Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: inthought on November 15, 2012, 05:03:01 PM

Title: 5-String Fretted 2 Fretless
Post by: inthought on November 15, 2012, 05:03:01 PM

Looking for someone that can give me the sound I achieved with my Jaco-Style 4-String Series I but on a 5-String Signature Deluxe.  
 
Bottom line... Jaco-Style!
 
It has a sweet sound fretted. Experience has taught that frets limits the Alembic's capabilities with the type of music I prefer. If it doesn't sing, it doesn't ring...
 
in the heart
 
I'm ready to open it up and find out what it can do. Baltimore Area Preferred! Your Hands - My Hands! We'll/will Agree! With a little help from the ears.

Title: 5-String Fretted 2 Fretless
Post by: sonicus on November 15, 2012, 05:20:58 PM

Hello and welcome .  
Do you have any pics of the Series I Jaco -Style 4 string ? Did you have the fingerboard epoxy finished ? Was it lined ?   What Body shape ? A picture is worth a thousand words ____

Title: 5-String Fretted 2 Fretless
Post by: inthought on November 16, 2012, 06:24:24 AM

Sold the Series I to Craig Schwartz back in 1992. He was a big collector of Alembic Basses back in the day. Have been looking for him but haven't at this point.
 
Here's a pic of the Signature.

Title: 5-String Fretted 2 Fretless
Post by: inthought on November 16, 2012, 06:35:22 AM

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/143601.jpg)

Title: 5-String Fretted 2 Fretless
Post by: bonesrad on November 16, 2012, 09:19:49 AM

In my opinion, the start to getting a Jaco like tone out of an Alembic is to emphasize the bridge pickup, set the bridge filter about 1/4 open and maximize the q switch or cvq on the bridge filter.  The neck pickup and filter should probably emphasize bassiness but in a very subtle way.  From there, I think it all comes down to technique and wood recipe.  I am no where near a Jaco like talent player but have heard others play my Alembic and have it sound very Jaco like.  This is even on my fretted Europa 5 string w/ Series I electronics.  My guess is you can get something close on your MK5 pictured above (BTW, one beautiful bass).  I suppose if you were to de-fret it, that would take it the next step (although I like the looks of it as it is).
 
I hope this helps.
 
Bones

Title: 5-String Fretted 2 Fretless
Post by: inthought on November 16, 2012, 12:48:19 PM

I've thought of selling it because with frets, it serves a purpose far less than its potential in my musical realm. Then whalla! Grind down the frets to let out the beautiful fretless sound. It is somewhat of a dichotomy literally damaging its original intent and beauty, but it would translate well for me in usage.

Title: 5-String Fretted 2 Fretless
Post by: bonesrad on November 16, 2012, 03:13:36 PM

When it comes right down to it, it's your tool to make the best music you can from it.
 
Have fun,
 
Bones