Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: pasewark on April 24, 2013, 04:12:48 PM

Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: pasewark on April 24, 2013, 04:12:48 PM: It took awhile but I finally took delivery of my new Alembic Bass. She is a custom short scale. The body is what Mica calls the "Mac" bass design. I saw a '80 Alembic Graphite short scale bass with this body design at the 2011 Alembic Gathering and just fell in love with it. My bass has the same wood recipe as a Brown Bass, but I hand picked the burl walnut top (very trippy) and and flame walnut back. I also had the front book matched to center and had it set up with Anniversary electronics with a prep for a Series conversion which I hope to do later this year. Some of the other features include silver bound black Tahitian MOP oval fret inlays. The logo has the black MOP in the cloud and a psychedelic abalone behind the logo. What I love about this Alembic logo is the black MOP cloud had a natural dark to light gradient and reminds me of a storm cloud on a spring day. I have the bass setup with a DS-5R and SF2 Superfilter, Mesa Boogie Carbine 6 amp and Mesa Boogie powerhouse 4x10 cabinet. I have the output going from the bass through the 5pin cable into the DS-5R power supply splitting the stereo signal (1 channel per pickup) with each pickup being assigned to each channel of the SF2 Superfilters. The range of tone I can get out of this setup is beyond amazing. I can tailor the sound of each pickup individually. While the Mesa Carbine 6 is not a stereo amp, If I were to use a stereo power amp, I could assign each pickup signal path through the superfilter into an FX-1 (or F2B) with each side of the amp driving two cabinets each dedicated to each of the two pickups. Just the fact that I can do that makes me smile. So after playing it for the last 2 weeks I have come to the following conclusion. This is the best bass I have ever owned or played. The tonal qualities are pretty limitless. It's got amazing bottom end and nice clean highs. The sound of this bass is unlike any other I have played. I bought my first Alembic used in 1980, from there I have bought and sold lots of used Alembics over the years, even had 2 new stock ones built then replacing them over time. But this instrument is The One! This is the first time I ever had a bass custom made. It fits me perfectly (the neck is amazing) and it's really fun to play. Regarding price, we all know Alembics aren't cheap, but after the 2011 Alembic gathering, I decided that I wanted my own custom Alembic. So like many musicians, I had a collection of instruments and gear that didn't see a lot of use, so I sold most of my music collection to fund this build. It's the smartest musical investment I ever made. I've never named a instrument before, but this one needs a name. Because of its design and build, I was thinking about naming it something powerful and cool like And?ril, Flame of the West (LOTR Fan alert!). But I decided to name it after my wife, Michelle. We've been married 11 years and she is the most supportive woman I have ever known. A true partner. She gives me 100% support in my musical endeavors, comes to 95% of my gigs and really enjoys herself. I couldn't ask for more! Thanks to everyone at Alembic for making this bass for me, it's a true work of art.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/159393.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/159394.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/159395.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/159396.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/159397.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/159398.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/159399.jpg)
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: artswork99 on April 24, 2013, 04:38:24 PM: Absolutely beautiful, congratulations Donald! You and Michelle are destined for many years together. Play it Healthy! Art
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: lbpesq on April 24, 2013, 04:42:09 PM: Stunning! Gorgeous top! And I love the silver binding on the fret ovals. Why didn't I think of that? Enjoy and Congrats!

Bill, tgo
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: growlypants on April 24, 2013, 04:45:37 PM: Very Nice!! (Congratulations!)
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: sonicus on April 24, 2013, 04:45:49 PM: Donald ,
Congratulations . I really must mention that every last detail on this instrument really appeals to me. The electronics choice and control layout would be my choice as well . Such a perfect Bass ___!!!! To say that the wood choice is Stellar would still be an understatement !

Wolf
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: lidon2001 on April 24, 2013, 05:14:57 PM: On a scale of 1 to 10, a definite 11. Congrats.
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: pauldo on April 24, 2013, 06:20:48 PM: Sweet mother of god!
Beauty!
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: edwin on April 24, 2013, 06:25:33 PM: Truly gorgeous. You are very blessed (obviously in many ways).

Congrats!
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: FC Bass on April 24, 2013, 06:29:18 PM: ... ..... ...... ...Wow! Looks stunning, congrats! I guess you'll have to get a second Carbine :-) I would suggest to have the truss rods cover engraved, would be a nice surprise for Michelle. :-) This was done by a local jeweler:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/159414.jpg)
and this at the Mothership:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/159415.jpg)
Also, please show us the flamed back
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: rjmsteel on April 24, 2013, 06:46:30 PM: Stunning is Right...jaw dropping!

And yes I concur with FC.
My Custom has my wife's name engraved on the top side of the cover and my sons on the back side.

The hat knobs look great too.
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: pasewark on April 24, 2013, 07:12:54 PM: I love the idea about the engraving. I will have to do that. Can I just flip the serial side and engrave it?
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: nnek on April 24, 2013, 07:37:58 PM: Love the silver bound MOP!
There is so much figure in that wood the top looks like its in motion.
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: darkstar01 on April 24, 2013, 07:43:45 PM: Love it. This body style is awesome, and that top is gorgeous. Love the engraving, too. Congrats!
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: wishbass on April 24, 2013, 07:49:56 PM: Wolf whistle! Nice bass Donald!
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on April 24, 2013, 07:58:56 PM: Whoah.

Peter
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: FC Bass on April 24, 2013, 08:49:49 PM: The sides of the truss rods covers are rounded on top and square on the other (under) side, also the screw heads are sunken into the top side.
So it would require some work and I'm not sure if you can sink the heads in on the other side without ruining the holes...

I think they put a coating over the cover now (both my two new Alembics have it, only on the front though)
If you have that side engraved, it has to be sanded off.

You could order a new cover, I don't recall exact figures (tend to forget that asap) but I don't think the engraving was too expensive and they know how to make it look stunning at the mothership!
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: gtrguy on April 24, 2013, 09:53:55 PM: That's nice!! Is the hum pickup real or just a place holder cover until such time as you convert it to series one specs?
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: alembickoa on April 25, 2013, 03:25:18 PM: Wow...
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: David Houck on April 25, 2013, 07:27:16 PM: Congrats! I love this body style, and the top goes great with it. The overall combination of features, control layout, hat knobs, hardware, everything goes together very nicely. Beautiful instrument!
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: oddmetersam on April 26, 2013, 02:20:05 AM: Superb!!!
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: moonliner on April 26, 2013, 02:49:28 AM: I love that body shape..... Absolutely love it.
The silver bound MOP is really a beautiful touch. The whole thing is just stunning. Congratulations!
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: mario_farufyno on April 26, 2013, 04:56:43 PM: stormy chocolate swirls
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: charles_holmes on April 26, 2013, 04:58:23 PM: Ok..I'm jealous...(whew!) Now I feel better! Kudos!!That is an outrageously gorgeous axe you got there!
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: georgie_boy on April 28, 2013, 04:34:48 AM: Have to agree with the body shape!!!!
THIS is the shape that all SC deluxes should be IMHO.
Maybe with a tiny Heart cut at the body?
I've got Abalone inlays with silver surrounds on my 1976 Series 1 (custom maybe??)and I think they just look the biz.
Once again.......wonderful bass!!!!!!!!!!!!
G
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: rastap on May 24, 2013, 01:38:52 PM: What brand of rack enclosure is that? Would you happen to know the weight of the bass?
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: rustyg61 on July 23, 2013, 11:20:01 PM: WOW Donald!! Your bass is breathtaking!! I've often wondered what wood I would choose for my next Alembic & I think you just sealed the deal with your stunning burl walnut! It's absolutely gorgeous!! It looks like chocolate flames! I love the shape too! I play a SCSD & yours is a nice twist on that!
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: jazzyvee on July 24, 2013, 02:48:54 AM: FC, I liked the idea of engraving the truss cover to add that personal touch. I recently had my truss rod covers engraved with my name except for the continuous wood cover and my Elan 4 which has a chrome plated cover. In the future I plan to get my initials inlaid at the 12th fret but at the moment my preferred luthier is mega busy.

Those curly upper horns are cute.

Jazzyvee
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: smokin_dave on July 25, 2013, 07:33:53 PM: Did someone say STUNNING already?Well I concur.All the way around stunning.
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: pasewark on July 25, 2013, 09:07:42 PM: While I absolutely love the bass design, I have to say the more I play it the more it astounds me. I know a local engraver (also a drummer) who is working on the truss rod cover plate for me. Its looking pretty cool. I'll post a pic when I get it back along with a pic of the flame walnut back.

One of the things I love about the Alembic aesthetic is they remind me of antiques. I look at my bass and think it could very well be at home in Capt. Nemo's study on the Nautilus.
Title: My new Alembic Bass (and there was much rejoicing!)
Post by: moonliner on July 31, 2013, 12:27:00 AM: I totally agree with the Nautilus reference! I always thought there was a bit of 'steam punk' in an Alembic!