This has been a fun read. Here's my story.
I was in GC (Chicago) last year because I just wanted to see what was there. There was no reason for me to think about buying another bass at that time, but I just _had_ to put my hands on something different that day.
So I wonder through the small back corner of the shop, randomly picking up various basses. After circling the are four or five times, I finally recognize the logo on the headstock and decided to give this fancy-pants bass a go.
Backing up a second. A few months earlier, a co-worker picked up a used Epic off the CL, and had been going on-and-on about how awesome it was. Since my friend was so impressed, I thought I should pay attention. So, while I had been aware of Alembic, THAT was the first time I spent time actually learning about the brand and products.
Back to the story. After I realize there's an Alembic on the wall, I figure OK, I should probably play this thing and see what it's about. At this point I had a neutral to negative impression of the instrument, thinking it was all hype and price.
Then I played it . . . for an hour.
No joke, I sat there for a solid hour just playing the damned thing thinking about what I'd offer and what I'd sell to pay for this thing. The sales dude finally came up, and long story short, we had a quick (and honest) conversation about what I'd be willing to pay and he accepted. While they were ringing it up, I called the missus to tell her that I spontaneously bought an expensive bass, but I had a plan to pay for it.
It's been over a year now, and I still love my Epic. What I loved, and love, about the instrument is the clarity of tone. Every pitch is clear and well distinguished from each other, and the tonal flexibility is FANtastic.
Though I'm more of a fretless player these days, I still love pulling out my Epic and spending some time just basking in the glorious, sweet sound. Sounds dorky, but it's true.
So, my first Alembic was a pretty amazing experience with a pretty good story, and it's a keeper. I'll own another someday. Who knows what it'll be and who knows when it'll be, but I look forward to that day.
Oh, and though I posted it under serials, I figure I should include the pic again here.
Then there's the F-1x I bought a few months later . . .
Joe
