Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Dreaming... for now => Topic started by: rustyg61 on February 19, 2011, 01:48:26 AM

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: rustyg61 on February 19, 2011, 01:48:26 AM

I am ready to buy my Alembic, but am undecided on whether to get a SC Brown or SC Signature Deluxe. Can anyone tell me the difference in sound or playablility? There are no local stores that carry Alembics in Houston, so I have to drive to Austin to check them out.

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: mica on February 21, 2011, 01:42:15 PM

The main tone difference is the the neck woods. The Brown Bass has Mahogany as the primary wood, SC Deluxe has Maple. The other woods contribute too, but the neck sets the stage, so to speak.  
 
So the Brown Bass has an overall more warm and round tone as its default, and it can make crazy bright tones. The SC will have a brighter default tone that you can pare down with lower filter settings, but it won't get as round sounding as the Brown Bass.  
 
I've written a little more detailed explanation of the  neck woods (http://www.alembic.com/info/wood_neck.html) you might want to explore if you haven't seen this relatively new page yet.  
 
Perhaps a player that has both might chime in with their observations as well.

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: mike1762 on February 21, 2011, 06:52:22 PM

I have a SC Standard and a Brown Bass.  I find myself tweaking with the BB more than the SC, but if you set them up similarily I would agree that the BB is warmer and rounder.  The SC has a little more punch in the upper midrange whereas it's more in the lower midrange with the BB.  All this depends on your definition of warm, round, and punch.  
 
I really like them both.  I let my Series I long scale go in favor of the BB and I don't regret that decision.  I've found that I'm a small body short scale guy when it comes to Alembics. I love the sparkly clear high-end that Alembics will produce, but it sort-of grates on the nerves of most guitarists (impinging on their territory I guess), so I have starting rolling off the neck PUP filter a bit.

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: mike1762 on February 21, 2011, 07:21:22 PM

A word of advise... before you drive to Austin expecting to play one (especially if it's new), you should call and make sure they will let you!!!  My first dealer experience was sort-of like the scene in Spinal Tap:
 
[discussing Nigel's Guitar collection]  
Nigel Tufnel: Look... still has the old tag on, never even played it.  
Marty DiBergi: [points his finger] You've never played...?  
Nigel Tufnel: Don't touch it!  
Marty DiBergi: We'll I wasn't going to touch it, I was just pointing at it.  
Nigel Tufnel: Well... don't point! It can't be played.  
Marty DiBergi: Don't point, okay. Can I look at it?  
Nigel Tufnel: No. no. That's it, you've seen enough of that one.

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: rustyg61 on February 22, 2011, 03:58:45 AM

Thanks for your replies. I made the decision yesterday to buy the Signature Deluxe! Mica, this is the one you are holding for Beaver! Thanks for all the pictures you sent him, it helped me to make my choice! You saved me a trip to Austin too! I have no doubt I can get a great sound out of the Signature. I prefer the upper mid sound & have been accused of being a lead bass player, so it should fit me perfect! I get the bass on Thursday...I can't wait!! Here's a picture.....(http://club.alembic.com/Images/402/97551.jpg)

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: jacko on February 22, 2011, 04:20:42 AM

Congrats on the new Bass Rusty and welcome to our community.
 
Graeme

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: rustyg61 on February 22, 2011, 07:18:34 AM

Thanks Jacko! It's an honor to be a part of the Alembic family again! I had a Series 1 back in the early 80's.

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: eligilam on February 22, 2011, 02:55:13 PM

Hey guys sorry to hijack, but mike1762, was that in Atlanta perchance?

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: mike1762 on February 22, 2011, 04:34:28 PM

Yes it was Will!!!  I do understand not wanting a bunch of random kids coming in off the street and abusing the instruments.  But I'm a middle aged guy with a bank account.  You can run your business any way you like, but they probably missed an opportunity to sell a new instrument that day.  I've since bought several Alembics not only without having played them, but also sight unseen... so there ya go!!!

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: rustyg61 on February 23, 2011, 12:04:37 AM

I had spoken to Guitar Resurrection in Austin about trying to decide between the Brown & Signature, & the guy was very nice & invited me to come try them out. I go to Austin all the time, my son is at UT, so I will stop by & try the Brown just to satisfy my curioiusity. I'm sure I will love the Signature though!

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: mikedm on February 23, 2011, 10:27:53 AM

Hi Rusty,
 
Guitar Rez is a small shop and easy to miss from the road, keep an eye out. They were very accommodating when I visited and didn't hesitate when I asked to play what is most likely the same BB you're going to look at. The BB has a surprisingly BIG sound. I've been wanting one since.
 
And . . . welcome to the Club!
 
Mike

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: jazzyvee on February 23, 2011, 10:52:01 AM

I got an alembic  guitar shipped to me in the UK from Guitar Rez and it arrived in perfect condition so you can be confident it will be packed properly.
 
Jazzyvee

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: rustyg61 on February 24, 2011, 08:05:58 AM

Hey Mike,
 
Thanks for the info! I pulled up Guitar Rez on Google Maps & did the street view so  could see what the building looks like. I can see how it would be easy to miss! My SC Signature Deluxe is on the UPS truck for delivery to me today!

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: rustyg61 on February 24, 2011, 08:10:38 AM

Hey Jazzyvee,
 
My bass is out for delivery to me today! My worst fear is that I will open the case & it will be damged in shipping! I have read some posts on here where some have been damaged in shipping. I'm sure Alembic packed it well!
 
Rusty

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: mikedm on February 24, 2011, 10:05:45 AM

Waiting for the big brown truck makes for a long day, but it'll be worth it in the end.
 
Someone won't be going to bed on time, hehehehe.

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: jacko on February 24, 2011, 10:06:14 AM

Remember to breathe Rusty :-)  two of my Alembics came across to Scotland with UPS and neither were damaged. Mica and co do a great job of packing them.
 
Graeme

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: rustyg61 on February 24, 2011, 12:20:46 PM

The waiting is the hardest part! - Tom Petty

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: hieronymous on February 24, 2011, 01:43:19 PM

You are going to love the SC Signature! I've got a Standard, and it has such a nice, clear tone.

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: rustyg61 on February 24, 2011, 03:34:38 PM

I just got it! Pictures don't begin to do this justice! This is the most beautiful bass I have ever laid eyes on!!!(http://club.alembic.com/Images/402/97751.jpg)

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: mikedm on February 24, 2011, 04:17:47 PM

The only thing I can think of that might be better than that bass hanging on you would be if it were hanging on me. Congratulations and here's to many days of enjoyment!
 
Mike

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: jacko on February 24, 2011, 08:35:11 PM

Another Happy bassist. Looking good Rusty!
 
Graeme

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: slawie on February 25, 2011, 01:35:27 AM

The smile on your face says it all!!!!
The smile on your ears will complete it for you.
 
Congratulations Rusty
 
slawie

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: artswork99 on February 25, 2011, 05:20:47 AM

Congratulations Rusty!  Play it Healthy!
 
Art

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: edwin on February 27, 2011, 03:03:04 AM

Congrats, Rusty! some very  beautiful grain in there! I know exactly how you feel. I've had that smile since my very similar looking bass showed up in October! It's not a smile that fades quickly, if at all.
 
Welcome to the club!

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: rustyg61 on February 27, 2011, 09:15:58 PM

I just played my 1st gig with the bass & it was even more amazing than I had hoped for! Every note is so clear & distinct with bottom end that will shake the room! It sounded so good on my amp that the sound man didn't even put me in the mains! I LOVE IT!!!(http://club.alembic.com/Images/402/98079.jpg)

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: artswork99 on February 28, 2011, 06:13:14 AM

SWEET - do you look like you're having fun! I really like the unpacking thread that you shared too.

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: David Houck on April 25, 2011, 01:47:58 PM

I'm just now getting to this thread; beautiful bass!  Congrats!!

Title: Brown VS Signature
Post by: rustyg61 on April 25, 2011, 01:51:25 PM

Thanks Dave! I love this bass more & more everyday!