Author Topic: Alembic Jazz Bass. (Read 2008 times)

jazzyvee · « **Reply #75 on:** November 04, 2009, 10:01:46 AM »

Hmmm, at the risk of re-focussing this thread.....

Just seen this on the UK American Guitar web site. (UK Alembic Distributor)
http://www.americanguitarsuk.com/bassshop/alembicB.php

A lovely Jazz bass.....!!!

I'm guessing it's based on the Elan, ( Vol, Pan, Filter & Q-switch and maple body), but with an Orion headstock.

Now wouldn't it be good to hear Marcus play one of those.

Jazzyvee

I thought that was a pretty innocent start to a thread.

Jazzyvee

jazzyvee · « **Reply #76 on:** November 04, 2009, 10:45:04 AM »

I would never have thought that an innocent post could get heated like this.

It's quite sad that over this year there have been so many conflicts on the threads. I actually would prefer it didn't escalate to the point where people don't want to take part in the forum.I know for a fact that I have learnt more in the past few years about basses, constuction, sound, playability, design, choice of amps, cabs etc than I think I would have found had i not joined and bought an Alembic.

I personally love alembics to me they enable me to get a sound I love. They feel and play and most importantly don't try to sound like anyone else's basses and I love that about them.

I have no need to buy any other basses because I don't gig enough to discover that I may require a radically different sound on stage than what I get now with my alembics.

I only really started gigging as a bass player once I got my SC about 7 years ago, so never went through loads of other manufacturers basses. That is not to say I don't like the sound of other basses and I freely admit I'm no expert on basses.

That said, if I'm listening to a band live or on record and there is a good bass sound coming off, I don't care what the bass is. In fact apart from Clarkee, the most interesting bass tones I've heard live is that of James Genus from his concert with Herbie Hancock with a Fodera Bass and Jimmy Johnson when I heard him with Allan Holdsworth a few years back. (I've never seen Marcus Live).

I'm sure most of the music that we have grown up listening to to, loved, learnt to play was not made with an Alembic bass. I think there is a place for all basses, maybe not in the collection of some of the posters here but If I had more spare cash I'd have added that Alembic Jazz bass to my collection and maybe investigate a Ritter and Fodera.

FWIW, my favourite band The Wailers aka Bob Marley & The Wailers, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer basslines were played on Fender basses and no-one can tell me in complete honesty that those bands don't have a quality bass sound. In recent years Aston Barrett has used an Alembic Elan bass on occasions.

Jazzyvee

Over and Out. :-)

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #77 on:** November 04, 2009, 11:45:30 AM »

I don't think we can surmise that, Wolf. According to Tony Bacon's Six Decades Of The Fender Telecaster a 1951 Broadcaster (the original name of the Tele) was $169.95; a Gibson ES-175 was $175. He calculates that to be in the range of $1350, 2005 value. I would have to assume that the P-Bass was similarly priced. They weren't cheap instruments.
Colin, the first production electric guitar was the 1932 Rickenbacker. Les was fiddling around with it by the 40s, but his signature model followed the first Fender Spanish* guitar (the 1950 Esquire) by 2 years (and there is disagreement among the parties involved as to how much of the design was actually his), but Gibson had already been making hollow-bodied electrics, starting with the ES-150, since 1936.

*Spanish (the S in the Gibson ES models) is also called Standard - held parallel to the torso & fretted (that's the verb, not the adjective). Leo was making electric Hawaiian guitars - lap steels - by 1945; others preceded him.

Peter

(Message edited by cozmik_cowboy on November 04, 2009)

chrisalembic · « **Reply #78 on:** November 04, 2009, 12:03:36 PM »

I have read this thread, and in a way I didnt want to say anything to make things worse. But there is one thing that i constantly think in those gear (alembic vs. fender vs. whatever) converstaions. And thats what Jazzyvee just said.. thanks brother!!
At the end of the day, when all gear talk is done.. its about the Music and lets dont forget that. When I hear J. Johnson, M. Miller, A. Jackson I dont hear Alembic, Fender or Fodera. I hear notes, grooves, melodies,.. I hear music. Seriously, in the end who cares about what bass they play, if they can work with it, to get their musical ideas across. Its about the music. Thats all. And if any of my favorite bass players chooses to play a different bass, that should not make them a lesser player in my eyes.
I personally strive to be the best musician I can be, and not being able to affort an alembic at the moment is not going to put me off track from that in any way.

jbybj · « **Reply #79 on:** November 04, 2009, 01:38:59 PM »

Sorry, this is my last post here... I said enough.

From your lips to God's ears................

toma_hawk01 · « **Reply #80 on:** November 04, 2009, 03:46:41 PM »

When it comes to the bass, the bass is a very serious discussion for Funk. There is no instrument that is more important than a Funky Bass.

Personally, I don't consider anyone is a good bassist unless they can play some funk. Fingering techniques and playing, are only half of the story...

Anyway, here a list of bands I listen to as a teenager. Many of these artist are no longer together, but thank GOD for You-Tube.

Funk bands!

Cameo,
Barkays,
Bootsy,
Con funk shun,
Slave,
George Clinton _Parliament Funk-A-Deleics,
The Isley Brothers,
The Chamber Brothers,
Brick,
Donald Byrd and the Black Birds,
Maze,
Prince,
Brother's Johnson,
Sly Stone,
Larry Graham,
The Commodores,
Kool & the Gang,
Johnny Guitar Watson,
Earth Wind & Fire,
Ohio Players,
Rick James,
Sheryl Lynn,
Patrice Rushin,
George Duke,
Heat Wave,
James Brown,
SOS Band,
Mary Jane Girls,
Taste of Honey,
Rufus Featuring Chaka Chan,
The Time,
Nona Hendrix,
Tina Marie,
Tom Brown,
Lenny White (Marcus Miller)
LakeSide,
Dazzband,
Zapp-Roger,
Average White Band,
Herby Hancock and the Head Hunters,
Gap Band,
Red Hot Chili Peppers...

Although I understand that Alembic were not used with some of the music, but if you listened to any of the groups I mentioned above, and played the same FUNK riffs with an Alembic bass, it sounds fuller and dam right better.

The Funk is all about the bass!

(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on November 04, 2009)

sonicus · « **Reply #81 on:** November 04, 2009, 04:24:33 PM »

LOL , ok let us not forget ROCCO PRESTIA !!!!! (Tower of Power) I think he was a Fender guy in the beginning . I don't know what Bass he plays now . FUNK !!! I like that kind of FUNK the best !!!!!

toma_hawk01 · « **Reply #82 on:** November 04, 2009, 04:54:02 PM »

Latin, Brazilian, and Arabian Funk is where I am leaning toward these days.

(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on November 04, 2009)

sonicus · « **Reply #83 on:** November 04, 2009, 05:53:57 PM »

Oh yes ,
I agree Hal, I think it is always a good thing when one encourages diversity in ones listening and performing influences. As FUNK goes around the world it is mutating into many different kinds of shapes and sounds. Check out http://funkdubdivision.com we have a featured Punjabi rapper. I play Trumpet and Mellophone on the last CD release and on the next one to be released soon I will also be on fretless and fretted Bass.Cds are available at Amoeba and other fine stores and also at http://cdbaby.com. To be forewarned , this stuff is not for everybody many might not like it . I was just hired as a sideman but I do have some co -writing credits on some of the tunes .

toma_hawk01 · « **Reply #84 on:** November 04, 2009, 06:39:47 PM »

That's Funky Wolf!

This is such a joyful sound. Thank man, this made this thread, much better. Music like yours is healing.

sonicus · « **Reply #85 on:** November 04, 2009, 06:43:29 PM »

Thanks Hal.
I am glad that you like it .

goop · « **Reply #86 on:** November 05, 2009, 09:57:43 AM »

Wolf, I checked it out and like is so much I think I have to buy it. Thanks. I love all things funk and particularly this kind of new age exploration into new musical fronteirs. To me, this kind of thing started with Acid Jazz in the early 90's. You likely know about DJ Greyboy and another local act to you, the fabulous Junk. I also enjoy Canada's own Bullfrog (a.k.a Mark Robertson), The New Deal and Jazz Pharmacy, discovered through the Mo Funk label. Thanks man. Turn me onto more, please.

Colin

P.S. Jazzyvee, if it wasn't for your post of the lovely Jazz Alembic, I never would have heard these new sounds. You never know where circumstances will lead you. You should start another thread today. God I love music.

sonicus · « **Reply #87 on:** November 05, 2009, 10:37:17 AM »

Thanks Colin ! I am so very pleased that you feel that my post number 472 is having this kind of positive response.

Wolf .

toma_hawk01 · « **Reply #88 on:** November 05, 2009, 11:32:49 AM »

We all must pay our respects to Larry Graham!!!

Larry invented Slapping, Thumping, and Popping.

Point Blank -- Larry invented the Funk Bass Sound!

Stanley, Mark, Victor, and Marcus should be thanking GOD, for Larry Graham.

I thank GOD for Larry Graham too.

The best things in life don't have PATENTS, or COPYRIGHTS.

(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on November 05, 2009)

otis · « **Reply #89 on:** November 05, 2009, 03:59:51 PM »

Here's some funk of a different flavor:

www.myspace.com/otiserie

Check out the video for Five Ton Mary

Peace;)

Frank

Author Topic: Alembic Jazz Bass. (Read 2008 times)

chrisalembic