What are you looking for, a 4, 5, or 6 string? Do you want a neck-thru (which have a built-in smile curve and greater sustain) or a set neck (which have more of a mid-range sound and less sustain) or does it not matter.
The set necks tend to come with bass and treble controls (they also tend to be less expensive -especially used) while the neck thrus almost always have the famous Alembic low pass filter -and almost all models have a Q switch as well -except for a few models like the Essence and Persuader, which have the Q on all the time.
Have you done your homework regarding the electronics options? Most Alembics have just a single filter and Q switch... but the higher-end models (like the Series, Anniversery, and Signature models) have individual filters and Q switches for each pickup. These are a LOT more versatile... but they also tend to cost more (new or used), and you don't see as many of them.
Do you have a preference regarding scale length? Most Alembics are either standard long scale (34 inch), medium scale (32 inch), or short scale (32 inch). If you DON'T want a 5 or 6 string -WITH A LOW B STRING- a VERY STRONG case can be made for the medium or short scale models; they're a LOT easier to play. Conversely, IF you want a bass with a B string, you need AT LEAST a medium scale -and you likely won't find a short scale 5 or 6 string anyway- if not a long or even EXTRA long (35 or 36 inch) bass.
Rogues are often 35 inch basses... and they balance well and look great.
HOT TIP: I shared this with new member Art, but he just got a Series bass, so now I'll tell you. WASHINGTON MUSIC CENTER (see Alembic Dealers on the main page) has (or at least did recently a pair of 4 and 5 string Quilted Maple Rogue basses in their basement that were new, but several years old, and selling for ABSOLUTELY KILLER prices -due to being several years old (and at that years prices). I think the 4-string had a ding in it... and you'd have to pay extra for the case. But these were NEW instruments going for USED prices... with the full factory warrenty.
Call there and ask for Todd Elliot for info. These might be the best deal you'll ever see. The Rogue electronics are a great package, extremely simple yet versatile. And Quilted Maple looks great, and has a great, bright sound. But whether or not these basses are what you're looking for... only you can say.
There's another question... have you done your homework on the sound quality of various woods? Would you lean towards the bright sound of Maple, the warm, mellow sound of vermillion, the sensitive/reactive sound of Walnut, the legendary complex (and expensive) sound of Coco Bolo or rosewood... or maybe it doesn't matter, and you'd be more interested in the appearance of the wood...
Answering these questions will help you determine what exactly is best for you, and will also aid club members in giving you advice.
Good luck, and take care!!!
