Author Topic: Getting a dream (Read 384 times)

rushfan · « **on:** September 21, 2008, 03:51:38 PM »

some of you may think this isnt a big deal, you already have alembics, but this is huge for me. im getting bass centrals coco bolo dragon wing. finacilly its still borderline, so its 50/50 whether or not i can afford it. i want to know if there are any dragonwing owners out there that can advise me on this purchase. any help is appreciated.

(Message edited by rushfan on September 21, 2008)

ajdover · « **Reply #1 on:** September 21, 2008, 05:55:07 PM »

Josh,

I own a Dragon's Wing.

It is a relatively heavy instrument (mine is, anyway). I do like the Signature electronics - simple and to the point. It is comfortable to play sitting down and standing up, but I recommend a wide strap (Moody) if you use it live. Tones are typical Alembic, with a lot of versatility. Mine has a Coco Bolo back as well, so it is a bit different from the one at Bass Central.

It is not cheap. I lucked out and got mine for about $4200 about 3 years ago. It was practically brand new and unplayed. It remains in mint condition (I'm very careful with all my Alembics).

If you're a Rush fan (as your user name suggests) you won't get the Geddy tone, but that's OK. The Wing will provide many useful tones. If you can get one I think you'll be happy with it.

One thing I'd mention is that if you use light gauge strings (.40-.100 DR Hi Beams) like I do, you may run into a problem getting it set up to play like you want. I don't have super low action, but for me, my Wing didn't like light gauge strings. I ended up sending it back to Alembic for a heat bend, which is not a huge deal (though shipping it costs money). They did the heat bend and now my Wing plays great. Just something to consider if you use light gauge strings like I do.

Best of luck.

Alan

ajdover · « **Reply #2 on:** September 21, 2008, 06:30:41 PM »

Josh,

I'd also point out that I purchased my DW used, from Willie's American Guitars in MN. Hence, the lower price. This being said, it was in new condition, and I lucked out.

Alan

2400wattman · « **Reply #3 on:** September 21, 2008, 06:54:00 PM »

I'll say you lucked out! Willie's ALWAYS want top dollar for their instruments.

fmm · « **Reply #4 on:** September 21, 2008, 07:15:34 PM »

I remember that bass well. I couldn't believe it ended up at Willies.

garethnh · « **Reply #5 on:** September 21, 2008, 10:35:50 PM »

Rushfan, what a beautiful instrument; you will NEVER regret your purchase. You will be very happy with your DW... the Sig. electronics are going to give you the many options you need to get 'your' sound and she will certainly turn heads when you venture outta the house with her. Hope you can sort out your finances. ENJOY!

rushfan · « **Reply #6 on:** September 22, 2008, 01:30:22 PM »

its looking that i can get it, now its like 70/50 so i probably can, but there still is that 50 chance, keep posted.

FC Bass · « **Reply #7 on:** September 23, 2008, 08:14:39 AM »

Wow! Are you really 13 and are you really going to spend 10K on a bass?
Though I'm sure it's a very nice one, I think it would be wiser if you get a nice used one first to get a bit familiar with Alembic and bass playing in general ;-)
If it turns out to be not \the\ thing for you, then you?ve wasted a huge amount of $$$
Second hand prices are way lower than new prices, I doubt if you?ll get 5K if somehow you?ll decide to sell the DW...
Choose wisely and welcome to the club!

eligilam · « **Reply #8 on:** September 23, 2008, 01:33:05 PM »

70/30?

Simpsons aside:

Hypnotist to baseball team: Repeat after me: I will give one hundred and ten percent.
Hypnotized Baseball Team (droning in unison): That's impossible. By definition, one hundred percent is the maximum effort one can give.

rushfan · « **Reply #9 on:** September 23, 2008, 01:41:06 PM »

in response to fc_spoiler, i've wanted a dw for a very long time, and if i ever got a alembic, it would most likely be a dw. if i can make payments on it, she'll be mine! also, anyone wanna get rid of a dw?

rushfan · « **Reply #10 on:** October 08, 2008, 03:26:53 PM »

guys, my finances are way down. i probably wont get it. sorry

richbass939 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 08, 2008, 06:21:59 PM »

Sorry it seems to be falling through. Most of us are watching our finances do the roller coaster thing. When I was your age I couldn't afford to put strings on a DW.
Rich

262632 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 21, 2008, 05:33:38 PM »

rushfan, never give up. Patience will make the impossible a reality.

I know Nate at Willies well (I live a few miles from them) and I agree with 2400wattman - you usually pay top dollar there. Of course, they get instruments few others will.

I've found my best deals on used Alembics at Bass Northwest (avging $2400 a piece for two nice custom 4 strings but you have to act fast a lot of collectors really sit on that site.

Jim @ Guitar Resurrection carries many used Alembics. I ordered my custom build from him - his pricing was good and he's one of the dealers Alembic recommended. He (Jim) was a pleasure to work with - he really took care of me as I was in the hospital for over three months in intensive care during the build. Hope this helps you, Bro

(Message edited by 262632 on October 21, 2008)

rushfan · « **Reply #13 on:** October 23, 2008, 04:34:17 PM »

does he have a website?