Series I or II six string bass

[Purplebassmusic]

I’m searching and searching for a used Series I or II or even mark king standard or deluxe used/preowned 6 string bass to pop up for sale, is it ever going to happen? How many has Alembic ever even built?

Should I just roll with the 6 string Orion or Epics that I’m finding online for sale? I know the electronics are night and day difference but for a Modulus 6 string player gigging a couple times a week (Grateful Dead Music), is it going to make a difference in tone? I’m also thinking of just picking up an sf-2 to help with tone. But my dream is a 6 string series II. This is all coming from a guy that has never even picked up an Alembic before.

[adriaan]

The Epics and Orions get you in the ball park. You can buy one used, and if you like it then rest assured a Signature will only be more awesomeness, and a Series pure bliss.

[edwardofhuncote]

You might post a WTB thread in this section: http://club.alembic.com/index.php?board=859.0 It'll be an exercise in patience... as you are obviously aware, they don't grow on trees, they just start out that way.   


I would definitely make it a point to try an Alembic. Having played a Series II 6-string, yes indeed... that's quite an experience, but if you have yet to try any Alembic bass, then you have quite a bit of ground to cover here... a Series bass is the pinnacle, no question, but you really have to try one of their activator-equipped models. 

[jazzyvee]

I don't see many 6 stringer series basses up for sale often. I think this is the most recent one I have seen
 and it's sold but should give you an idea of price.

https://reverb.com/item/16030960-alembic-series-ll-6-string-bass-guitar-1997-saphire-blue-clear



Going for a series bass is a good move but a big step if you have never played one or heard one in person. I wish' i'd have known more about the alembic basses and held out for a series first off as it would have surely cost me less in the long run than the route have taken to get mine.


Like adriaan points out the ones cheaper in the range like epic and Orion will definitely get you the alembic sound and depending on your budget, It might even be a good idea to get one of the cheaper ones in the range first if you find a bargain so that you have an idea what you are in for and you could probably sell it on with no or little loss of outlay. Or keep it. :-)


Patience is definitely a virtue in this scenario as the number of 6 stringers i think is far less than the 5's or 4's. Unless of course you decide to have a custom new one built. ;-)

[Purplebassmusic]

Thanks everybody for the responses. I did just post a wanted to buy ad. I’m considering a six string Epic from EBay. Guys asking 1800. I guess that’s the easy way in. I’m getting a decent tone  from my modulus for now so I guess there’s no rush really but that blue series 2 is beautiful!

[gtrguy]

6 string Elans and Europa models are great too. A 6 string Series is gonna be big and probably pretty heavy. An SF-2, which I own, gives you (in my opinion) all the EQ'd tones your bass can provide, and then some. Does it make a non-Alembic sound like a Series; I don't think so myself, unless it already has some of that vibe anyway.

[StephenR]

Thanks everybody for the responses. I did just post a wanted to buy ad. I’m considering a six string Epic from EBay. Guys asking 1800. I guess that’s the easy way in. I’m getting a decent tone  from my modulus for now so I guess there’s no rush really but that blue series 2 is beautiful!

IMO if you are primarily interested in a Series bass you should skip the Epic or any Alembic that doesn't have a filter and Q-switch. The Alembic variable cut/boost bass and treble controls are actually quite nice but a filter will give you a wider range of unique tones to choose from, you can add treble or bass at the amplifier. I think you would be happier with the Europa Hammer has offered you than you would be with the Epic. The Europa body is a nice choice ergonomically, too. Good luck with your search!

[goran]

here is the whole topic for that series 2 on reverb

http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=24230.0&fbclid=IwAR3WVivFp916qbU-O_Zr1Ph6P95EBcNfFylOssDr0M2aSpatGaBaXw8U-tU

[xlrogue6]

I started out on an Epic 5, which was the best bass I'd owned up to that point (and I'd owned quite a few!). A few years later I spent a year working at Alembic and had the opportunity to play Activator equipped neck-through basses, which are definitely a step up from the Epic and Orion (IMHO). Of course I played Series instruments as well while there and they're definitely in a class by themselves, but that's a class beyond my budget. These days I've got two Rogue 6 strings, a fretted stock one and a fretless with Signature electronics. If I had it to do over I'd probably go with the Europa/Rogue electronics in the fretless because that configuration seems to work best for me.

[edwardofhuncote]

here is the whole topic for that series 2 on reverb

http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=24230.0&fbclid=IwAR3WVivFp916qbU-O_Zr1Ph6P95EBcNfFylOssDr0M2aSpatGaBaXw8U-tU

I must have been taking a LOT of pain meds that day... what a silly post I put in there! 

[jwright9]

That Blue S2 weighs 14.5 lbs! I would have bought it if it weren't for that. My MK5 is just over 12 lbs and that is already pushing what I can comfortably deal with.

[goran]

here is the whole topic for that series 2 on reverb

http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=24230.0&fbclid=IwAR3WVivFp916qbU-O_Zr1Ph6P95EBcNfFylOssDr0M2aSpatGaBaXw8U-tU

I must have been taking a LOT of pain meds that day... what a silly post I put in there! 

One of better posts for me... I laughed so much... perfect... actually yoou bounce be back to normal, otherwise I would buy it, I owe you a favor!

[edwin]

Thanks everybody for the responses. I did just post a wanted to buy ad. I’m considering a six string Epic from EBay. Guys asking 1800. I guess that’s the easy way in. I’m getting a decent tone  from my modulus for now so I guess there’s no rush really but that blue series 2 is beautiful!

I keep wanting to fully Alembify a Modulus through neck. Best of both worlds!

[mario_farufyno]

Just don't go to the gig in the day before getting the bass, there is an Alembic electronic's learnig curve you'll not wish to avoid. Like, get used to your Ferrari before speeding over the limit. I play a Rogue (single filter) and kept learning things for years after thought I've already got it all. Series are way more complex. There are the "one trick ponies", Alembic is the million tricks stallion.

[pauldo]

Just don't go to the gig in the day before getting the bass, there is an Alembic electronic's learnig curve you'll not wish to avoid. Like, get used to your Ferrari before speeding over the limit. I play a Rogue (single filter) and kept learning things for years after thought I've already got it all. Series are way more complex. There are the "one trick ponies", Alembic is the million tricks stallion.

^^^. Truth.

Even with my Distillate, there are many nuances/tones that are available at a flip of a switch or a degree of a twist of a knob.