboard. It really sings, but it's a bit short of breath and it won't sit still when you play it. There's no pickup or electronics either, so I just play it a little from time to time.
The one that was only gathering dust when the Epic entered the scene, and got sold off in the end, was an early 80s Yamaha BB1100S in a nice looking sunburst (yellow to wine red). The BB1100S was the 3-piece neck-through with a reversed P and a J (replaced by a DiMarzio J model stacked humbucker with a cream cover, and a series/parallel switch). The tuners needed to be replaced, and come to think of it I also installed a detuner on it ...
I bought it secondhand from a store and they said it came from the bass player of the Luc van den Acker Band, perhaps our Belgian friends know who he is. I remember seeing it on the inside cover of a live album by TC Matic (if I remember correctly) because when I bought it the bass had a very distinctive mark where the finish had worn off, just below the end of the neck on the front of the body. [Duh - of course the end of the neck of a neck-through bass is at the bottom end of the body. I meant to say: below the end of the fretboard.]
(Message edited by Adriaan on January 15, 2004)
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Oliver, I need a new keyboard! The drool just shorted mine out... ;-)
PTJO
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Spyder Ollie- I would gladly trade you my four Alembics for the two you have!
Bro Paul TBO- for what it's worth, I was invited to play a few songs at someone else's gig a few month back and the bass player had one of those Epiphone Jack Casady numbers. It was OK but it didn't feel real good to me. Maybe it was his amplification. Then again I'm pretty weird....
The original Paul the John one
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MISCELLANEOUS
Free for all area - talk amongst yourselves
Seems to me you can pretty much type what cha want, and post pics of what is interesting to you in this category. I like this category best, just for that reason, so get down with your bad selves.
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I'm not the biggest P Bass fan, but this one was just so cool! '78 Antigua fretless!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/8507.jpg)
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Early 70's ('72 or '74 I believe) Fretless P Bass. Had it forever!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/8510.jpg)
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Brother Rami,
really the Antigua I really like. I had the JB Antigua with the maple/whiet blocks neck.
For one or another reason I always liked the fretless-maple necks. Just for the looks I guess because I don't know the sound of theat neck versus the more classic Rosewood or Ebony neck.
How DO it sounds??
Anyway ...really nice Rami!!
Paul the bad one
BTW: I didn't know you were into the P's ...I thought it were just JB's??
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Hi Paul,
Those are my only Precision Basses. I got them because they were the only fretless basses Fender made at the time and the only ones I could afford (I had them a VERY long time). They've since become great collector's Basses - Who knew? I really dig them because they're so unusual.
Here's my Antigua Jazz Bass - also a '78. Not in as good condition as the Precision, but great playing nonetheless.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/8523.jpg)
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Now Brother Rami ...to tell you a secret ..what a wild dream for me should be is the antigua JB with the P fretless maple neck ...
***sigh***
Paul the bad one
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I've thought about it too Paul... But the Jazz Bass has a 3 bolt neck and the Precision has a 4 bolt neck...
***sigh***
Rami
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Rami ...now you saying this.
The inconvenience about that Antigua JB I played was ...the neck-nody joint (? I dunno if that's the right word). It was the 3 bolt neck with 1 special bolt where you could change the tilt of the neck versus the body. I discovered that there was always that slight movement (left/right???) of the neck resulting the strings not having the 90? angle with the frets ...with an untunable bass as a consequence.
Paul TBO
Sorry to insist a bit but do you are happy with the sound of the maple fretless on your P's?
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Hey Paul,
I agree with the next joint/alignment problems that plague Fenders. Mine are generally ok.
I actually like the Maple fretless sound - my first fretless ever was a Rosewood P Bass. I found the sound was a little muddy - lacking definition. The Maple Fretless' sound crisper - clearer. They're actually alot of fun to play.
It wouldn't be fair to compare them to my Alembics though, because they're in a completely different class. Of course Alembics sound infinitely better. So when I play fretless, it's my Alembics that I grab first.
Cheers,
Rami
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Rami,
funny that -when I was in for a new bass before my Alembic Era- people said to me that Maple-fretless was a not done
ts-ts-ts.
Now you see what one can learn in a club like this.
How Rami ...I know you are a Alain Caron fan: take a peep at the website of a French friend of mine (bass teacher)
http://brunochaza.free.fr/ (http://brunochaza.free.fr/)
I think there is a lot of stuff to pick-up for a player in your league ...as far as I'm concerned ...well ...you know ...I'm merely into the bom stuff LOL
Paul TBO
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I hope this isn't going to be too mean to Rami, but our distributor in England has been after us to make him some Jazz style Alembics. Here's the first two that he'll be picking up on Sunday:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/8549.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/8550.jpg)
Beyond custom!
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Oh My God Mica - I LOVE them!!!
The ultimate retro/modern Jazz Bass. What are their specs??? Master vol, tone, pan and 'Q' switch???
Nice!
Rami
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WOW,HOLY SMOKES.I played a jazz for 10 years before my Epic came along.I REALLY like those two basses and I would love to play an Alembic/jazz some day.That 5 has really got me thinking about a custom.Way to go Alembic.
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Hello Rami,
Yes, those are the controls, however the arrangement requested, front to rear, is as follows: pan, volume, filter, q switch. Tried both, of course, ...they sound like Jazz basses on steroids (without the side effects, plus as Susan pointed out, they are legal).
Valentino
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Tried both, of course... Cute, Val, I hope it wasn't too much of an imposition... I know, it's just a job, somebody's gotta do it.
You guys are too much. These are through-necks, with veneers! What did you do about the dead spots???
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Rami, the bodies are Ash of course, you can probably tell the 4-string has a Walnut top and the 5-er a Quilted Maple top with Cherry Sunburst finish. Both are Maple neck through with Ebony fingerboards. The whole time we were makign these I was chanting, I bet Rami would like these.
Oh and Bob... you can custom order the dead spots if you really miss them, just name the desired frequency. Wasn't there a thread somewhere with funny features?
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Well of course you could order custom dead spots - what was I thinking?
Though actually, I've never owned a Fender, and I also suspect that designing in custom dead spots would be prohibitively expensive - much more difficult than any of us could truly comprehend... My guess is you just have to get lucky :-)
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***sigh***
In a couple of months the following sentence will become clear:
beaten in the last straight line.
Although ...I'm gonna try to be a good looser: congrats to the Alembic crew ...THIS ARE ABSOLUTELY GREAT ...especially the fiver.
Paul the beaten one
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Having long been a fan of Jazz basses, I definitely give both of those a major league seal of approval.Oh my God.... Wow,Holy Smokes...I think those comments sorta some it up quite nicely.
Bill(the drooling one)
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Valentino/Susan, what makes these legal? The body shape is very close to the Jazz but I heard way back that it was headstock shape that really made things legal. Is that true? I mean, obviously there are so many differences between any Alembic and any Fender, but I am curious what the actual point of law is.
I can just imagine someone in Court plugging one in and saying, see? This can't be a Fender!
:-)
I am also curious what the approximate price of one of these would be.
EffClef
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Wow! Those are really cool. If I were to order one, I would change a few thing though. I would like the crown headstock. Small body style, medium scale, Series 1 electronics, etc....
You know what I like!
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OK, you got me. I very seldom laugh out loud, but that did it! Thanks Dela.
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Hey Andy,
The only Fender-ish thing about these Basses are the basic body and pickup shapes. Everything else; design, construction, electronics and of course, quality, are pure Alembic. Don't expect any similarity in sound either. So don't look for any other Fender influences other than the purely cosmetic - you wouldn't want Alembic to lower their standards would you?
I think it's only the headstock that is copyrighted - which is a shame because it would really complete the look. I'd add Abalone block inlays as well.... Oh hell, just make me an Ebony and Purpleheart one... 6 strings...36 scale............
Rami
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Ai ...I believe he (Rami) actually MEANS this people!
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Mica,
These are great, I'am with Rami block abolone inlays.
So how long is the waiting list?
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The waiting list wouldn't be any longer than it is for any other Alembic (except series instruments & classico). The block inlays might lenghten the process by a week or so. Therefore, provided that no time-consuming options are selected, one could be had in 2-3 months from the time it gets finalized.
Valentino
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That five string would look great in tobacco burst with MOP block inlays, med scale and Europa electronics. Just a silly question: would the will real MOP inlay blocks hold up as well as the pearloid blocks Fender put in my old Jazz?
Bill
(Message edited by bassman10096 on March 07, 2004)
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do these two basses have a model name yet?
and what kind of price tag are we looking at.
How about a contest, Name the bass.
winner get one of those new straps (or a t-shirt)
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As nice as those Basses are, I firmly believe that the most beautiful Alembics are the original designs of Susan. I don't think I'd really want to see Alembic Fenders. Let's just call these one time custom order Basses rather than a new line.
I still think the Excel and Rogue are the most beautiful Alembic body shapes - much nicer than any Fender design.
Rami
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I agree with Rami. These two are very nice but if someone is wanting a high end Jazz, well, that's what Lakland and Sadowski are for. Let's let Alembic be Alembic. One of a kind top shelf instruments that the other guys want to imitate.
Sam
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I believe the basic model those basses were started from was the Essence with a 'q' switch added. I do not know yet what, if any, extra charge there is on this body style. A 4 string Essence with a 'q' switch would start at 3875$.
I don't think this will be a new line, so it's very likely that they will just go down in the records as 'custom' instruments, but on the other hand I doubt this will be the last time we build one of these.
After all this is not the first time Alembic has paid homage to another manufacturer's design, building its version of a classic, like with the Exploiter, or the Flying V; recently we made an Alembic version of a telecaster guitar; and I'm sure there are more I'm not aware of.
Valentino
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Val'
are there any photo's of the Alembic telecaster?
I love to see that.
Doug
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I find the Alembic instruments that are inspired by more conventional makers kinda interesting. For my taste though, I prefer Susan's original designs.
Dave Torbert from The New Riders Of The Purple Sage had an Alembic bass that looked like it was inspired by a Les Paul. He had a GREAT tone. I'll bet he was using Pyramid strings. Good stuff. Anyone have better pictures of this bass?
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/8622.jpg)
(Message edited by dela217 on March 09, 2004)
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Oh my Gawd, these are wicked cool. (HA!! just a little Bostonian from the other thread)
Seriously though. I really do love the idea and the look. These would really work here in the NE area seeing how it's sort of a Fender type of area especially NY and Boston.
One of the reasons (among many) why I bought my Elan and Orion was that they were the closest thing to a Jazz. As much as I do agree with Sam and Rami about letting Alembic be Alembic, I really do like these.
Val, could these be done as set-necks also?
Peace,
Dino (Paul The Fake One)
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Of course Dino, set neck would be no problem.
Doug, I believe Mica took some pictures of that guitar, I'll ask her if she has any to post.
Valentino
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I just bought a '78 Fender jazz bass and want to restring it with Rotosound long scale round wounds (.45, 65, 80, and 105) but the tuning post for the E string is so close to the nut that the string starts to wrap onto the post all the way past the blue buffer material to the speaking portion of the string. This only happens with the E as the post for the A, D, and G are progressively further away from the nut. Looks like if I used a medium scale string the blue buffer wouldn't even make it past the nut. Is it the worst thing if a portion of the speaking part is on the post? What scale strings are you using? medium? long?
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Uh OH!!!!
Hey Brother Paul TBO, got any stockings left?
Now I'm in trouble. How can I okay this with senior management?
Sorry kids, forget about the addition to the house, daddy's buying an new bass. Boy am I in trouble.
Thanks Guys!!!!
Dino
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OK ...I'll lend you the black ones!!!
They just came out of the washing machine.
However: having these basses with set necks COULD justify you selling the basses you have ...or selling your special Dino-autographed Warwicks LOL
PTBO
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Michael; this may be where you found your picture, but just in case here's a link. They are not as good as your picture, but go here:
http://www.nrpsmusic.com/gallery.html (http://www.nrpsmusic.com/gallery.html)
and click on the Felt Forum link and the Thanksgiving link.
Also check out the Alembic guitar Dawson is playing in the April 14, '74 link.
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Steve; I would think that as long as the thread isn't on the nut it shouldn't effect the sound produced by the string. I believe the only function of the thread is to help keep the metal wraps from unwrapping.
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Jet,
thank you. I know they are great but when see all those great basses I would like to have them all. Especially of course JE owned basses.
A bass I\m really sad that I had sold it was a 54 Gibson EB1 violin bass. Mint with case and telescopic pin. This is a real collector item; but not playable. This can only be a collectors piece. But I will go on the hunt for original JE owned pieces.
Everybody calls me the quiet one, you can see
but you can?t hear me
This might be true in my normal life, but with my Spyders not, believe me.....
Oliver (Spyderman)
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The first Alembic I ever saw in person was a JE-owned bass.
This was at a guitar show in Valley Forge, PA (USA) circa 1996. I don't remember much about the bass (no one was allowed to touch it). It might have been a triple-omega or exploiter, but I'm not sure. Although I was a huge JE fan, I hadn't been biten by the Alembic-bug yet. There was a huge crowd ooo-ing and ahh-ing around it so I didn't get the chance to inspect it up close.
At the time I was craving a 6-string F-bass, which I never bought. Funny how our tastes change. I still think F-basses are really nice, but I can't imagine owning anything other than Alembics now.
Since the topic of this thread is how many basses ... I'll add that my current stable consists of two. A '03 fretless Brown Bass and a '96 Custom 5-string.
Kevin
(Message edited by goatfoot on January 15, 2004)
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Currently, my stable is:
'00 fretted Rogue 6 (the wenge one in the current catalog)
'01 fretless Rogue 6 (Growling Tiger)
'03(?) Dean Rhapsody 8 string (the need for an 8 isn't frequent enough to justify the cost of an Alembic)
1880's German flatback upright, maker unknown
gone but not forgotten
Klira Hofner copy
'72 Fender P-bass, which I Frankensteined 6 ways from Sunday
70's Rick 4001, on which I replaced the neck PU with a Hi-A (early Bartolini)humbucker. Enlarged the cavity with spade bit and chisel, sa e method used on the above P bass. I'm still doing penance....
early 80's Ibanez Roadstar, the one with the push-push coil tap switches on the volume pots, from which I learned that basswood has a lovely weight, but sounds like poop.
late 70's Guild B301
Steinberger XM-4 (I think) graphite neck and full body
Travis Bean
'63 P bass
Turner Electroline fretless
MJ Jazz 5 string
Warmoth wide 5, body with urban camouflage finish--flourescent pink, green, yellow, and block in a camo pattern--hey, it was the 80's.
'77 Music Man StingRay
early Clevinger electric upright with enormous rectangular telescoping endpin
Ibanez Musician 8 string
'95 Epic 5
'98 Orion fretless 5
probably more that I can't remember at the moment.
When I got my first Alembic (the Epic 5), I owned 5 or 6 other basses, and for a while I was carrying 3 or 4 basses to all my gigs. Pretty soon I noticed that when I was playing the others I was constantly tweaking knobs trying to find a sound. When I strapped on the Alembic, knob twiddling ceased and the other basses would spend the rest of the night on the stand. When I had the privelege of working at Alembic I got to play LOTS of them (whatta gig, eh Val?) and learned that, as much as I loved my Epic, I would someday have to own neck-throughs. Switching to 6 string was my justification for getting first my fretted and later my fretless Rogue (plus, I *had* to have that 35 scale!). I still check out other basses, but none of them ever comes close as far as I'm concerned. That's why I love the Club--y'all Get It!
Kent
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Kent, that Growling Tiger Rogue of yours is really something else. I still enjoy looking at it in the Custom Archive. Did you ever find the strings you were looking for it?
I really dig those LaBella nylon flats on my Evil Twin Rogue. Despite what it's been through...it's become my all time favorite Bass.
Rami
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The original Paul the John one,
Oops. My bad. I suppose that makes me Paul the John one two or some such. Maybe I can just use PtJ12 though it doesn't have nearly the class of PtJo... ;-)
PtJ12
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Oh yeah I got the LaBellas (thx Mica!) a few months back and they are so fabulous on Tiger that I'm tempted to try them on my fretted (never named it--but maybe I should call it Cat given its history and the thematic tie-in with the fretless!). I'm happy with the DR HiBeams I've been using and I'd have to replace the low B saddle to accomodate the taper core low B of the LaBellas. BTW, if you ever get up[ Santa Rosa way, my shop is right on the way to Alembic--be glad to arrange a visit with the Tiger if you wish.
Kent
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Thanks Kent! I'd love to. I'll bring my Rogues as well.
You're also welcome to try out my current (still under construction) Black Byrd Rogue, while it's still there.
We're putting the LaBella's on that one too!
Cheers,
Rami
(Message edited by rami on January 15, 2004)
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PtJ12,
LOL!! Perhap using Roman numerals will add a touch of class? PtJoII? Where's Paul TBO to sort this out?
JP
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Jet,
Then I can be like the fingerboard of Entwistle's bass. Mmmmmmmm... Entwistle's bass....
PtJoII
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I'm jealous of all your collections. I'd like to play the basses listed in this thread. Here's my deal: I played a lot in my teens and 20's, then took a loooooong time off, only playing here and there. In the past year I've been playing again and enjoy it more than I ever did!
I'm within weeks of ordering my first custom Alembic:
5 string Mark King Dlx
Cocobolo with Mahogany core
3/4 balance omega (see Kevin's bass in Factory to customer)
Medium scale (short fingers)
Anniversary electronics/Fatboys
Prepped for S2 upgrade
Currently:
'88 Spoiler 4 string (Bubinga Vector body - In Showcase) - My 1st Alembic - May sell to finance upgrades to my rig (for new Alembic)
?? Black Ibanez Soundgear 5 string - Really nice bass for very low price - I tried 5 string, liked it
Till recently:
'75 Black Jazz Bass - Owned 25 years
?? Black Epiphone Jack Casady - Fun bass, but wasn't playing it enough
Years ago:
'73 Rick 4001 Jetglow - I miss it so...
?? VOX Cherry semi-hollow with built-in distortion and tuner! - Wild, fun bass with 1.5 in wide, super fast neck
Assorted Japanese semihollow imports
Bill
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Here's a home pic of the "Evil Twin" this was to be the orginal "Dark Prince". I've developed a real attatchement to this Bass - my favorite!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/7787.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/7788.jpg)
If you ever wondered whether or not a Bass could be described as "Sexy" - here is the answer! (Message edited by rami on January 15, 2004) (Message edited by rami on January 15, 2004)
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Rami,
That Macassar Ebony is so stunning. Both, this one and the other half of the twins are the most beautiful basses I've ever seen. Thanks for the picture. I wonder how they sound.
Manfred
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Thanks Manfred for the kind words...
These Basses sing...and sing, and sing!
I'm always happy and proud to offer a try to anyone who asks.
Best wishes,
Rami
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Hi Rami,
Just curious, what strings are you using on the Evil Twin? The effect of the black strings on the Macassar Ebony is stunning. How do the strings sound? I'm looking for a good set of short-scale flats for my BB.
I notice that you have 36 scale on both ET and DP. I play a 36 custom 5 string. Isn't the B just the greatest?
Since I'm asking about strings ... what are you using on DP? I'm using DR Highbeams now and I like the way they sound but the B string is a little too short and the windings end just at the nut.
Kevin
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(Message edited by rami on January 16, 2004)
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Hi Kevin,
Those black strings on ET are LaBella's (Deep Talkin' Bass) nylon flatwounds. They are the smoothest, clearest, and best singing nylon flats I ever tried. I'm totally in love with them!
On Dark Prince, the strings are Ken Smith Rock Masters. Part of their visual effect is the purple wrapping that looks awsome with the Purpleheart wood. They sound really clear and brite. At first, I found them a little too aggressive, but I grew to really like them. I call Dark Prince the king of sustain! With the Ebony and Purpleheart neck, it rings like a bell....and doesn't seem to want to stop. Awsome Bass!
My next project is an all Ebony/Purpleheart Bass like Dark Prince, but fretless and featuring Series II electronics. Can't wait!
Rami
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I don't have as many basses as I used to. I have been through a lot of them. Mostly Alembic Series 1 instruments. I have had some Alembic Distillates, Spoilers, and Series 2's as well. This is what I am down to, but probably will change as I decide to sell another.
1972 Alembic 72-16
1973 Alembic 73-30
1973 Alembic 73-47
1974 Alembic 74-49
1981 Alembic 81-1814 (Series 2 Graphite neck)
2000 Alembic Custom - Retro Appeal!!!
Non Alembics, but have a connection:
1979 Hyak - Medium scale, and was used as the factory demo. I have had 2 other Hyaks that I have sold over the years.
19?? Becvar - No serial number, year unknown, but I suspect it is a 1978 (Stars hardware, 2 truss rods)
1980 Turner Model 1.
Some Alembics I used to have (That I can remember anyway)
1972 Guild/Alembic
1973 73-33
1974 74ao13
1974 74-62
1975 75A0492nd
1975 75-229 (very fancy brass pickup trim rings)
1976 76A062 (Small body, Long scale)
1976 76-??? (Omega body, Medium scale)
1976 76-??? (Small body, Long scale)
1977 77-??? (Small Standard in walnut)
1978 78-1058
1978 78-1168
1978 Series II(Don't remember the serial)
1979 79-???? (Small Standard in Birds Eye Maple)
1983 (I think) 5 string Graphite neck Series 1
1989 89-AMpp001 (Anniversary Model)
Distillates
Spoilers
I am sure that there are lots more, but this is what I remember for now. As I remember more and dig up pictures, I will edit my post. Some of these Alembics I had for years, some for just a few days. Here in New Orleans, there are a bunch. It is not that uncommon to see them advertised in the local classifieds.
(Message edited by dela217 on January 16, 2004)
(Message edited by dela217 on February 23, 2004)
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Kent:
I don't get too shook up about wood, but you're right: Basswood (poplar) should be prohibited by federal law!
J o e y
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89 Alembic 20th Anniversary
62 Fender Jazz (re-issue)
66 Fender Precision (fretless w/J bridge PU)
80s Schecter PBass (Telecaster style)
80s Yamaha BB5000
90s Danelectro Longhorn
90s Washburn AB40 (acoustic/electric fretless)
90s Azola Bugbass (EUB)
60s Kay upright
(Message edited by gbarchus on February 28, 2004)
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Hey!
Now that's a lot of Alembics you've had! My current basses are:
87-Series II Long scale 4 string Coco Bolo
75-Series I Short scale 4 string (I guess made of walnut)
Status Graphite II, headless 4 string
Jaydee 4 string
SDGR 4 string fretless
Aria Pro II 4 string
Waiting to get my hands on the brand new 10 string Chapman Stick arriving this spring!
All the Bass
Jan
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Brother Jan the Boat one,
have you read: I was next to your boat a good month ago. So there were your ALembics hiding. There was a Christmas tree and lights on deck so I thought there was someone on board.
Didn't get the nerves to knock. BEsides there was a snowstorm goin' on.
How is your trip around the world??
Paul the bad one
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http://www.sonofthor.com/images/basses1a.gif
http://www.sonofthor.com/images/basses2a.gif
Isn't there a way to post a link to an image so it will display???
This doesn't show my other upright, cello, sitar, sarod, tabla, soprano sax, rhodes piano, micro moog, tama drums, what else I forget...
(Message edited by Son of Magni on January 18, 2004)
(Message edited by Son of Magni on January 18, 2004)
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I now have one less bass than I had a few days ago thanks to some lowlife thieves who broke into our studio last week. $20k worth of recording gear and microphones and a $6k DW drum set and all they took was my St. Blues Jazz bass and a cheap Peavey Guitar from my guitarist. At least they left the cases. That's why I never left an Alembic there. Thank God. If an Alembic had gone missing I'm certain I would be sick over it. My heart goes out to those who have lost an Alembic in this fashion....
I guess I'll get to know every music store, pawn shop and 2nd hand store in the tri-state area.
JP
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Scumbags. I hope you get all the gear back when they catch the crack heads.
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Gosh ...a horror story.
My world would collapse completely if thos happened to me. Okay ...there is insurance but anyway ...it's a (girl)friend for over years you loose. And ...I only have one!
Well ...I hope they catch the bassnappers.
Paul the bad one
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Back in 1979 my Series 1 got stolen from our studio while we were out having a bite to eat, I took off the next 3 days off to take pictures to all the music stores and three weeks later I get a call from a music store and was told my Bass had just came in for repairs,(the batterys were dead and they didn't steal the power supply) he said he fix it and it would be ready the next day, so it was left there. when I got there 17 mim later(after a 130mph drive) I ID the bass and locked the case. when the person came in the next day to pick up my bass he was met by 4 Policemen and hauled to jail. The Police did keep my bass for 9 months however the case was still locked and nobody could get at the bass they tore up the case,and I still keep my bass in that case. When we were ripped off they took my bass in a new case and another guitar in a new case and left a 1958 strat in a ratty looking case.
the moral of this story, Never put Batterys in your bass and Amp rack your power supply,and don't worry about what your case looks like and NEVER leave your Alembic anywhere , I WAS LUCKY, I got mine back
David T (the loud one)
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Brother David TT,
I never thought of keeping the batteries out of the bass. I thought they were ALWAYS needed for something in the Series??
Well ...you'll never too old to learn!!!
Paul the bad one
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i had a close call a couple years ago at a studio.
went to a recording/rehersal studio to practice with a band a friend knew. turned out to be about 6 guitar players, 2 drummers, a couple of
singers & myself. after the jam i went packed everything up and was ready to leave, went to the bathroom and when i came back the case sitting next to my speakers was not mine. i flew to the parking lot just in time to catch 1 of the guitar players trying to leave with my europa. i stopped him told him to open the case and it was my bass not his guitar. he of course tried to say it was a mistake. all i can say is he was lucky to leave there alive thanks to my friend pleading for the guys life. moral of the story: never leave an alembic unattended.
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JP, I bet your drummer is sick. DW is like their version of Alembic. How do people live with themselves?
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Sam, all - We were lucky that none of the recording gear or drums were even touched other than the dust covers removed to reveal what was under them. I was surprised that with all that expensive gear in the room all they chose to take was two relatively cheap guitars while leaving behind the cases. It could have been much worse. The guy who has the room next to ours, an artist, didn't lose anything but his room was totally trashed. The drummer wasted no time getting his DW's out of there and leaving the 'cheap' Ludwigs.... I visited a lot of music stores and pawn shops over the weekend. No luck. Next up are all the second hand shops. That's going to be a pain.
How do they live with themselves? Good question. My hope is they get an overdose from the heroin they exchanged the instruments for and choke on their own vomit. Or someone elses' vomit. Doesn't matter as long as they choke to death slowly. Heroin has been a growing problem in this area as of late and the local police departments have been blaming it for the increase in crimes as of late. Personally, I think it's a combination of drugs and economy but that's a thread for an entirely different forum, eh?
John Paul
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I think I must have misread your earlier post, John. I thought you were saying that the recording equipment and drums had been taken.
Thank God they didn't destroy what they couldn't carry off.
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I have eight...
A 1973 Fender Jazz Bass (Seymour Duncans and a Bad Ass Bridge)
A 1994 Fender Jazz (Mexican, Seymour Duncans and a Bad Ass Bridge)
A 1976 Rickenbacker 4001 (stock)
A 1979 Musicman Stingray (stock)
2 1974-75 Gibson Rippers
A 1987 Gibson Thunderbird
A 1984 Alembic Exploiter
Alan
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For now a 94 Epic 4 ans a 03 Rogue 5.I've played a few different basses mostly an 84 Fender Jazz until I bought the Epic new in 94 and I've never looked back.The greatest basses in the universe and I will play nothing else.I hope to make enough dough in the very near future to add on to my small but mighty Alembic collection.
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At the moment I have four:
1999 Alembic Orion 4
1977 Fender Precision
1977 Guild B-301 (customised)
2000 DeArmond Pilot Deluxe
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83 Spoiler 4 koa/maple (refinished in black)
86 Spoiler 6 quilt maple, delux neck, narrow spacing mop dragon inlay
87 SC Deluxe 4
89 Exploiter 4 quilt maple long scale double p pups
93 Spoiler 6 flame koa delux neck DT initials
00 Spoiler 7 fretless cocobolo delux neck wide spacing
02 Spoiler 6 figured walnut delux neck narrow sp, DJT initals
03 Excel 5 flame maple, almost black tint dual fatboys v/p/t/q controls
(waiting on)
04 Excel 5 ebony board, solid mahog body, spoiler guts custom Doomtree inlay + Kay inlay on body, led's black finish.
?? Distilate 5 Walnut 32 scale
Non Alembic:
Hamer Velocity 4 Bubinga red/gold burst
Ovation prototype acoustic 4 black/grey finish , no lays, new preamp (thanks Steve!)
Once had:
78 Gibson Ripper L9 Alder
Custom Kubiki/emg, badass, Schaler, lined fretless 4 Schedua body.
Alan, I was thinking of replacing my Ripper. Care to part with one? It was me first bass. Sold by an addict I lent it to.(unaware of his addictions) Trusting litte bastard was'nt I?
Danno
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Wilfred, how do you like you Guild? My first bass was a B-302. It was sacificed for a car payment many years ago. I keep telling myself I should find another just for sentimental reasons.
Sam
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Hello Sam, I love it! It was in a terrible state when I bought it, but I put some money and a 'whole lotta love' & time in it and it's become absolutely fabulous. If you want to take a look:
http://community.webshots.com/user/themuleguitars (http://community.webshots.com/user/themuleguitars)
(Message edited by the mule on January 29, 2004)
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Former possessions:
PX Special - you'd need to be in the service or have been a brat to get that one.
83 Rickenbacker 4001
86 Charvel replacement when the above was stolen, used it to buy...
98 American Jazz - still miss it, used to finance...
02 Orion 5, LEDs, Europa electronics
Also own an autographed Geddy Lee Jazz, yes, the real thing, Geddy's scribble on the upper horn.
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Michael,
As the son of a 'brat', and the grandson of a navy veteran, do you have any idea of the builder of your PX special? Just curious, as I have not seen one in person...also, as Geddy was one of my early influences, HOW did you come upon an autographed Jazz??? There must be an interesting story here......
Chris
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Chris,
I have no idea who made the infamous PX Special, no label, no brand, no stamp...way back in '79, I think it cost around $80. Built like a tank and sounded alright with rotosounds on it. Basic sunburst finsh, fender-like peg head, huge tuners, weighed a ton. It took a beating and went through a number of looks whilst I was in the midst of my art school days.
I wish there were an interesting story to go along with the Geddy Jazz. Mars Music was running a promotion - re-issue of the his signature model timed with the release of My Favorite Headache. I thought what the hey and entered an on-line contest to win an autographed bass and promptly forgot about it. I thought it was an ugly piece of wood, needless to say the promoter's phone call was well recieved and I've changed my mind, it looks grand. There is only one other like it. I don't play it and my wife won't let me sell it. It's fun to have.
I wish it could be one of those I stood in line for hours at the studio back door and tackled Geddy as he ran to his getaway car..., but nothing of the sort.
Geddy rocks, one of my earliest influences, along with Squire and JPJ.
Mike
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Dannobasso (Daniel)
I'd be willing to part with one of my Rippers. Email me.
Alan
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This is my current herd
'83 Alembic Spoiler (Koa) only Alembic....so far
Steinberger XL2, XM2A,XM3ALF, XP
Modulus Graphite Flight 4 (Prototype)
64 Rick 4001
73 Rick 4001S convert
62 Fender Jazz..The real thing, all orig
63 Fender P Bass
63 Fender Bass VI
68 Fender Tele Bass
72 Fender Bass V
77 Musicmaster...just had to have one
70's SD Curlee Butcher Bass
Newer EB MM Stingray
89 G & L SB 2
88 G & L L5000
Danelectro Longhorn (see Musicmaster)
Used to have: Hofner Beatle Bass, EB3, BC Rich Eagle, 70's Jazz & PBass,
I guess there's always room for one more
The Juice
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Alembic Orion 4
CIJ '75 Fender Jazz RI
MIJ '84 Fender Jazz Bass Special
'Crouching Kitty' Wishbass
'74 Gibson Ripper
'Ebay' Lightwave Classica 5
Cort Curbow Fretless 4
'70's Curlee
Galveston 12ver
Conklin GT-7
Copley 5
MIM Fender Jazz
Kramer 'The Duke
and
Fender Stratocaster
Washburn 'Blues Man' guitar
(Message edited by lbanks on February 23, 2004)
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Brothers Bill and Larry,
both collections are really my kind of thing. Very nice and versatile. To my pleasure and surprise both of you have Curlee basses. I have very good memories at those basses dating from my first trial and error buyings. I didn't got one but bought a Fender Tele instead.
Brother Larry : teel me about the Conklin GT7. That's a 7 string no. How is that working?
Is it very puzzling to play?
Paul the bad one
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Hey Paul,
Two weeks ago somebody came to my house and he brought his Conklin 7 string Bill Dickins, or something like that, signature with him. The neck was very wide but so slim that it was easy to play. It really amazed me. It was a purpleheart fingerboard (I think they used the whole tree for it). Compared to my small body bass it was huge. Nice bass, only not for me, pretty cheap though. I prefer the tone of an Alembic more.
Manfred
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Hi Bill,
Any chance of posting a picture of your '62 Jazz Bass? I'm still a huge fan of the Jazz Bass - I think all Bass players have a special place in their hearts for it.
P.S. My oldest is a '68 - Block inlays, Egg tuners and all! I'll try to post a picture soon.
Rami
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Paul,
I had a Conklin GT7. Great bass, except it really made my tendonitis flare up in the worst way. I liked to refer to it as The Tendonitis Machine and The Fretted Piano because it was, well, simply way too much instrument for me to get my brain around. It had the American Bartolini pickups and electronics, and the craftsmanship was very good. I think it was from Korea. Good grief, maybe I AM an expert on Korean basses after all.
John
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Hum ...Rami ...now you say it ...my first bass -worth that name- was as I said a Tele with ...Egg-shape tuners.
Brother John.
I'm REALLY sorry but ...what is tendonitis????
Someone told me that a 7 string would be something for me because the very economical way you can keep the groove goin' on it. I am definitely NOT the fingerstyle chords playing harmonising dude. Yes I KNOW (since my contacts with Steve Bailey -thanks Brother Paul the Fake one) that there are other ways to use a 6 or 7 string.
So once I defintely going to try one ...when I'm a grown up ...of course!!!!
Paul the bad one
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Paul; tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon.
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Or in Dutch/Flemish: peesontsteking. It can happen when you play too much, especially when you try to stretch your fingers too much.
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Brother Adriaan ...thanks ...I was just about to ask ok ...and what's a tendon?? I am gonna buy a on board dictionary I think.
Paul the bad one
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Thanks Adriaan; I did for a few minutes try to find a translation, but was unsuccessful. Sorry Paul; I should have tried harder!
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Dave, don't try too hard, you might get ...
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In the case I should have the money to spend (yeah ...right) I think I would definitely think about an Alembic 7 string with 36 neck ...wouldn't that be something?
Paul the bad one
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Hello Palembic,
The GT7 is actually fairly easy to play, but is heavy as heck. The neck, though wide is thin. The only complaint I have, other than weight, is that the fingerboard is very flat. I'd like a little arch. I've not used it often, in public. I've found that the Orion and Jazz Bass make guitar players less nervous.
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Brother Larry!!!!You-hou ...I LOVE to make guitarplayers nervous. You know ...even Bonnie has that effect already on those!!!!
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I used the 7- a lot for a year or so. I particularly enjoyed making guitar players nervous. Mostly, though, I used it with a carribean band consisting of 2 steel drums, drum set and sometimes keys and congas (and no guitar). When I did use it with a guitarist, I stayed off the first 2 strings out of professional courtesy. In truth, I really didn't enjoy playing high notes at all... except occasionally a little slide with a beer bottle... but I digress... I never really noticed the weight, because it's nicely balanced and I'm used to the Series I weight. Reaching for the bass notes was a chore for me though..
John
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1983 Alembic Spoiler
1976 Alembic Series I
199? Alembic Essence
Custom Jazz Bass with Lindy Fralins and J-Retro
The Spoiler was my first real bass, purchased used in 1984 for $500. Still my go-to bass after 20 years.
I acquired the Series I a couple of years ago. Beautiful instrument. I love it, but afraid to take it on some gigs. I need to get over that paranoia 'cuz it definitely deserves to get played more.
The custom Jazz bass is nice when you just need that kinda tone.
The Essence is still a question mark. I got it a couple of months ago and it's just not working for me. The body feels too small and it just doesn't fit me for some reason. I'm probably going to end up selling it.
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Rami,
I'm not sure if I can post pics using webtv. If I can figure out how to do it, I will. Might take a while. If I can't do it through webtv, I'll have a friend with a puter do it for me. Might take a litle longer, so be patient. And yes there is soft place in my heart for that old Jazz. I still pull it out once in a while. Sounds like a kazillion bucks. Paul, back in the 70's, I worked in a music store. We carried the SD Curlee line, but I made so little money, I couldn't even afford to pay attention, much less buy a Curlee. After the store went under, I spent the next 20 years trying to find one. When the one I have came up on eBay with a BIN, the wait was over. They do have some interesting characteristics (neck bolting on about 2/3 of the way into the body with the pu's attached to it, and the PBass Dimarzios with one reversed stagger). They used to be referred to as a poor mans Alembic. Now that I have one of each, I can say...not. And I like the Curlee, but it just isn't in the same league as an Alembic. If I ever get around to the pics, I'll try to put both of them with the Jazz.
The Juice
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84 Series II that is always the first bass I pick up.
89 20th Anniversary that I love the neck on and use when I want a very bright tone.
SN #635 Tobias Signature five-string with an omega cut. The asymmetrical neck is truly great. I have been wanting to play an Alembic five to compare necks. I am not happy with the electronics, as they just don't cut it. It is being sent off to Martin Simms in two months to have a complete LED job done, side and front. After that, I want to play an Alembic Mark King or better five string and then I will either replace the Barts & preamp on it with Alembic gutz, or I will sell it and find an Alembic to replace it with.
Everyone should have a Steinberger XL-2. This is a given.
I have a 69 Gibson Les Paul, which is actually a 70, as all these are actually 70's, just like the one I bought brand new back in 70. It weighs as much as both my Alembic together and has incredible sustain and a good E on it. The electronics are actually very good, and they are low impedance.
I have this funky history of the bass book that calls it a 69 (Every one does . . .) and says it was just made because Gibson made a bass model to every guitar model them made then. Well, this is probably true, but it is an excellent bass, and I really like it - though the neck feels very Mickey Mouse. I used to play it through an Acoustic 371, double-bottomed rig, and it sounded great, even indoors - because of the short scale, probably.
I have a 65 EB-0 that I bought to cannibalize for the Les Paul. It sits in the corner and I have not touched it in years. I consider these awful basses, but some people like em, and to each their own.
I used to have 27 basses back in 75. From old P basses to Thunderbirds. I think I am done yakking, so . . . .
Hold on thar. That bass book goes into Alembic's history and being started out with a strange connection to Osley (Spelling? You know, Mr. LSD) in SF through the Grateful Dead, blah, blah . . . . The next time I feel like immolating a sexretary, I will type it up and post it for everyone's amusement. True or false, it is interesting.
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Brother Bill,
I'm STILL in love with those Curlees. Although I never played one with Dimarzio PJ combination. I played one with 1 big square cream-colored PU with small holes (screws???) in it (also Dimarzio???)
There was one in a musicshop in Brussels that I passed by coming from school. Th shop owner knew me and let me play on it when I payed him a visit. One day it was gone ***sigh*** that time I couldn't even DREAM of spending that much for a bass.
Maybe we'll be reunited once!
Paul the bad one
Oh ...in that store I played also a Haymann bass. Never seen one afterwards.
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Paul TBO,
I played an old Haymann in a music store in Newport, Rhode Island a little more than a year ago. I don't remember the name of the store. The bass was funky in a never-been-maintained sort of way. I thought it was a Shergold at first. I recall it was the opposite of an Alembic in pretty much every respect.
John
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Brother John ...you got THAT right!
The bass I played in the store some 30 years ago had darl-smoked-PLEXI handrest alla Jazz-Bass over the PU's!!!! There was a hole in the headstock with a plexi plate in it that hold the letter H. Weird-weird-weird.
I even remember what I had to play on that bass: Nights in white satin fo cryin'out loud! The shopowner gave a demo afternoon for his 3 (three!!!!) Mellotrons. You remember them???
Paul the bad one
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Paul,
The Haymann didn't seem to have been designed by a musician at all! Strange bass... My little brother would have killed for Mellotron until a couple of years ago. Being an old fan of progressive rock, I love the way they sound. Time to break out my old King Crimson CDs again... :-)
John
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John,
Yeah, Mellotrons sound great...for about an hour. They're such a PITA to maintain though. The new synths may not quite have the warmth of the mellotron, but you don't have to worry about the tapes breaking in the middle of a song :-0
Ken (TEO)
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Here's a pic of the '62 Jazz, Curlee, and Spoiler.
>
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Here's a pic of the '62 Jazz, Curlee, and Spoiler.
>
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Hm ...Oh ...huh ...were are my glasses??? Seeing it now it has more of a tree in a sunny landscape.
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Oops, evidently I can't post pics using webtv. Sorry for now
Bill
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Bill; can you email them? If so, and if you like, you can email them to me and I will post them for you.
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Nigel,
His full name is Augustus Owsley Stanley III, family name y'know. I believe his grandfather was the governor of Virginia. Lots of latin names like Augustus, Marcus etc. in those southern states. In the late 60's very early 70's he was refered to as simply Owsley aka Bear later formally changed to Z. Bear . He is alive and well and living in Australia where he makes expensive Grateful Dead type jewelry in 24K gold and enamel as well as bronze sculptures. I just spoke with him around the holidays.
As to the association with Alembic...there wouldn't have been an Alembic without him. He is a catalyst for putting people & events into motion, he's quite a pushy bear. We met while the Dead were recording Aoxomoxoa at Pacific Recording Studio in San Mateo, CA. He saw Ron and my talents and the need the Dead had of them. He wooed us away from Ampex and Pacific Recording to move to Novato, CA and share a building with the Dead and work together to create better live music. He suggested we name our company Alembic (see the meaning of the logo on our website) and had his good friend and my art mentor *Bob Thomas design the Alembic logo. Although Bear was never a partner in Alembic, he was pivotal in its inception and direction.
-Susan
*Bob Thomas- also designer of the Steal Your Face Dead Logo and the Marching Bears. He painted the cover for the front and back of the Live Dead album my favorite, maybe because all the instruments had Alembic electronics in them, it was the Alembic PA System, Alembic did the live recording and it was mixed at our Alembic Recording Studio as was Europe '72. Anyway I digress, I was only a mere girl of 18 when we started Alembic and Bob was very encouraging to my art endeavors. He taught me a great deal and I feel his influence in all my instrument designs, especially the inlays. He was a musician as well and used to hand carve and make bagpipes. Bear BTW was his art patron and I wound up with the largest part of Bear's collection of Bob Thomas paintings when he moved to Australia. Bear felt they belonged with me & Alembic. Those adding to my own collection come to a grand total of 12 full canvas paintings plus two wooden icons. He passed away over 10 years ago and since all but the icons and 2 paintings reside at Alembic, I continue to feel his presence on a daily basis and it's a good thing.
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Bear has some examples of Bob Thomas' work along with a brief bio at www.thebear.org (http://www.thebear.org)
Sam
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Thanks for that bit of history Susan. I just recently finished reading Blair Jackson's Garcia, An American Life, which greatly enhanced my knowledge of that time and place. The music, art and culture all had a great and valuable influence on my life as well as the lives of countless others; indeed to no insignificant degree, on our society and our global community.
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Here are Bill's (beatlejuice) basses; sorry for the delay, the cable system was down for a few hours:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/8441.jpg)
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I just spent time reading some of Bear's essays: http://www.thebear.org/index.html (http://www.thebear.org/index.html) Well worth the reading. A good way to finally become a member!
Gale
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ah CURLEE ...
droooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool
OTOH ...I Liked the 1 big PU model more
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Thanks Gale; I found the essays quite interesting.
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Thanx, Dave. Maybe some day I will find a way to post my own pics. Or maybe catch up with the rest of the world (buy a computer).
When I worked in a music store we never had a Curlee with the One big humbucker. All we had were the 1 & 2 PBass pu's. I had never even seen pics of the ones with the big pu till just a couple years ago (on eBay) so I have no idea how they compare soundwise.
The Juice
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Hey Susan:
Thanks for the info on Alembic history. What you typed pretty much jives with what my book has in it. I would have to say that era was the most wonderous and happiest of my life.
In 69 I was still in high school, but ditched to jump on a bus and head to San Francisco quite often. I used to go to the Filmore, Winterland, and Goldengate Park often. I spent a lot of time hanging around Berkeley, too. My head just floods with all the adventures I had back then, but you pretty much had to be there - well, I will not go into reams of pages.
Phish holds it annual concert about 10 miles from my house, but I never go. All the kids come through town dressed in sixties attire, but it is not even close to the same as things were back 'in the day.' You can never go home, really, and that is a good thing. There were a hell of a lot of negative things that went down in the sixites, also . . .
Again, thanks for the history and bringing up some old and cherished memories for me. In the end, they are all that is really ours and all we take with us when we go.
Oh, and I will type out that published history and post it. It is interesting reading.
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Well Brother Thomas ...the names you mentioned -and those of Susan's story- are ringing some bell's here too. Alas ...only from reading, hearing, pictures, documentaries and TV. Strange w never want to go back to memories, the beauty of a memory is just that it's not there anymore.
Paul the bad one
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I spent the summer of 1968 in San Francisco. And what an eye (and mind) opener it was indeed...I still haven't fully recovered....Most likely because I like it out here just a little further than left field.
Susan, I'd like to take this time to thank you and Ron for all of your great work both then and now.
The sounds that you helped create from the early days had a vast and irreversable influence (for the better)on me. The directions my life has taken have been imprinted by a vivid soundtrack
that continues still.
Thanks from the deepest reaches of my soul,
Hollis
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Hey Bill,
Here's my '68 Jazz Bass. Block inlays, oval tuners and all.
I just love it!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/8465.jpg)
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This is one of my all time favorites. A SUPER rare mint condition '81 Gold Jazz Bass. It weighs a ton! You wouldn't believe the offers I've had to part with this beauty. NO WAY!!!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/8468.jpg)
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Hey nice Jazz basses. Almost makes me miss my '73 (Black w/maple neck and white pearloid blocks). Sold it to finance my first Alembic, though - sacrificed for a very good cause!
Bill
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(Message edited by bassman10096 on March 01, 2004)
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Oh what the hell! Here it is... Now living in South Korea (where Vintage Fenders are very hard to get), thanks to the wonders of Ebay!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/8475.jpg)
(Message edited by bassman10096 on March 01, 2004)
(Message edited by bassman10096 on March 01, 2004)
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Brother Rami, that Gold Jazz-bass is REALLY nice! I returned my 79 Antigua burst Jazz bass to the owner when I left the bIgband I was playing in. I Loved the feel.
Paul the bad one
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I agree with Paul, that Gold one is a beauty. For some reason I have always prefered dots w/no binding. I used to prefer rosewood boards but have since changed to maple (or graphite). I hope some day to have as many Alembics as I do of Leo's creations (9 basses).....or more.
Beatlejuice
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Thanks Bill & Paul. Yeah that Gold one's really something else. Everytime I open that case...wow! Did you notice the gold thumbrest and special bridge? It does feature a white binding along the fingerboard as well.
I've owned it for about 15 years now. It's become a great old friend. Sounds as good as it looks.
You know Bill, the majority of my Jazz Basses feature maple fingerboards with the Pearl blocks. I have a HUGE collection I'd love to share with all you guys - even special edition Jazz Basses. I guess I just love them all. I'm thinking of a thread where I can post pictures of the whole family - I'm not sure how posting pictures of old Fenders on the Alembic website would go over though!
Rami
(Message edited by rami on March 02, 2004)
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Brother Rami,
I don't think we have to worry a lot about that. I gave it a test on http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/8167.html?1078102935 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=20770)
by posting the picture of one of the basses I love most (non-Alembic) to test the indulgance of moder Susan THE and I was not banned, cursed or expelled ...(yet???) LOL
Paul the bad one
PS ...and yeah ... I noticed all those really nice details . It's what makes that bass so spelial ...REALLY cool!!!