I want to own an alembic!!!

[josh_emmons]

I am saving to get an alembic, but i am not so sure which one i should get... i love the stanley bass, but im not sure about the short scale, what bass should i get?? i like the crown headstock, and i like natuaral wood. Any bass? If so please post a photo and say how it plays.

[811952]

I don't think there are any *bad* choices with an Alembic.

[dlbydgtl]

I have a King Deluxe and Europa, Either way, you can't go wrong! love em both. The best move i ever made in my musical journey. The only hard part is picking the options for my next Alembic? John

[ajdover]

Josh,
 
   As someone who's owned/still owns a Spoiler-Exploiter, a Europa, two Essences, an SC Signature Standard, a Dragon's Wing, Spyder Limited Editions, Epic, and most recently a custom Series II, I'd offer the following.
 
Find someone in your area that owns an Alembic.  See if you can  try it out (if there's a dealer in your area, this is much easier obviously).  Better yet, try it on a gig if possible.  Play around with the controls, particularly filters/Q switches.  See what works for you given the music you're making.
 
I became an Alembic owner in 2003.  I started with a Spoiler-Exploiter.  I found the electronics a bit limiting, so I moved on to a Spyder (Anniversary Electronics) a Europa (Europa Electronics) , then later the Dragon's Wing (Signature Electronics), Essences (Essence Electronics), an SC Sig Std (Signature Electronics), an Epic (Epic Electronics) and finally the Series II (Series II Electronics).  What I found was this ...
 
The Signature, Essence, Epic, and Series II electronics suit the music I play most of the time.  This is why I no longer own the Europa, Spoiler/Exploiter, and Spyder.  As great as they are, they weren't my cup of tea.
 
Again, try to play a bunch if you can.  Figure out what works for you.  Then buy one if you can.
 
Best of luck,
 
Alan

[garth4664]

Hello Josh,
 
Not sure what your budget is, but my take on this is: (que absolute horror on others faces) - there are Alembics, and then there are Series 1 and Series 2 Alembics. With the other Alembic models they are comparable to nice boutique basses (Fodera, Carl Thompson, Warwick Infinity etc.) but they are a little watered down in comparison to a Series 1 or 2.
 
If your budget is small start on something like a 2nd hand Distillate/Essence/Epic off ebay or from a club member here, but bear in mind that it is likely you will eventually want and own a Series 1 or 2.
 
My advice is, if you can afford it (both time and money wise) - Find a nice 2nd hand Series 1 or 2 and skip the intermediate step all together. It will actually save you money in the long run as you won't need other basses (I've been through this and sold some beautiful instruments because they do not measure up to a Series Alembic).
 
Others may disagree on this, but at least first try a Series 1 or Series 2 before deciding what to do, you may find that you no longer want to own a car/investment portfolio/grandmother.  I would sooner give you my house than part with my Series 2 Custom.
 
Good luck and welcome to the family

[josh_emmons]

Thanks guys! also, would the alembic sound good with a church band?

[slawie]

I used to play in a church band when we were living in San Jose.
I never heard a bad word about the sound and in fact all the comments were positive.
I play a fretless series I 75-251S pictures of it here somewhere. My rig was a Fender BXR300 and
300w 15 plus twin 10 at 100w. Never had the opportunity to arc it up in church although I played  
the San Jose cathedral and I got to bring it
up to about 5 during a solo.
The series I gave me such tonal range that I had never experienced with other instruments.
 
I agree with Garth +1 - If you can afford it go for a series instrument.
 
slawie
 

[funkyjazzjunky]

Josh,
 
I am six-two and ex-military (I am used to a back-pack) so I want a long scale bass and weight is not an issue.  If you are smaller, a lighter short scale Alembic may be an option.

[fmm]

I use my Series I in a church band most Sundays.  No problems at all.

[jbybj]

FWIW, I have never owned or played a series Alembic, but my Epic and Europa are better feeling, sounding, looking basses than any other boutique instrument I've had my hands on.
 
I am of the opinion that, within the Alembic universe, the feel of the bass in your hands, is far more important than the electronics package. Neck profile, scale length, weight, upper horn placement, mean everything to me. You can always get yourself an SF-2 if you want more tonal options.
 
I wasn't looking for my first Alembic, I just picked up an unknown instrument in a used shop, and was immediately blown away by how it felt and played. I fondled it for 15 minutes before I plugged it in, or even knew it was an Alembic. And I was smitten after 10 seconds.
 
If you can't get your hands on one easily, wait and watch, and buy the first one you find that looks like you would enjoy playing, that you can afford. Best of luck,
 
JBY

[glocke]

I am the  owner of series I,  series ii, signature deluxe basses, and a former owner of an Elan, I agree with others that say you should just wait for a used series bass, you won't regret it.   A used scsd wouldn't be a bad option either, but a series bass is worth waiting for (I waited ten years for one!!).  
 
As others have said, try and find someone local who will let you spend some time with a series bass.

[LMiwa]

OK, I'll jump in with my two cents worth...
 
I find there are two things that determine which Alembic to buy - the neck shape/width and the electronics.
 
If at all possible, before you buy an Alembic try both the classic and comfort taper necks - especially if you are looking at more than 4 strings. There is a big difference in the feel of these two necks. There is no better but you will want what works best for you.
 
The non-Series electronics are way better than any other brand that I've tried. There is absolutely nothing wrong with them. Again, if you can try both types of electronics, you can decide if the upgrade to Series electronics is worth it to you. For some it is, for others it isn't.
 
The nice thing is that no matter which Alembic you choose, it will be a great instrument. The only question is Which Alembic is best for you? and really, only you can answer that.
 
Just my opinion...
 
Loch

[jazzyvee]

My first Alembic was a  SC Deluxe and I'm always impressed with the sound of it and wouldn't feel hard done by If I never managed to get a Series Bass. SC has the shape and build quality of a series bass and I'm fairly sure that no-one is going to seriously tell you that an SC bass sounds below par because it's not a series bass. They are a great affordable alternative to a Series Bass ( unless you are in the UK hahhaha).
 
So don't overlook a signature bass in your search.   I also have An Europa 5 and an Elan 4 with Europa Electronics and they both sound fantastic and importantly, different.  
 
The point I'd like to make is that, just because the series basses are the pinnacle of alembics sonically, it doesn't mean that you will automatically prefer their sound over other basses in the Alembic Range. They all have a family sound but with a difference so if you can get to play or listen to a few you will get an idea of what variation in sounds you can get from the alembic models. Listening to some instrument clips on you tube is a good start even though you won't get full quality you can get an idea of what the various models sound like.  
 
Also there is the situation stated in other places on the forum about the worries of taking such expensive series basses to gigs, tours & rehearsals for fear of damage or theft hence the use of other basses instead ( beaters).  
 
I'm in agreement with Loch that they will all be great instruments whichever you choose to buy.
 
 
Jazzyvee

[mike1762]

I think a used Spoiler is a great place to start.  It's neck-through, has a Q-switch, has great balance, and is a medium scale.  They don't cost so much that you would be afraid to gig with them and they hold their value (so you can always get your money back if it doesn't turn out to be your thing).  I'm not a twiddler when it comes to tone... I find it then leave it alone; therefore, the simpler electronics of the Spoiler is a plus (for me).  The Series tone is altogether something different.  It might not be what you are looking for; as such, I don't know that I would advise you to buy one blind. But then again... (as long as you buy used) you can always get your money back on resale.  The set-neck models might be a consideration for you as well: they have traditional tone controls and will be more familiar to you.  I picked-up a used Orion for $1,000 and I find myself noodling around on it all the time.  The only thing I would caution a new Alembican about is the (sometimes) less than ideal ergonomics of some body shapes.  The SC is a joy to play, but neck-dive is a real issue.  The Standard Point is also a little neck heavy and it hangs toward the neck, thus making those first positions a real reach.

[dadabass2001]

I've used my fretted Epic  in church several times. (I fill in when the regular player can't make it), gotten compliments and no complaints.
Mike