New to Alembics..not sure where to begin

[ambientbass]

Sometime in the future (probably distant rather than near) I plan on ordering an Alembic..I just thought I would turn to the good people here to see if they can help me along the long process of dreaming up my future custom Alembic.

[eastcoastepic]

OK, basic questions for you; what's your budget? Do not be afraid of the Quote Generator; it is your friend. Do you prefer the powerful 'punch' and lower cost of a set-neck, or the clarity and sustain of a neck-through? How important are the electronics and ease of control/adjustment to you? How much of a concern is weight and balance (body style) to you?  
As mentioned in the past, the purchase of a lower priced, pre-owned Alembic with your basic requirements may give you a better indication of what you like/don't like and need/don't need in a guitar. You can then re-sell your 'test-bass', if you desire, to help fund your new bass.  
Personally, I went for the best of both worlds...I love my JPJ Signature neck-through with a passion, but my set-neck Orion has that super tight 'punch' that I love, and that I could not do without.  
It's a big investment....take your time, and if possible, play as many as you can. (Ironically, all 3 of my Alembics were purchased sight unseen, and I have not been disappointed with any of them; IMO, they're that good)
And finally, pick a dealer that you're comfortable with (Bass Central is my favorite), and let them assist you in your journey.  
Best of luck,
Chris

[2400wattman]

Hello Chris, is that JPJ triple o from Ed Roman's store? Beautiful bass man!

[ambientbass]

I have a fairly specific bass tone in mind that I've been searching for (and my music man doesnt deliver on). the growly, pseudo-distorted bass tone that Geddy Lee was known for in the earlier days of rush (and that John Myung and Billy Sheehan have nearly duplicated with their own bass rigs) Can you recommend a direction to go in that might lead to this kind of sound?

[s_wood]

The best advice I can give you is this: pick up the phone and talk to Mica or Valentino!  Tell them what you are looking for as far as tone, looks and special features, and have a rough idea of how much you want to spend.  They will give you great guidance about how to make your choices.  
 
One other thing: the construction features of the bass, particulary the wood choices, will affect the tone.  A lot.  If you have a preference that's based on how the wood looks - and I think we all do - make sure you learn about how the wood will sound!  If your choices for the top and body wood conflict with the tone you are going for, you may be disappointed.  On the other hand, if you talk to Valentino or Mica they can often suggest work-arounds that will get you both the tone and look you prefer.

[s_wood]

The best advice I can give you is this: pick up the phone and talk to Mica or Valentino!  Tell them what you are looking for as far as tone, looks and special features, and have a rough idea of how much you want to spend.  They will give you great guidance about how to make your choices.  
 
One other thing: the construction features of the bass, particulary the wood choices, will affect the tone.  A lot.  If you have a preference that's based on how the wood looks - and I think we all do - make sure you learn about how the wood will sound!  If your choices for the top and body wood conflict with the tone you are going for, you may be disappointed.  On the other hand, if you talk to Valentino or Mica they can often suggest work-arounds that will get you both the tone and look you prefer.

[ambientbass]

Could I just as easily post a message in the factory to customer section asking for advice from Mica or Valentino? (to save on long-distance phone bills, mainly? )

[s_wood]

Well, I have always had the best luck with the telephone, as opposed to e-mail.

[kmh364]

The phone is your best bet...even if it costs a little it'll save you time, money and aggravation in the end.  
 
You could also try a respected Alembic Dealer...Steve from Superbass was priceless when it came to his 20-plus years of Alembic experience, both as a dealer and a pro player of same. Unfortunately, he's on an extended hiatus.  
 
I'm sure there are others out there with extensive experience...and you may get lucky with an 800 number (et al), LOL!

[David Houck]

The Factory to Customer section is reserved for orders that are in the process of being built.  This section, the Dreaming section, is for working out ideas before placing an order.

[ambientbass]

ah ok. thanks dave. I see what you mean now (about it being closed to new threads) I posted a message to val and mica in Dreaming, but it hasnt gotten any notice yet.

[eastcoastepic]

Hello, Adam. I got my Triple O from Beaver at Bass Central...Ed Roman's was out of my price range. (over $10K, if I remember correctly)
Chris

[kmh364]

Yeah, Ed Roman's museum piece, LOL! Because it was a featured Alembic COM, he wants an heirloom museum price for the thing...and what he's got is a museum piece that nobody will pay that much for and he will keep for a very long time.
 
Regardless, it is a verrrrry nice piece, the buckeye burl on it is spectacular!

[ambientbass]

Er...can we get this back on-topic? I know a little bit better of what I am looking for, so I might be able to have a more intelligent conversation now.

[kmh364]

Sorry...we're all quite easily distracted here, LOL!
 
Cheers,
 
Kevin