Sound query - how "Alembic" is a Rogue?

[bigbadbill]

Hi people, it's a long time since I've posted here. Hope everyone is well.


Several years ago I had to sell my custom Triple O due to back problems. Now it seems new Alembics have significantly increased in price to way beyond what I can afford, so custom is out of the question. So, between back problems and the financial situation I'm thinking about a used Rogue 4. The thing is, it's probably well over a decade since I last played one and I didn't get to spend much time with it even then. So, how "Alembic"-sounding is a Rogue, since both the pickups and circuitry are different to the bulk of the other Alembics? Can it do the Stanley / Mark King thing? Is it both clear and growly? Does anyone have any sounds samples? I've Youtube-d and found nothing.


One other question, possibly for Mica, is it possible to obtain new saddles, and possibly a tailpiece if required, with narrower string spacing to mimic the normal Alembic spacing? The fact that that would bring the strings away from the edges of the neck wouldn't bother me, its the actual narrower string spacing I prefer due to the way I skip strings with a pick.

[keith_h]

I think the key to the Alembic sound is the filters. The Rogue uses the same filter as the other non-Series instruments. The main difference I believe is the Rogue only has one where the Signature models have one per pickup. I will say that my 5-string Orion with Essence electronics gets the Alembic sound. The same for Europa's I've had the opportunity to play. My Brown Bass and Series 1 have the Alembic sound as well. The difference to my ears is it more refined the higher up you go in the product offerings. A lot will also depend upon the wood recipe.

[dtothec]

I have two Rogues and an Orion with Rogue body and electronics, the answer to your question is yes you can get those sounds. The Rogues are 100% Alembic and share the same electronics as the Europa. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe all Alembics use the same pickups and filters, the pickups are just different shapes.  And as Keith said the sound comes from the combination of the pickups activators, filters and woods. The Europa/Rogue electronics aren't as versatile as series but you can dial in those tones and do it faster. You also get the bass and treble cut/boost switches which allow you to change tone on the fly, great for playing live!  You can also do what I have done and get a SF-2 to delve deeper into the Alembic sound. My 2¢ worth.

[hammer]

I agree totally with the others who have responded. I have 2 Series basses,  a Europa, and 2 Signatures as well as having played a Rogue and they all have that distinctly Alembic sound. And if you find out that you cant get exactly the sound you desire with a Rogue, an SF-2 will give you ultimate control.

[jazzyvee]

All the alembics i've played have the alembic sound an like Keith_h says the sound is more refined as you go up the product range. I have a standard europa 5 which is essentially the same as a rogue but different body styling and maybe scale length as many rogue 5's seem to be 35" scale. They are a superb bass and great and simple to use live especially with the treble & bass boost & cut switches. An SF-2 is a good addition to your sound if you want to get closer to the higher end alembic sounds. Just to clarify the pickup situations there are different pickups in the range but yes essentially the non series basses use the same innards but the case is a different size depending on what bass/guitar the pickup is going into. That said there are exceptions like the Fat Boy which has the coil wound round a larger series sized magnet so they are AXY shaped. Also as I found myself if you are buying new pickups, you can ask for the pickup itself to be located in a different place within the casing. 
I have a group on facebook which I have created as an alembic tone reference for different models and there is at the moment one rogue bass sample in there which is a 6 string that may help you get an idea of what one sounds like. Also you could check out some Europa sound samples in there or search youtube as I expect they have a similar sound.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/627214200803337/permalink/638532773004813/
I hope you find as suitable alembic for your return to the fold. :-)

[bigbadbill]

Thanks for the responses, they're much appreciated (and thanks for the thoughts Jazzyvee!). The only other small concern is the string spacing, as I mentioned. I wish I could get to try one first but unfortunately it'll be buying at distance if I do go ahead.

[smokin_dave]

Plus 1 on all of the above comments.My Rogue albeit being a fiver,the string spacing works very well for me.So I would consider a four string being much more to your needs.Recently I purchased a Sire Marcus Miller V7 fiver for a backup and while it is really a fine bass the string spacing is a bit wide for my liking.Hard for me to get used to.
As for the Rogues tone possibilities you should be happy with what it produces and add an SF-2 Superfilter tone choices are almost limitless.

[hammer]

I think another thing to consider is the type of strings you are using. My Europa 6 sounds like an Alembic regardless of what's on it due to the incredible clarity. However, it's an entirely different beast with stainless vs. nickel plated rounds vs. flats.

As far as string spacing goes make sure you investigate thoroughly in buying used. Alembic basses can be customized to the max so two basses of the same model from the same year can have very different string spacing, neck width, and depth and play quite differently.

[bigbadbill]

I think another thing to consider is the type of strings you are using. My Europa 6 sounds like an Alembic regardless of what's on it due to the incredible clarity. However, it's an entirely different beast with stainless vs. nickel plated rounds vs. flats.

As far as string spacing goes make sure you investigate thoroughly in buying used. Alembic basses can be customized to the max so two basses of the same model from the same year can have very different string spacing, neck width, and depth and play quite differently.

I think the string issue is something that can be said about any bass. It never ceases to amaze me how few people seem to realise how much of a difference your string choice can make sonically.

The bass I've been looking at has standard Rogue spacing, which is wider than I prefer. I grew up on Rickenbackers and Rics and the narrower spacing of the majority of 4 string Alembics is my preference. 

[kenbass4]

Hey Shaun!
Having both a Rogue and a Series, I can say that you definitely get the Alembic sound from the Rogue, and it's easier to play live than the Series.
As far as string spacing, I also have a Ric, and while the spacing is wider, I never found it difficult going back and forth between them.

[bigbadbill]

Hi Ken, long time no speak! Hope you're well!


I must admit I'm very tempted. Just got a few things to work out over the next few days.