Author Topic: A perfect non-custom Alembic (Read 180 times)

basstard · « **on:** September 22, 2008, 01:11:21 PM »

Hi again, I was pondering upon one thing: if you were to buy a non-custom Alembic (I wouldn't use the word stock in refference to any Alembic instrument ;-) I simply meant one without extra options, inlays, superfancy woods, with standard elecs, hardware, body, and headstock for a given model etc) what it would be?

In my case - a Rogue 5 with a zebrawood top, thankyouverymuch :-) Actually, it could be my lifetime main bass. I would search no more if I could find (and afford) one.

How about you?

keith_h · « **Reply #1 on:** September 22, 2008, 01:49:20 PM »

My main bass is currently a standard Brown Bass. It will most likely stay the primary bass I take when going out to jam or for a quick pickup gig.

After I receive my custom Series 1 I expect it will be the main gigging/rehearsal bass with my band. If I need a fretless then it will be my fretless Orion. The Brown Bass will be the backup bass I take with me.

Keith

basstard · « **Reply #2 on:** September 22, 2008, 01:59:31 PM »

Keith - but your Series I is going to be a custom-made bass (congrats BTW!) whereas I was asking about what would you choose if you were to buy a NON-CUSTOM Alembic :-)

keith_h · « **Reply #3 on:** September 22, 2008, 02:12:22 PM »

Jarek,
I have already made that decision. It's a Brown Bass and as I said it is currently my main bass and will most likely stay a major go to bass. You've got to keep in mind many of us have already purchased standard models so answers will be past tense.

Keith

bsee · « **Reply #4 on:** September 22, 2008, 02:34:12 PM »

I like a slightly narrower than typical string spacing and shorter scale lengths. Any short or medium scale Alembic five string with the classic neck taper would be perfect for me right off the shelf. While I play almost exclusively four strings of late, neither stock four string spacing really works for me so I had to have that customized. About the only other feature that is important to me is to have some dense woods in the neck for tone. A couple purpleheart stringers in the neck really make a difference in the solidity of the tone.

As much as I would love a Series bass, the electronics don't matter as much to me. Everything Alembic makes is just so good that even a lowly Persuader kicks butt tonally over every other manufacturer.

Right now, I would have to say an old Distillate five string would be the absolute best stock bass for me. Anyone have one to let go of for $2K or less? An SC Deluxe five string tuned EADGC would be great too, but they're about as common as the Easter Bunny in the real world...

-bob

basstard · « **Reply #5 on:** September 22, 2008, 02:48:57 PM »

Keith - oh how I wish it were past tense for me, too... It was close but no thanks to UPS... :-/

Bob - doesn't Hieronymous have a SC fiver tuned exactly that way?

bsee · « **Reply #6 on:** September 22, 2008, 03:09:03 PM »

Maybe, Keith, I remember seeing an SC standard floating around on the market recently, but I have to have that dense neck wood so I didn't go after it.

keurosix · « **Reply #7 on:** September 22, 2008, 09:04:15 PM »

For me, it is my 6 string fretted Europa. The 5A Quilt maple top is the only non-standard feature on the guitar.

Kris

andbassforall · « **Reply #8 on:** September 23, 2008, 01:27:12 PM »

I just ordered my first Alembic. The first Alembic I ever played was a Rogue with a Vermillion top in a store. I would have bought it back then if I could. You asked if you bought a Alembic off the shelf What would it be? I'd say Freakin' awesome, just like all the others off the shelf. Why do you think I ordered a custom? Let us know how it turns out.