Hey Jazzyvee.
No spot putting at all, my pleasure. We're here to talk gear!
My first Alembic was a 4-string Series I which I must have bought around 1974? I can't remember what became of that bass but in '76 my first 5-string appeared, also a Series I. I don't think there were any other models in those days.
I added a 5-string fretless Series I in 1980 and had a second one built in '82. Then in late '87 my main bass was stolen out of a van while on the road. By that time Alembic were making a couple different models. I found a 5-string Persuader for sale at one of the shops on 48th street in NYC and bought it as a temporary bass until I could have a replacement built.
I guess I lucked out, there must have been a similar instrument already in the pipeline at Alembic because my replacement is an '87 series II which has served as my main studio bass since that time. Unless I have my dates wrong that bass only took a couple months to build - which is unheard of!
I never wanted to go through THAT experience again so I needed a backup axe. I got inspired and ordered TWO basses which appeared in '89 - one of which is now my main touring bass and the other a backup to the backup and mostly for practicing (I know, that's just nutty).
One of those two '89s may have started as a fretless but in the end became a fretted like it's brother. I think I even tried to sell one at one point but I can't remember the details.
It seems that once I get a piece of gear that does what I want, I stick with it. I've not seriously tried any of the other models because I'm so stuck on the Series electronics and sound. My amps, rack rigs and studio rig are all set up to work with these basses. I wouldn't know what to do with a 1/4 inch guitar cable. (Are those still curly?) Ha!
I admire guys who have a wide palate of tones from different basses, pedal effects, amp tones, etc.. I'm just not one of those guys.
Sorry for the long ramble. Can you tell I'm in a hotel?
Jimmy J
