Author Topic: Skill vs. quality instruments...? (Read 349 times)

neurotictim · « **Reply #15 on:** January 15, 2008, 09:05:01 AM »

Retirement doesn't look to be in the works for me... I think 10 years will be enough for this sailor. The Navy's not what it used to be.

After practice last night, I spent some time really playing all of my basses. Each one's got character and voices all their own, but the Epic is really the one now that's driving my need. I caught myself in the middle of practice naming the notes I was playing! I haven't done that in years.

Maybe I'll just keep on thinking I don't deserve an Alembic, if it inspires me like that. I seem to have some sort of subconscious need to prove that I'm worthy to play it.

Again, I know it's no $10K Series custom, but it doesn't need to be, for me.

georgie_boy · « **Reply #16 on:** January 15, 2008, 10:19:12 AM »

Have to agree with Peter's comment here, and yes, all good basses have their own voice-------I just prefer my Series bass
Will post some pics soon if I can figure out how to do it!?
Bracheen has very gratefully resized them for me, but just got to learn how to upload now
Thanks Sam for the work

George

glocke · « **Reply #17 on:** January 17, 2008, 09:11:25 AM »

I agree with the other comments. get the best you can afford, play it and enjoy it. One thing Ive noticed about my alembics, they are an inspiration musically, both by their sound and looks.

rami · « **Reply #18 on:** February 05, 2008, 03:44:33 PM »

That's why we've got to practice! I wear out my lesser Basses practicing so that I can play my Alembics.

jalevinemd · « **Reply #19 on:** February 06, 2008, 07:11:02 AM »

Maybe it's because I'm a guitar player and not a bass player...I don't know. But I find the complete opposite of what's been said here to be true. I'm an okay player. Self taught. Play for fun, you know the story. Anyway, I play so much better on my Alembics than my other guitars. I find that the outstanding build quality (wonderful neck carve and dimensions, etc...) allows me to play certain lines easier than on my other guitars. My Alembics don't emphasize my weaknesses, they help me overcome (or at least compensate for) them.

(Message edited by jalevinemd on February 06, 2008)

rami · « **Reply #20 on:** February 06, 2008, 03:56:28 PM »

Pulling out an Alembic definitely makes an impression on those who see it. They may expect more of you as a musician holding such an instrument. But the instrument doesn't make the musician; it's the hours and hours of practicing, numb fingers, split fingertips, tennis elbow, sore wrists, sore ribs, tendons, sore back and obsessive stubbornness and persistance that does it.
I finally completed learning all ten works of J.S. Bach for Bass. What it took to learn, memorize, and play each piece note for note cost me half of my sanity and took the mentioned physical toll and more. I actually see wear marks on the frets of my Jazz Bass - but those pieces sound oh so glorious on my Alembics - particularly my Series II.

Only then do I dare touch this magnificent work of art.

oujeebass · « **Reply #21 on:** February 06, 2008, 04:54:16 PM »

An Alembic shouldn't be viewed/played/owned as a means to and end,but as an ends to a way... If you can't resist go for it but you'll look really silly bippity boppin on one. I know I do
:>)

hendixclarke · « **Reply #22 on:** February 06, 2008, 05:46:36 PM »

The Alembic Bass.

Not even the so-called California dreamers of a Steve Jobs could copy a better bass.

briant · « **Reply #23 on:** February 06, 2008, 07:08:30 PM »

Alembic: The Real Man's Ken Smith.

(that was meant to be funny)

No one *NEEDS* to have an Alembic bass - or any really nice bass/instrument for that matter. If you can afford one there shouldn't be anything stopping you from buying one. Going broke just to buy one for the sake of owning one is another matter entirely - that's just stupid and irresponsible. An instrument isn't going to make you a better player - it only serves to allow you to get your musical point across better. Any good player can make a $50 Jazz bass knockoff sound good. How good it feels in your hands is another matter entirely... :-)

rami · « **Reply #24 on:** February 06, 2008, 07:31:45 PM »

I agree entirely. I'd rather spend 6+ hours each day learning and screwing up on my Jazz Bass before I pick up an Alembic. It's the reward for the hard work of practicing. I still look silly with it though. The next owner may be the Bass God that it deserves.

(Message edited by rami on February 06, 2008)

keavin · « **Reply #25 on:** February 07, 2008, 02:59:27 AM »

the best bassplayers are the ones that 'arnt' flashy........rami thats one badass lembic!

aquaman · « **Reply #26 on:** February 07, 2008, 04:15:51 PM »

I am a ham and egger player meaning I recognize my limitations. I am probably at best decent beginner. Still I have zero regrets owning a spoiler and exploiter. I appreciate the quality and workmanship of these beautiful instruments and can afford to own them. Why not enjoy the finer things? Anything sound wrong with that?

Bradley Young · « **Reply #27 on:** February 08, 2008, 02:49:57 PM »

I'm with you-- I'm just a middling player, but I am skilled enough to recognize quality.

hendixclarke · « **Reply #28 on:** February 08, 2008, 03:30:37 PM »

Alembic basses are for anyone, who is crazy enough to enter and assist people in discovering new bass sound definitions.

...and if you think in taking the cheap route, by purchasing Alembic pickups; and slap it on something other than an Alembic, you're still missing the amazing acoustics, and beauty like no other bass in the world could offer.

Just looking at my alembic at rest, I could imagine the sound alone, and make it real!

Even while it sits still, it wants to bite hard like a bull-dog at my side!

No other bass has inspired me to pick it up than my 76 shorty.

Alemic basses are truly legendary basses and probably will always be...

mike1762 · « **Reply #29 on:** February 08, 2008, 05:05:06 PM »

Back in the day I was considered a very good bassist and I was arrogant enough to be content with my skill level. Acquiring an Alembic bass really opened my eyes to a whole different realm of possibilities. An Alembic is unforgiving of sloppy technique and forces you to improve your playing. The tones are unlike anything I have ever heard. I had always used single PU basses, set everything on 10, and got my tone from the amplifier. Now I set my amp flat and get my tone from the bass!!! That being said, I've always considered an instrument a tool. I don't understand owning an Alembic and treating it as a trophy to hang on the wall and never touch.