Author Topic: Finally my first Alembic (Read 419 times)

coda · « **on:** September 29, 2006, 03:44:41 PM »

As I entered the first Guitar Center in Hollywood 1976 as was stunned by the selection. Fenders, and Gibsons, back in those days that's really all you have to chose from for the most part. As you entered the little bass room, hanging overhead on the wall was this breath taking bass. As I looked up I was in ahh. Custom woods, style and one of a kind. I asked the salemen what it was and he replied, Alembic, $2200.00. Of course there was no way he was about to let this long haired teen take it for a lap. I left there thinking that had to be the bass of all basses, if only someday. I still have my P-bass from back then, but always wanted the golden rule. Well some 30 years later I decided to step-up and do the deed. An Epic to die for. Yes, it looks like all the rest but it just seems this one was made for only me. We bonded like a trusted hound and the tone was the sound I've been hearing in my head for three decades! I wish I would have done this years ago. So take it from this old guy. Don't wait, it's worth putting in the OT at work to bump up into the majors and play such a fine cut of wood.

richbass939 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 29, 2006, 03:49:49 PM »

Jim, congrats on your Epic and welcome to the club. So many of us waited for a very long time to get an Alembic. I wish I hadn't waited so long but I'm very glad I finally did it. Have fun.
Rich

tbrannon · « **Reply #2 on:** September 29, 2006, 03:52:26 PM »

Jim,
I know the feeling- I just received my first (a 5 string Rogue) and I'm rapt. Unbelievable tone and flexibility.

I'm saving for an '08 custom- I think I've caught the Alembic bug~

coda · « **Reply #3 on:** September 29, 2006, 04:11:12 PM »

Copy that and thanks. I was looking and searching for a high end bass. After talking with several custom shops and advice from other players I discovered that there are so many high end cutoms what can you do, where do you start. So I just went back in time the that kid in me with I first saw that Alembic and decided Karma was calling, am glad I listen to it this time...

hieronymous · « **Reply #4 on:** September 29, 2006, 08:25:44 PM »

Wow, congratulations! Similar thing happened to me when I bought my first Rickenbacker four years ago. I had looked at pictures of my heroes (Geddy Lee, Lemmy, Roger Glover) playing those for years, but I never got one of my own until long after I had stopped listening to those players regularly (though I have since come back!).

Now with my first Series I Alembic and upgrade to member status I feel like I can legitimately say welcome!!!

keurosix · « **Reply #5 on:** September 29, 2006, 08:33:12 PM »

Jim,
Welcome to the club and Alembic ownership! The Epic is a real fine bass. You can appreciate all the finer points of Alembic craftsmanship in this affordable bass. The set neck has a lot of warmth.
Kris

keurosix · « **Reply #6 on:** September 29, 2006, 09:06:24 PM »

A few more things to add:
I can relate to your story. I had a similar experience when I saw an Alembic Series 1 hanging up at Ed Roman's Eastcoast Guitars in Danbury, CT many years back. I vowed that guitar would be mine, but could not get it right then. Then 6 months later, Eastcoast opened a small store in Orange, CT, and lo and behold the Alembic was moved there. I saw it for the second time, and just stared. The salesman asked if I had any equipment to trade in. A great big smile bloomed across my face. I left with the bass the next day. I do not have this bass anymore, but have recently replaced it with a 6 string Europa. I also have an Epic 5 string fretless.
Enjoy your new guitar and have fun! Please POST SOME PICS!!!
Kris

hieronymous · « **Reply #7 on:** September 29, 2006, 09:08:58 PM »

Ed Roman had a guitar store on the East Coast? Eeewwwww.

But your story is cool too keurosix!

keurosix · « **Reply #8 on:** September 29, 2006, 09:29:48 PM »

Harry,
Yes, Ed started on the East Coast! After he was successful selling Harley motorcycle parts, he jumped into guitars! I noticed on your profile that you're the one with the recently acquired doubleneck. That's a really cool piece of history. I previously owned another famous Alembic doubleneck, the John Judge Dragon bass, now owned by Speiky in Germany. He named it Peggy. There are alot of posts about it here. I loved it but it was way too heavy for me.
Kris

hieronymous · « **Reply #9 on:** September 29, 2006, 09:35:01 PM »

Not to continue to drag this thread off-topic, but WOW! You owned that thing? I was half-way seriously considering getting it at one point - almost drove down to G Guitars to check it out while I was back in Mass. a few years ago. Trust me, I've been following those threads!

You know you're cool when you can list the John Judge Dragon Doubleneck as a previously owned Alembic!!!

Now, back to your regularly scheduled introduction thread...

(Message edited by hieronymous on September 29, 2006)

keurosix · « **Reply #10 on:** September 29, 2006, 09:46:55 PM »

Not as cool as a current doubleneck Alembic owner. You da MAN Harry!
Jim, Back to you!
Kris

jazzyvee · « **Reply #11 on:** September 30, 2006, 01:34:22 AM »

It was about 22 years between when I saw my first alembic live in the hands of Stanley Clarke at a gig in UK. I wanted one from that point on. Now I have one. The first time I picked one up in the bass centre, it felt like It was made just for me. My love of bass playing has increased tremendously since then and I'm still finding new sounds on it all the time.

I'm almost certain, this won't be your first and last alembic.

Enjoy
Jazzyvee

coda · « **Reply #12 on:** September 30, 2006, 08:14:45 AM »

Indeed I feel the need for more. I saw Stanly Clark at the Greek in the 80s playing one. I have to say my P-bass with a jazz neck has served me well.Back in the day you only needed one base but I had three all Fenders. When I showed up for a gig I was looked at like the crazy bassmen with all these basses but I always got the gig too. Then I had to get a real life as $50.oo a night was not making it. Now I have returned only to discover many customs and so many great players. Exciting times now, looking forward to playing and discovering the true tone and style this bass can bring out in me. thanks for all the comments gang...

lbpesq · « **Reply #13 on:** September 30, 2006, 09:17:35 AM »

Jim:

Welcome to the club and congrats on your Alembic. Boy, can I relate to your story. My introduction to Alembic was through the Grateful Dead in the early 70's. Then , in about '76, I played in a band in Pasadena called Cripplefinger and the other guitarist had a Series I. I not only drooled over it, but actually got to play it! Of course the price was way out of my league. And the guitar I was playing was my recently acquired for $125 1961 Strat, which wasn't exactly chopped liver (Oh, yea, I still have it- best invesment I've ever made). Cut to 2004 - Guitar Show in San Rafael - I'm walking down the aisle and there it is - 1983 Electrum. I grabbed it and had my first Alembic. Then last February this turns up on ebay.

After more than 30 years I finally have my Series I. The only thing that can beat this is when my now-almost-two-years-in-the-making Further is finally finished. Enjoy your Epic and go make some beautiful music together.

Bill, the guitar one

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #14 on:** September 30, 2006, 09:24:52 AM »

Welcome coda,
You'll be happy with your Epic. I'm certainly happy with mine. And you're right about these instruments bringing out new things in your technique and playing.
Enjoy our little club.

Mike