Broken Bass in Burl Rosewood

[Steve Wood (s_wood)]

This is my Series II (#12541) with a Burl Rosewood top. Truly beautiful, with a tone to match.    

   

   

   

   About a month after Alembic shipped me the bass, I was carrying it to rehearsal in a double gig bag along with a beat up old Gibson Ripper.  Somehow, the gig bag slipped off my shoulder and went crashing straight down to the street.  The Ripper was fine, but one of the omega points cracked clean off the Alembic. Only the good die young, I guess. Back went the bass to Alembic, where they were able to repair the damage so well that the crack is a almost invisible.  That's why this one is the Broken Bass.  Moral of the story: Gig bags suck!    

[Paul Lindemans (palembic)]

Hoi Steve,
 
your advice comes right in time. I was just thinking of buying a gig-bag for my Alembic (see Bonnie: she's your baby's neighbour in this department). So ...I don't do that.
That leaves me with a serious problem however. The case I received in 1996 with my bass is -just the opposite of the bass itself- complete worn out. There are two locks broken, it keeps together with just 1 lock. I saw those very nice road-cases they sell here but, really, that's not for me right now.
I guess the cheapest way to go further is buy two good binders I can put around the case to keep the two shells safely together. Just for the time I have the money to spend at a good case.
Anyway: a nice guitar and truly beautiful work of the Alembicians.
I can't help to compare your bass with mine. I guess your neck-widht is standard? Your guitar gives a sleeker appearance. Bonnies body is wider and so she got the Manta shape omega cut-out .
But ...we agree ...we love our guitars!
 
CU
Paul

[Brian Ceasar (bbe1020)]

Nice bass! Where's the P/U selector switch, and master volume?

[Steve Wood (s_wood)]

Brian and Paul:
 
Thanks for the compliments!  
 
Paul: The neck width is basically standard. The neck's profile was based on the neck of a Tobias Classic 5 that I shipped to Alembic back in '93, when I ordered my first bass.  They copied the measurements and kept them in my file for use in the future. That's the kind of insanely personal service unique to Alembic!  One other thing: call or e-mail Mica and buy a new case. Friends don't let friends do gig bags.  
 
Paul:  The knob closest to the neck pickup is a master volume.  The knob closest to the bridge pickup is a stereo pan control.  To me, pickup selectors are worthless, as they only offer on or off.  A pan control allows me to continuously vary the volume of each pickup, from off to full-on, with one knob.  

[Paul Lindemans (palembic)]

Well Steve,
 
that Pan-thing is something where we differ. (That's good by the way, difference makes a richer world!)
I never liked pans. It gives an or/or ouput to my ears. On the other hand it is very handy.
What I liked about the S2 was that I create my sound by adding the two PU (when both selected of course). The master volume helped me afterwards to jump out when the song asks for it. Therefore I leave my volume setting on my amp a litlle louder as needed in the circumstances.
BTW: on your profile I read lots of Alembics. Mind to tell what lots stands for. (Yes -yes I know what the word means, what models).
Take care!
 
Paul

[Googe Endeveronte (goooge)]

Steve-
 
Beautiful wood on that baby- whats the core?
TIA
Googe

[Steve Wood (s_wood)]

George:
The core is mahagony.  The neck is maple and purpleheart.
 
Paul:
Yes, diversity is wonderful, and I am always amazed at Alembic's willingness and ability to accomodate our varying tastes.  As to my lots of Alembics, over the years I have owned 26 different Alembics. Most were either Series I or II basses.  My favorites are my Series basses with Europa bodies, like the one pictured under the Custom thread. I've also owned a 20th Anniversary model, a couple of Elans, some Essences, 2 JPJ models, a Presuader and a Rogue. Love those Alembics!

[James L. Martin (malthumb)]

Paul & Steve,
 
Normally I'd agree about the gig bag, but you should consider checking out the bags that Alembic has at the Alembic Store.  I transport both of my Series basses in one of those bags (not at the same time of course).  The leather bags have extremely thick, tough leather and even thicker padding.  I can't vouch for how they'd hold up in a fall, but I've had my share of occasional knocks and bumps with absolutely no ill effects.

[funkyjazzjunky]

Still spectacular

[s_wood]

Better pics... with her sister
 
 
 

[moongerm]

Wow!

[funkyjazzjunky]

Wow is right

[dtothec]

I carry my Alembics in Reunion Blues Continental bags. Go to you tube and look up Reunion Blues Continental drop test. IMHO I think they offer more protection than a hard case if dropped, because the bag absorbs the more of the impact. These bags are heavy duty without being heavy.  I don't know if I'd carry an omega cut in a gig bag though.

[edwin]

My Starfire has a custom Cronkite bag. Glenn Cronkhite founded Reunion Blues, so it's the same ballpark. I have no worries. At least for around town. On the road is a different story.

[dtothec]

Agreed! Edwin, I wouldn't ship it in a Reunion Blues bag, but like you, I have no worries around town. The bags are light, have a brace for the neck and a solid frame with plenty of padding for impact protection. Honestly I feel that my basses are better protected in the bags than in the hardshell cases that were made for them. My hard cases are in storage in my basement.