Alembic Guitars Club

Connecting => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: the_mule on March 01, 2005, 10:37:52 AM

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: the_mule on March 01, 2005, 10:37:52 AM

(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/449/16790.jpg)
    Please forgive me, but I really wanted to share my joy and these first pictures with the Club. In about a week (maybe sooner) this bass will arrive in The Netherlands, and she's got my name on her!    
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/449/16791.jpg)
    Specs: Benavente SC5B with Mahogany body, Ebony accent laminate, Buckeye Burl top and headstock facing, 7-piece Maple and Ebony neck, figured maple fingerboard, Abalone block inlays, Aero dual coil pickups and Benavente preamp with volume/volume/treble/mid/bass/passive.    
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/449/16792.jpg)
    Beat this for provenance: this exact same bass was reviewed in the March 2003 issue of Bass Player magazine, pi$$ed off no-one less than the great Anthony Jackson, caused a heated debate between Fodera and Benavente enthousiasts on the internet and a stream of letters to Bass Player magazine!    Hopefully my home will be a safe asylum for her after all the fuss she's had to cope with...    Wilfred  (Message edited by the_mule on March 01, 2005)

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: bassdr on March 01, 2005, 11:13:45 AM

Very, Very Cool Wilfred!  Looks to me like a whale with it's mouth open- should have a very deep beautiful voice!  Michael(Flame Koa Essence 4)

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: the_mule on March 01, 2005, 11:56:42 AM

You've got my kind of fantasy & really nailed it there Michael! Seriously, I was thinking about naming the bass 'Moby' after Moby Dick, because of the shape, the colour, the notoriousness of the beast as described in my first post and the figuring of the Buckeye Burl looking like the scars from hundreds of harpoons!
 
Wilfred

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: the_mule on March 01, 2005, 12:13:34 PM

The Bass Player review, with a better (lighted) picture of the Buckeye Burl top...
 
http://www.thelowend.net/gallery/viewtopic.php?t=151 (http://www.thelowend.net/gallery/viewtopic.php?t=151)
 
Wilfred

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: palembic on March 01, 2005, 01:17:44 PM

Boroede Wilfred,
 
ik peins da je de hoofdvogel hebt afgeschoten!!!!!!
Again a reason to hop to ourt Northern neighbours.
What - a - bass ....
 
Paul the bad one

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: rami on March 01, 2005, 04:03:01 PM

That's quite a score Wilfred!
 
I remember reading the article on it.  I have the issue (It's got Stanley on the cover).
That Bass got great reviews.
How did you acquire it???
 
It's a real beauty.  Congrats.
 
Rami

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: jet_powers on March 01, 2005, 06:53:09 PM

Yes indeed!! What everyone else said....
 
How did you come to acquire it?
 
JP

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: the_mule on March 02, 2005, 05:39:58 AM

Thanks for the positive comments guys!
 
Well, I'm afraid there aren't cool Wildwest stories to tell about how I aquired it. I was seriously interested in buying a used Benavente SingleCut. I fell in love with the model as soon as I saw the pictures and read the review in March 2003, so before I had switched from guitar to bass and before I became an Alembician! With an increasing G.A.S.-budget (it is possible!) to back me up I checked the distributor's website http://www.thelowend.net (http://www.thelowend.net) on a daily basis. When this one actually came up for sale, I didn't have any doubt that this was destined to be and I made my move. That's it really...
 
If you read the Bass Player review (link in previous post) there were two points of criticism in a sea (sticking with the whale theme there) of praise: the love-it-or-leave-it looks (needless to say I love it, but I can see that it isn't up to everybody's taste) and the Demeter preamp lacking a passive mode.  
 
Before this bass was shipped to me (underway as we speak, maybe just maybe Friday, probably next week) luthier Chris Benavente gave it a fret level and installed a new (superior) Benavente preamp with a passive option. I really love that, and just like the maple fingerboard it isn't an option with Alembic (to my best of knowledge) so I don't have to be very ashamed of being adulterous, do I?
 
Wilfred

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: rami on March 02, 2005, 06:31:46 AM

Hey Wilfred,
 
You should know by now that Alembic WILL make you anything - whether listed as an option or not. That's what featured customs are for.
 
Anyway,  I love your new bass!  I'm most intrigued by it's construction.  It seems to combine elements of neck-through with set-neck design.  That is, a neck-through which rests in a pocket or groove through the body.  Ingenious!
At least we don't have to ask you how it sounds.  The reviewers loved it.
 
Best regards,
 
Rami

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: the_mule on March 02, 2005, 07:08:11 AM

I'll post detailed pictures a.s.a.p.
 
I can remember a few topics in which Mica and/or Val made clear that Alembic doesn't offer maple fingerboards because they tend to discolour and get a 'dirty' look with age. And although I'm not an electronics expert, I was under the impression that with the specific way Alembic electronics are designed and work, a passive option just isn't possible technically. I can't remember to have ever seen an Alembic bass with the option to go passive, but please correct me if I'm wrong...
 
But no stepping on any toes intended. Just an attempt to apologise for purchasing a non-Alembic bass, which isn't necessary at all in such a respectful and friendly environment as this club. Very happy with this new bass, and still very happy with my Alembics, which makes it 'three of a perfect pair' for me...
 
Wilfred

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: pookeymp on March 02, 2005, 08:14:32 AM

Hey Wilfred,
 
She's absolutely beautiful!  I love Chris Benavente designs.  I'm quite sure the sound is awesome as well.  Please do post more pics once she comes in.
 
Mikey/
 
P.S.  No need to apologize for posting a non-Alembic.  Many here (myself included) will continue to buy Alembics and will also buy from other manufacturers, as well (I like diversity).  And, once you get, or are in the process of getting any instrument, one can't help but be proud and to show it to your friends here...so bring em on!!

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: lbpesq on March 02, 2005, 09:31:59 AM

WOW!   I never saw a 5-string sperm whale before.  Moby is a very appropriate name and obviously better than Dick - as in I love to play with my .... - (you know where I'm going - LOL)
 
Bill, tgo

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: hydrargyrum on March 02, 2005, 02:39:27 PM

Reminds me of this Ken Bebensee bass.  I wonder which came first . . .
 
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/449/16865.jpg)

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: the_mule on March 03, 2005, 04:49:35 AM

Well, I think it's safe (and fair) to assume that Fodera was the first to design the SingleCut body shape with the imput of Anthony Jackson. Exactly why mr. Jackson was not amused when the BP review 'forgot' to mention that. Nowadays the SC-shape has become quite sought after and several luthiers/builders have started to make their own variation. When you take a close look, there's always just as many differences as there are similarities...
 
Wilfred

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: hydrargyrum on March 03, 2005, 06:10:01 AM

Interesting, I had never heard about that story.  I find it fascinating that nearly all of the really great luthiers seem to primarily build bass guitars.  I wonder if it is just an offshoot of the fear guitarists seem to show for any innovation in instrument building.  I really think I could go the rest of my life without seeing another Fender strat or strat copy (no offense to the strat fans out there).

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: the_mule on March 03, 2005, 06:50:15 AM

No offence to the guitar players around here or out there, but most of them will admit that (in general) the bass playing community is less 'conservative' than the brotherhood of guitar.
 
Innovation, progression, creativity, cutting edge design, 5,6,7,8,9,10,11 or even more strings, highly developed electronics, endless possibilities in the use of wood aka 'hippie sandwiches'... all almost exclusively found on the banks of the deep end.
 
Alembic has played a major role in this, I'm sure most luthiers were in one way or another inspired by Alembic.  
 
Wilfred

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: bassdr on March 04, 2005, 03:11:18 PM

Wilfred- I'm glad you liked my comments- I hadn't considered a bass with that body shape before, I like it alot.  Consider a modified Essence with a version of the singlecut body shape-hmm.  I can dream for now.  The band Greybeard will have to gig alot more for better money before I can do that.  Thank God I already have a great Alembic  to play. Michael

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: 1stbass on March 05, 2005, 03:31:47 AM

Wilfred,
 
That is a great bass. I have been looking at these single cuts for a while now ( the Ken Lawrence ) and i have to say yours is amazing.
How doese it feel straped on?
That is a real jewel for your collection.
play it in good health.
Doug

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: the_mule on March 05, 2005, 04:02:36 AM

Hi Doug, thanks for the nice words & to answer your question: I don't know yet :-(
 
Somewhere next week 'Moby' will be in my hands, I intend to play her 'till my fingers bleed (well, almost) and I will post my experiences here. According to the BP review the bass balances perfectly because of this body shape and with the relatively low weight of 9 lbs. it should be very comfortable to play...
 
Wilfred

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: the_mule on March 06, 2005, 01:30:59 PM

The lighting - and therefore the colour - is more natural in this very early picture...
 
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/449/16961.jpg)
 
Wilfred

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: the_mule on March 11, 2005, 05:16:23 AM

Moby's here, absolutely wonderful bass, everything I expected and hoped for, and then some. Already competing with my beloved Orion for the #1 position, but I hope they'll realise very soon that I'll love, need and keep them both. My beautiful EVH might become the unfortunate victim of my newfound realism aka 'three-is-a-crowd' principle, but I'm not entirely sure yet. If so, I'll be offering the EVH for sale (on consignment) via Edwin's store and will certainly let you know in the 'Swap shop/wish list' section of the Club...  
 
Wilfred
 
(Message edited by the_mule on March 11, 2005)

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: the_mule on March 13, 2005, 06:57:41 AM

Today I've installed TI Jazz flatwounds, and just like I was hoping they give Moby a truly spectacular voice. For those of you've seen the movie 'Finding Nemo', this beast is sssssspeeeeeeaaaaakiiiiiiing whhhhhaaaaaaleeeee now!  As I said before, this bass couldn't be more different when compared to my Orion. I feel very privileged to own a perfect pair of wonderful sounding and beautifully crafted instruments. I really wanted to share the first pictures I made myself...  Wilfred  
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/449/17182.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/449/17183.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/449/17184.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/449/17185.jpg)

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: adriaan on March 13, 2005, 07:31:07 AM

Hey Wilfred,
 
Impressive piece of work - congrats!
 
As we live in the same part of the country, I was wondering if you got the TI Jazz Flats in a local shop, and if so - where?
 
Thanks!
Adriaan

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: the_mule on March 13, 2005, 07:55:46 AM

Hoi Adriaan, I got the TI Jazz flatwounds from Paul Sips (Paul's BassMatters - Nijmegen) as a gift when I picked up the bass. For safety reasons (insurance, warranty) I ordered the bass via his shop. Because of Moby mr. Sips is actually considering a Benavente dealership as the only European dealer is situated in Madrid...
 
Wilfred

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: adriaan on March 13, 2005, 08:36:36 AM

I'll check with Paul if he stocks them, but they're not listed on his site. Rockpalace will order them for me, but it takes 2 or 3 months before they arrive ...

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: the_mule on March 13, 2005, 08:51:35 AM

When I was in Nijmegen last Wednesday Paul had several packages of TI strings in stock (4 or 5, flats and rounds). So I'm almost sure he does stock them. Great strings BTW...
 
Wilfred

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: adriaan on March 13, 2005, 08:59:42 AM

Thanks, so next time I won't have to order months in advance of the string change. Good news!

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: 1stbass on March 14, 2005, 05:26:54 AM

Wilfred,
Thanks for posting images of MOBY.
It is wounderful, a true jewel.
So how does it feel straped on?
Best of luck with it.
 
Doug

Title: Warning! Post includes non-Alembic!
Post by: the_mule on March 14, 2005, 05:54:02 AM

Thanks Doug, it balances perfectly when strapped on. With a weight of 9 lbs. it's relatively light, at least much ligher than it looks and it feels about the same as my Orion. This weekend I've had the chance to play both intensively, and I enjoyed it very much. They both are truly great basses with entirely different voices. I have said this before, but I truly feel privileged. Now I'm sure the EVH will have to go, I really can't justify owning any other basses besides Moby and the Orion...
 
Wilfred