Author Topic: Alembic preamps for guitar? (Read 153 times)

sjhoffma · « **on:** March 13, 2012, 03:11:16 PM »

I've heard nothing but incredible things about Alembic preamps, but mostly from bass players. Can a guitar player give me some insight into how they work for a guitar rig, and what kind of sound I should expect.

Looking to maybe pick one up. Up until now I have used mostly vintage blackface reverbs with my guitars, but was thinking about putting a rack together. What could I expect from either the FX1 or F2B?

Thanks!

edwin · « **Reply #1 on:** March 13, 2012, 11:17:56 PM »

Well, the F2B has been David Gilmour's secret weapon for years. It's basically a mil-spec Fender front end, so if you like the basic tone of a 60s Twin Reverb or Dual Showman, you'd be pretty happy. If you like a Marshall tone or something a little more wooly, you might want to look elsewhere.

hieronymous · « **Reply #2 on:** March 14, 2012, 03:42:52 AM »

I seem to remember reading that David Gilmour's F-2B was modified somehow in the treble range.

Everything besides the drums on this track went through an F-2B - the guitar player loved it!

http://soundcloud.com/hieronymous-seven/8b4x4

pace · « **Reply #3 on:** March 14, 2012, 04:25:11 AM »

Sam, the F-2B and FX-1 are very transparent. I'd imagine that the F-2B would suit the stereo capability of your new SI best, and you can cascade the two channels when you plug in your other guitars. Putting a Superfilter into your signal chain might be worth your while too; the bandpass and highpass settings are equally as useful as the lowpass circuit on your guitar.

The one thing that will make the biggest difference in tone is what power amp and cabs you decide to go with. Also, you need to find a decent reverb unit....

benson_murrensun · « **Reply #4 on:** March 14, 2012, 02:38:22 PM »

I have used my F1-X along with a Crown D-60 amp for guitar. It's quite pleasing! It is fairly transparent, for sure. You can really tell the difference between whatever speakers you are selecting from.
I don't get much overdrive from cranking the system up (nice and clean, which I like). But it takes pedals VERY well.

lbpesq · « **Reply #5 on:** March 15, 2012, 07:24:35 AM »

I have a rack with an F-2B, Superfilter, Demeter Real Reverb, and Mesa 50/50 Stereo power amp. It sounds great, though these days I've gotten smaller and lighter and usually play out of a Pritchard Sword of Satori. For guitar, as I understand it, the F-2B is preferable to the F1-X.

Bill, tgo