Author Topic: Series Fixer Upper (Read 579 times)

dwmark · « **on:** April 23, 2005, 10:32:16 AM »

I recently bought a late model Series from another club member and last night was the first time the rest of the band saw it (at a practice). My drummer especially liked it. When I told him that this one was a bit too nice to play out with, he came up with the perfect solution--buy another one that wasn't as nice for that purpose. So, here's what I'm looking for--Series bass (five string preferred but fours will be considered); body issues OK (nicks and dents that is--no body integrity issues); electronics in good order (but old electronics acceptable). Not looking to spend a ton but no reasonable offer scoffed at. Anyone looking to thin the herd?

glocke · « **Reply #1 on:** April 26, 2005, 02:35:09 AM »

hmmm...too nice to play out? nonsense, alembics are meant to be played and seen...take it out with pride, just put it in the case immediately between sets or any other time you are not playing, and don't let anyone else touch it....have any pics of your new bass to show off?

dwmark · « **Reply #2 on:** April 26, 2005, 06:58:40 AM »

I bought Rob's bass http://club.alembic.com/Images/631/7369.html?1083627138. I have been coming around to your thinking, but am an Alembic newbie and saw a lot of postings in which members said they didn't play their Series out (just used it for recording). I'll still grab an older one if I can but will be using this for gigs. Thanks.

dw

serialnumber12 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 26, 2005, 07:00:12 AM »

Click here daily and you might catch your-self a big fish@:http://search-desc.ebay.com/alembic_W0QQfromZR10QQfsopZ1QQftsZ2

David Houck · « **Reply #4 on:** April 26, 2005, 07:28:04 AM »

DW; that's a great bass, congrats on the purchase! If I owned that bass, I would be taking it out to gigs. Of course maybe you play in places that are a lot more dangerous than the places I play!

rklisme · « **Reply #5 on:** April 26, 2005, 08:54:13 AM »

Hey DW

I have to agree with Dave and Greg, I didn't wait my whole life to finally get an Alembic so I could hang it on the wall at home. However if you are more into collecting than playing I understand. I know you are resistant to possibly destroying the instrument but they are pretty tough. You now have the ability to create tones never known before to you, get out and share it with the world and make others jealous while you are at it!

Rory

keith_h · « **Reply #6 on:** April 26, 2005, 09:26:35 AM »

Ditto for using bass on gigs. I just wouldn't leave it unsupervised between sets or when setting up or tearing down. You can also look into insuring it for replacement cost. If you already have a home owners or renters policy you might be covered. It doesn't hurt to call and check.

Keith

dwmark · « **Reply #7 on:** April 26, 2005, 10:24:06 AM »

Actually, everything on the calendar is very suburban, so (fortified with your opinions), I'm heading out with it. After I call my insurance guy. Thanks again.
dw

goatfoot · « **Reply #8 on:** April 26, 2005, 10:51:34 AM »

Congrats dw on purchasing Rob's bass.

I was seriously considering making a run for it myself. I decided to stick with what I have and possibly upgrade the electronics. Still, I'll probably regret passing up what could be my only chance of owning a Series.

How do you like it? Any trouble adjusting to the 36 scale?

Kevin

dwmark · « **Reply #9 on:** April 26, 2005, 11:17:43 AM »

The scale is a little challenging but the tone is worth it (although I have to admit that I don't have prior Series experience and am not sure what is resulting from the electronics and what's coming from the length--whatever is causing it is producing the most incredible sound I've ever produced). I have a 35 scale on another bass, so it's not like going from only playing short or medium to it. Bottom line is that it's enough different that I'm pretty much limiting myself to using just the Series to get my hands in shape for it. Not exactly the kind of hardship that will get the rest of you praying for me, I suppose. If that's as hard as life gets, I guess we'd all be able to deal.
dw

palembic · « **Reply #10 on:** April 26, 2005, 11:34:43 AM »

Hi David,

good catch ...nice bass.
Just a thought: for 8 years I only owned one (1) bass: Bonnie! Most of the club members know her by name. Take a peep at: http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/2475.html?1104965051
She's a Series I with Series II electronics (in the name of the species we use nowadays).
Just saying that I used her on stage exclusively for almost 7 years.
Of course she has her dings and scratches from being on the road but seeing what life did to MY hart and soul ...I can live with that. Again: no insult or evaluating of actions wanted to give here.
Amazing: people always want to grab (and steal) Broomstick who is a Squire Fender Jazz copy. Bonnie was never seen as an interesting bass: apart of the sound of course.
I am a full monty Series II player -like brother Jan the River one on Marylin here in Belgium. But ...that is another story.

Paul the bad one

dwmark · « **Reply #11 on:** April 26, 2005, 12:09:44 PM »

Paul

Thanks. I know you've heard this, but she is a beauty.

dw

dwmark · « **Reply #12 on:** April 27, 2005, 01:57:53 PM »

I was thinking about Kevin's question about the scale and I remembered seeing a 39 scale on a bass on another site. For what it's worth, check this out http://www.luthiersaccessgroup.com/isknuckle1.html (and think about doodling around on your low F# string).

goatfoot · « **Reply #13 on:** April 28, 2005, 06:20:38 AM »

To clarify things a bit. My Rogue is 36 scale and I love it. I don't think I'd go with a shorter scale for a 5 string. That's why Rob's bass was so tempting to me. How many 36 5-string Series II's could there be? dw, if you're ever thinking of selling then give me a holler first. ok?

I was thinking of trading this bass to Rob because I really wanted a Series. But instead I'm thinking of upgrading the elecs (http://club.alembic.com/Images/402/17465.html?1114692315). It might have been cheaper in the end if I had swapped with Rob.

Kevin