Is Station Music (Germany) the only European retailer of Alembic strings?

[Clarky]

Hi all. I would like to put Alembic CX 3/45S strings on my 1979 SSB when it arrives with me in London, UK in the next 2-3 weeks. A quick google tells me that the UK retailer I had previously used (American Guitar centre) appears to have shut down and the only European retailer I can find is Station Music in Germany. What with the weak £ and their high minimum shipping charge to UK (€16, for a packet of strings ... seriously?) its a pricey business. Its no cheaper to import from the US as a result of import duties and VAT. So I wondered if anyone is aware of any other UK/European stockist of Alembic strings before I shell out a cool €65 to Station Music? Thanks in advance!

[jacko]

They're on sale in the alembic store at $49.  Even with import duties they'd probably be cheaper then ordering from Station music.
http://alembic.stores.yahoo.net/cx3short.html

Graeme

[Clarky]

Thanks Graeme. Unfortunately with 22.5% import/VAT from US plus possible customs holding charge it is at least as expensive (if not more) from US. Looking like Station Music!

[jazzyvee]

you could try these they are on Ebay  UK.
Greece : https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alembic-bass-strings-Compression-Wound-nickel-steel-alloy-40-100/162604446894?hash=item25dbfaf4ae:g:2HQAAOSwBiJZdziV

Also you could try the UK Alembic dealer.
Address: 7A Quarry Hill Parade, Tonbridge TN9 2
Phone: 01732 770078
I do recall seeing some alembic strings really cheap on ebay from a Polish web site.

[Clarky]

Thanks Delano. The Greek strings are long scale but I will keep watching to see if they have any short scale strings. In between times I have emailed the UK retailer you mentioned. Many thanks!

[Clarky]

As a quick follow up (and in case it helps any Brit Alembic owners) the UK dealer got back to me and they no longer stock Alembic strings. Looking like thr choice is essentially Station Music or direct from Alembic

[jazzyvee]

I got mine direct from alembic i think i ordered 3 or 4 sets for 5 string bass. 

[hieronymous]

Time to experiment with some different strings? There's lots of good advice here.

[Clarky]

Thanks. I have plenty of great strings in my string drawer (DR Sunbeams, TI Jazz Flats, SIT Silencers, La Bella Flats etc) but the OCD obsessive in me wants those lovely peacock blue silks that you get on a new Alembic SC! Sorry, thats me!

[jazzyvee]

Clarky, I think I may have a set of used short scale alembic strings that were previously on my SC Deluxe. I don't use strings once they lose the twang and the ones on that bass are still new. They may be a good stop gap and calm your ocd a bit till you find a more cost effective way of getting some new ones.

Although I don't understand how/why but I tend think my fingers don't like nickel strings, something I found out in my days touring as a guitarist, but I really do like the sound and feel of the alembic strings. They are the smoothest feeling round-wounds I've played and the brightness isn't harsh so I use them on my series II bass and man up with the tingling in my fingertips. Let me know if you are interested and we can work something out. 

[Clarky]

Thanks JV. O have sent you a private message 😁

[hieronymous]

Thanks. I have plenty of great strings in my string drawer (DR Sunbeams, TI Jazz Flats, SIT Silencers, La Bella Flats etc) but the OCD obsessive in me wants those lovely peacock blue silks that you get on a new Alembic SC! Sorry, thats me!

Understood - no apology necessary! I totally get it. I'm pretty obsessive about strings, in weird ways probably from someone else's eyes. The silk color is definitely an important factor!