Author Topic: When did you get your first Alembic and what was it? (Read 1464 times)

jazzyvee · « **on:** March 14, 2012, 01:48:03 PM »

I got my first one in 2002 from the Bass Centre in Birmingham UK.
It was this Stanley Clarke Signature bass which I still have and it's still my favourite.

Jazzyvee

pauldo · « **Reply #1 on:** March 14, 2012, 02:28:38 PM »

1985 (86?) Ralph Hanzel's Music on Greenfield Avenue in Milwaukee, WI.

The very same Distillate I still have today :-)

jazzboy621 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 14, 2012, 02:49:42 PM »

Thats a beauty, Jazzyvee!!!

dannobasso · « **Reply #3 on:** March 14, 2012, 04:23:26 PM »

1983 Spoiler solid koa body, Sam Ash 48th street NYC. $900 no case. Refinished by Alembic about 10 years ago.

mtjam · « **Reply #4 on:** March 14, 2012, 04:30:21 PM »

Just got my first one, an '83 Distillate, right before Thanksgiving 2011 from club member Bassthang. Currently trying to decide between an Essence, an Orion, or a Series 1 for my second! Any advice? Must sell some gear first...

FC Bass · « **Reply #5 on:** March 14, 2012, 04:37:20 PM »

I got my '88 Spoiler in '98:

Still in love :-) A few years later I got a very beat up '83 Spoiler that I foolishly traded in for a Gibson Ripper... I corrected my mistake asap and got the '83 Spoiler that's currently my favorite bass (she's so lovely) FF some years and I got the Stormburst Elan. Then came the time to go custom :-) But no response from Alembic :-( To kill the time I bought the fretless Orion, because I was in love with the looks of that bass ever since it was posted on that site (UK Alembic dealer) Then came the response from Alembic :-) and the realization of my 5 string monster Elan :-) :-) :-)

dela217 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 14, 2012, 04:46:45 PM »

I got my first one brand new in 1978. It was serial number 78 1058. It was a medium scale, point body, with purpleheart top and back. Zebrawood veneers on the headstock, ebony board, and shipped with Pyramid Gold flats on it. I do not have any pictures at all of this bass as far as I know. I would love to see it today.

I traded it back to Alembic for a Small Standard. The small standard was serial number 78 1168, and was also a purpleheart top and back instrument. I regret parting with this one, but I went through a LOT of Alembics back then.

Michael

room037 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 15, 2012, 01:33:36 AM »

I got my first bass Alembic Distillate Bass in 1981, and I was a guitarist until then.
I cuddled this bass all through my bass life.
Because, I never want Gibson and Fender basses except my daughter's Fender Japan Mustang bass.
(But I love and own Fender and Gibson guitars. It's curious !)

My second Alembic was 20th Anniv. Maple version in 1990 or 91.
It was traded few years ago, but I regret it.
I love the maple sounds !

Afterwards, I got my 5 strigers and shorties in last 10 years.

Eiji

terryc · « **Reply #8 on:** March 15, 2012, 04:56:32 AM »

I only own one..a Mark King Signature Standard retro fitted with SIMS LED's in red
It does everything I want it to..the action is low and is so easy to play and the sound is the great.
One drawback..it is very heavy..12lbs(UK) but a comfort strapp spreads the load

jacko · « **Reply #9 on:** March 15, 2012, 05:35:17 AM »

i bought my 96 epic new early in 1997 from the Bass centre in birmingham when I was working for cadbury's IT dept. The shop was a subsidiary of the London bass centre and has since closed. i bought the epic when I decided I'd like to start playing 5 strings and spent at least 4 months trying out every make and model I could get my hands on. For the price, the only one that came close to the Alembic was a pre-gibson tobias 5 string at a different shop but their credit terms were extortionate. I consider myself lucky as I doubt very much whether Gibson / tobias have such a friendly and informative forum :-)

graeme

jazzyvee · « **Reply #10 on:** March 15, 2012, 06:31:13 AM »

just read some of your thread Jacko via the link and you mention there a possible series project in 5 years and I think that is up now. Are you still thinking along those lines?

Jazzyvee

jacko · « **Reply #11 on:** March 15, 2012, 06:36:45 AM »

Hah! I WAS pretty optimistic back then eh? Looking at the current quote generator I think I'd have to sell my house to afford a new series bass now. I'd maybe stand a chance if a reasonably priced 5 string series came up second hand!.
I've just booked a 3 week trip to the states in September (which is costing a fortune) during which we'll be visiting the factory. maybe I can smuggle out a new bass down a trouser leg :-)

Graeme

jazzyvee · « **Reply #12 on:** March 15, 2012, 08:30:49 AM »

Yeah that quote generator is scary as it is without any non standard personalisation going on. So you can imagine the cost of something unique for a custom I'd have to sell my house as well then we can afford one between us with a time share arrangement 6 months each per year. haha

Jazzyvee

David Houck · « **Reply #13 on:** March 15, 2012, 11:26:22 AM »

My first Alembic was my 1990 four string Essence, purchased used January 22, 1996.

rjmsteel · « **Reply #14 on:** March 15, 2012, 01:23:35 PM »

1981: Make \N Music when it was in Homewood, IL.

I also still have this same Distillate - in Purpleheart - today just like Pauldo has his.