Author Topic: "IT"S AN ALEMBIC" (Read 1231 times)

palembic · « **Reply #15 on:** September 16, 2003, 01:39:32 PM »

Love your story Michael!
Most insulting thing?
Who was the brother (or sister) here to whom was said ...with a bass like a coffeetable???

Paul the bad one

bassplaynmatt · « **Reply #16 on:** September 16, 2003, 02:17:49 PM »

I have to say out of all the people who ever asked about my Epic 6 the most insulting one was a sound man, and he got me twice in one shot. He asked about the Alembic and then made that same Ibanez comparison
man you shuda got one of them Ibanez basses my buddy's got one and after that he asked if my Roscoe Fretless 6 was made by Fender or Gibson!!
May his gear explode and take him with it!

Matt

Manfred · « **Reply #17 on:** September 16, 2003, 03:18:10 PM »

I once had a studio gig. They told me not to take the Alembic because it was much to clean for their type of music. So I said, Ok, I will record some basslines for you, you can listen to it and you pick the bass sound that you like most and I will take that bass with me. A couple of days later I presented the cd with seven basslines on it. He made his choice. Ok Manfred, take bass number three and bass number 5 with you for the session. I smiled and said ok, I will. One week later I walked into the studio with my Alembic. Hey, he said, I told you not to take the Alembic. I just smiled and said, all seven basslines were recorded with this bass.

Or, hey, can I borrow your bass with x-mass. With all these leds I can use it as a x-mass tree this year. I will decorate it myself.

Manfred

dela217 · « **Reply #18 on:** September 16, 2003, 05:12:26 PM »

Playing every weekend to tourist from all over the world, it gets tiring to hear people ask about my Ibanez, or what ever they want to call it. You know, if you got to explain it, they won't get it anyway. Depending on my mood, but usually when someone says something like Is that an Ibanez? I just smile and say Yes.

malthumb · « **Reply #19 on:** September 16, 2003, 10:48:16 PM »

I was in a pawn shop once and the sales person was trying to convince me that a P-Bass with a generic fretless neck installed was the best bass I could find. I explained to him that I didn't really NEED any of his basses, 'cause I had three Alembics at home.

He said Olympic. Yeah I used to be sponsored by Olympic. They gave me prototypes of their Burner model when I was still touring.

Riiiiiiggggghhhhhttttt. The thought that was running through my mind was Dude, that flushing sound you hear is your credibility going bye-bye

Peace,

James

mattheus · « **Reply #20 on:** September 17, 2003, 02:36:04 AM »

I remember playing at a festival. We shared our 'dressing-room' with another band. The bassplayer from that band came up to me, and asked me if I had a 'real Alembic'. He stared at it, and sad; 'Man, that is a bass I would kill for.'
I must say, I had a very, very long night. I never let the bass out of my sight. Later on, when he asked me my adress, so we could stay in touch. I gave him a false adress. I said I lived in Sint Joris Weert in Belgium. The latest thing I've heard from him, is that he still driving around in that area, looking for a Series 2.
Anyway, this was a rare occasion. Someone actually recognised an Alembic. Mostly I see people in front of the stage, with their eyes fixed on the headstock; trying to read the name of the bass. It always ends up, with them asking me what kinda bass I'm playing.

Mattheus

palembic · « **Reply #21 on:** September 17, 2003, 03:36:30 AM »

Huh ...I noticed that dude, he is camping in the bus shelter at our front door.

About people satnding in front of the podium: th ething start when you see them slowly bend treir head upon their right shoulder and trying to focus their eyes well.

HA

Paul the bad one

alemboid · « **Reply #22 on:** September 17, 2003, 06:31:17 PM »

People freak on the tone of my basses at sessions here in New York. Funny thing is, so many are so picky about basses. If its not a Fender, they react with reservation. Once I plug in, the sound engineer laughs with joy because he doesn't have to spend 10 minutes trying to get a sound. They love the tone. About 40% realize its an Alembic when they see it.

Once I was performing at a concert in Seattle Washington on an outdoor stage. During the sound check, I layed out some nasty grooves with the SC Deluxe. About 2 minutes later, this guy comes running up to the stage and asks for the bass player. I asked why and he said it was because he was a block or two away and he heard what he thought was an Alembic bass! I laughed and said it was. Funny thing is, even my wife points out Alembic basses being played on songs on the radio when she hears them.

Most spectators remark about the tone and the look. I think almost all of them ask what kind of bass it is. I say Alembic, they say Olympic? and I say no, A-l-e-m-b-i-c.

After writing this, I have the urge to go and play! See y'all!

Bryant

jorge_s · « **Reply #23 on:** September 21, 2003, 02:42:17 PM »

Yes, yes, I've had my share of olympics and what the heck is that? comments as well. My favorite comment was from a salesman at one of these very large music stores who sell primarily entry-level gear. He told me that I should really just have a Fender like Jaco. Good bass players shouldn't rely on all those gimmics. I politely smiled and didn't say anything else. I agree with all of you that the moment somebody (hears) an alembic it really adjusts their perception of what a good bass is.

adriaan · « **Reply #24 on:** September 22, 2003, 03:19:50 AM »

So here I am tweaking the knobs on my Epic and on the big SWR rig, on the amateur stage of the North Sea Jazz Festival, when one of the sound guys pats me on the back. What bass are you playing? I turn around a bit to show him the headstock, he justs looks and smiles. He must have guessed by ear.

(Message edited by adriaan on September 22, 2003)

dannobasso · « **Reply #25 on:** September 22, 2003, 06:15:25 PM »

In answer to those who mentioned shirts etc. I put the logo on the back of a talent show contest here in NJ. Some found their way to the south and the midwest. So about 50 shirts are running around with my band's logo and The Wickersham's! Just doing my part. (my preamps and rigs were used and some strings were donated) Represent! I also heard that there are new Tshirts in the works. Be patient. For those of us who are not tye dye friendly, black will do nicely.

valvil · « **Reply #26 on:** September 22, 2003, 07:36:18 PM »

No need to be patient, Danno unless you need a Large size. T-shirts are avaialble now in 5 different colors, however most ( if not all) large sizes are sold out currently. Plenty of XLs in stock though. You can see pictures here:
http://club.alembic.com/Images/403/5475.html?1059177148

Valentino

jazzyvee · « **Reply #27 on:** September 23, 2003, 12:44:52 PM »

Mica, do any of your importers over here in the UK have the Tshirts? Getting one sent in the mail would be a bit costly i imagine with handling and shipping charges.

mica · « **Reply #28 on:** September 24, 2003, 07:12:57 PM »

I don't think they've ordered any yet, jazzyvee. However, Graham will be visiting us again in mid October, I'm sure he wouldn't mind carrying a few back.

I've got the shirts on the online store now. Postage to the UK isn't incredibly high, 1 pound by airmail letter post is $8.70 to arrive in 4-7 days. Airmail isn't a shipping option on the store, will just be added to the invoice.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #29 on:** November 27, 2003, 09:24:59 AM »

I spoke to Graham last week and he's placed my order for the SF-2 and............. a T shirt.
Hope they arrive soon...
Cheers
Jazzyvee