Author Topic: Alembic Cords (Read 344 times)

alemboid · « **on:** January 13, 2004, 08:37:08 PM »

Ok Guys and Gals,

Series One and Series Two basses come with a power supply and cord. As far as the other models are concerned-

Has Alembic explored developing and selling a cord for all the other models? Of course, we're talking hi-fi (solid, pure copper core wire, or even silver, multiple conductor, high density copper shielding -connected only at the amp end, for extra clean signal transfer, etc)

Think about it. What's the best thing you can plug your Alembic into? An F1-X or F2b. What's the best thing to use to get you there? A hi-fi Alembic cord! Right!?! Or am I dizzy from too much one on one jammin' with my MK Deluxe 5?

Reactions?

Alemboid

dela217 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 14, 2004, 10:13:51 AM »

Alembic used to make such a cord. They called it a Supercord.

dela217 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2004, 09:46:37 AM »

Here is a picutre of my Alembic Supercord. It came in few configurations. It came straight through, as a mono Y, and a stereo Y. It was mostly for the use of series bass through it's 1/4 inch jack, and stereo configuration. Works great with an F2B. Check it out!

dela217 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 17, 2004, 09:54:38 AM »

Well I tried to post the picture, but it was too big. It is now resized a bit and here goes again. By the way Alembiod, this cord is from back in the day, 1972.

alemboid · « **Reply #4 on:** January 18, 2004, 08:26:23 PM »

Wow!

It looks like a collectors item! Since it has been so long, perhaps there may be a new version-especially with the technology of cables today. A quality cable makes a big difference in what you hear. I'm thinking about trying the Evidence Audio cable. It allegedly does the job quite well. I'm reading more and more about how cables are out performing Monster Cables (thats what I use). Can anybody recommend a better alternative?

Alemboid

bob · « **Reply #5 on:** January 18, 2004, 10:03:39 PM »

We had a chat about this almost a year ago, but much of that is probably still useful.

I didn't search back further to see how it started (with Joey's comments about Monster), but you should be able to find that. If you can point us to any other online reviews, some of us might find that interesting.
-Bob

(Message edited by bob on January 18, 2004)

mica · « **Reply #6 on:** January 21, 2004, 07:11:41 PM »

Yeah, back when we made the Supercords, I think we were selling them for around twenty or thirty bucks. Folks thought we were crazy making such an expensive cable and we couldn't get any acceptance for the product line, so it was abandoned.

I found the molds for the stereo cable like dela posted.

They are old enough that I don't think we could cast in them anymore.

dela217 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 21, 2004, 07:42:24 PM »

Mica - That is great! I can't believe you guys kept those molds for over 30 years.

By the way, my cable still works as it should.

Michael

kmh364 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 23, 2004, 05:11:09 AM »

Mica,

With Monster Cable MI cables going for upwards of $150 (Studio Pro 1000 @ 21ft w/ straight 1/4 phone plugs), and selling fairly well, there is definitely a market for ultra-high quality premium Alembic instrument cables. They offer a lifetime no-nonsense replacement policy as well (add up all those cables you've purchased and replaced because they went bad, and this pricing starts to make sense). I just bought a fairly expensive state-of-the-art Eden bass amp rig, am anxiously awaiting my new expensive custom Alembic and I want the best possible cables available to make them sound their best. So what if it costs as much as a cheap Sam Ash bass? We're talking peanuts compared to my overall investment! Coming from the world of ridiculously expensive high-end audio (hi-fi), there are MUCH better sounding cables available than Monster (i.e., MIT, Kimber, Cardas, AudioQuest, etc.), albeit at MUCH higher prices. As a bonus, like the majority of the world's best hi-fi gear, most of this stuff is also AMERICAN-designed and produced! Unfortunately, the vast majority of the above serves only the limited boutique high-end audio and home theatre market segments. Having said that, I'm fairly sure that one of them could adapt a high-end shielded jacketed cable with either 99.99% pure oxygen-free copper and/or pure silver conductor(s) and premium dielectrics as currently used for interconnect cables (i.e., used between pre-amps and power amps, etc.,) for musical instrument duty. All that is needed is a design for a super-premium 1/4 connector to compliment same, as none exist at the moment.

PHEW!...there's my two cents, LOL!

Regards,

Kevin

alemboid · « **Reply #9 on:** January 23, 2004, 08:17:22 AM »

Go Kevin!!!!

I agree- My Alembic basses have an audio range that goes farther than any of my other basses. Plus, My F1X has an open airyness in its wide audio frequency range. My speakers breath with a wide frequency range, too...not to mention my Hi-Fi amp. When I assess my equipment, I realize my lead (or cord) is the weakest link in the whole lot. Alessandro makes a wonderful pure silver cable with exotic conductive solder etc for $1500.00. Well, That's a little rich for my blood. I understand Evidence Audio makes a great solid copper lead for around $85.00. Users testify that the cord is like a big pipe that lets big fat bass, whole clean midrange and sweet highs straight through with minimal muddling of frequencies as compared to the Monster cable (which, by the way is better than many others.) When I worked at Sadowsky Guitars, Roger used to park me in the sound room and A/B cord after cord to try and find the best sounding one to use and sell at the shop. Suprisingly, the more expensive units didn't do as well. At that time, Evidence Audio, Alessandro and Audience (another great cable) weren't available. So, all this said,
I'd love a cable that minimally compressed my sound, offered full sparkling range in tone, sells for a fair price ($75-$150) and is reliable. Who better to trust to this than Uncle Ron? You know who I mean!!!!!!!!

p.s. right angle at instrument/ straight angle into amp would be nice!

My 2, no 3 cents!

Alemboid

bob · « **Reply #10 on:** January 23, 2004, 11:15:49 AM »

Kevin,

MIT does sell instrument cables, roughly $85 for a 20 footer somehow tailored for bass. Start at:

http://www.mitcables.com/products/

then click the link for '?Music?Instrument?Series ', then 'Hardwire Instrument Cables'.

I made some comments a while back (see the link on the word chat a few posts up). Still happy, but also still have not compared them to any of the others discussed here.
-Bob

bkbass · « **Reply #11 on:** January 24, 2004, 10:03:13 AM »

My rig includes two fx1's and a superfilter going into a dbx 1066 compressor into a crown 24x6 driving 2 eden 210 xlt's for the highs and 2 EV T118 subs for the lows.I've used Canarie cables for the last 10 years with no problems whatsoever.Check out WWW.HAVEINC.COM for the best{I think)prices on Canarie,Mogomi,Belden etc.,plus Switchcraft etc.connectors.If your functionaly illiterate with a solder iron and 20 minutes time you can become your own high end cord manufacturer.And at these prices you can afford to experiment to taste.Giving your disgarded experiments to your guitar player after all,most of them need our help!LOL.

jseitang · « **Reply #12 on:** March 24, 2004, 07:04:54 PM »

i've got one of the old super cords from alembic a while back..
it was actually from the 70's and it still works great!