Author Topic: UK/NZ Connection and 1st Time Alembic Owner (Read 553 times)

crazykiwi · « **on:** October 15, 2005, 11:06:06 PM »

Hi there, I've recently purchased Harvey's Alembic Elan 6 (90H 5747) with macassar ebony top (see his intro on this forum). I own about 8 other basses including 2 Smiths (5 and 6 string), a Jaydee (MK), a Pedulla Pentabuzz, 2 Modulus (Sonic Hammer/Q5SS), a 78 Stingray and an 83 MM Cutlass. I just like funky basses .

I've always liked the look of the Signature body shape and have hummed and aaahed over getting a MK signature one day. However I'd really like to get my hands on one of the graphite necked Alembics from the early 80's (as well as a Modulus Q5SS fretless if anyone spots either for sale somewhere).

I play a lot of soul and funk backing a vocal performance group called the Camden Soul Collective here in London (www.soulsters.co.uk). Like Harvey, who I bought the Elan 6 from, I also moderate the UK's most popular and friendliest bass guitar forum at www.bassworld.co.uk.

The New Zealand connection is that I grew up in Christchurch in the South Island I don't go back there anywhere as often as I'd like.

The one thing I really like about the Elan 6 is the string spacing! The sound is full and seems to sit in the mix really nicely too. I was wondering what potential there might be for adding an eq module to give me more control over the mids?

tbrannon · « **Reply #1 on:** October 16, 2005, 02:10:20 AM »

Steve,
Too bad you aren't here any longer....I would have had to arrange a flight down to Christchurch from Hamilton to have look at that Elan!!

Enjoy the bass...

crazykiwi · « **Reply #2 on:** October 16, 2005, 03:55:42 AM »

Hehehe, thanks - I might try and make it back next year, its been nearly four years since I was there last.

I knew a guy called Don H. who owned a 70's Alembic Series II with a vermillion top in Christchurch. It had an extra wide nut on it so wasn't an easy bass to play compared to some of the other Alembics I've been fortunate enough to try out since.

Anyways, I'm enjoying the Elan 6 right now as I type Will be taking it to rehearsal tomorrow for further study

(Message edited by Crazykiwi on October 16, 2005)

tbrannon · « **Reply #3 on:** October 18, 2005, 12:03:54 PM »

Steve,
Now would be a good time to get back....nothing quite like spring in Aotearoa!

From what I gather, there aren't a whole lot of Alembics floating around down here. I'm heading up to the States for about a month in Jan. and will be keeping my ear to the ground for any used Alembics in my price range.

-Toby

jacko · « **Reply #4 on:** October 19, 2005, 11:50:57 AM »

Hi steve and welcome to the club. Hopefully we'll bump into each other at the UK bassday. Keep your eyes open for a geordie, a scotsman and an american .
(sounds like the start of a joke!)

Graeme

the_8_string_king · « **Reply #5 on:** October 19, 2005, 05:16:30 PM »

Hi crazykiwi!

Congratulations on your Elan 6! Macassar Ebony is quite beautiful. I too also have a 6 string Elan, a quilted maple Elan Plus (has the extra Distillate/Europa/Rogue quick tone change switches) although my primary bass is my custom 8 string Europa (see custom of the month June 1999).

Anyway I'd like to talk to you sometime, specifically about the fact that I've been extremely and seriously interested in expatriating to New Zealand a.s.a.p. before America sinks completely -I've done a lot of research about your country- and perhaps you might be able and willing to help in some way. I very much want for me and my gal to move there and become Kiwis.

Anyway, congratulations again on what is most certainly an extraordinary and fabulous instrument. Cheers! (Yes, I know it's an English expression, but I've heard Kiwis use it too!)

tbrannon · « **Reply #6 on:** October 19, 2005, 05:53:01 PM »

Mark,
I'm an American who's been living in NZ for the past few years. I'd be happy to pass along all the helpful tips I can.

Shoot me off an email if you've got any questions about the immigration process.
-Toby

richbass939 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 19, 2005, 06:35:26 PM »

Graeme,
Pardon my ignorance (I'm a USAer. Generally we don't know much about our own country, much less the rest of the world.) but what is a Geordie?
Rich

dnburgess · « **Reply #8 on:** October 20, 2005, 04:16:00 AM »

Mark - NZ is on the edge of a tectonic plate - much safer in Oz.

crazykiwi · « **Reply #9 on:** October 20, 2005, 06:08:01 AM »

Thanks for the welcome guys

Jacko, I'm not going to be able to make Bass Day UK unforunately, but there will be a Bassworld Bass II in Northampton around March, which I will be attending. An opportunity for Bassworlders to reduce their GAS by trying out other members instruments and matching their expectations with reality . All are welcome regardless of age or ability and, in particular, I hope a couple of members from the Alembic club will be able to turn up (You know who you are guys

)

8-string: your Elan sounds like a very sexy beast. Figured maple has been my facing of choice for a number of my other basses. Did you post pics of yours in the gallery?

I'd also be glad to help you with some insight however it looks like toby would be able to give you more insight into the settling in process from a US perspective. I moved there when I was 10!

I still miss the space and the landscape especially, given my job (landscape architect/urban designer). As a country, its matured a lot in the last 10 years, from being a bit suspicious of anything complicated or unfamiliar to now openly embracing eccentricity and uniqueness. Inspiring to see and makes me proud to be part kiwi

dnbrugess: you're right but there again putting your shoes on in the Bush without checking inside them first isn't potentially lethal in NZ (Unless they're someone else's Last Footwear Company shoes that is...)

lol

jacko · « **Reply #10 on:** October 20, 2005, 10:45:48 AM »

Rich.
Officially a Geordie is someone with quite a broad accent born on Tyneside although the name seems to cover anyone born in Northumberland.(that's Englands' northernmost county). As I was born further up the coast in Northumberland I guess I qualify although these days there's a certain stigma attached. Famous Geordies include Eric Burdon, Chas Chandler and Sting.

Graeme

the_8_string_king · « **Reply #11 on:** October 23, 2005, 02:42:27 PM »

Hey Steve and Toby, I appreciate your responses, and I would like to pump you guys for info about New Zealand, immgration, getting hooked up with a job, and other things. Toby, I'd love to hear your perspective and all about your story. I'll be in touch.

P.S. I left a similar message yesterday and confirmed it was there, and it seems to have disappeared. I have no idea why, but I did respond earlier. I mentioned that I appreciated your responses but was fried writing my own intro; hopefully this message won't disappear too.

tbrannon · « **Reply #12 on:** October 24, 2005, 01:52:19 AM »

Mark,
I'll help out in any way I can. I'll keep an eye out for your email.

what an incredible bass you've got. I can hardly play 4 strings....if i had that bass of yours, I'd end up just staring at it and drooling. very nice. I saw the updated pictures and intro. Good stuff.

-toby

crazykiwi · « **Reply #13 on:** October 29, 2005, 01:36:55 AM »

Toby, are you referring to the Elan 6? Hopefully I'll be getting a funky ol' Alembic Series 1 graphite neck bass soon and will be rationalising my collection down a bit as 10 basses +hardshell cases and amps is a bit much for the space I have available. If you're interested in the Elan, let me know.

tbrannon · « **Reply #14 on:** October 29, 2005, 02:44:22 PM »

Steve,
I think that is what is commonly referred to as temptation. my wife and I just finished building our dream house and I bought a tractor just yesterday.....the funding situation is a bit tight right now. Do you have a time frame for the sale of the bass (weeks or months)?