Why I think Alembics are wonderful basses...

[spose]

yeah, that shot was from night before last.
We rehearse at a beautiful old theater in town.
 
I know this may sound odd..but that bass has become a big part of my identity. I couldn't imagine being without it. I've played and owned many other basses in the past, but always sell them off because they don't get played. Even when I did play my Fenders, I'd go back to the series bass and wonder...wtf was I thinking!! nothing compares to the balanced response of the series bass..nothing I have ever played.
 
 
yes, I feel the Alembic has helped me define myself as a player and has made me a better human being....hehe, just kidding about that last part  
 
I'm still a bastard

[hendixclarke]

I am the hardest motha#*& in the world, to please. I even irritate myself sometimes, Im so damn picky...
 
But just one look at my Alembic, wow. I am ok with the world's other flaws.

[white_cloud]

I dont think that its odd at all to feel such a connection with an instrument. When you have something that you truly love you are obviously going top become emotionally attached to it and incorporate it into your identity!!
 
Im also critical by nature and hard to please, the smallest details and imperfections can drive me nuts. Thats why I love my Alembic, no flaws there! Im already saving up fo the next one, he he he

[briant]

Aside from my own love of Alembic basses I wanted to add to this thread other people's opinions.
 
At any given gig I'll get at least one person who isn't even a musician to come up to me and ask about my bass.  They want to look at it and usually have a lot of questions about the woods used and whatnot.
 
More than any other instrument I've ever owned I have other musicians commenting on how amazing this thing sounds.  Be it other bass players, guitar players, drummers, singers... you name it.

[hendixclarke]

[hendixclarke]

Looking at the shape most Alembic Series I/II at the top, has an Asian/Eastern appearance. I call it a Temple Top and it's a beautiful and spiritual shape which is also dear to my heart.

[alembickoa]

I've started a little fund because I just can't stand not having an Alembic. My current bass is a wonderful instrument...great neck, sound, all of it...but it just ain't the '81 koa.
 
Maybe if I find the guy that tried to dump mine on Ebay...

[hendixclarke]

First of all, I am sorry about this Steve.  
 
If you still have the serial numbers from your bass, you should report it with Alembic.  
 
Also, for anyone looking to purchase an Alembic  
from eBay, please ask for the serial numbers before you even bid.  
 
I remember asking a seller to provide me the serial number on a bass on eBay, in a few hours I checked my email for his reply, and his ad was gone: just like that.  
 
Steve, if that's the bass pictured in your profile, it looks very expensive and if someone is bold enough to list your bass on eBay, I seriously doubt anyone would pay without reviewing the serial numbers with Alembic first in determining title. Otherwise, they risk getting ripped-off and still no bass trade. Who can trust a thief anyway?  
 
Steve, please follow up with Alembic and report it, if you had not already done so.

[bigredbass]

Why do I think they're wonderful basses?
 
Aside from the tone, the style, the quality?
 
They're the only basses that after I bought them, THEY own ME.  Just doesn't happen with Fenders . . . .
 
J o e y

[hendixclarke]

That was deep, even too deep for me to enter. For  no material object owns me.
 
I had traded one of my Alembics for a Strat, Tele, and a graphite neck Stein burg. I believed it was a great deal at the time, and today, I still feel this way.
 
To me, everything has a price or has a fair trade/exchange value, except my soul. Alembic's are in tune with my soul, only after I adjust the strings, and tone/volume/EQ controls for my taste. Other than that, its just a better refined tool.  
 
However, I would never go as far as to say: it own me. WOW. Does this hing on idolatry? (I hope not)
 
Alembic's are wonderful guitars and they are the best made (to me), but that is as good as wood, and metal, lacquers and glue can get, and money (not soul) I will pay.

[hifiguy]

Like any artisan-made, as opposed to mass produced, thing an Alembic is somehow imbued with the vision and substance of its makers.  A Jazz is a Jazz is a Jazz, and they are pretty fungible.  Every Alembic instrument is a unique individual with its own personality that is the result of the materials and the care that goes into constructing the instrument.
 
I certainly concur about an Alembic making one a better player as has been discussed above.  I think it comes down to the noise floor of the pickups and electronics being so low.  Small flubs and technique errors that would go unheard on a Fender are blatant and glaring through the all-hearing ear of Alembic electronics.
 
I do know this - if my house were on fire, I would run into it to save two things: my cat Max and my Alembic SCSS, a/k/a Sophie.
 
Paul

[bigredbass]

Nope, they really do own me.  No idolatry, false gods, etc., intended, with all due respect to my maker.
 
BUT . . at least they don't send me out for ice cream late at night!
 
Honestly . . . yes, they're tools, if lost them, life would go on, yadayadayada.  I s'pose I could live the rest of my life successfully without 'em, the Earth would keep spinning.  But for me, there really is NOTHING ELSE like them.
 
J o e y

[mike13]

Walked into Pro Audio in OZ in 1993 saw my first Alembic plugged it in had a play WOW!!! could not believe the differance to my 63 Jazz.
Bought it on the spot

[hendixclarke]

Some basses look like the era they were built. But Alembic basses, look good in every era.  
 
Look at a PJ bass, Vox's, I think 50's-60's.  
 
Look at Steinburg's, I think of punk-rock  
 
Look at Musicmans, I think of 70's  disco; same with BC Rich basses.
 
Era basses, fade out at the end of their era; which are results of poor vison.

[spose]

PJ's - slab mentality
Steinys - box mentality(bo diddly)
musicman - slab (same builder)
BC Rich - (I played a eagle bass for years) uh, it's just wrong.
Gibson - nothing good to say here
 
ALEMBIC - unique, thoughtful design, compliments the individual, refined tone. the standard by which ALL other non slab basses are judged.