Author Topic: An Acoustic Alembic Bass? (Read 537 times)

squirefan · « **on:** July 27, 2004, 07:24:13 PM »

Could my dream be answered? An Alembic acoustic/electric fretless bass. That would finish off my collection and I could die a happy man.

flaxattack · « **Reply #1 on:** July 27, 2004, 10:13:55 PM »

check out www.michaelkellyguitars.com
they make an very very good bass. some say next toa taylor it is the best out there at a much better price. i got lucky and got mine 6 months ago on ebay for 550 w.case

squirefan · « **Reply #2 on:** July 28, 2004, 04:45:21 PM »

WOW!!! That is absolutely gorgeous!! I better start saving up to get one for myself for Christmas.

valvil · « **Reply #3 on:** July 28, 2004, 05:42:22 PM »

Personally I am VERY unimpressed with the Taylor bass. Nothing particularly wrong with it, other than the fact that it does not sound much louder than my electric basses unplugged. I'm not putting down Taylor by any means; I like their stuff and I am a happy owner of a Taylor acoustic guitar (414CE) myself.
Best acoustic bass guitar I've tried (and sold a bunch of)is the one made by Tacoma in the US (there is a cheaper asian made version that's not so hot); it sounds good and it's loud enough for a little acoustic jam and can be had fretted or fretless for around 1000$. It's called the Thunderchief if I remember correctly.

Valentino

bsee · « **Reply #4 on:** July 28, 2004, 06:11:06 PM »

I've tried a few of the Tacomas and liked them very much. They did differ in feel, action, and tone pretty significantly, though. I would definitely want to play the one I was going to buy. I also believe that there are a few different options on that guitar because I have seen them listed with prices varying by a couple hundred dollars.

-bob

eastcoastepic · « **Reply #5 on:** July 28, 2004, 07:36:48 PM »

Val,
I agree, as I have a Tacoma 'Thunderchief' model CB10 4-string acoustic, purchased new a year ago for $850 with a beautiful Tacoma hardshell case. I played a bunch of acoustic basses at the time, and in my opinion, the Tacoma is the best crafted and loudest acoustic out there for less than $1000. As I recall, the Dean was nice but a distant second, but still better than the Fender...........

Manufactured with pride in Tacoma, Washington, USA. You westerners sure build good guitars....
Chris

squirefan · « **Reply #6 on:** July 28, 2004, 08:37:07 PM »

Maybe I can get a Tacoma body and put an Alembic neck on her. I know these guys at the factory would love a project like that. I'm going to start hunting some parts.

bigredbass · « **Reply #7 on:** July 28, 2004, 10:50:28 PM »

SquireFan, check out www.moonstoneguitars.com. Mica had previously sent acoustic inquiries in their direction, and I'm sure she would not mind me repeating it here.

J o e y

bob · « **Reply #8 on:** July 28, 2004, 11:00:58 PM »

It's worth reading Mica's full reply, somewhere in this thread.

In short, while they might love a project like that, they just aren't equipped to deal with it at this time - and there is so much else going on these days that I wouldn't hold your breath (nor start shopping for parts).

-Bob

son_of_magni · « **Reply #9 on:** July 29, 2004, 02:00:00 PM »

I bought my Michael Kelly 5-string fretless on ebay and I'm very happy with the purchase. I've had it probably almost a year. It it not a high end acoustic bass, and is not marketed as such. I bought it so I'd have a bass I can just grab any time I want without needing to hook up an amp, and it serves that purpose well. And after a little tweaking the action is pretty nice, it sounds fine, and looks great. People's jaws just drop when they hear that it only cost about $400.
SoM

btw, they are made in Korea...

(Message edited by son_of_magni on July 29, 2004)

squirefan · « **Reply #10 on:** July 31, 2004, 04:23:24 PM »

I'll have to do a little shopping around, make sure it's something I really need right now. Thanks for everyone's input, I have a tendancy to get a little anxious when it comes to buying guitars.

p.s. - My wife thanks you all too.

bassman10096 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 31, 2004, 11:18:50 PM »

I checked out Moonstone. He appears to be quite a distinguished luthier of acoustics. One interesting surprise was that he builds a semihollow electric bass with Alembic bridge, tailpiece and electronics. The controls are 3 knobs and a toggle - perhaps Essence electronics with a Q switch? Hmmm...

(Message edited by bassman10096 on August 01, 2004)

pookeymp · « **Reply #12 on:** August 12, 2004, 07:30:05 AM »

I've been eyeing that Michel Kelly 5-string fretless for about a week now (American Musical has it for $519)...for the price and the looks alone I was ready to go for it...now after hearing these comments about it...I think I should go for it. I'm just trying to justify if I need it. Well...of course I need it...but do I Really need it.

Mikey/

wideload · « **Reply #13 on:** August 12, 2004, 10:02:46 AM »

What does need have to do with it? Its just money, and they print more of that every day! (The trick is to get you some!)
Larry

son_of_magni · « **Reply #14 on:** August 12, 2004, 06:55:46 PM »

You should contact them...
http://www.michaelkellyguitars.com/
and find out if they're still putting 'blemished' or 'seconds' on ebay. That's how I got mine and I can't find a single thing wrong with it.