Bassnw

[wishbass]

going to seattle today,BNW has 3 Alembics.There is an Essance, an Orion 5, and an Epic.There is also an Elan 4 string at the GC close by.Thoughts and advice would be apprecciated.      Thanks

[mike1762]

I would go with the Essence or Elan.  Both are neck-through and have a filter.  The Elan would also give you a Q switch (the only down-side is doing business with GC!!!).  I would probably let the neck recipe break any tie in your decision (I would want some purple heart in there if it's an option).

[wishbass]

I don't have much info on the Elan, but I know the Essance and Orion are maple w/walnut accents.so nothing fancy.I have only seen 2 Alembics ever.The first when I was 17 in the 80's.The store owner wouldn't even let me touch it.The second was a 6 string Epic.Not a 6 player.Both were at the same store 26 yrs apart,so this will be fun.

[wishbass]

I'm considering a build (big commitment),but keeping my options open.A used bass might be easier to sell to senior management(wife).Anyway,this gives me some hands on experience.

[tbrannon]

I would highly recommend at least one used Alembic before a custom.  My experiences with my used forum purchased bass helped me realize what I really wanted on the custom.  Nice thing with buying used it that you can almost always sell them for what you purchased 'em for (assuming you get a decent deal when purchasing).
 
Good luck!!

[afrobeat_fool]

e-mail sent

[bonesrad]

If I'm not mistaken, the Orion at Bass NW is equiped with Essence electronics.  If you are looking for a 5 string, you probably will get the most bang for the buck with this bass.
 
Starting used definitely makes the most sense with Alembics.  As stated numerous times, it allows you to figure out what features you most like / dislike in an Alembic with the ability to sell down the road at close to what you originally paid.
 
Have fun trying them all.
 
Bones

[dfung60]

Bass Northwest is a great place!  Evan, the owner, is a great guy so take advantage of the his knowledge and the staff.  Take the time and try everything out too, while you're there as there aren't many chances to try out so much diverse bass gear.  You can do an A/B comparison of what makes an Alembic an Alembic.
 
Used or new, it's hard to get hands on an Alembic in many places.  If you're serious about it, you may find that scheduling a factory visit is well worth your time.  I'm sure there are stores where you have a chance to try a variety (in my area, the Silicon Valley, Guitar Showcase often has multiples).
 
Even production line Fenders vary in sound and feel, so handbuilt Alembics are as different as people.  Before you have a custom made, you really benefit from having significant experience with one, so you can develop the vocabulary to have a productive discussion with the factory.  
 
Good luck, and enjoy the buffet at BassNW!
 
David Fung

[charles_holmes]

Let's see...I got my Distillate from Evan, I got a SuperFilter from Evan, DS-5, an extra 5 pin cable, 18 Bag End and Evan turned me on to DR short scale High Beam SMR45 strings.(I use those strings exclusively now)
Evan and his staff are excellent to deal with, in addition, I believe that you can trust that they will not just try and sell you anything just to make a buck! When I decide to get a 5 string series Bass, Bass Northwest will be the 1st place that I will look up!!

[bonesrad]

All but one of the Alembics I've owned over the years came from Bass NW (including my Europa 5 String w/ Series I electronics which I ordered through Evan).  Evan and his crew have always been very enjoyable people to do business with or even just talk bass and stuff with.  I'm quite lucky that my office is about a 6 block walk away from Bass NW.  GAS always needs to be kept in check.
 
Bones

[wishbass]

I had a chance to play the Elan.Fast neck,and not as heavy as I would have thought.Smaller body than I expected.Some neck dive(although the strap was thin and cheap).I loved the sound dispite the very DEAD strings.Q switch was fun.Tomarrow I will check out BNW and play their selection of Alembics and other fine basses.

[jazzyvee]

Elans and Europa's are wonderful and IMHO, the best body shape in a 5string and balances wonderfully. Having a choice of which alembic to buy is quite dangerous but I hope you make a good choice. :-)
 
 
jazzyvee

[rjmsteel]

Dangerous is Right!
My custom, I\m sure as well as the majority of the others here, went through multiple mutations of design before the final custom product went full steam ahead :-).
Both my (Custom) Rogue and Elan (6 string bass) body shapes balance great.
 
-Rich

[ajdover]

Karl,
 
    I second the sentiments elucidated by David Fung reference trying Alembics first.  I went through several new and used Alembics before I realized what I really liked (a pan pot works for me, thinner neck profile a la Jazz Bass, Signature/Essence/Series II/Epic electronics, etc.).  My first as a Spoiler Exploiter, which led to a Europa and a limited edition Spyder.  I no longer have any of them, as they've been replaced with an Epic, Stanley Clarke Signature Standard (purchased in Korea), an Essence (bought used and with me in Iraq), and the creme de la creme, my Series II Entwistle Replica custom.  When I had the custom built, I actually visited the factory and discussed with Mica and Susan what I wanted, and they delivered, in spades.  If you can try some out first, by all means do so.  If you can visit the factory ... well let's just say it's about as close to a religious experience without going to church.  If you do get to the factory, they will have showroom models and others you might be able to try to get a feel for what you're looking for or desire.
 
However you go, I wish you the best of luck in acquiring an Alembic.  You won't be sorry.
 
Alan

[wishbass]

I really loved the Elan.I played it again with a wider strap and it balanced nicely.The sound was amazing.No major blemishes considering its age other than a chip(to the wood) on the under side of the headstock along the back edge.I know its GC ,but that is the bass that melted in my hands.I'll keep you folks posted,and thanks for the advice!