Author Topic: Newcomer needing advice (episode 6753) (Read 180 times)

sam · « **on:** May 22, 2006, 11:43:19 AM »

Hello everyone,

The bad news: I don't own an alembic. The good news: I'm looking for one!

I started playing bass about three years ago and all I've had so far is a fender jazz (four string, no vintage, early nineties). I'm not much of a gear man, I prefer having few but good instruments.

Now I think it's time to check out that low B, so I started looking for a five string. And it appears to me that alembic wouldn't be too bad of a choice... Before actually biding on ebay or buying one elsewhere I have some questions, since I most likely won't be able to play the bass before I buy it. And since Santa Rosa is rather far away from Switzerland, I have never touched such a bass yet nor seen one live:-(

It's probably gonna be either an Epic, an Orion, an Essence or a Persuader (can I call those the low end of the alembic product palette?) due to financial reasons... Ok, let's get started:

1) What are the differences between these models? Are some more suited for blues, jazz and funk (which I mostly play) than others?

2) What about wood? Just a matter of taste or are there general things which can be said about the different wood types?

3) Which one would be rather close to the feel of the fender jazz? I feel very comfortable with the neck of the fender jazz and it would be nice if I got an instrument with similar feel (or better :-)

4) The last question might not quite fit in here, but I happen to be looking for an amp too. Right now I'm considering two options: SWR Super Redhead Combo or the EBS GormET-210 Combo. Any advice to help me decide?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Sam

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** May 22, 2006, 08:19:40 PM »

Hi Sam; welcome to the board!

it appears to me that alembic wouldn't be too bad of a choice - nice understatement!

The section is a good place to get started. You'll find descriptions of the controls for all the models you mentioned along with a wealth of other information about Alembics. There's also a search link in the top right hand corner of each page that can help you find past discussions on all kinds of topics.

sam · « **Reply #2 on:** May 23, 2006, 04:30:17 AM »

Hello Dave,

Thanks for your quick response. The FAQs and Must Reads really cover a broad variety of topics, however I still couldn't find answers for my questions. To me it looks like the FAQs and Must Reads are useful once you own your instrument. Or maybe I just didn't find the right sections? I still don't know whether I should aim for an Epic or rather an Essence. I know that this might be a question of personal taste, but maybe there's something objective one can say about the different models. Looking at the pictures doesn't help either, they're all gorgeous to look at anyway.

And by the way: I just read the Guidelines for posting and I must say: I am deeply moved! Unfortunately, not every online message board follows these...

Oh, and another thing: opinions on ebay item #7403837154 anyone? Sorry for my inveteracy concerning questions!!

Sam

keith_h · « **Reply #3 on:** May 23, 2006, 05:09:53 AM »

Hello Sam,

1) The differences are the Epic and Orion are set
neck basses and the Essence and Persuader are
neck through. They also have different
electronics. Here is the Bass
product page. You can customize any of the
models.

2) There has been a lot of talk on wood. It is
best to search to find the threads. In general
the type of neck and body woods on a set neck
have an effect on the tone. For a neck through
instruments the neck woods have the most
effect.

3) I have an Orion 5 string and a 4 string
fretless (See April, 2006 FCTM). When I first
got the 5 string I found the neck to be very
close to my Jazz Bass in feel. I have had no
problems switching between them.

4) Can't help alot on the combo. My main rig is an
Eden Navigator into a Bag End ELF-M2 into a QSC
PLX3002 (or PLX2402). These drive 2 - 18 and
1 - 2 X 10 Bag End cabinets or 2 - 15 JBL and
one generic 2 X 10 cabinets. No ELF for the
15's just he the Navigator crossover. I do like
the Eden preamp and would suggest you also
consider an Eden Metro.

Keith

bracheen · « **Reply #4 on:** May 23, 2006, 06:54:29 AM »

Hello Sam, welcome to the family.
I have an Epic and have had a Jazz Bass. Like you I like the JB neck and my Epic is not a great deal different but better. It suits me just fine. I also think the tone is suited to just about any style you would want to play. My opinion is tempered by the fact that the only other Alembics that I've played were a Series and a Mark King. I like them all! Your best bet would be to search out the various models in which you are interested, if possible and try them.
I have played the Super Redhead in stores and liked it. I have not played the EBS. I can also concur with Keith that the Eden Metro is very nice. Again only opinions.
Good luck with your search.
BTW, I'm also a Samuel. About time another came on board. There is an abundance of Pauls but we're the only two Sams.

Sam

sam · « **Reply #5 on:** May 23, 2006, 10:34:03 AM »

Keith and Sam, thanks a lot for your help. I will be checking out ebay from time to time and post my search results in the Seen on eBay and Other Sites-section. Comments by you guys would then be greatly appreciated. Two further questions for Keith: What is FCTM? And how come that the persuader is not listed on the bass product page?

And to Sam: I just tried to change my username, but that's not possible. I hope you don't mind; after all, you wrote 1013 posts more than me! Thus I'm gonna end my posts with Sam H in order to avoid confusion:-)

Y'all have a nice day. Thanks again,

Sam H

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 23, 2006, 10:44:26 AM »

Hello and welcome, Sam

FCTM = Featured Custom of The Month

The bass product page only shows current production models, so no Persuader, Distillate, Elan, etc. But Alembic keeps their body templates, so any body style can still be ordered.

Mike

keith_h · « **Reply #7 on:** May 23, 2006, 12:59:25 PM »

Sam,
Looks like Mike already responded.Thanks Mike.

Keith

bracheen · « **Reply #8 on:** May 23, 2006, 06:55:43 PM »

No worries Sam, my user name is unique unless of course we're distant cousins. I have so many posts because I've had a lot of time on my hands. Not because I have much to say.

Sam the Floridian one