Alembic Series 3

[garth4664]

What would the ultimate next step look like? Just wanted to get a few ideas going. I personally think a Series 3 would have pickups and electronics like the new Moog guitar (able to give energy back to selected strings for limitless sustain and notes that can build in resonance). Do you think Ron could/would install Moog type electronics in a Series 2 bass?

[pace]

I don't know if the whole ebow/sustainer/moog concept would be the next logical progression in regards to Ron's legacy. What we have seen in regards to custom Alembic electronics have been:
 
-Super Filters. Incorporating high & band pass as standard options would be a great starting point for the next/best electronics package!
 
-Bass & Treble shelving controls. We've seen more and more of these incorporated into the Sig & Anniversary builds lately.  
 
-Effects loop(s). Yeah, it's standard in the Tribute and Furthur, but imagine a Series instrument w/ a designated loop per pup, all routed thru an additional 5-pin dmx outlet (two send/returns, w/ common ground).
 
-MIDI. As cool as the Moog/analog route is, Ron has already made the digital leap in regards to synthesis. You never know though... Apparently Moog hasn't had good luck with the guitars that Brian Moore and Parker have delivered so far!....  
 
All in all, I think Ron would be more open to ideas which would make the control layout on a Series instrument more like a channel strip on a console. The FX blend control is a great addition. Perhaps toggles for that patch point pre/post vol or pre/post filters would be the next logical step?!?

[spose]

oops double post!
 
(Message edited by spose on January 04, 2010)
 
(Message edited by spose on January 04, 2010)

[spose]

sign me up for the dual FX loop Series III !!!

[hieronymous]

I still think it would be neat to incorporate Moog's RAC (real analog control) into the pots - this is found on the Little Phatty synth - the signal path is all analog, but an LED shows where the pots are set and can be remembered with presets.

[pace]

Electronics aside, we cant forget about inlay and wood 'options' becoming standard, no?!?!  
 
1/4 carved Cocobolo tops and backs, beveled headstocks, and continuous 24 fret inlays (kind of like your '76, Garth  ).... just to start.....

[jazzyvee]

You just know that whatever eventually becomes series III electronics, someone will still ask Ron for some customised options to the electrics on their bass.   :-)
 
 
Jazzyvee

[serialnumber12]

My idea is two single coil magnets per pickup with two Lowpass filters per single/magnet also with the  swichability between all four single coils(both neck & bridge) combined that would give a whole new phase to the alembic tone spectrum!!!

[garth4664]

Nice idea Barnes.  could we get those controls stacked so that they look just like the classic series 2 layout?
 
I also like splitting the bass and treble parts of each pickup.
 
Would this need a split hum canceller?

[the_jester]

This is an interesting discussion.
 
Technically-Frankly, I don't think there's a need for a Series III on a current fixed pickup system.
 
Therefore, I believe a Series III must have physical characteristics enabling, and liberating sounds in ways, not possible/impossible with a Series I or II.  
 
The kill shot for me, is a sliding pickup system. For me, this is the next evolutionary step for a series basses, without the risks of tampering with electronics.  
 
The sound variations, would be unlike nothing ever duplicated from a Series bass; and while keeping the original sounds optional, and sliding the pickups in a physical way, changes things in the most natural and organic way.  
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-

[hifiguy]

Back to the Future, Hal!  Wasn't Jack's Number One configured in exactly that way?  Maybe the first Alembic was the first Series III!

[the_jester]

This is true.  
 
Alembic's are in the best position (again) to move into this direction. I have no doubts in my mind, they'd dominate the topic, while sparking interest and ideas at the same time.  
 
When Jack first introduced the sliding pickup, I believe this was far too innovative, and Alembic were ways ahead of their time. But if re-introduced, the world would be ready. Their basses are now very well established and proven without sliding pickups. But to had offered this choice during those days, probably would had been too much and too competitive with their Series I and II pedigree.  So, since the Series line are very well established, re-introducing would not be too intrusive on the series brand in general.  
 
That's a very good point Paul.
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
 
 
(Message edited by the_jester on February 04, 2010)

[tmoney61092]

i like the idea of the stacked electronics with 2 magnets in each pickup, but i believe they did stacked electronics with the first Featured Custom(double neck) and i think i read that Mica said they won't do it again because the thickness of the wood was insane, but not completely sure
 
~Taylor

[elwoodblue]

Good memory Taylor,
It was Hartmut's Doubleneck
 
Cozmik in another post mentioned that Ron wasn't willing to do that again with the stacked pots.

[cozmik_cowboy]

Which I'm pretty sure I got from a post by Mica. I haven't been able to find it (it's probably the one Taylor references), but she does reiterate the point here and here
 
Peter