Hi guys.
This is my Rogue. I bought it about an year ago, used, here in Brazil. Serial Number 96Q9891.
The Rogue, to me, its the best Alembic, with the perfect balance between sound, playability and price. Keep in mind that i've had quite a couple of different Alembics... I would like to bring out my preferred points on this bass, and why I prefer it for everyday use over any Series bass.
Here is what I love about the Rogue:
1- No need to carry a power supply around. If I want, I just need to put the bass in a gig bag and it is ready to plug into any amp on any gig and give it it's full potential. With any cable, in case I forget mine (only happened once, but still...).
2- The Electronics are not extremely sensitive and don't pick up every interference on the way. Keep in mind I live/play in Brazil. AC power here is really dirty. And they love to put antennas everywhere here. With the Rogue, I've never had to worry... It's always a clean sound. Of course, I could carry all sorts of Furman-like stuff with me to filter that, but for me, there is no price on being able to be practical if I want to, with just the bass/cable/amp kit. Some of my gigs have to be like that, so it's important to me.
Obviously, it doesn't have the same sound of the Series basses that I've have/had/played, but in live situations I don't mind. It still has what makes an Alembic, and Alembic. Which actually takes me to next point.
3- Sound. The Rogue is the Alembic I got more compliments on, regarding sound. I love the clear sound of the Series, but the less clear sound of the Rogue (clear might not be the correct term, but I think it works for the this explanation) sits perfectly in every scenario, at least for me and my style of playing. Not that the Series doesn't, but it just sounds more normal compared to what most people are accustomed to, regarding bass sounds. I've never found it easier to get that sound with the Series...
It's kinda hard to explain, but no one never said Why don't you use a Fender? to me while playing the Rogue. Let me be perfectly clear, though: NOTHING sounds as good as a Series bass, in my opinion. But you guys know sound people...
The Rogue cuts the mix perfectly, but it is never too hifi or too bell like. And I like that. The dirt it has, compared to a Series, is a good compliment to the songs I play (mostly Rock/Blues)... But then again, just my 2 cents...
Ps. I must mention that when I take my full rig to concerts, it is F-1X powered. The result of this combination should be obvious
4- Rogue has the best controls for quick and precise sound change. Need more bass? It's a click away. Less Treble? It's a click away. Need silence? Master volume. Need to twist the sound a bit from Jaco to a bit more Pbass-ish? Pickup pan.
No need to mess with a bunch of knobs and amp controls. I know that for a lot of people that isn't an issue, but I love the easiness of the controls on the Rogue. Specially when playing live.
5- The Rogue is perfect on a strap. PERFECT. Europas are really close, but the Rogue, with that extra length on the horn, is perfect. I still have to try a MK though...
6- Playability. Again, it's an Alembic. Enough said.
Anyway, this is my small review of why I love the Rogue.
Some will disagree, others will agree and that's the beauty of it: there are different Alembics to suit everyone!!
Cheers,
Greg
