Author Topic: (x) 88H5190 Elan 4 Build Information (Read 434 times)

dazzbass · « **on:** July 14, 2015, 09:10:15 PM »

I have just purchased my first Alembic bass. It is in almost mint condition for a 1988 model Elan 4 and is an absolutely stunning bass and equally as nice to play. It has been a dream to own an Alembic since starting to play bass some 30 years ago, but there are very few seen here in Australia. I stumbled across this bass used at a Music store here and just had to have it. I am absolutely chuffed to have finally fulfilled a dream and have not put it down since receiving it.

I would really like to get the build details for this for my records.

slawie · « **Reply #1 on:** July 14, 2015, 10:57:23 PM »

Welcome Darren,

I was eyeing that bass myself!

Hey so you are in Melbourne as well, the numbers are growing. There is a guy who plays solo at the Vic Market and also Rob Little that I know of. Undoubtedly there are others who wish to remain anonymous.

It may take some time to get the info but be patient the head elf at Alembic is very busy.

You will have to post some pictures of your bass on the Showcase section of this site. The folks here are extremely knowledgeable and helpful but they need their dose of Bass Porn.
Be sure to include a picture of your NBD grin!

When you say first Alembic that leaves the door open for others and inevitably it happens.

There could be a Melbourne gathering coming up!

Congratulations and play it healthy.

slawie

terryc · « **Reply #2 on:** July 15, 2015, 02:01:07 AM »

Dazzbass, you will find that the P pickup that Alembic make is one of the most powerful they do, I have a similar set up on my 83 Squier P bass and it really shoves out the low frequencies, more so than my MK signature!
Oh yes, welcome to OUR world !

dazzbass · « **Reply #3 on:** July 15, 2015, 02:55:05 AM »

Hi Slawie,

Thanks for the welcome. I am actually in Newcastle and spotted this the other week and bought it on spec. The guys at the Bass Centre were great and sent me videos etc which made it a bit easier to make the decision.

In the end I just new this one was for me and had to snap it up.

I have been playing a Warwick Dolphin since 94 and loved it, but the Elan just felt right when I first played. Gigged it all weekend and was astounded at how many comments about it were made. 30 years well worth the wait.

Darren

dazzbass · « **Reply #4 on:** July 15, 2015, 03:03:10 AM »

Hi Terryc

The P pickup certainly is powerful. It is such a full clean sound but it cuts through like nothing I have experienced before.

It is going to take a bit of getting used to how the filter functions but I can see how flexible it will make the bass.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #5 on:** July 15, 2015, 03:56:38 AM »

What a great looking bass, and a smart move on your part Darren. Also welcome to the forum. It's great when someone new joins and puts down an ace card bass like that. I have a double P set on my Elan bass and it punches like a heavyweight and much more than any of my other basses.

Looking at that makes me think even more strongly about having the purple removed from my ?lan at some point and get it au naturelle as it has a quilt maple top also.

gtrguy · « **Reply #6 on:** July 15, 2015, 10:05:33 AM »

That is a nice one!

dazzbass · « **Reply #7 on:** July 20, 2015, 03:47:32 AM »

Hi Jazzyvee,

Thanks for you comments. I have only been playing this for 2 weeks and already it has become my primary bass even after playing my Warwick for 20 years. I am still getting used to the tonal variability between the P & J pickups but cant believe the consistency of tone across the frequency range. Even our guitarist has commented on how different and good the new bass sound is.

I just love the overall quality of the build and the look of Alembic instruments, their attention to detail in selection of materials used in manufacture is second to none & I now understand why everyone that owns one is so enthusiastic about their instruments.

I can appreciate how big the sound must be from your Elan with 2 P bass pickups, the output of one is enormous. Your Elan sounds wonderful. I have always looked at the purple heart and liked the contrast it creates with the other timbers. Just one of those things that always has reminded me of Alembic basses.

Darren

mica · « **Reply #8 on:** November 22, 2015, 11:25:43 PM »

Hi Darren,

Here's the details I found in the instrument file for your bass:

model name: Elan
model number: HLB4
top: Quilted Maple*
accent: none
body: Maple
neck: 3-piece Maple
scale: 34 long
fingerboard: Ebony
inlays: Pearloid (plastic) ovals
pickups: Alembic PJ
controls: Elan volume, pan, filter, 2-position Q-switch
originally made for: Music Mart
birthday: not recorded (seems there was a setup person here during this time that didn't feel the need to fill out that detail )

Looks like a great bass, and I'm sure with all that Maple it's nice and bright and really cuts through.

I didn't see an official registration for your bass yet, so please fill out the registration and we'll get you in the file.

terryc · « **Reply #9 on:** November 23, 2015, 01:52:58 AM »

I have said this before, the Alembic P pick up is extremely powerful, I have the PJ activators in my old Squier P bass and it outpowers the J at the bridge!
Nice bass

mica · « **Reply #10 on:** November 23, 2015, 01:23:02 PM »

I put an asterisk next the Quilted Maple and I forgot to add the footnote! On the sales order for this bass, it says Quilted or Flame Maple. Looks like the piece we selected qualifies as both.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #11 on:** November 23, 2015, 02:34:49 PM »

I agree I've been playing my Elan today which has 2 P-style pickups and it indeed is a strong punching sound.