Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Showcase => Series II Basses and Guitars => Topic started by: Rami Sourour (rami) on June 26, 2002, 05:03:21 PM

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: Rami Sourour (rami) on June 26, 2002, 05:03:21 PM

Yeah, I'm the one who bought it.  My first  Series II.  Playing it is such an amazing experience that somehow makes my 2 custom Rogues an anti-climax.  I never played another bass in my life that remotely compares.  Truly, the KING of all basses!  This is an Alembic Factory picture. Doesn't do it justice - but it's the best picture so far.  I've gotta get a digital camera!
s/n 01 12514
 
 (http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/978.jpg)

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: Charles David Tichenor (alembic76407) on June 28, 2002, 02:08:18 PM

Rami.... Is there any chance you will put me in your WILL, and pass it along to me when your done !!!!!!!!!
the only thing about this bass I would like to change  is it address (TO MINE) I hope it sound's half as good as it looks, What a beautiful Bass
David T

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: Rami Sourour (rami) on June 29, 2002, 12:50:46 PM

Thanks David. NO!!!!
 
I must say that the picture REALLY doesn't do it justice.   It is without a doubt the MOST magnificent work of art that I have ever seen and heard.   In fact, I'm still in complete awe of this instrument.  I still spend more time just staring at it than actually playing it.  This is really the Stradivarius or Rolls Royce of all basses.  To be in its presence is to be in the presence of royalty.   I'll never truly find the words to express my impression of this bass, but I hope that this description gives you some idea!

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: Rami Sourour (rami) on June 29, 2002, 01:29:02 PM

Gotta go stare at it some more now....
 
(Message edited by rami on April 09, 2004)

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: Reid Raymond (rraymond) on June 29, 2002, 09:38:05 PM

It was mentioned to me in another thread that, You haven't lived until you've played a Series bass. I absolutely believe it. I haven't played a Series bass and am not sure I want to. I mean, I'm still in awe of the tone of my Epic and Orion basses, they sound like the sound I've heard in my head for twenty-odd years. (Actually, the years weren't odd, it's just been more than twenty.) Enjoy that amazing instrument!

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: Rami Sourour (rami) on June 30, 2002, 07:14:21 AM

My first Alembic was an Excel 4(Walnut).  I still have it today and absolutely love it.  Now my Alembic collection has gone completely out of control - I have Excels 4 string, 5 string, and fretless in different woods - same with my Essence basses, A Rogue, then there's the Magnificent, Majestic Series II.   Each bass has it's own unique sound and feel.   I would be perfectly content with any one of my Alembics as my only bass.   But the Series II is REALLY something special. To hold and play it is to experience the culmination of everything that is Alembic.  It can sound like any of my other basses or like something completely out of this world.  The stereo feature lets me (if I choose) run each pickup through it's own amplifier - effect - setup.   Of course, it's VERY expensive, but it's a Rolls Royce with all it's perfection and no compromise approach in design and detail.  It is a true testament to art and science.  I have no doubt that history will remember it like the Stradivarius Violin...as desirable and admired.  

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: Rami Sourour (rami) on August 25, 2002, 01:58:48 PM

Another picture
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/1558.jpg)
 

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: Rami Sourour (rami) on August 25, 2002, 02:12:36 PM

Check out that beautiful wood grain...
 
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/1562.jpg)
 
 
Alembic basses truly are works of art!!!

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: elzie on March 07, 2004, 05:38:35 PM

Holy %$@#@!
 
That is one gorgeous bass! I can't believe I missed this thread. Rami, you are one lucky guy to have added this to your collection. I'd bet it has a monster sound too  
 
 
Paul II

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: jorge_s on March 07, 2004, 06:01:19 PM

Yes, this bass is absolutely stunning.  Congratulations!  Walnut is such a nice wood.  I was recently at the dudepit site on ezboard.  There is a thread there where a luthier compares the sonic properties of walnut to cardboard.  I was wondering what you think Rami comparing all the basses that you have.  Knowing how the Dark Prince sounds, is walnut something you would consider putting on another one of your basses?  I am considering walnut for my next Alembic.

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: lembic76450 on March 07, 2004, 06:26:48 PM

Rami,  Like Elzie, I don't know how I missed this. Quite nice. Thanks for the directions.
Kenn
 
Comparing walnut to cardboard??

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: the_mule on March 08, 2004, 08:37:49 AM

Wow, what a brilliant bass. Comparing walnut to cardboard is a bloody blasphemy as far as I'm concerned. My walnut Orion looks and sounds absolutely amazing and if I'm ever in the position (financially) to order a custom Alembic, walnut (superb, burl or flame) will be without a doubt my first choice!

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: jorge_s on March 08, 2004, 12:32:36 PM

I've never played a bass with walnut in it.  I think that it is the most attractive wood.  I don't think Alembic would make so many basses with walnut if it was a substandard wood.  I would just like some opinions from those of you fortunate enough to own several Alembics.  Does the posting that I refer to have any merit?  How does walnut perform sonically next to other woods.  I certainly don't mean any disrespect.  Quite the contrary.  The bass on this thread is among the most beautiful I've seen.

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: goatfoot on March 08, 2004, 01:14:17 PM

I am fortunate enough to own two Alembics.  They're both walnut but they sound completely different (but neither of them sound like cardboard!).
 
My Custom 5 is 36 scale, Rogue body, Maple neck (w/ walnut stringers), Epic/Orion elecs, Mahoghany body and a gorgeous Burl Walnut top.
 
My Brown Bass is 30.75 scale, fretless, small standard body, Mahogany/Birch/Walnut neck, Anniversary elecs, Myrtle body and a gorgeous Walnut (maybe flamed?) top/back.
 
The custom has a bell-like tone.  Both the high's and the low's just ring out and sustain for days.  I can make this bass super bright by backing off all of the bass and boosting the treble and it doesn't sound harsh.  OTOH, I can boost the bass and cut the treb and really get down in the basement w/o turning the tone to mush.
 
The BB has a very warm and mellow tone - but the highs can be a bit harsh if I don't back off on the tone filters.  This bass is very good at getting an upright-type sound but it doesn't do a Jaco-esque tone real well. (That's alright, I'm not out to be a Jaco-clone.)
 
Everything about these basses is different EXCEPT the  Walnut top laminate.  Still, IMO, the main difference between the two basses is the sound of the neck wood.  I don't think I hear the walnut in either of these two basses.  But I'm certain that I hear the maple and mahoghany in the necks.  
 
Kevin

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: wayne on March 08, 2004, 01:15:49 PM

Jorge-
 
If you're curious about the sonic performance of Walnut, just listen to anything with Jimmy Johnson.  He plays (and has for 30 years) a Burl Walnut Series II.
 
I've always heard that Walnut is a little on the dark side of neutral (Maple being very bright) - but I've never played one.  And remember that with Alembic, it's the neck woods that have the most impact.
 
C-Ya............wayne

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: rami on March 08, 2004, 07:04:45 PM

Hey Jorge,    
   
As you can imagine, an Alembic Series II is by definition the King of all Basses.  How much of that perfection is contributed by the top (and back) woods is difficult to say.  Mica once told me that Burl Walnut is a low density and relatively light wood.  I'll have to agree with Wayne that the neck plays a bigger role in the sound than the body woods.  In any case, the Series Basses are hollow, so the woods can't really play a significant role.    
   
For the Dark Prince we were looking for specific ingredients for the ultimate fundamental and sustain.  The combination of Ebony and Purpleheart as well as the 36 scale (and of course the solidbody construction with the top and back bookmatched to the center over the neck) results in exactly what I was hoping for; the ultimate sustain.    
   
The Black Byrd will feature this construction as well as Series II electronics for what I hope will become the ultimate Alembic Bass.  I guess this is what can be described as wanting the best of both worlds!    
   
Rami  
   
 
 
(Message edited by rami on March 11, 2004)

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: jorge_s on March 11, 2004, 07:59:39 AM

Thanks to all you folks for your advice.  I am always impressed with the wealth of knowledge in this group.  Rami congratulations again, it is a beautiful Bad Boy.

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: jeff on March 18, 2004, 07:56:49 AM

Rami,
 
I'm obviously not the only one to admire a few of your Alembics that have graced these web pages, and this walnut bass is no exception.  I was very interested in your above response to Jorge about the elements of a bass that contribute to its sound.  I am most interested in how the Dark Prince sounds in relation to your other instruments.  Other than having great sustain, does the B string sound deeper and/or more solid that your other basses?  If so, is that due more to the wood combination, the solid contruction of the body, or the 36 scale, or is it impossible to tell?  Thanks Rami.
 
Envious Jeff.

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: rami on March 18, 2004, 12:59:27 PM

Hi Jeff,
 
In response to your question...  All of the above!  The heavy, dense woods, the super long scale, and the solid construction.  All the ingredients for amazing sustain and brilliantly clear sound.  The low 'B' is as tight and punchy as anything you can imagine.
 
Obviously, every Alembic sounds great, but the Dark Prince is clearly a step (or several steps) above the rest for true natural sound quality.  It is also quite easy to play.  The neck, although super long, is slim and very fast.  
 
The beauty of a custom Alembic is that you can ask for something that's really beyond everything else, and then watch it come to life.
 
Cheers,
 
Rami

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: rami on February 13, 2006, 07:33:03 AM

I recently got into playing works by Bach.  
Playing Bach on a Series II is nothing short of a religeous experience!

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: 811952 on February 13, 2006, 07:59:22 AM

Rami,
 
I would love to hear it!
 
John

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: palembic on February 13, 2006, 07:59:34 AM

Mmmm ...tempting idea Rami!
Est-ce que tu as une id?e ou trouver des transcription tout pr?s de Bach pour basse ?lectrique?? ( 5 cordes??? 4 cordes)
Il y'avait dix ans j'en avait un bouquin mais j'ai d? le rendre donc ...si tu as une id?e ?? T'as mon mail non??
Salut!
 
Paul 'le mauvais'
 
(Message edited by palembic on February 13, 2006)

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: David Houck on February 13, 2006, 08:14:10 AM

Paul, there was a prior thread on this topic.

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: David Houck on February 13, 2006, 08:18:04 AM

Here (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=20791) is one.

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: David Houck on February 13, 2006, 08:19:45 AM

And another (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=20949).

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: palembic on February 13, 2006, 08:20:22 AM

Oooops ...

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: palembic on February 13, 2006, 08:49:38 AM

Thanks Moder.
I think I better go for easy Bach for electric bass. I just downloaded a PDF with sheet music of the cello concerts and ...well ...it's soooo depressing. I can't even make it through the first bar.
***sigh*** maybe I should stick with tah I-V, I-V thing.  
Or catch that Blues in F.
Oh no ...
wasn't that the forbidden Key???
 
Paul the bad one

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: george_wright on February 13, 2006, 09:59:27 AM

Hoping for a bonanza of free scores, I followed up on the threads Dave posted.  Came across the motherlode at  mutopia (http://www.mutopiaproject.org).

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: rami on February 13, 2006, 09:59:49 AM

Hey Paul,
 
I started with the book J.S. Bach for Bass by Josquin des Pres, then I found the book J.S. Bach Invenzioni by Marco Di Natale, J.S. Bach for Electric Bass by Bob Gallway, PH.D.  Also the site www.free-scores.com (http://www.free-scores.com) is an excellent source for FREE Bach scores and more.
 
By the way, it was thanks to Jaco that I was first exposed to this style.  He really influenced us all in so many ways.
 
Enjoy,
 
Rami

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: palembic on February 13, 2006, 11:41:48 AM

Merci mon ami Rami,
 
thanks a lot!
I will go back to that bar (nono ...that bar in sheet music) and try harder.
We'll see what happened!
BTW ...last summer holiday I spent some days in France with a professor Ancient French literature who is from Qu?bec. He is still giving course inb Quebec and also in Limoges France. He explained me a lot about that french speaking part of Canada, about habits, language, ...very interesting!
 
Paul TBO

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: David Houck on February 13, 2006, 04:28:53 PM

Paul; after reading your post, I pulled out my copy of the Prelude from Bach's Cello Suite I.  I had pretty much crashed and burned by the time I reached bar eleven.

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: rami on February 13, 2006, 05:13:36 PM

George is right, Mutopia is the best.  In fact it's where Free-scores get their material.

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: Bradley Young on February 13, 2006, 09:03:57 PM

Dave,
 
You made it about 9 bars further than I did.  My wrist feels all tingly, too.
 
I'm with Paul the Bad One.  I'll keep trying, I guess.
 
Brad

Title: The Walnut "Bad Boy"
Post by: palembic on February 14, 2006, 12:15:19 AM

Yep ...dived into that Mutopia thing to and Bookmarked the site!
I dived into that cello stuff again and ...well ...it IS good for excercicing sight reading. I am not on a point where I catch the rhythm and decent tune but ...hey ...I AM working on it.
This afternoon I will make a phone-call to the Music-book dealer in Antwerp and see if I can get a copy of what you are suggesting Rami!
Bach rules!
Well ...sort of
 
Paul the bad one