Author Topic: Alembic next year? (Read 193 times)

styx · « **on:** March 28, 2007, 09:58:58 AM »

I've been thinking about ordering a custom Alembic next year. Considering i'm in college at the moment money is somewhat of an issue. But I wil be working over the summer, hopefully for my uncle and my unce works in a high paying type job so I'd make about $20/hr starting wage and I think over the summer I'll get enough for an Alembic. My grandfather pays my tuition. boy im lucky

I know most of what I want but im trying to decide what body style I want along with the peghead style. I want a more classy look with a big punch. Any suggestions?

willgunn · « **Reply #1 on:** March 28, 2007, 01:53:13 PM »

Stefan,

Some things to consider along with the appearance of the instrument (personally, I consider ALL the standard Alembic Body and peghead styles to be very, very classy) are the overall size and weight as well. If you're over 6' tall, the larger body styles such as the Balance K might be just the thing, but if you're on the shorter side, something like the Essence might be a more comfortable fit for you. Of course, I'm assuming that you're gonna PLAY the thing! And for that matter, scale length is yet another factor that's up for grabs, pertaining not only to appearance, but overall size and tone as well...ah, decisions decisions!
Some good places to go to for body and peghead style ideas are the Featured Custom Archive on the Alembic website, as well as the Factory To Customer link right here on the Clubsite. Or,(if your budget can stand it) you could always design your own body/peghead and have a total one-off custom! But one thing's for sure when it comes to the World of Alembic: it's all TOTALLY subjective!

styx · « **Reply #2 on:** March 28, 2007, 10:34:25 PM »

yeah that makes sense. I plan on playing it until my fingers bleed, and I've already gotten blood blisters from playing my ibanez but I have a craving for an alembic. they are beautiful and from what I'v sampled at stores their sound is above all. I made a guitar in highschool but im no guitarist. I love the bass and Alembic is the family I want to be in. Thank you for the info. I may just go for the Essance. I like the shape and since im shorter than 6' It seems like the ideal shape. I've been looking through the featured custom archive. I've been looking through them for almost two years now and am always astonished.

lidon2001 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 02, 2007, 12:56:56 PM »

Hello Stefan and welcome,

With your username and when you said classic, I imagined a Gaboon ebony (black) topped Series 1 Scorpion as Chuck Panazzo from Styx played. I guess that will be your Alembic #2.

When ordering your custom, and you spending your hard earned money on it, you definitely want to get it right the first time. I ordered 3 Alembic's basically blind, having never really played an Alembic bass or guitar. I never cared for the stock neck dimensions posted here on the site, so buying used or on EBay was never really an option since I knew I wouldn't care for the neck dimensions. In ordering my customs, I was able to get the neck dimensions, profiles, and fret size that I wanted, and this is a huge part to my enjoyment of the instruments. So know your neck dimensions.

For any electronic package that includes a filter, I would suggest an upgrade to a 3 way Q switch. It is very inexpensive, and adds to the tonal palette of the instrument. And you can't go wrong with a FatBoy pickup in the bridge position, another inexpensive upgrade.

And be sure to wait for a good monthly special. It's a great way to save a few bucks.

You can see my Alembic Custom that was based on the Essence here. I tweaked both the body and the peg head. It is everything and more than I had hoped for.

Good luck & have fun.

bsee · « **Reply #4 on:** April 04, 2007, 10:19:40 AM »

I don't think of the Balance K as a particularly large body size. In particular, I think it serves well to allow better reach to the first fret for a shorter player, and to balance the bass well on the shoulder.

Stefan, depending upon how much less than 6' you are, you might consider a shorter than 34 scale for your bass as well. What styles of music you play and how you play them can factor in to that decision as well. A 32-33 scale Balance K or Essence could be a great choice for you. Tell us more about the above and what basses you like to play and how comfortable they are for you.

In addition to the featured customs, you might poke through the for sale and showcase sections of these boards. You'll see a lot more pictures of the more typical basses that you might plan to build.

-bob

olieoliver · « **Reply #5 on:** April 04, 2007, 10:46:58 AM »

I agree with Bob, the Balance K is not really a very large body. I personally think it is the nicest looking body Alembic offers too.

The 3/4 Omega is a small body and fits me better, which is why my Custom on order is a 3/4. It's not my favorite look but it does feel better to me to play.

Actually trying out the different body styles is the best way to find out what is best for you but that is not always an option for some of us.

Peghead, I LOVE the classic Crown shape. It personifies Alembic, (to me anyway). Besides Alembic is the King of Basses.

olieoliver · « **Reply #6 on:** April 04, 2007, 10:48:12 AM »

OOPs,
and the King Of Guitars. (My Apologies Bill)