Author Topic: Brown VS Signature (Read 1481 times)

rustyg61 · « **on:** February 19, 2011, 01:48:26 AM »

I am ready to buy my Alembic, but am undecided on whether to get a SC Brown or SC Signature Deluxe. Can anyone tell me the difference in sound or playablility? There are no local stores that carry Alembics in Houston, so I have to drive to Austin to check them out.

mica · « **Reply #1 on:** February 21, 2011, 01:42:15 PM »

The main tone difference is the the neck woods. The Brown Bass has Mahogany as the primary wood, SC Deluxe has Maple. The other woods contribute too, but the neck sets the stage, so to speak.

So the Brown Bass has an overall more warm and round tone as its default, and it can make crazy bright tones. The SC will have a brighter default tone that you can pare down with lower filter settings, but it won't get as round sounding as the Brown Bass.

I've written a little more detailed explanation of the neck woods you might want to explore if you haven't seen this relatively new page yet.

Perhaps a player that has both might chime in with their observations as well.

mike1762 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 21, 2011, 06:52:22 PM »

I have a SC Standard and a Brown Bass. I find myself tweaking with the BB more than the SC, but if you set them up similarily I would agree that the BB is warmer and rounder. The SC has a little more punch in the upper midrange whereas it's more in the lower midrange with the BB. All this depends on your definition of warm, round, and punch.

I really like them both. I let my Series I long scale go in favor of the BB and I don't regret that decision. I've found that I'm a small body short scale guy when it comes to Alembics. I love the sparkly clear high-end that Alembics will produce, but it sort-of grates on the nerves of most guitarists (impinging on their territory I guess), so I have starting rolling off the neck PUP filter a bit.

mike1762 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 21, 2011, 07:21:22 PM »

A word of advise... before you drive to Austin expecting to play one (especially if it's new), you should call and make sure they will let you!!! My first dealer experience was sort-of like the scene in Spinal Tap:

[discussing Nigel's Guitar collection]
Nigel Tufnel: Look... still has the old tag on, never even played it.
Marty DiBergi: [points his finger] You've never played...?
Nigel Tufnel: Don't touch it!
Marty DiBergi: We'll I wasn't going to touch it, I was just pointing at it.
Nigel Tufnel: Well... don't point! It can't be played.
Marty DiBergi: Don't point, okay. Can I look at it?
Nigel Tufnel: No. no. That's it, you've seen enough of that one.

rustyg61 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 22, 2011, 03:58:45 AM »

Thanks for your replies. I made the decision yesterday to buy the Signature Deluxe! Mica, this is the one you are holding for Beaver! Thanks for all the pictures you sent him, it helped me to make my choice! You saved me a trip to Austin too! I have no doubt I can get a great sound out of the Signature. I prefer the upper mid sound & have been accused of being a lead bass player, so it should fit me perfect! I get the bass on Thursday...I can't wait!! Here's a picture.....

jacko · « **Reply #5 on:** February 22, 2011, 04:20:42 AM »

Congrats on the new Bass Rusty and welcome to our community.

Graeme

rustyg61 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 22, 2011, 07:18:34 AM »

Thanks Jacko! It's an honor to be a part of the Alembic family again! I had a Series 1 back in the early 80's.

eligilam · « **Reply #7 on:** February 22, 2011, 02:55:13 PM »

Hey guys sorry to hijack, but mike1762, was that in Atlanta perchance?

mike1762 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 22, 2011, 04:34:28 PM »

Yes it was Will!!! I do understand not wanting a bunch of random kids coming in off the street and abusing the instruments. But I'm a middle aged guy with a bank account. You can run your business any way you like, but they probably missed an opportunity to sell a new instrument that day. I've since bought several Alembics not only without having played them, but also sight unseen... so there ya go!!!

rustyg61 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 23, 2011, 12:04:37 AM »

I had spoken to Guitar Resurrection in Austin about trying to decide between the Brown & Signature, & the guy was very nice & invited me to come try them out. I go to Austin all the time, my son is at UT, so I will stop by & try the Brown just to satisfy my curioiusity. I'm sure I will love the Signature though!

mikedm · « **Reply #10 on:** February 23, 2011, 10:27:53 AM »

Hi Rusty,

Guitar Rez is a small shop and easy to miss from the road, keep an eye out. They were very accommodating when I visited and didn't hesitate when I asked to play what is most likely the same BB you're going to look at. The BB has a surprisingly BIG sound. I've been wanting one since.

And . . . welcome to the Club!

Mike

jazzyvee · « **Reply #11 on:** February 23, 2011, 10:52:01 AM »

I got an alembic guitar shipped to me in the UK from Guitar Rez and it arrived in perfect condition so you can be confident it will be packed properly.

Jazzyvee

rustyg61 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 24, 2011, 08:05:58 AM »

Hey Mike,

Thanks for the info! I pulled up Guitar Rez on Google Maps & did the street view so could see what the building looks like. I can see how it would be easy to miss! My SC Signature Deluxe is on the UPS truck for delivery to me today!

rustyg61 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 24, 2011, 08:10:38 AM »

Hey Jazzyvee,

My bass is out for delivery to me today! My worst fear is that I will open the case & it will be damged in shipping! I have read some posts on here where some have been damaged in shipping. I'm sure Alembic packed it well!

Rusty

mikedm · « **Reply #14 on:** February 24, 2011, 10:05:45 AM »

Waiting for the big brown truck makes for a long day, but it'll be worth it in the end.

Someone won't be going to bed on time, hehehehe.