Author Topic: Second Gig with my Spyder (Read 496 times)

ajdover · « **on:** May 09, 2004, 01:50:24 PM »

All,

Had a gig yesterday, and played my Spyder exclusively (though I had my '79 StingRay and '73 Jazz as backup). I continue to be absolutely amazed by this instrument. Clean, clear, crisp highs, thundering lows, and everything in between.

Anyway, we did a benefit for the families of fallen police officers, and there were three other bands on the bill. The bassists from each band kept clamoring to see and play the Spyder. I didn't allow anyone to play my bass, but played it for them (I'm the only one to ever play my Spyder - unless it's someone else in this club, or a fellow Alembic owner, I don't let anyone play it - yeah, I know, selfish, but what can I say?). All were amazed, and wanted to know how much it cost, where to get one (I recommended Bass Central).

Once again, the joys of owning a Spyder (and Alembic)!

Alan

mint_bass · « **Reply #1 on:** May 10, 2004, 02:11:45 AM »

that is a cool photo and a real nice bass is that a double neck guitar cool

great pic talk to u soon

senmen · « **Reply #2 on:** May 10, 2004, 09:21:12 AM »

Hey Alan,
wow cool shot!
The Spyder fits great to you!!!!

Many greetings from Spyder 4 / 4

Oliver (Spyderman)

jeff · « **Reply #3 on:** May 10, 2004, 11:15:00 AM »

Great photo of an event for a really good cause. And you were not selfish for holding on to your bass, after all, if someone damaged it, would they be just as willing to replace it?

hollis · « **Reply #4 on:** May 10, 2004, 02:16:28 PM »

Great photo! The Spyder looks right at home.

Is that a Travis Bean I see in your guitar player's (stage left) hands?

keavin · « **Reply #5 on:** May 11, 2004, 06:21:29 AM »

good shot i like the way those inlays are lit up from the flash,,,hey one of my daughters is a cop here in chicago.

ox_junior · « **Reply #6 on:** May 19, 2004, 12:40:31 PM »

Lookin' pretty dang good with that Spyder!!!

The envy of all bassists in Ohio I'm sure!!!

Rock on brother....MB

kmh364 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 19, 2004, 04:04:14 PM »

Both guitarists are playing PRS's (Paul Reed Smith's). Travis Bean's had an Aluminum neck and headstock, with the headstock cut-out in the shape of a capital T. There are some prolific pics out there with Jerry Garcia playing TB's in the '70's in between his Harley Strat and Alembic/Doug Irwin periods. He said he preferred them at the time because there was too much inconsistency between identical off-the-shelf models of available new mass-produced period guitars such as Fenders and Gibsons.

kmh364 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 19, 2004, 04:11:24 PM »

Alan,

Congrats on the successful Spyder maiden gig. You couldn't help but stand out playing that beauty. I'm a little disappointed to hear that you didn't try out your new Europa live. Choices, choices, right? LOL! That's also a very sweet instrument. Superbass Steve loved that one over all the others he has in stock.

BTW, Steve had some very complimentary things to say about you when I spoke to him this past weekend. You must have really impressed the hell out of him.

Cheers,

Kevin

ajdover · « **Reply #9 on:** May 19, 2004, 06:05:56 PM »

Kevin,

I actually didn't receive my Europa til a week later, but I did play it at my last gig in the DC area on 16 May. Another benefit, this time for a local bartender recovering from colon cancer (we raised over 5K for her ... enough to cover the medical bills and a bit left over). Played the Europa since the stage area was too small for the Spyder, and had to play it through an Eden 2X10. Didn't really care for the amp, but the Europa still sounded awesome. There were four bands on the bill, and all the other bass players kept asking me about it, wanting to play it, etc .... Ahh, the joys of being a (multiple) Alembic owner.

When I talked to Steve, we talked about a bunch of things ... he's a history nut, and that's what I studied in college, namely, 20th Century American and European Military History. Well, that's what Steve is interested in, and we had a great conversation. We also discussed Iraq and other things, and found we had common ground on a lot of issues. Anyway, Steve is a great guy, and the next time I get home on leave in Ohio, I'm going to look him up.

Best regards,

Alan

kmh364 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 27, 2004, 12:25:42 PM »

Alan,

That's cool: Makin' music and helping out someone in need.

Honestly, I think someone would have to be retarded not to like that Europa...it's close enough to a J-bass that virtually everyone can appreciate it. I've heard players of other basses toot their own horns and rag on Alembic as too heavy, too expensive, too refined, too (fill in the blank) BUT take one out and they all wanna play it and then oooh and aaah over it, LOL

Whatever it was that you discussed, Steve was mightily impressed...he likened you to a modern-day Ian Fleming. He's been a pleasure to deal with and will get as much business from me as possible. Killer prices and killer service...you can't go wrong! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone.

BTW, Gard and Beaver over at Bass Central are also tops in my book. I got a good deal and good service when I bought my Eden amp stack from them this year. Beaver was disappointed that he didn't get the sale for my Custom Orion (I didn't know about them at the time I solicited bids for my order), but he just about choked when I told him about the deal I got from Superbass Steve, LOL!

Cheers,

Kevin

ajdover · « **Reply #11 on:** May 27, 2004, 12:39:05 PM »

Kevin,

One of the reasons I purchased the Europa was because it is so much like a Jazz in many ways, only better. It has a nice slim neck, very comfortable feel, and of course, Alembic quality. I grew up playing Rickenbackers and Jazz Basses, so slim necks are my preference. The sounds that emit from it are nothing short of amazing. And that finish ....

You're right about folks saying they're too heavy, too expensive, etc. The way I end that argument is have them plug their bass into my amp (or theirs), then I plug in the Alembic. No contest, and game, set, and match. Like I always say, you get what you pay for.

This isn't to say I don't like my other basses - I do. Each has a quality or qualities that I like. But Alembics are in a league of their own, truly. They're the finest instruments I've ever owned, period.

No way I'm Ian Fleming ... just a soldier doing his duty. That's what every taxpayer pays me to do, whenever, and wherever it is. We did have a great discussion - Steve's a very interesting and intelligent dude. And service was great too.

Beaver and Gard are great as well. I bought my Spyder from them, and they gave me a great deal. Beaver even sent some of his videos as well, gratis. Man, can that guy play! They've been most helpful and informative.

BTW, how do you like the Eden stack? What do you have? I've got an Ampeg SVTIV Pro, and BXT115HLF and BXT410HLF cabinets.

Regards,

Alan

kmh364 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 27, 2004, 03:02:06 PM »

WT-550 Traveller Head (620/500/300W @ 2/4/8 Ohms, respectively, in mono w/tube pre-amp and S/S power amp) and two D210XST cabs (the latest, greatest and most-compact 2 X 10 cabs with bell horns that Eden makes, 450W power handling capability @ 4-Ohm nominal impedance). I bought it on the recommendation of Steve @ Superbass.net and Gard & Beaver @ Bass Central. Beaver said that he and his staff can play anything they want but they all play through Eden gear. As you've seen, Bass Central has everything, LOL! I'm playing Gard and Beaver's favorite set-up. The four ohm option allows for max amp power while utilizing single or parallel cab loads. The two 2 X 10's sound better, go lower, handle more power, and are louder than a single 4 X 10 (i.e., D410XST), and I can choose between one or two cabs depending on size of venue or sound preference. It's a super compact set-up that fits easily inside my Dodge Ram 2500HD Quad Cab truck in the lockable back seat area and is light and small enough to easily move all by myself. I have a padded balistic nylon shoulder bag for the amp (Eden) and cables (all Monster, including speaker cable w/speakons), and ballistic nylon padded covers (LeCover - kudo's to Gard for turning me on to Larry LeCover's stuff) for the cabs. Now all I need is my Custom Alembic Orion 4 and I'm set, LOL!

hollis · « **Reply #13 on:** June 01, 2004, 03:24:42 PM »

Hi Kevin,

I just got back from being out of town for a couple of weeks.

I have a Travis Bean Artist, as a result, I am aware of the neck and headstock configuration, but thanks for the info..... I couldn't see the headstock of the PRS in question... from the picture it resembled the flamed koa of my Travis Bean... the cutaways on the guitarist's PRS look very Travis Beanie... probably just the angle of the photo. I'm going to take some pics this weekend..... maybe you'll be able to see what I mean....

Then again, maybe I'm hallucinating.........

Either way, it's good to be back.

Enjoy

(Message edited by hollis on June 01, 2004)

(Message edited by hollis on June 01, 2004)

kmh364 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 01, 2004, 03:50:57 PM »

Hollis,

Welcome back. I can definitely see what you mean as I don't recall seeing anything other than dual cutaways on TB's...I just don't remember having seen any TB's that had a carved top, though. Now mind you, I've never owned one, but I'm familiar enough with them having seen Jerry's guitars. That distinctive headstock and (cold! LOL!) Al neck are the giveaways. Having said that, Ed Roman does offer guitars that are PRS copies (Quicksilver?), so anything is possible, LOL!

BTW, It's good to have other guitarists on a site that is primarily for/about basses/bassists. While I am primarily a six-string guitar slinger, I also play bass, hence the Eden bass amp rig and my (soon to be) Custom 4-str. Orion bass. I thought it was fitting that my first Alembic be a bass, as I already have seven guitars anyway. Not to worry, my next Alembic will probably be of the 6-str. guitar variety, LOL!