On the subject of Alembic electronics. I was bothered quite a bit by the statement that Alembic knows how to build a bass, but does not know jack about electronics and pups. Alembic does wood work and inlays and such at a very high level of comptence and craftsmanship. Obviously, even lower lifeforms in the world of the lowend universe know that much. However, I have found several basses that are made as well as Alembics. Pricey they are and worth their money, no doubt. But it is the signature and series electronic packages that make me go with the Alembics. They are the supreme difference in why I always choose Alembic over any other bass when I am looking for a nice bass to buy and enjoy. I like Bartolini stuff, but Ron's creations produce the defining sound for bass for me, and they are always the deciding factor on my buying a bass. They are the only ones that produce the sound I strive to attain when I pick up a bass. I have an old Tobias five string that Steve Wood sent to Alembic to copy the neck of for his custom basses Alembic produced for him. The Tobias' wood work is top of the line. Mike knows how to make a bass, that is a given. However, like Steve, if I could afford it, I would send the bass in and have Alembic make me a an Elan/Europa or Balance K using those dimentions and design, and then stuff it full of series electronics so I could get the sound I crave. Alembic is the best of both wortld of basses, and not just one or the other. Barts are nice, but they are not not up to snuff getting that sound in my head out of my speakers. Am I an Alembic snob? Probably, but this is the place for people like me, so . . . . Note for lovers of other electronics packages, GREAT - More for me and my snobby croonies who insist on what they want, and don't want to settle for less. This is of course just my opinions being stated, but I like em, so fine.
