Author Topic: Alembic meets Dr. Frankenstein! (Read 229 times)

lbpesq · « **on:** September 09, 2006, 10:23:23 AM »

Check out the mods on this one!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Alembic-Epic-Fretless-5-String-Bass-Bartolini-Pickups_W0QQitemZ190029708483QQihZ009QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Bill, tgo

jacko · « **Reply #1 on:** September 09, 2006, 07:57:44 PM »

I'm not sure I understand why anyone would replace Alembic Pups with bartolinis. Surely the point of Alembics are their electronics.

Graeme

57basstra · « **Reply #2 on:** September 09, 2006, 08:22:11 PM »

As stated in the seller's sales pitch, This is a one of a kind. I feel certain it will remain so.

crgaston · « **Reply #3 on:** September 09, 2006, 11:07:37 PM »

I don't play fretless, but I can certainly see how this could be an amazing bass, both from a playability and sound standpoint. Alembic isn't the only company to make good sounding electronics, and not everyone wants the Alembic sound. The construction is still there, and almost nobody else offers the tweakability of an Alembic. I really enjoy my Modulus with Bartolini pups and electronics, and can easily imagine how this bass would sound. We tend to think of Alembics as sacred, and generally, the mods I have seen done on Alembics in the past have detracted from rather than improved the instruments. That said, I have to admit that this particular bass appears to be a well-done alteration with a specific sonic goal. (It's not like someone replaced SII electronics with Barts.) It may be a Frankenbass, but my guess is that it's one hell of a monster.

Charles

georgie_boy · « **Reply #4 on:** September 10, 2006, 10:36:57 AM »

Hi graeme!
Just to say that I have Bartolini's on my Curbow bass and I must say----they are not to be dismissed as light hearted copies---With the active EQ, they are quite superb!!!--------Maybe not SERIES class, but VERY good all the same. Could it be that someone has replaced the pickups because they prefer the sound of Bartolini?

Please forgive me for this transgression-----it happens when you get old!

G

lbpesq · « **Reply #5 on:** September 10, 2006, 01:16:07 PM »

But guys, how about the fretboard treatment?

Bill, tgo

crgaston · « **Reply #6 on:** September 10, 2006, 07:01:22 PM »

Pedulla Buzz fretless boards are like that, and it's not that dissimilar to a fretless graphite-necked bass. There have even been aluminum fretboards made. I wouldn't do it myself, but again, looks like it was done well. I listened to the recording, too. It sounds great.

Charles

jacko · « **Reply #7 on:** September 11, 2006, 12:50:37 AM »

I'm going to stick my neck out here and say I don't see the point in 'epoxying' the fingerboard. Surely the tone of a fretless comes from the interaction between the string and the wood of the fingerboard. Hardening up the fingerboard is going to radically alter the feel and tone. Now I know some people want to have that feel but to me, the customisations on this epic suggest the seller would have been better off buying a pentabuzz in the first place.
And george, I've nothing against Bartolinis, just can't understand why someone would buy Alembic (and you're buying it for 'that' tone) and then change it.

Graeme

Manfred · « **Reply #8 on:** September 11, 2006, 04:26:13 AM »

I think the answer to that is quite easy. The bass is for sale. So the seller must have the same thoughts.

Manfred

keurosix · « **Reply #9 on:** September 11, 2006, 07:11:15 PM »

A lined fretless may have a noticable sound to the fret lines that can also wear faster than the fingerboard. It stands to reason that a finish over this would keep the playing surface even, and less chance of a sonic clue to the lines. The lines do help for fingering too, so it is a best of both worlds compromise. Personally, I would not bite without Alembic electronics though. Barts are good, but Alembics are best. Why settle for less?
Kris