Author Topic: Pic: 1975 rosewood-top Les Paul Custom (Read 839 times)

bigbadbill · « **Reply #30 on:** December 15, 2003, 01:25:16 PM »

Hi guys
I still haven't found a great sounding Jazz, 20 odd years on! Still, I think that's more to do with me than anything else; I've played/owned a few that sound great when other people play them, but not when I do! I just don't really get on with them; never have. I completely agree that the majority of Alembics sound great (in my experience) and that they are generally far more consistent than other basses; I suspect that the sustain block and the electronics have quite a bearing on this.The set necks I've played, without sustain blocks and with simpler electronics, seem to vary a great deal more, probably because of the greater impact of the differing woods on the sound of the bass.Interestingly of course the Yamaha SG also has a sustain block and they also seem fairly consistent soundwise in my experience.

I've played many other fantastically built basses that I have no time for soundwise though. Still, not a problem as long as Alembic keep producing basses!

One other thing, it looks like 72 was a good year Rami (my girlfriend was also born then so she'd agree!); strangely many of the nicest older instruments I've played were made in 72. Must've been something in the air...wierd!

All the best

Shaun

musikill · « **Reply #31 on:** December 29, 2003, 12:03:43 PM »

I have to agree with Rami. I love my '72 highly modified P-bass turned low impedance Jazz bass with custom (and I mean custom) onboard active parametric eq. that bass plays wonderfully and the sound is as close to Alembic as I have ever heard. in fact with Q off the Alembic and my modified Fender sound frighteningly close. Interesting because the approach to the electronic design is totally different. I can expand on this if anyone is interested.
I also own a very early G&L 2000 fretless. I called G&L about this bass when I bought it in 1989. I had the privilage of speaking to Leo Fender - you could actually get him on the phone at that time. He was very interested in my bass and after about 10 minutes he confirmed that it was a preproduction bass that he had personally supervised the production of. The bass is beautiful and wonderful to play as well. I am of the opinion that while Alembics are without doubt at the top of the pack, there are many fine basses made by pioneers that had they not come first there may not be an Alembic. I also agree with the common thought that both Fender and Gibson are now typical big business and buy companies just to destroy them. Unfortunate in light of what the early days of the music (and instrument) business represented. I disagree that Fender and Gibson are no longer making good instruments (as long as they are the US made models). I still find a Gibson Les Paul, SG, and Fender Strats and Jazz basses to be great guitars with great sound. I also think the Fenders coming out of their custom shop are very nice. With the discounts you can usually get in a music store, these are great buys for those that may not be able to afford an Alembic. I frankly never thought I would own an Alembic but I am getting close to 50 yrs old - and only now could make the purchase, and used at that. I would have a hard time justifying $6k - $8K for a new custom Alembic. So for many, the custom Fender is not a bad second choice. We need as many instrument makers as possible because there are that many different people playing - and we don't want to all sound the same now do we. Wouldn't you hate to see everyone with an Alembic? It would take the special aspect of owning one out of the picture.
Just my thoughts for what it's worth,
greg

palembic · « **Reply #32 on:** December 29, 2003, 12:30:44 PM »

Brother Greg...

and there are brothers who call ME eloquently ...wew ...brothers and sisters raise from stools, chairs, coaches and beds (yessir-indeed-sir-you-too) and give this man a warm applaus for these fine words.

I say amen to that!

Paul the bad one

musikill · « **Reply #33 on:** December 30, 2003, 03:25:20 PM »

Thank you Brother Paul.
I am thinking of starting a new career as a televangelist. Please send me $19.95 and I will see that you are well taken care of in the afterlife. Not that I'm suggesting you rush to get there but you should get your payment in early just in case.
greg