The Walnut "Bad Boy"

[Rami Sourour (rami)]

Yeah, I'm the one who bought it.  My first  Series II.  Playing it is such an amazing experience that somehow makes my 2 custom Rogues an anti-climax.  I never played another bass in my life that remotely compares.  Truly, the KING of all basses!  This is an Alembic Factory picture. Doesn't do it justice - but it's the best picture so far.  I've gotta get a digital camera!
s/n 01 12514
 
 

[Charles David Tichenor (alembic76407)]

Rami.... Is there any chance you will put me in your WILL, and pass it along to me when your done !!!!!!!!!
the only thing about this bass I would like to change  is it address (TO MINE) I hope it sound's half as good as it looks, What a beautiful Bass
David T

[Rami Sourour (rami)]

Thanks David. NO!!!!
 
I must say that the picture REALLY doesn't do it justice.   It is without a doubt the MOST magnificent work of art that I have ever seen and heard.   In fact, I'm still in complete awe of this instrument.  I still spend more time just staring at it than actually playing it.  This is really the Stradivarius or Rolls Royce of all basses.  To be in its presence is to be in the presence of royalty.   I'll never truly find the words to express my impression of this bass, but I hope that this description gives you some idea!

[Rami Sourour (rami)]

Gotta go stare at it some more now....
 
(Message edited by rami on April 09, 2004)

[Reid Raymond (rraymond)]

It was mentioned to me in another thread that, You haven't lived until you've played a Series bass. I absolutely believe it. I haven't played a Series bass and am not sure I want to. I mean, I'm still in awe of the tone of my Epic and Orion basses, they sound like the sound I've heard in my head for twenty-odd years. (Actually, the years weren't odd, it's just been more than twenty.) Enjoy that amazing instrument!

[Rami Sourour (rami)]

My first Alembic was an Excel 4(Walnut).  I still have it today and absolutely love it.  Now my Alembic collection has gone completely out of control - I have Excels 4 string, 5 string, and fretless in different woods - same with my Essence basses, A Rogue, then there's the Magnificent, Majestic Series II.   Each bass has it's own unique sound and feel.   I would be perfectly content with any one of my Alembics as my only bass.   But the Series II is REALLY something special. To hold and play it is to experience the culmination of everything that is Alembic.  It can sound like any of my other basses or like something completely out of this world.  The stereo feature lets me (if I choose) run each pickup through it's own amplifier - effect - setup.   Of course, it's VERY expensive, but it's a Rolls Royce with all it's perfection and no compromise approach in design and detail.  It is a true testament to art and science.  I have no doubt that history will remember it like the Stradivarius Violin...as desirable and admired.  

[Rami Sourour (rami)]

Another picture
 

 

[Rami Sourour (rami)]

Check out that beautiful wood grain...
 
 

 
 
Alembic basses truly are works of art!!!

[elzie]

Holy %$@#@!
 
That is one gorgeous bass! I can't believe I missed this thread. Rami, you are one lucky guy to have added this to your collection. I'd bet it has a monster sound too  
 
 
Paul II

[jorge_s]

Yes, this bass is absolutely stunning.  Congratulations!  Walnut is such a nice wood.  I was recently at the dudepit site on ezboard.  There is a thread there where a luthier compares the sonic properties of walnut to cardboard.  I was wondering what you think Rami comparing all the basses that you have.  Knowing how the Dark Prince sounds, is walnut something you would consider putting on another one of your basses?  I am considering walnut for my next Alembic.

[lembic76450]

Rami,  Like Elzie, I don't know how I missed this. Quite nice. Thanks for the directions.
Kenn
 
Comparing walnut to cardboard??

[the_mule]

Wow, what a brilliant bass. Comparing walnut to cardboard is a bloody blasphemy as far as I'm concerned. My walnut Orion looks and sounds absolutely amazing and if I'm ever in the position (financially) to order a custom Alembic, walnut (superb, burl or flame) will be without a doubt my first choice!

[jorge_s]

I've never played a bass with walnut in it.  I think that it is the most attractive wood.  I don't think Alembic would make so many basses with walnut if it was a substandard wood.  I would just like some opinions from those of you fortunate enough to own several Alembics.  Does the posting that I refer to have any merit?  How does walnut perform sonically next to other woods.  I certainly don't mean any disrespect.  Quite the contrary.  The bass on this thread is among the most beautiful I've seen.

[goatfoot]

I am fortunate enough to own two Alembics.  They're both walnut but they sound completely different (but neither of them sound like cardboard!).
 
My Custom 5 is 36 scale, Rogue body, Maple neck (w/ walnut stringers), Epic/Orion elecs, Mahoghany body and a gorgeous Burl Walnut top.
 
My Brown Bass is 30.75 scale, fretless, small standard body, Mahogany/Birch/Walnut neck, Anniversary elecs, Myrtle body and a gorgeous Walnut (maybe flamed?) top/back.
 
The custom has a bell-like tone.  Both the high's and the low's just ring out and sustain for days.  I can make this bass super bright by backing off all of the bass and boosting the treble and it doesn't sound harsh.  OTOH, I can boost the bass and cut the treb and really get down in the basement w/o turning the tone to mush.
 
The BB has a very warm and mellow tone - but the highs can be a bit harsh if I don't back off on the tone filters.  This bass is very good at getting an upright-type sound but it doesn't do a Jaco-esque tone real well. (That's alright, I'm not out to be a Jaco-clone.)
 
Everything about these basses is different EXCEPT the  Walnut top laminate.  Still, IMO, the main difference between the two basses is the sound of the neck wood.  I don't think I hear the walnut in either of these two basses.  But I'm certain that I hear the maple and mahoghany in the necks.  
 
Kevin

[wayne]

Jorge-
 
If you're curious about the sonic performance of Walnut, just listen to anything with Jimmy Johnson.  He plays (and has for 30 years) a Burl Walnut Series II.
 
I've always heard that Walnut is a little on the dark side of neutral (Maple being very bright) - but I've never played one.  And remember that with Alembic, it's the neck woods that have the most impact.
 
C-Ya............wayne