Author Topic: My First Alembic! Epic 4 -Question & Intro. (Read 254 times)

ajish4 · « **on:** January 30, 2004, 02:59:47 PM »

Greetings all!

I'm a newbie so I hope you all don't mind if I ask a stupid question. I'll try to keep in short & sweet.

I'm not what I would consider an accomplished player. Self taught. But, I play every Sunday in our church praise team. Root, third, fifth & I'm a happy camper. I just love to play.

I've DREAMED of an Alembic Series 1 for more years than I care to mention.

The Mrs. SHOCKED me with a EPIC 4 she purchased online from the Bass Palace. My palms are still sweating! What a beautiful instrument, even with the minor battle scars.

My question is, the E string sounds muddy. Just had the Bass to a professional luthier. G, D, & A are AWESOME! But for some reason, the E is muddy. Especially when I'm past the 5th fret! I've tried EVERY position with the knobs, cool changes, but still muddy.

New strings, new battery during Christmas...Its also my first ACTIVE bass.

Any suggestions? PLEASE?

My other babies are a Rickenbacker 4001CS, and a Fender Prophecy lll.

Thanks so much!

Tony C.

(Message edited by ajish4 on January 30, 2004)

bracheen · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2004, 04:29:10 PM »

Hi Tony, welcome to the club and congratulations on your Epic. I'm an Epic guy also and love it.
I had a similar sound and backed down the bass on my amp. I have the mid set flat and the treble slightly boosted. From what I've learned Epics tend to be on the middy side.
OK Tony here comes the chant, PICTURES, PICTURES, PICTURES!!
We need to see this new addition to the fold.

Sam

(Message edited by bracheen on January 30, 2004)

palembic · « **Reply #2 on:** January 31, 2004, 01:28:33 AM »

Brother Tony,

I have a question to you.
Where did you find such a lovely and understanding senior management?
I learned that you dion't have to be embarrassed for what you play, only for how you play it. If you can keep the rhythm tight, provide your fellow musicians a nice low frequency bed where they can jump on, and keep in tune ...you're the right guy!
Of course you have bassplayers who thikkithikkithikkithikki-dadada-krrrrrrrrrrrrbroooom- cabombong tchak-plooooiiiing-around. I really am astound seeing them play but ...well ...it's different.
The evening befor yesterday I daw for the first time a live concert with Victor Wootten ...oh-my-goood... I'm admiring, but not frustrated anymore ...just learning with my eyes.
Now hang on a minute that I can call the Paul-team to yell for pictures. Paul the good one will have some beer-serving to do.

Paul the bad one

mint_bass · « **Reply #3 on:** February 02, 2004, 03:07:33 AM »

welcome to the club

i c sam as already got to you i also have an epic but have not noticed the muddy e string so i am no help but thought i would say hello so hello
look forward to seeing the pictures

ajish4 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 02, 2004, 03:33:06 PM »

Hello All!

Thanks for the reply!

I've tried to upload a photo. It LOOKED like it went OK, but still no picture. I'll try again.

Paul, as for the understanding senior management, I aquired here when I was only 14. I better look over my shoulder...... but she is a gem. 25 years together and she STILL is the BEST!

She even SHOCKED me with my Limited Edition Chris Squire 4001CS Rickenbacker bass, and now with my Alembic. Chris was my inspiration into the world of bass! Greg Lake is where the Alembic came in.

1977/78 was the first time an Alembic touched my hands. I know now it was a Series 1. Hmmm, I wonder if she will look for another Alembic this Christmas!?! That is my DREAM BASS. Ooooo, palms sweating just thinking about it! But I do LOVE my Epic.

Here she is again, I HOPE!
Thanks guys for making me feel right at home!

palembic · « **Reply #5 on:** February 02, 2004, 03:54:10 PM »

Maybe it's my glasses but your wife looks like an Alembic.
Oh ...huh ...he ...I think I got your post wrong!
Anyway ...beautiful ...by all means!

Paul the bad one

PS let me guess ...senior management is the niece of Santa Claus???

bracheen · « **Reply #6 on:** February 02, 2004, 04:48:03 PM »

Oh-oh, you've got it bad! Just get one Alembic unwrapped and start looking for the next.
That's why we have this support group. All of us are in a constant state of the Joneses.

My what a beautiful Epic. A Chris Squire too? You better treat Mrs. C like the treasure she is. But I'm not telling you anything you don't know. I wonder if I show my wife this thread if I'll find that Jack Bruce signature bass under the tree? hummmm

Did playing with your amp's eq help any? Sometimes things can be solved by more volume.

Sam