Alembic Guitars Club

Connecting => Introductions => Topic started by: richardloz on January 20, 2008, 01:59:58 PM

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: richardloz on January 20, 2008, 01:59:58 PM

Hi there from Australia.  Have just aquired my first Alembic, a 91 Essence.  Not in the greatest condition, but the price seemed ok and they rarely come up for sale in Australia, and new for me is not an option right now.
 
I have just started the strip down and clean process, prior to setting the bass up. I will get it cleaned progressively over this coming week as time permits.
 
Once done will get some pics up.
 
I know there is a thread here somewhere which I cant seem to find ata the moment on pulling the bridge down, so if someone can point me to that it would be awesome.  Also what size (allen key?) is used for adjusting the saddles for intonation, and I assume for pulling it down for cleaning.
 
The body seems weel played and shows some wear, so need to get some polish on that, but thats ok.  The one area that I am not sure what to do about is the neck.  When you play the bass the back of the neck between about the nut and the 7th fret feels quite worn and rough like all the finish has worn from there.  If anyone can suggest what the best way would be to rectify this it would be most appreciated.
 
Have really enjoyed reading the posts here and look forward to finding so much more great advice and suggestions as time goes on.
 
Interestingly enough everyone I have told I have a new bass has asked what it is, and when I have said an Alembic I have been greated with blank stares, much to my amusement, and most of this people are musos.  The one exception is another bass player I know who knew exactly what it was on first mention.
 
Anyway great to be here and thanks for alll the advice I have read so far.
 
Richard
 
Perth, Australia

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: lbpesq on January 20, 2008, 02:14:19 PM

Richard:
 
Welcome to the club and congrats on your Essence.  A good place to look is in the FAQ & Must Reads section.  Alembic bridges are actually a simple and user friendly design that is fairly idiot-proof.  One tip I can offer is to take some pictures of the bridge before you take it apart, so you have a reference when you put it back together.  One problem that I've seen pop up here a few times is putting the saddles back backwards, so pay extra attention to this.  I'm sure someone will be stopping by this thread soon who can offer more specific advice.
 
Bill, the guitar one
 
(Message edited by lbpesq on January 20, 2008)

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: David Houck on January 20, 2008, 03:29:42 PM

There is a tools post here (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=200), and I think you will find the Allen wrench sizes there.

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: David Houck on January 20, 2008, 03:44:51 PM

As I disassemble a bridge, I place each piece on the workbench in exactly the same order as I removed it, so that the end result resembles an exploded illustration of how the bridge goes back together.  I pick up each piece, polish it, and put it back in place in the exploded layout.  When all the pieces are finished, I then reassemble in the order in which it is laid out.
 
When removing the bridge from the body, and when putting it back on the body, do both sides a little at a time so that neither side binds.
 
You should clean the screws that the saddles travel in while they are out; and I like to put just a touch of oil on them so the saddles will adjust easily.

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: richardloz on January 20, 2008, 05:32:51 PM

Thanks Dave.  Will go and find those tools that I am missing so that I can continue to pull the bass down and get it nice and tidy.
 
Still wondering what to do in regards to the back of the neck though, so if you have any suggestions in regards to that I am all ears  
 
Cheers
 
Richard

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: David Houck on January 20, 2008, 05:45:11 PM

I really don't know the answer to the neck question.  There's a very interesting recent thread here (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=18344) on the subject of sanding necks, but I don't know if it applies to your situation.  Hopefully, others may notice this thread and chime in with more useful advice.

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: keurosix on January 20, 2008, 07:18:07 PM

Hi Rich,
Welcome to the club and to Alembic ownership!
If you could post a good focused picture of the back of the neck area here in this post it would be most helpful. Can you feel a definite step at the 7th fret area? This might indicate a break in the finish to bare wood. Or is it accumulated grime which would be on top of the finish? A picture would help to clear this up. Dirt can be removed from the finish if it's still intact.
Kris

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: richardloz on January 20, 2008, 07:24:15 PM

Hi Kris
 
I will try to get some decent photos tonight of the areas of concern and then post them. Will be nice to have pics before and after in any case. Look forward to your comments once pics have been posted.
 
Cheers
 
Richard

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: keurosix on January 20, 2008, 07:38:33 PM

Hi Rich,
It seems we're both up at the same time!
Maybe you should start a new thread in Owning an Alembic - Troubleshooting section, and post the pics there. That is the official place for problem resolution.
Kris

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: bracheen on January 21, 2008, 09:03:57 AM

Hi Richard, welcome and congratulations. You know I get those same blank stares from other musicians. Once they see it and for the lucky few play it they don't forget.

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: georgie_boy on January 31, 2008, 11:12:48 AM

Way to go Sam!!
And Richard------Welcome!!
 
G

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: white_cloud on January 31, 2008, 12:18:22 PM

Congrats again Richard,
 
So glad you opted for the Alembic - it will be a cracker when you have it just right!
 
John.

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: richardloz on February 01, 2008, 05:49:16 AM

Hi John
 
Yes I did go for it. I do still like the Eagle though, just wish I had the funds to get both.  The Essence is quite nice, very different to play after my Warlock I have to say. It seems extremely small in comparison and is so much lighter.
 
The tones that you can get though, even with the limited electronics on the Essence are brilliant.  Have just finished going over the back of the neck with fine steel wool and some lemon oil, which has improved the feel out of sight to what it was.
 
This bass was either played very often or not loved like it should have been. You could say it has some character I guess.
 
So far I am very happy with it.  We have just started to get a band together again after 14 years of not playing due to many other commitments such as 4 kids.  Now its time for us (wife is a singer / songwriter / keyboard player) to get out and have some fun and a damn good time.  If we wait for too much longer we will both need help to get on stage due to old age.
 
I am definitely looking forward to playing the Essence through an amp at a decent volume instead of sitting here in the house with headphones on.
 
Once my daughter gets back from Sydney I will post some pics of the Essence now that I have polished the brass etc.
 
Cheers
 
Richard

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: white_cloud on February 01, 2008, 06:11:34 AM

I know how you feel Richard,
 
Its a real bummer having to choose between basses - pity we cant just have both! I think BC rich eagle's are superb rock basses ( I had one in the eighties !) Also, the mockingbird has to be one of THE bass designs of all time! They dont match up to Alembics for build quality, prestige and sound though!
 
I love Essence basses. I wanted one but the only one available in the Uk at the time was about $3000 US - too much cash for me! I opted for a 87 Persuader instead and havent looked back!
 
Cant wait to see your pics mate!
 
John.

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: georgie_boy on February 01, 2008, 12:55:02 PM

Me niether!!

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: David Houck on February 03, 2008, 07:41:11 PM

Tracy has a really nice voice.  I'm listening to Painfully Beautifully In Love right now; it's beautiful!
 
[update: I'm still listening; this stuff is really nice.  I love her voice!]
 
(Message edited by davehouck on February 03, 2008)

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: richardloz on February 04, 2008, 01:34:43 PM

Thanks Dave.  I let her know your comments last night.  Just wish my bass playing was a good as her singing  
 
She totally frustrates me though as she seems to not want to do anything with her music.  Keeps on complaining that she is too old now to make anything of it.  Ahh what can you do.
 
Along with the cover band we are working on now, we might get out to some open mic nights or jam sessions and do some of her original stuff.  It could probably work in those situations as her music is really listening music, rather than going to the pub, drinking and dancing music.
 
Daughter #2 got back from Sydney last night so I can now pinch her camera and get some pics.  Will post in the relevant section once I have them.
 
Cheers
 
Richard

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: white_cloud on February 04, 2008, 02:26:06 PM

Hey Richard,
 
I so admire especially talented folk like your wife who are also humble, its always a pleasure being in such company!
 
Cant wait to see the pics,
 
John.

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: richardloz on February 04, 2008, 03:17:05 PM

Hi John
 
Yes I know what you mean.  Although she totally frustrates me with her talent and lack of drive to do anything with it , she basically writes for herself and from the heart.
 
She writes country really well but hates it.  She will not submit to a formula when it comes to writing, but hey what can you do.  She enjoys it totally, I just wish she would get motivated to do some of it live so that other people could also enjoy it.
 
Richard

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: dadabass2001 on February 05, 2008, 05:57:57 AM

Hello Richard,
Tell your wife I was lucky enough to catch Alberta Hunter at The Cookery (a bistro) in NYC in the 70s. Alberta was killer, and she was 86.
 
Do what you love, the truth shines through.
Mike

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on February 05, 2008, 08:09:22 AM

Too old to make anything of it?  Direct her attention to Elizabeth Cotten, who quit playing in her teens, then took it back up, and became a legend, in her sixties.  I saw her when she was 82, and she was still amazing.  Unless Tracey is a LOT older than she looks in her picture, she's nowhere near too old.
 
Peter

Title: Hi from Australia
Post by: richardloz on February 07, 2008, 07:25:17 AM

Yes I know that and you all seem to know that, but I cant seem to get that thought through her head.  I do have to agree with her in regards to the industry being all about marketing now and not a whole lot to do with talent.  Sad the way the world is going.  I have listened to some amazing stuff on soundclick which will more than likely never see the light of day.
 
There is some awesome talent out there thata is just being ignored as they are not considered marketable
 
Richard