Hi all! It's been so many years since I last posted here. Hope everyone has been doing well!
So, for the comeback, here is my 1998 4 string Alembic Series I, with am amazing book-matched Burl Maple Top on an Europa body.
Neck is Maple, with Purpleheart laminates. The electronics are Series I, but with a Master Volume and a Pan control instead of the usual individual Pickup Volume knobs. Serial Number 98C11878
It's strung with Thomastik flats which I know are sometimes controversial here... but I love them!
I bought this bass from s_wood (the original owner) here on the forum back in 2014, and this bass has lived it's life here in Brazil since then.
Ooo-weee, what a bass. :o No argument from here on the pan control or the TI's.
I've got TI Jazz Flats on 3 of my Alembics. No judgement here.
That's a beautiful top.
That is indeed a fine bass!
QuoteI've got TI Jazz Flats on 3 of my Alembics. No judgement here
the fretlessesses get the TI jazz flats, the fretteds get the roto rounds in the house o'BeenDown. it's codified here somewhere. beautiful bass!
Beautiful bass! 😊
Amazing top! 8)
What are your thoughts on pan/master volume vs volume for both pickups? Is there a difference in sound or is it just more practical?
Quote from: Barend on July 25, 2026, 11:01:45 PMAmazing top! 8)
What are your thoughts on pan/master volume vs volume for both pickups? Is there a difference in sound or is it just more practical?
I actually really like this configuration. Makes it very easy for quick on-the-fly adjustments.
I'm a big fan of having a Master Volume knob, I always like to cut the volume when I'm not playing and a Master knob makes it much easier for my muscle memory.
This configuration doesn't allow a super fine adjustment as having the two volumes separate... but for me it's more than enough.
Quote from: gregduboc on July 27, 2026, 07:16:14 AMQuote from: Barend on July 25, 2026, 11:01:45 PMAmazing top! 8)
What are your thoughts on pan/master volume vs volume for both pickups? Is there a difference in sound or is it just more practical?
I actually really like this configuration. Makes it very easy for quick on-the-fly adjustments.
I'm a big fan of having a Master Volume knob, I always like to cut the volume when I'm not playing and a Master knob makes it much easier for my muscle memory.
This configuration doesn't allow a super fine adjustment as having the two volumes separate... but for me it's more than enough.
Thanks. I am unsure what you can do more with separate volumes for each pickup as opposed to a pan knob?
Quote from: Barend on Yesterday at 12:46:56 AMThanks. I am unsure what you can do more with separate volumes for each pickup as opposed to a pan knob?
With a pan control, you are mixing to add up to 100%. You can have 100% + 0%, 90% + 10%, 50% + 50%, etc.
With 2 volumes, you can mix any amount. You can have 100% + 10%, 75% + 40%, 75% + 41%. I think you get the idea here.
But then you want the master volume to preserve the mix you carefully dialed in.
Quote from: mica on Today at 11:48:16 AMQuote from: Barend on Yesterday at 12:46:56 AMThanks. I am unsure what you can do more with separate volumes for each pickup as opposed to a pan knob?
With a pan control, you are mixing to add up to 100%. You can have 100% + 0%, 90% + 10%, 50% + 50%, etc.
With 2 volumes, you can mix any amount. You can have 100% + 10%, 75% + 40%, 75% + 41%. I think you get the idea here.
But then you want the master volume to preserve the mix you carefully dialed in.
So the summed pickup signal from the 2 volumes is potentially twice as hot as the blended pickup signal from the pan?