my AJ-II-JB

[McAllister]

I got one on eBay.

First, it's been modified with tuning pegs on the headstock. This is strange as there are tuners at the bridge, too. Not sure why that was thought prudent, and finding parts to put it back to stock seems unlikely. Gaining access to the bridge to replace the strings requires removing 4 hex-bolts; but you'd need to do that anyway with or without tuners on the headstock, so I don't see the benefit. I now have a 4-string bass with 8 tuners.

I've owed a lot of well-made basses in my life, including items by Gibson, Wal, Sadowsky, Rickenbacker, Carl Thompson, Warwick. All were beautiful in their own ways, but I sold them all as they just didn't do it for me. More often than not, my Jazz bass killed 'em or they were unusable except in specific musical situations.

My experience with Alembics is a few minutes a couple of times. Always wanted one but the circumstances were never right.

On first play this bass is great. Tonally like a J on steroids - bigger, brighter, more "there" if you know what I mean. I like the J-ish-ness of it though it's still it's own animal. I don't think it gets the low warm thump that a Fender can do, but then it's not supposed to. Lots more capacity in the upper tones than any Fender, even without the filter. It's detailed/accurate enough to make me correct lazy playing.

The neck is beautiful. Even with some finish flaws/dings and the fact it's a bit bigger than my Jazz, it felt close to perfect on first play. I know it's not a "proper" Alembic, but the workmanship is first-rate. I was concerned w a three-bolt neck but it is rock solid. The carved top is lovelier than the photos, and the small body is easy to hold (even sitting). It's beautifully constructed.

Controls are V, V, Filter - and I'd love to know what the filter does. Going from 0 to about 50% gives a usable tone. Anything higher than that gets a top, high noise. Any clue? I'd love to fix it and get full use.

I don't know when I'll gig with it but have some recoding sessions soon. I'll try it out and see how it does and report back, if you're interested.

Thanks.

Steve

[edwardofhuncote]

Here's a post to get you started using a low-pass filter: http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=308.0

There are quite a few more threads on using filters if you look around here.

With the lack of a Q-switch, (I'm *guessing* here), your bass is wired such that the Q setting is always on, producing an 8 dB boost of whatever frequency the Filter is set at, which can come off a little harsh depending upon what you're used to. There is a fairly simple mod to install a 2 or 3-position switch. The former is a 0-8 dB option, the second allows for a choice of 0-3-6 dB boost.

Play around with the existing controls for a while... you'll be surprised at how many sounds are available as-is.

[elwoodblue]

The Filter pot may need exercising , rotate it 50-100 times to clean the track.
It's good to get your impressions of these import Alembics, ...not many reviews online.


Cheers

[McAllister]

It is certainly a filter/boost, certainly not a strict pass filter. The hiss is not a function of a bad or dirty pot, but something in the circuit. I'll try and run that down.

The tailpiece is strange. 4 hex-bolts hold a wood (rosewood?) cover. This needs to come off to replace the strings. Pic attached.

I am no expert on wood, but the body appears to be a single piece of mahogany. It really is beautifully carved. And the neck is a single piece of maple (I think). The ebony fingerboard is a solid, thick slab. Frets are strange in that they are flat on top. I can't tell if this is stock or if they were dressed this way at some point, but it plays great, the action is where I want it to be. I haven't messed with the bridge or string adjustment yet.

I'll add more as I uncover it. Let me know if you have specific questions or would like to see precise pics of anything. I'll do what I can.

[edwardofhuncote]

That is a cool bass! 

Just a suggestion - the high-freq. noise/hiss may be due to a bad contact between the pots and shielding paint inside the control cavity... if so, a fast-n-dirty fix is just loosen and rotate each pot a degree or two, then re-tighten. If you have a little dab of shielding paint for a 'touch-up' that's even more ideal. 

I see now why these needed tuners on the headstock too... those are like fine adjusters on an upright or cello at the tailpiece end. Ingenious idea, if a little extra-tweaky... even goes with the viol-ish body design 

You might want to budget a good fret dress though... restoring the crown on them is going to vastly improve intonation and playability, beyond what you seem to already have.