Author Topic: Alembic Bass Wanted (Read 146 times)

borneo · « **on:** August 17, 2011, 07:24:22 PM »

I have been playing bass in UK for 49 years, still learning but still yearning - for an Alembic. I'm now stranded in NZ (a pretty good place to be stranded).
Since mid 70's I've had a Fender Jazz (for Jazz)and a little while later added an Ibanez RS900 series - for rock and blues.
I need to get my hands on an Alembic before I croak (whilst not being a reason for croaking!).
Four strings will do me - got to have 'balls' so it can do-it-all (Rock/Blues/Jazz)yet be pretty looking. As a recent (5 minutes ago) member I need to ask if anyone would be prepared to carriage one to me here in NZ. I have a relative south of LA if that helps!

tbrannon · « **Reply #1 on:** August 17, 2011, 08:48:07 PM »

Welcome Stephen!

Dunedin is a lovely city, isn't it? Though you're likely to be freezing a few appendages off down there this time of year. My wife and I immigrated to NZ in 2002 and would still be there today if it weren't for some health issues in the immediate family back here in California. We lived in Hamilton until 2008, but saw nearly every square inch of that country in our time there.

I purchased my first Alembic while living there- I got it from a fellow club member here on the forum. People will ship to NZ I'd suggest you hang around for a spell- something will pop up in short order.

The closest Alembic dealer is Bass People in Sydney. I spoke with the owner, David Burgess, several times while living in NZ and he is a good guy to deal with. I also know that several places in the States will ship down to NZ- Bass Northwest usually has some decent used Alembics in stock.

Take a look through the showcase thread and see what style bass tickles your fancy. Plenty of body shapes and electronics packages to choose from. There are plenty of friendly people who post here who are willing to help too.

Enjoy~
Toby

wookie · « **Reply #2 on:** August 17, 2011, 09:22:02 PM »

hey nice to have you here Stephen, I'm pretty new here too but everyone seems really nice. I'm sure you'll get help here, when I was looking for one last year it took about a half hour before someone helped me out (thanks sonicus) I don't have alembics to part with as of now but school is starting and it costs a lot, so who knows? Again good luck to you.

borneo · « **Reply #3 on:** August 17, 2011, 10:31:53 PM »

Many thanks for such a warm welcome to the club Toby and Wookie. It's very much appreciated.
My research has commenced though it will perhaps be more a case of what's available than what's preferable. I've just had my Fender BXR400 refurbished and it's as hungry as I am for an Alembic injection.

tbrannon · « **Reply #4 on:** August 18, 2011, 11:34:57 AM »

There are a ton of screaming deals on used Alembics these days. The economy has lowered prices and increased the time frame for a sale, so if you're persistent in your search, you'll find a fantastic bass for what is likely a very, very good price. The exchange rate is still pretty favourable for you as well.

Do you have your eye on a particular model or electronics package? Set neck vs neck thru? etc?