Alembic Strings

[Keith Wilson (darkbassist)]

does anybody use alembic brand strings on their bass?  if so, can you give me some info on your experience with them?  i'm thinking about switching to them.

[Mike Addyman Sr. (dadabass2001)]

Hi Keith
I'm using the CX-3 45/L set on my Epic 4 string. I find them to have good tone retention and playability. I play with my fingers predominatley and my only concern has been to match the brillance of the D & G on the E, a matter of plucking technique and hand position.

[Jonathan Johnstone (stoney)]

Hey Keith,
I've been using Alembic strings for over 10 years.  They really suite my playing style, sound great and they have longevity. You certainly can't go wrong with a set of them. Try em out!

[Keith Wilson (darkbassist)]

i'm looking for a string that will really help redifine my tone.  i have been using d'addario slowwounds round roudns and elixer strings.  i'm looking for something that next time i walk into a rehearsal the guys will be like well... it's the same bass... it's the same amp... same cabs... same room... same technique...but something is different... IT MUST BE THE STRINGS lol.

[Michael Delacerda (dela217)]

That is the reaction that everyone had around me when I switched to flatwounds.  I get lots of compliments on my flatwound sound. I have been using Thomastic-Infeld Jazz Flats.  Our soundman's comment was Your bass actually sounds like a bass!   Michael

[Keith Wilson (darkbassist)]

lol... yeah, i was thinking about switching to flats, but i'm a thumbslinger, and since my alembic is my main bass, i want to be able to retain my slapability.  but i did string it with flats once, and loved it, and am really thinking about going back.

[Dino Monoxelos (dean_m)]

Hey Keith,
 
You might have to do what I'm considering doing.  It's actually a cheap-shot way of having to justify buying another Alembic but, I've already told my wife that I need another Alembic so that I can have one strung with flats and another with rounds.  Hey Mica, do you think Rachel will go for it!?!?  LOL

[mica]

Well, in my experience, a good way to encourage the financial advisor to agree to such an acquisition is to suggest you need either a motorcycle or an Alembic. The Alembic almost always wins!

[Takeo Sonoi (tkotmk42)]

Mica,
 
That's exactly what I did when I was thinking about my 2nd Alembic.  I took my advisor to couple of motorcycle dealership, including Harley dealership then go over with her all the expenses comes from owning a motorcycle.  Motorcycle doesn't stand a chance!!!    

[Paul Lindemans (palembic)]

Gee,
does it also works with a car?
I'll try that on my advisor!
;-)
 
Paul

[Dino Monoxelos (dean_m)]

Wow,
 
We went from talking about strings to motorcycles and cars in about three posts.  How Cool!!!  I don't Mica, I actually had an easier time talking her into the Harley than I did my last Alembic.  She said something about not being able to take the Alembic up to mountains for a long weekend....  I really wasn't paying much attention 'cause I was polishing and restringing my Orion. HAHA  Maybe I can incorporate the expense of a new Alembic into the financing of my new bike.  They let you do that when you add on the accessories.  I could consider a new Alembic an accessory right!?!?!
Oh yeah Paul, it only works on cars if your talking minivans, at least that was the case with me.  HA!!!

[Edwin Hurwitz (edwin)]

To get back to strings, my Alembic Series I ('78 in Schedua) was brought back to life with DR Sunbeams. Until I tried those out, the bass always sounded pretty good, but was a little thin. It always lacked that really solid foundation. Now, it is the instrument it should be! I am tempted to try the Thom flats, though. I just don't want to lose the crisp slap tone.  
 
 
Hope this helps!
Edwin

[gale barchus (gbarchus)]

How could anyone choose between an Alembic and a motorcycle? You need both, ...don't you?

[Dino Monoxelos (dean_m)]

You're absolutely right Gale!!
 
Harley's and Alembics; two great, high quality works of art.  Just as most people customize their Harley's, they do the same with their Alembics.  We might have to start a new post called Alembics & Harleys  I'll have to post a picture of my Alembics and my Harley as soon as I pick up a digital camera

[Joey Wilson (bigredbass)]

After trying virtually every string out there, I tried the Thomastiks when they became available here in Nashville.  I knew a lot of violin and upright players that swore by them.  I thought it was a bit different that they only offered sets in one guage only. I must admit I was stunned at how good they were, especially running a 118 for my low B.  The feel was terrific, and like Michael, I found they were 'bassy' sounding.  As I play fingerstyle or with a pick, a thumb sound wasn't necessary for me.  I was about to try some ALEMBIC strings, but when MARS was no longer an ALEMBIC dealer, I could no longer find any in Nashville.  Plus I have this image in the back of my mind of the Austrians sitting around at the office . . 'but you vill only need one guage!'
By the way, Thomastik's website opens with a tribute to the late Ray Brown, which I thought was a classy move.