Alembic Club

Connecting => Introductions => Topic started by: Nova Constellatio on May 15, 2026, 12:57:09 PM

Title: New Newb Newbing
Post by: Nova Constellatio on May 15, 2026, 12:57:09 PM
I'm a long-time guitarist/guitar-hoarder that recently started playing bass, which (as most people here know) is a great excuse to shift into GAS mode. I've managed to get my hands on a couple of '70s-era Series I basses.

Last Wednesday, I had the pleasure of stopping by Alembic, where I got to see the operation and enthuse about wood with Mica. It was a blast.

I look forward to getting to know you all!
Title: Re: New Newb Newbing
Post by: David Houck on May 15, 2026, 04:37:50 PM
Welcome!  Great that you got to tour the shop!
Title: Re: New Newb Newbing
Post by: pauldo on May 15, 2026, 05:54:07 PM
David,
Welcome to the camp.  This is a great place.
Title: Re: New Newb Newbing
Post by: Nova Constellatio on May 15, 2026, 08:15:53 PM
Quote from: David Houck on May 15, 2026, 04:37:50 PMWelcome!  Great that you got to tour the shop!

The best part was nerding out with Mica.
Title: Re: New Newb Newbing
Post by: lbpesq on May 15, 2026, 08:47:05 PM
Well howdy David, and welcome to the club!  I know exactly how you feel.  My first time at Alembic, over twenty years ago, I got to nerd out with Susan.   It really is worth visiting.

Bill, the guitar one
Title: Re: New Newb Newbing
Post by: garyhead on May 16, 2026, 11:53:47 AM
Welcome to the club.  Yes, the shop tour is the Best!  The only other comparison to me is my multiple tours to the Martin factory.  I also spent an afternoon at Sheldon Dingwall's shop in Saskatoon, AB.  Funny fact about Sheldon, he started out making long boards and transitioned to Basses.  

For many years, 3 Alembics were fine with me......now, at 7, I'm fearing an intervention may be needed.  They truly are works of art either plugged in or just sitting in a stand.

And yes.....Flip's suggestion works fine by me!  ;D
Title: Re: New Newb Newbing
Post by: Nova Constellatio on May 16, 2026, 02:17:55 PM
If you count necks, it looks like you've got nine.

 :o
Title: Re: New Newb Newbing
Post by: garyhead on May 16, 2026, 03:08:45 PM
Quote from: Nova Constellatio on May 16, 2026, 02:17:55 PMIf you count necks, it looks like you've got nine.

 :o
Oops!  You are correct.  I'm in trouble as I'm suspecting a new arrival as soon as I hear from Mica.  It's a Series 1.5. A Series I with Series II electronics.  :-\
Title: Re: New Newb Newbing
Post by: Nova Constellatio on May 16, 2026, 03:31:56 PM
I can understand why a 1.5 is appealing. What scale?
Title: Re: New Newb Newbing
Post by: garyhead on May 16, 2026, 04:43:32 PM
Quote from: Nova Constellatio on May 16, 2026, 03:31:56 PMI can understand why a 1.5 is appealing. What scale?
Dunno. I played it 3 years ago at the Mothership. I don't get too involved with scale. I'm a big guy with sausage fingers so the bigger the better.  The only "reach" problem I have is tuning the 8-string Spyder.  I have a philosophy that each instrument has its own voice. I try to "find it" without comparing it to a stable-mate. 
Title: Re: New Newb Newbing
Post by: Barend on May 17, 2026, 11:03:34 PM
Welcome. Very nice crowd here!
Title: Re: New Newb Newbing
Post by: DistillaMatto on May 27, 2026, 06:57:28 PM
Welcome. I'm glad you got to see the shop. Google maps sent me to the wrong spot but I ran into a young man who used to work there and he pointed me in the right direction.