Author Topic: Kawai "Alembic" style basses. How are they?? (Read 340 times)

bobbo_77 · « **on:** February 02, 2006, 07:22:35 PM »

Hola,
Question. I've had Alembics in the past. But, never tried those Kawai FIIB basses. If anyone out there has one, or played one, can you get a decent Alembic tone? How's the craftsmanship? As of now, can't afford the real thing, but this can get me sort of close!
Bobbo 77

811952 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 03, 2006, 05:58:13 AM »

From what I recall has been posted to this site, they seem to be pretty close to the real thing until you actually play one, at which point they sound hollow and utterly without balls or sustain. I remember seeing them years ago at a show, but I don't recall what it was like to play one. I think you'd be far better off saving your loose change for a couple of years and buying an actual Alembic off of ebay...

John

flaxattack · « **Reply #2 on:** February 03, 2006, 06:08:39 AM »

the neck was super wide also adn i think its 35 scale
i had one but couldnt play it...
teeny fingas....
alembic tone- naaah
only alembic sound like alembic
even my variax 705 series setting doesnt sound like an alembic- close no cigar

bassman10096 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 03, 2006, 07:36:08 AM »

Those who have reviewed them seem to like them - but I don't think any of them had ever played an Alembic. Ironically, I started out thinking the same general thing you describe: I can't afford an Alembic. Is a Kawai the next best thing? What I found, much to my surprise and delight is that used Alembics can be found for much less than you'd think. I picked up a very nice Spoiler for under $1,000 and there are certainly prices on worthwhile Alembics closer to $750 on occasion.

Ask yourself this: Would I rather spend $350 to $500 to settle for a knockoff that won't deliver like the real thing (not even close, from what I think I hear)? Or do I live with my GAS pains long enough to save a couple hundred more for an Alembic (which will hold its price, by the way)?

Judge for yourself, but I was very glad I held out for an Alembic. Good luck.

Bill

(Message edited by bassman10096 on February 03, 2006)

bobbo_77 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 03, 2006, 11:20:15 AM »

Thank's for all the replies Cat's! Guess I better start saving!
Bobbo 77

David Houck · « **Reply #5 on:** February 03, 2006, 04:43:24 PM »

Bob; I don't know what your economic situation is, but used Alembics can be had for fairly reasonable amounts. Epics are the least expensive models and there are a lot of them out there; a used Epic can generally be purchased for less than a grand. Also, used Alembics generally hold their value or even increase in value over time; unless you pay significantly more than current market value. So for instance if your budget was $800, you could probably pick up a nice Epic; then later on when you've saved some more funds, you could probably sell the Epic for what you paid and get a more expensive model.

bigredbass · « **Reply #6 on:** February 03, 2006, 06:10:41 PM »

They're like most cheap basses . . . the woodwork's OK till you get right up close when you find out where they really saved money was on the electronics. If you simply must have one, steal it CHEAP . . . because you're never gonna get more than that out of it.

The other big problem with cheap basses with pickup sizes OTHER than the standard P,J, MusicMan, or the various soapbar sizes that EMG or Bart use: If you really like the bass but hate the pickups, UNLESS you're willing to do major surgery, you're stuck with what's in there now. I learned THAT one the hard way . . . and even in a turkey, without first-class pickups you're just DEAD.

Like I said a few days ago, I'd MUCH rather have a Jazz Bass copy with ALEMBIC Activators and circuits than the 'East Meets West' Featured Custom re-done with Fender pickups!

J o e y

flaxattack · « **Reply #7 on:** February 04, 2006, 07:28:15 AM »

anyone look for reviews in harmnony central?

bsee · « **Reply #8 on:** February 04, 2006, 09:21:41 AM »

Lot of uncharitable comments here, I think. Kawai is a company that makes some very high end pianos. While their basses certainly aren't Alembics, their 80s FIIB models weren't exactly cheap either.

With regard to the investment, the FIIB models have been pretty stable in the $500 price range for several years. If you can get one for that price or less, then you should be able to get at least 90% of your money back very easily. If I were looking for a bass with $500 to spend, I would consider one of these. Just know that it's a nice instrument and not an Alembic. Nothing else is.

bassman10096 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 05, 2006, 07:22:33 AM »

All those positive reviews of the Kawai's must mean something. Kawai is a top flight instrument maker. It's not a crime for an ax not to be an Alembic, after all. It's probably too bad the Alembic knockoff styling prevents these basses from being evaluated strictly on their own merits.

811952 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 05, 2006, 09:32:35 AM »

Timing is everything, I suppose. Last night a guy approached me as we went on break and asked if I was playing an Alembic (shocking in itself, especially at a corporate awards shindig). We chatted for a bit and he told me that he was a guitar player but owned a Kawai bass and really loved it, even though he knew it wasn't nearly as nice as an Alembic. He was a Stanley fan.

John

bassman10096 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 06, 2006, 05:47:26 AM »

Too bad Kawai's can't be viewed on their own merits. People do seem to like them: http://www.harmony-central.com/Bass/Data4/Kawai/F2_B-01.html. In fact the comments sound like some of the good things you hear about Alembics. Sounds like a pretty good bass for half a grand.

811952 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 06, 2006, 07:08:50 AM »

We are a jaded lot.

bassman10096 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 06, 2006, 10:34:38 AM »

I guess...

jalevinemd · « **Reply #14 on:** February 06, 2006, 10:38:19 AM »

Sometimes I think jaded is an understatement. But, then, my wife never told me I was the easiest person to live with.