(x) History Request 98C11726

[psy]

Hello!  I'm a relatively new owner of a Rogue 4 string that I bough online from Lovies Guitars in California late 2021.  It is in pretty good shape, with a couple dings on the body and one on the side of the neck near the fretboard that will need attention at some point.  It's a sweeter sounding bass than I am a bassist and I look forward to growing at least some of the way into the instrument over the next few years.  I would love to know a little more about the bass.  Thanks, Robert

[jazzyvee]

Hi Robert, welcome to the world of alembic basses. Usually these can take a while for alembic to get the build record of the bass but we love pictures of new member's alembics so if you can post a photo there are a few of us can fill in some details on your bass before you get the official version from Alembic.

Not sure whether you know but the serial number can give you a heads up on the basics,
98 is the year of Build
"C" usually indicates a Custom.
the number at the end is basically a sequence number indicating it's position in the number of instruments made by alembic.
http://www.alembic.com/support/reference.html#sernum
Enjoy

[psy]

Thanks Jazzyvee.  I don't have a good pic that I took, but I'm happy to share one from the seller.

In addition to vol and bal, the instrument has a two band eq.

Presently wearing a set of pyramid flats

[jazzyvee]

Cool looking bass, i can't recall seeing any Rogue basses with the crown headstock or non filter electronics.

[hammer]

Definitely a custom. As jazzyvee indicated it’s rare (first one I’ve seen) to find a Rogue with a crown headstock or without a Q, boost and filter switches. Nice looking bass.
I have various brands of flats on all my Alembics (I prefer TI flats) since the sound of these basses is already very piano-like but some here love how rounds cut through the mix. Plan on trying a couple different strings if you really want to get close to the sound you hear in your head.  In addition, as many here have commented in the past, these basses are so much more sensitive than your typical bass that you’ll quickly notice flaws in your technique that you’ve never heard before. Stick with it though because these instruments will over time significantly improve your playing.

[pauldo]

I love the way the Crown looks on that.   Brian (hammer) is accurate with his statement how these basses are very sensitive to playing behaviors.  Have fun - explore!

[psy]

Thank you, Hammer, I have noticed that about the sensitivity and am embracing it as a goal.  I've played on TI flats before and really enjoy the sound, but wanted a little more tension, hence the pyramids.  I have a set of roto flats on an Ibanez I like . . .   well, best to stay on topic but really enjoying the Alembic journey - nicest instrument I've ever played - and I trust I'll eventually settle on a set of strings.
And yes, thanks Paulido, the crown on that does look cool.  It's a pretty bass

[mica]

Here's what I found in the instrument file:

serial number: 98C11726
model name: Custom
model number: CLB4
top: Flame Maple (nice stuff from the new batch)
accent: Purpleheart laminate
body: Mahogany
neck: 3-piece Maple
scale: 34" long
inlays: Pearloid (plastic) ovals
side markers: Bronze dots
peghead shape: Crown
pickups: Alembic MXY4
electronics: "Epic" volume, pan, bass, treble, mono output
originally made for: B&B Music, DE
birthday: August 19, 1998

[psy]

Thank you, Mica, so very much for your time.  While I was a bit slow to notice your reply, and courtesy email  , I'm very grateful for the information and glad to be part of the community.  Kind Regards, Robert