Author Topic: Can't wait to own my first! (Read 298 times)

steveme · « **on:** November 22, 2009, 11:59:14 AM »

Greetings all! I played my first (and only) Alembic in high school about 20 years ago and havent stopped dreaming about it since.

Any advice on what/how I should buy my first would be welcome. I have a budget of no more than $5K. I think a short scale would suit me best.

Thanks everyone

jazzyvee · « **Reply #1 on:** November 22, 2009, 01:37:54 PM »

Welcome Steveme, my first Alembic was a short scale Stanley Clarke signature bass which i think is perfect for me coming from a guitar playing background. I certainly can recommend one of those basses. But, if you are fortunate and can get hold of a used Series I short scale bass then grab it. Just beware, some of the earlier ones may need the electronics upgrade since they are more susceptible to modern day electrical noise interference than the newer models. From the experience I've gathered from here not all of the older ones are noisy even without the upgrade.

The small bodied short scale Stanley Clarke style basses are renown for being a bit heck heavy but you learn to adapt to it and soon it doesn't really become an issue.

There is an unwritten rule here that new members post photo's of their Alembics so once you get hold of one and mention it here, you will get the chorus from the forum....... 'Pictures, Pictures

You will get a lot of good advice here from the members. I've certainly learnt a lot from reading the threads. A good place to build up your knowledge if you are looking for a short scale is the Showcase section in the Signature bass and Series I Basses and Guitars, there are great examples of wood choices and other customised options that may influence your buying decision. It's a good idea to check out older short/medium scale Spoiler, Distillate or Persuader models as well as they come around on ebay and here at very reasonable prices.

Jazzyvee

steveme · « **Reply #2 on:** November 22, 2009, 02:30:12 PM »

Thank you very much, Jazzyvee!

No worries, I will not hesitate to post pictures after I make my purchase.

Are the stanley's and series I the only alembics that come in short scale?

otis · « **Reply #3 on:** November 22, 2009, 04:47:41 PM »

Steve,

No. There are several models that are built short scale, including some custom models. There are Series I, Series II, Distillate, both Signature Series (Stanley Clarke, Mark King- if specified on the MK), and I believe even some Spoilers and Persuaders, though I believe these last 2 are only Medium (32) Scale. Again, there are probably Short Scales of every model, floating around out there, but you're more likely to come by a S1, S2, or Signature Stanley Clarke in a short scale. For 5k, you ought to be able to find a great used S1 or S2 4 or even 5 string, if that's more your speed.

There was a Series II with front LEDs on Craigslist in Dallas that the seller went as low as $3800. I would hold out for a S1 or SII if you don't mind a little wait, it's well worth it, trust me, I have firsthand experience, as do many of the members of the club.

Good luck in your Quest and hold out for a S1 or II, you won't be sorry!

Peace;)

Frank

otis · « **Reply #4 on:** November 22, 2009, 04:59:10 PM »

Steve,

Check this out- Tom J. from the Club just posted this, and in about 30 seconds I found a couple Series I's and Series II's- I think at least one of them was a short scale, and one of them was $3800. There was one for $2025 on Craig's List, but it looked like a long scale.

http://www2.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/mash.cgi?cat=mus&itm=alembic&loc=&fil=&ys=&ye=&ps=&pe=&pgs=50&submit=++++go++++

Bass Regards;)

Frank

otis · « **Reply #5 on:** November 22, 2009, 05:01:19 PM »

Here's what appears to be a Series I Short Scale that really looks nice. Here's the link, right here:

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/msg/1458796691.html

Peace;)

Frank

otis · « **Reply #6 on:** November 22, 2009, 05:08:22 PM »

Here's another one that looks like a cool short scale within your price range. Remember, everyone has a price and will come down slightly, sometimes if cash is offered...

http://tucson.craigslist.org/msg/1474955536.html

Frank

steveme · « **Reply #7 on:** November 22, 2009, 07:01:05 PM »

Wow. Thanks Frank. The series I and II look really cool, bit I wasn't sure if I could afford them.

Thanks for the links. I sent an email to one of them; we'll see what happens!

Thanks again.

Steve

otis · « **Reply #8 on:** November 24, 2009, 08:59:26 PM »

Steve,

Not a problem. I know how grueling the search for my own dream Alembic was, and every little bit helps, for sure. I hope you can pick up something really cool. Again, I'd hold out for a Series I or II, you won't be sorry. Try for the Series II- the Club Member I purchased the Series II Six from (kungfusheriff) also sold his 2 Series II short scale 4's- a graphite necked one, and an all wood one- you literally just missed the Koa one- he was offering it for around $3750, or it might have been as low as $3500, but I believe the all wood one went to the guy from France pierreyeves.

Good luck in your search!

Peace;)

Frank

pierreyves · « **Reply #9 on:** November 24, 2009, 09:07:19 PM »

Frank, please, the guy is from Geneva, Switzerland, and my name is Pierre-Yves Yesss I get the all wood Koa !

steveme · « **Reply #10 on:** November 25, 2009, 05:11:59 PM »

I guess timing is everything! Congrats Pierre-yves!

Hopefully my luck will turn.

I've become addicted to looking at all of the beatiful pics on here.

otis · « **Reply #11 on:** December 03, 2009, 04:53:30 PM »

Pierre,

How many Alembics does that make, now? Have you received her, yet? I bought the Series II 6 from Shawn C, and I've been playing it every day. I hope you play the S2 for many years in good health!

Peace;)

Frank