Alembic Versus Fender

[funkyjazzjunky]

Will this be America's next Civil War?
 
Active versus Passive
 
Direct-to-Board versus Amped/Miked
 
Bolt-on versus Neck-thru

[FC Bass]

Alembic and Fender:
 

[hieronymous]

ditto
 

[briant]

Who cares?  Seriously.

[jeffbass4]

Is this somehow sacriledge to one or the other?  :-)  But is there an Alembic with a set of stock Jazz pick-ups?? Just thought I'd ask....

[David Houck]

Jeff; there was a recent discussion on the same issue as the title of this thread, and many of our members found that the course of that discussion became rather unpleasant.  Brian's post above may be a reflection of the fact that many here probably don't want to see the more negative aspects of that previous thread resurrected.  I doubt Brian was referring to the two basses pictured above, both of which are rather cool.

[elwoodblue]

Since the electronics and pickups in my '78 series one guitar are in need of repair, I currently have a gibson S-1 pickup, a G&L MFD, and a strat pickup in it (using the humcanceling cavity for the MFD).
 
So there is at least one downgraded Alembic around.
Still plays like an Alembic...it just sounds like a really cool Gibson/G&L/Strat hybrid.
 
At some point I plan to bring her back to being pure again  : )

[briant]

I doubt Brian was referring to the two basses pictured above, both of which are rather cool.
 
You are correct, sir.  I've actually thought really seriously about doing a hybrid Mike Lull M4 jazz bass with Alembic pickups.
 
I believe it is completely pointless to discuss/argue why one anything is better than another.  Due to the nature of the human race odds are exceptionally high that someone out there is not going to like something you absolutely love.  And vice versa.
 
Better conversation could be had talking about why you like a particular something so much.  What makes it so great in your eye?  What sets it apart from the other options that made you choose it?  Etc...  It's not better for everyone, it was just better for you.

[57basstra]

Tonight out of the blue I played my Guild The Lance Burnside offset Flying V bass with Alembic pickups (as shown in profile pic.) What a great sound!  
 
This was my first Alembic and made me want to buy more; but this one is not to be overlooked. It has its own unique voice.
 
I look at musical instruments as if they are kinda like people. Each one has its own place.
 
(Message edited by 57basstra on July 09, 2009)

[chrisalembic]

I look at musical instruments as if they are kinda like people. Each one has its own place.
 
That sums it up for me. Well said, David!!

[hendixclarke]

Why should I have to look at Fenders here???
 
Just kidding... NO I AM NOT KIDDING...
 
Just Kidding... NO I AM NOT...
 
Just Kidding... [GAGGED - and CAN'T SPEAK]

[jeffbass4]

Dave, my post was really more in jest. I saw the other post and didn't like the negativity either. People have opinions and I say to each their own. From the post about the Mike Lull hybrid, can you just use the Alembic pick-ups with existing electronics or do you need the whole electronics package? Sorry, don't know how that works on these...

[David Houck]

Jeff; because the pickups are low impedance, they work best with Alembic electronics.

[gtrguy]

Flip: Fender prodigys rock.

[southpaw]

I love both... I have an old P & Jazz bass both with flat wounds strings for that old motown, jazz, blues sound and I have two Alembics with round wounds.  Best of both worlds, apples & oranges...