Author Topic: Thanks for a Great 1st Year! (Read 330 times)

edwardofhuncote · « **on:** June 15, 2015, 08:14:04 AM »

Just wanted to send a note of Thanks to both the staff at Alembic, and all the Club members here on the forum.

I signed onto this forum for the first time one year ago this week, on the advice of fc_spoiler. (Flip) I had just fallen prey to (what turned out to be) a deceitful ebay deal and wound up with a Persuader 5-string that had all it's original electronics stripped out and replaced with Bartolini parts. After some advice from the regulars here, Mica helped me sort out what best to do, and then guided me through the rescue. The bass that emerged is my main go-to now. (and I'm currently planning a custom fretless mate for it)

http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/193837.html?1410204563

Wow, I can't believe it's been a year! Since then, I've received quite an education, and an even deeper admiration for these instruments, the people that play them, and finally, the remarkable people who build them.

Thanks All!

growlypants · « **Reply #1 on:** June 15, 2015, 08:45:04 AM »

Hey, thank YOU. Your highly educational posts on various things have continually opened my eyes a bit more!!

bigredbass · « **Reply #2 on:** June 15, 2015, 10:39:37 AM »

It was a hoot 'looking over your shoulder' as you bought this axe, restored it (terrific woodworking and repair skills), and ultimately, really enjoyed it. And like Dan, I've learned from your posts as well.

I always find it interesting that somehow these basses are far easier to work on than most, almost as if they were designed to never have to go back to Alembic.

All the Best,

Joey

5a_quilt_top · « **Reply #3 on:** June 15, 2015, 12:03:02 PM »

Greg -

It's been a pleasure welcoming you to the group. You've brought a lot of quality food for thought to the table.

And I like to eat...

mtjam · « **Reply #4 on:** June 15, 2015, 02:58:43 PM »

Happy Anniversary! Great to have you here!

sonicus · « **Reply #5 on:** June 15, 2015, 03:41:37 PM »

Congratulations! , Thanks for your contributions . You are a true asset for us here .

Wolf

FC Bass · « **Reply #6 on:** June 15, 2015, 08:12:42 PM »

Time flies when you're havin' fun! :-)

edwin · « **Reply #7 on:** June 15, 2015, 08:15:47 PM »

Thanks for joining us, you've become a crucial part of the family!

bigredbass · « **Reply #8 on:** June 15, 2015, 10:44:36 PM »

Well, I remember when you first came in, you wondering about what to do regarding ditching the Barts and re-installing the Activators.

I posited that Barts, EMG's, etc., were fine, but not the same thing as ALEMBIC pickups and their accompanying electronics, and that also this gear isn't for everybody, but IF you 'get it', there's really no other choice.

Obviously, you get it.

Now I've always wanted to ask someone with your skill set / experience / ears: Somehow, why does the straight ALEMBIC tone put me in mind of acoustic instruments somehow? Do you hear that, or is it just me?

Joey

keith_h · « **Reply #9 on:** June 16, 2015, 05:32:58 AM »

Congrats on your anniversary.

Somehow, why does the straight ALEMBIC tone put me in mind of acoustic instruments somehow?

To me I hear more piano like tone out of my basses than their acoustic equivalents.

Keith

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #10 on:** June 16, 2015, 05:38:16 AM »

I've actually thought about that a lot Joey...

I'm not sure this is the correct verbiage, or even if I'm on the right track - but I *think* it boils down to *accurately* reproducing an oscillating string, without either adding to, or sacrificing any of the factors that contribute to the output. Alembic literature most often makes reference to activators rather than the generic term pickups. I doubt it's coincidence that in a true acoustic (stringed) instrument, the oscillating strings *activate* the soundboard, the common idea between them I suppose, being to have as little impedance as possible in that process.

Building such highly developed musical instruments is relative no matter if it's guitars or violins. It's just that building an electric instrument of equal craftsmanship is a slightly different art... Alembic seems to have combined (literally) rocket science with old-school masterful luthiery. Having a slightly-better-than-basic understanding of how these things are made, I think may be why I appreciate the craftsmanship so much. I hope to one day visit the shop there... looking at the finished product in the showroom is nice, but I'm the guy who wants to watch them being made. Of course, *playing them* is what got me here in the first place!

Seriously, thanks for the welcome Fellas!

peoplechipper · « **Reply #11 on:** June 23, 2015, 08:27:35 PM »

A year already! and at the same time just really getting to know your bass...for me I wanted an Alembic because of Entwistle; the tone was massive and I wanted it; I play in a 3 piece where I sing and I don't have the skill to play lots of notes and sing at the same time without biting my tongue off; besides, some of the best music is simple and I like to think I can write that stuff (I kinda have no choice but to try...) anyway, my Distillate did it's job and better; I judge every bass against it and most don't measure up, even acoustically...