In a post over in Dreaming on the headless bass thread a picture was posted of a grievously decapitated, exceedingly beautiful Alembic and I instinctively referred to the bass with a female pronoun. I didn't realize it until I read the posted message.
I have thought of Alembics as feminine since the first time I played one. Every other bass I have played in the last 34 years has struck me as genderless or masculine. Alembics, like ships, are always she. Why is that my impression?
At the risk of opening up a can of worms, here's my take. A bit of reflection led to the conclusion that Alembics embody strengths traditionally viewed as feminine. They are more expressive, they are more connected to and in touch with the essences of music than other basses. Alembics' style of communication with their partner is open and honest. They are outwardly beautiful, which is important, but it is the inner beauty (the depth of their sound, the playing feel) which only adds to their immediate appeal.
Alembics must be approached with confidence and respect in order to get a favorable response, especially when one is first entering into the relationship. They make you clean up your act (technically speaking) and make you better without changing your core musical personality.
Is it because two of the company's three guiding lights are women? Does it matter? Probably not. I am probably wandering down the road of silliness with this entire concept.
But this remains true: There are Alembics and there is everything else.
