New Bass, but not an Alembic

[ajdover]

Guys,
 
   I've purchased a Pedulla MVP 4 through Beaver at Bass Central.  Yeah, I know, not an Alembic, but I really dig the Pedulla.  I think Mike Pedulla and company approach their instruments much like Alembic does - quality, attention to detail, etc.  I've wanted one ever since I played one at a (yecch ... petuey ....) Guitar Center.  
 
Anyway, I thought I'd let everyone know, and post a pic of what it's going to look like (I have to wait about 8-10 weeks for it to get built and sent to me).  This isn't the exact instrument, but it's pretty close.  Enjoy.  
 
This will make 11 basses of various makes that I own.  And to think I started 2002 with only two ...
 
BTW, I still love my Spyder and my Europa.  Played both this evening ... through my SF-2!
 
Regards,  
 
Alan

[son_of_magni]

Congrats!  I've played a pentabuzz since around '90.  Doesn't see much use since I got the Alembic though.  They make nice equipment though.
SoM

[bkbass]

Sold three(4strg fretted,4strg buzz,6strg ET thunder bass)to help finance the last series II Rogue!Played them for close to twenty years.Mike helped me to sell them when he refused to make me one wired for stereo.He stated that it would upset the production line.I thought to myself that these are hand made basses and that they already have a stereo Bartolini preamp in them(the extra leg is used as a switch to turn the battery on/off).I offered this to Mike and said simply instead of wiring it from point A TO B wire it from point A TO C and charge me what you will.He refused and I understand and appreciate his integrity and consistency but realized that he needs to move into the 21st century and come out with some new designs and offer more etc.I went back to Alembic and had the last two Rogues made.When I request something from Alembic the answer has always,always been sure no problem.The two Alembics listed for just over 25k.I can't see how Mike can stay in business for much longer with out growing and keeping an open mind and ear to listen to his customers needs.That's how most companies grow and stay in business by listening to their customers.Still offer their bread winners but move forward.I had loved Pedullas for a good long time their truely fun to play.If Mike keeps up his current bias you might just be purchasing a premature collectors item.

[poor_nigel]

http://www.mtdbass.com/articles/pushing_the_envelope.pdf
 
Hey Barry.  You can find part of the answer at the URL above.  It is an interesting piece.  I wonder at times if Mike Tobias is a bit envious of Alembic, as he makes a great bass, but not quite an Alembic.  On several occasions I have read blurbs that dig at Alembic a tiny bit.  Below is one from the article at the listed URL.  Well, everyone has opinions, and we all get to express them.  Even me!  BTW - I think Mike is a great guy, and an exceptional craftsman.  It is the electronics in his basses that I find lacking.
 
Michael Tobias: Right, everybody's used to it, but in 40 years how much has the state of the art changed? Alembic came out in the '70s with these incredible basses, but they're not the state of the art today.
 
He is right, but sometimes right is not what really what counts.  I suppose Alembic could use the progressively elongating scales Dingwall gets by using the fan fretboards.  I suppose Alembic could jump into Lightwave technology, which I think is really cool.  I love Spalt's high-tech look, but I obviously love Alembic's classic designs more, as I own two Alembics and zero Spalts (That could change, as I do think they are really, really cool, especially with the Lightwave pick system!).  Maybe when something has reached a level of design and quality as to become art, it does not need to be state of the art.  Said poorly, but the point is there.

[bigredbass]

Boy, this really provokes an opinion . . .
 
I've read that thread previously from MT about ALEMBIC no longer being state of the art.
 
First, I have a lot of repsect for anyone who owns their own business.  Even more so for instrument builders:  Imagine having all of US for customers!
 
As for builders, I really respect those who have developed their own design ethic.
 
Pedulla's MVP/Penta is a design that has stood the test of time.  It rightly recognizes that a) basses can stand to be a little smaller and b) especially when they are ALL maple!  He's understandably branched out into other designs, but they could be anybody's bass and lack a 'Pedulla-ness' for me.  
 
Tobias is in the strange position of not owning his best-known work.  The bass design that he sold to Gibson is still, for me, his best work.  But it's now built and sold without his input, approval, or evolution.  The MTD neck thrus are as close to his old work as Gibson's lawyers will allow, and the Kingstons seem to be a subconscious rehash of MusicMans.  And, how state of the art can they be when he's buying Barts and Gotoh hardware?  Bartollini's state of the art?
 
Seems there are lots more interesting basses from lots of small builders.  You can name any number that strike your fancy.
 
But instrument evolution is a funny thing.  There's only ONE Steinway.  Loar figured out the mandolin early in the 20th century.  Who remembers truly friendly synths before the DX7?
We are still in the afterglow of Leo Fender's explosive 50s: the Tele, the Strat, and the Precision all born in a several year period.
Landmark instruments only come along once in a great while.
 
I understand Nigel's point:  From some perspectives, no, ALEMBIC isn't state of the art if you understand that to mean this month's latest market whim.  No piezo bridge.  No 18 volt electronics.  No string thru bridges. Or optical pickups, etc., etc.
 
But you know what?  The landmark instruments are timeless, fadless, trendless.  They impose themselves on WHATEVER is happening.  And their capabilities are evergreen:  It's the same Steinway at symphonies that are onstage on rock tours.  And from Stanley to hackers like me, it's the same ALEMBIC.
 
The very idea that a bass guitar could be a lifetime instrument, an instrument built to the class of a Steinway, a D'Angelico, a Selmer-Paris horn, originated with the Wickershams.  And the confluence of their hard-learned lessons of the repair business, the Dead's relentless quest for sonic brilliance, Ron's previous career as an engineer, and Susan's art, created a design AND capability that was unknown before they created ALEMBIC.
 
Think not?  Read all the descriptions of other basses:  Alembic-like, just like an Alembic, or my own eBay favorite NOT Alembic.
 
Find a better built instrument.  Find anyone else that builds their own hardware and pickups.  Open any other electronic cavity!  Find another stereo, phantom-powered, hum-tunable pickup system.
 
It's really quite simple:  When I take my Yamaha to a gig, it's just a nice, off the rack bass.  When I bring the ALEMBIC, I'm playing a legend.
You can't ask for more than that.
 
J o e y  
 

[rogertvr]

I've read that thread previously from MT about ALEMBIC no longer being state of the art - I didn't see that, where is it?  I've had a look around but I couldn't find it.
 
Cheers,
 
Rog

[senmen]

Alan,
nice bass you got there.
Great looking!
 
Enjoy
Oliver (Spyderman)

[palembic]

Brother Roger,
 
the quote from MIke Tobias is taken from a group discussion organised by Bass-Player magazine a couple of years ago. Some high-end bass-player gathered to discuss some issues on initiatieve of that magazine. I don't remember which but it must be lingerin' around here somewhere. There was also Gould (Modulus), Zon, Sadowsky, some dude of Ernie Ball I think and ... involved.
 
Paul the bad one

[poor_nigel]

Hey Alan.  That is a nice bass.  I hope you enjoy it big time!
 
The Article:  The MT quote was taken from the discussion at the link listed in my post above.  It defines the what's and where's of the discussion and lists all the particpants.  There is also a link at the bottom of the article that leads to blurbs on many of those present or discussed, including Alembic.  Just FYI.
 
Again, Alan, nice looking bass.  I have always wanted to try a Pedulla, but they simply do not exist up here in the Wasteland.  I hope you share more on it when you get it.  Thanks.

[dannobasso]

When I was really into Mark Egan years back, I almost bought a Pentabuzz that was in the Bassmint in Hackensack NJ. But when I engaged the preamp it wentboom. I still might pick one up some day. Congrats to anyone who chooses to expand their collections with different instruments. Even Stanley has other makes. Alembic will always be the top, and state of the art for me. They just suit me to a T. It is daunting but get to winter NAMM abd see all the makes and check them out. I barely picked up any basses to play while I was there. They just didn't interest me. But every day I check ebay for Alembic. I regret not jumping on the blue quilt for about $800.00! Enjoy your new bass AJ. May it inspire you and others.
Danno

[bkbass]

Hey Danno,THE BASSMINT?A place where no matter what it was ,it was never less than $1400.00?That must have been his monthly nut!If ever there was a parallel between N.J.Guitar Center it would have to be that store and the man himself.Great concept,Great ideas but the total ripoff stories I could spin would make your socks curl!Saw Kevin the other day at work to reconfirm our get together once my Rogue arrives.Why don't you come over as well?Or why don't we get together for that bass summit in NYC in early October?I can be reached at bkravitz@PANYNJ.GOV give me a holler and we'll exchange phone #'s.ajdover stuck on a desert island with 10 basses one would have to be a Pedulla Buzz anyone want to guess what the other 9 might be?Good luck with one of the bassdom's milestones.

[kmh364]

Barry, Danno: Sounds cool. Maybe you guys could teach a crappy old guitar & bass player how to play bass a little less crappy? LOL!  
 
Barry: Hopefully, Dr. Ron will do that voodoo that hedoo so well and finish your masterpiece soon. That thing is gonna be awesome. Good on ya, I got all I can do to play on something with frets, nevermind  a nekked FB.
 
Alan: Man, I wanna job like you! You da man! Another nice piece. Man does not live by bread alone, yada yada, and all that lot. I'm glad to see that the Alembic collectiove supports the good dealers by continually giving them new business.

[ajdover]

Guys,
 
   Much appreciation for all of the congrats on my impending Pedulla MVP acquisition.  I'm really looking forward to it.  Didn't realize my post would engender such a spirited discussion.
 
   I'm sure many of you are probably asking, why a Pedulla and not another Alembic?  Well, I've always believed that each instrument has its own personality (as we all know as Alembic owners).  Every time I've played a Pedulla, it's just growled.  I don't know how to describe it.  My Alembics are, to me at least, perhaps more refined, tighter, etc.  The Pedulla, in my mind and ear, is a bit looser, if I can describe it that way.  Sometimes that's what I want or need.  Plus, I just love the all maple construction.  It's my favorite wood for basses, and the Pedulla's got it in spades.  Of course, I could specify an Alembic in Maple, but I digress....
 
Someday, however, I'm going to save up enough money for a custom Series II.  I'm torn between a custom Spyder or a custom Europa.  I like those body styles most of all (oddly enough, I don't care for the omega cut outs, points on the bottom of the body, etc.).  If I do the Spyder, I plan to have it made as an exact replica of John Entwistle's Spyders, complete with the master volumes on the lower horns, inlays on the fingerboard, etc.  After hearing it on the reissued Kids Are Allright DVD, I just have to have one.  Now that's an Alembic that growls!  If I do the Europa, it will be a 5A quilt maple top, probably some custom inlays, with front laser LEDs (blue) and side LEDs (red).  Not sure what other custom features I'd order, but suffice to say there would be more.  Ahh, I can dream, can't I?
 
In the interim, I can afford the Pedulla, and it's a great instrument for the price.  Beaver at Bass Central gave me a great deal, so it was a no brainer.
 
Regarding state of the art basses, I think it all boils down to one thing: sound.  If you like the tone your vintage P-bass has, or love the flexibility your Series II gives you, then that's all that matters.  I've seen guys cram basses full of the latest electronics, hardware, etc., and it didn't make a difference in sound.  Conversely, I've seen guys use inexpensive gear that sounded absolutely amazing.  Indeed, Bill Wyman did many of the Rolling Stones' records with a bass he paid $30 for; Geddy Lee still uses his $200 Jazz Bass he picked up in a pawn shop.  I think most would agree those two bassists have influenced quite a few players, and they use(d) relatively inexpensive instruments.  Again, all goes to what one likes, cost be damned.  Some of my instruments I paid over $1K for.  Others I paid less than $500.  I love each one of them for their individual qualities, and they suit my tastes.  To each his own, I guess.
 
BkBass, you wrote:  ajdover stuck on a desert island with 10 basses one would have to be a Pedulla Buzz anyone want to guess what the other 9 might be?Good luck with one of the bassdom's milestones.
 
Thanks for the kind wishes.  The other nine basses would be: Alembic Spyder 4, 2003 Alembic Europa 4, '73 Fender Jazz Bass (black block inlays), '94 Fender Jazz Bass, '76 Rickenbacker 4001, '87 Gibson Thunderbird, '74-'75 Gibson Ripper, '79 Musicman Stingray, and an Ovation CC074 Acoustic Bass (just bought it in Korea in July).  If I could only keep one?  The Europa, though it would be a heart wrenching choice between it and the Spyder.
 
Keavin, you wrote: Alan: Man, I wanna job like you! You da man! Another nice piece. Man does not live by bread alone, yada yada, and all that lot. I'm glad to see that the Alembic collectiove supports the good dealers by continually giving them new business.
 
A job like mine?  Are you sure?  I get to go to exotic locales like Korea for months at a time, so you're welcome to it!  In fact, I'm in Korea as I write this.  BTW, I'm going to the musical instrument market while I'm here in Seoul, and I'm going to try to get pics of the Series I I saw there last time.  Will advise and post (hopefully).  And as far as being da man goes, well, as my wife tells me, I'm something, that's for sure!  Finally, I'm glad to give my business to Bass Central.  They've done right by me when I bought my Spyder (and pickups/active electronics for my Thunderbird).  Like others in this club, I give them a hearty recommendation (and also Superbass Steve).
 
Contrary to what some might be thinking, I'm not independently wealthy.  My wife and I don't have kids, so I don't have the same financial obligations that those of you with kids do.  That's the only reason I'm able to afford what I have.  If I had kids and I was buying things like I do, my wife would probably kill me!
 
Anyway, thanks again for all the kind words.  I'll post pics when I get it in a couple of months.
 
Regards,
 
Alan

[kmh364]

Alan:
 
I have the exact opposite...like BKBASS, I work for the Port Authority of NY/NJ. I can go anywhere I want as long as it's within a 20mi radius of the Statue of Liberty (a.k.a., the Port District), LOL! Actually, I don't get to choose...I have to consider myself lucky to be working in Joisey instead of NYC (I live in NJ). I keep hoping they get an agreement with the Port Authority of Melbourne (OZ) so I can transfer and keep my pension and lifetime benefits, LOL!
 
I can comiserate about the disposable income. I'm divorced and have no kids or a house (and no bills to speak of), so I can spend a fair chunk of what I make as well. Being a civil servant myself certainly doesn't help much with my undeniable materialistic needs though, LOL!

[David Houck]

Nigel, thanks for the link.  I read the article when it first came out in Bassplayer and I just reread it thanks to your link.
 
I disagree with Michael Tobias.  I can't think of a reason why a new Series II is not the state of the art.