Author Topic: I pulled the trigger on a Brown Bass (Read 711 times)

pasewark · « **on:** October 19, 2011, 07:58:44 PM »

I decided after the last Alembic gathering I needed to get back to owning an Alembic bass again. I've been looking at several vintage Alembic instruments and bought a 77 Series I long scale a few months ago, only to sell it a few weeks ago as the reach was too long.

My very first Alembic was a 74 Short Scale Series I, Birds Eye Maple 74-49(?), I think I've owned 4 or 5 Alembics over the years, so I took a ride to Alembic a couple of weeks ago (I live 20 mins. away) and Mica was kind enough to let me try several instruments, we discussed the sound I was looking for and she grabbed a Brown Bass for me to try.

All I can say is Wow! I've been playing a short scale bass for a few years now and the Brown Bass feels very familiar in my hands. The wood combination sounds great - nice and warm. I've been aware of these models for years but never thought to play one. So I placed an order that day. Standard config, Anniversary Electronics, etc. I liked it so much I'm even thinking about doing a small personalized inlay. I've never considered doing that before, but I like it that much. Looking forward to getting it.

Maybe Mica can post some pics! !

sonicus · « **Reply #1 on:** October 19, 2011, 08:56:21 PM »

Congratulations !

masterofmanystrings · « **Reply #2 on:** October 20, 2011, 06:36:50 PM »

Something you might consider -and if you do, it's essential that you do it before they begin building- is to get the prep for Series option. I'm not sure of the current price, but I don't think it's too bad -Mica or Susan could tell you.

This option would allow your bass to be upgraded to Series at some future point. They drill and shield the cavities, I think they install the 5pin jack and the dummy humcanceller, but most importantly, they build the body just slightly thicker -which is necessary to house the Series electronics.

If there's any possibility you'd like your bass to be upgradable to Series at some future point, you should consider this.

I'd strongly recommend considering a Balance K body as well; it looks great and is incredibly balanced and ergonomic. To my knowledge, they've not yet done a Brown Bass in that shape.

Congrats, and good luck with your custom, which will undoubtedly be... well, an Alembic.

Getting L.E.D.s?

keith_h · « **Reply #3 on:** October 21, 2011, 03:32:45 AM »

The Brown Bass body is already built thicker and can accommodate Series electronics.

Keith

masterofmanystrings · « **Reply #4 on:** October 21, 2011, 12:21:01 PM »

So then the option of getting the cavities, shielding, dummy pickup, etc might be considered.

jacko · « **Reply #5 on:** October 24, 2011, 04:23:31 AM »

Congratulations Donald. Sounds to me like you're getting exactly what you want. No need to change anything.

Graeme

artswork99 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 24, 2011, 07:01:48 AM »

Congrats Donald!

pasewark · « **Reply #7 on:** October 24, 2011, 08:07:15 AM »

Yes, I'm going with the straight Brown bass config. (with Red L.E.D.s) I'm sure that will be phenomenal. With two kids in college, mortgage, etc. I don't have much choice for anything else! !

David Houck · « **Reply #8 on:** October 24, 2011, 05:17:30 PM »

Congrats!!