Ever find you go looking for something... only to learn that something else has been looking for you?
About a year ago, on the occasion of my (semi-)retirement I was given an unexpected very generous gift certificate at a local boutique guitar shop. My first thought was - now I can afford an Alembic bass!
I really hoped to find a short or medium scale - a Distillate, a Stanley Clarke Signature, or even a Series I (which would have been worth paying extra for). Whatever I eventually got would have to be neck-through and have a filter preamp.
After a year of watching the web site, something rather different came up: a used custom bass with Epic body shape, neck-through construction like an Essence, the electronics of a Rogue/Europa and a split P-bass style pickup at the neck. 34" scale, but oh, man, that graceful Epic shape, and the burl maple top!
My first visit to the shop was too short - bad traffic, detour, unfamiliar roads - and I didn't get enough time with it to be certain before the shop was closing for the day. My return visit was much better (arrived in the morning), and I got to play it for as long as I wanted through a better amp. End result: this almost like new custom bass has found a new forever home.
I don't have to tell anyone here about the amazing range of tones available with these controls; many more eloquent words than mine have been written. What I don't see discussed as often is how comfortable this style is! It's perfectly balanced, and the contours are just right.
Here's my homecoming snapshot. I'll try to post some of the professional photos from the shop as well.
