| Author | Message | ||
| wishbass
New Username: wishbass Post Number: 8 Registered: 5-2011 |
going to seattle today,BNW has 3 Alembics.There is an Essance, an Orion 5, and an Epic.There is also an Elan 4 string at the GC close by.Thoughts and advice would be apprecciated. Thanks | ||
| mike1762
Senior Member Username: mike1762 Post Number: 951 Registered: 1-2008 |
I would go with the Essence or Elan. Both are neck-through and have a filter. The Elan would also give you a "Q" switch (the only down-side is doing business with GC!!!). I would probably let the neck recipe break any "tie" in your decision (I would want some purple heart in there if it's an option). | ||
| wishbass
New Username: wishbass Post Number: 9 Registered: 5-2011 |
I don't have much info on the Elan, but I know the Essance and Orion are maple w/walnut accents.so nothing fancy.I have only seen 2 Alembics ever.The first when I was 17 in the 80's.The store owner wouldn't even let me touch it.The second was a 6 string Epic.Not a 6 player.Both were at the same store 26 yrs apart,so this will be fun. | ||
| wishbass
New Username: wishbass Post Number: 10 Registered: 5-2011 |
I'm considering a build (big commitment),but keeping my options open.A used bass might be easier to "sell" to senior management(wife).Anyway,this gives me some hands on experience. | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1397 Registered: 11-2004 |
I would highly recommend at least one used Alembic before a custom. My experiences with my used forum purchased bass helped me realize what I really wanted on the custom. Nice thing with buying used it that you can almost always sell them for what you purchased 'em for (assuming you get a decent deal when purchasing). Good luck!! | ||
| afrobeat_fool
Advanced Member Username: afrobeat_fool Post Number: 334 Registered: 7-2009 |
e-mail sent | ||
| bonesrad
Member Username: bonesrad Post Number: 70 Registered: 5-2002 |
If I'm not mistaken, the Orion at Bass NW is equiped with Essence electronics. If you are looking for a 5 string, you probably will get the most bang for the buck with this bass. Starting used definitely makes the most sense with Alembics. As stated numerous times, it allows you to figure out what features you most like / dislike in an Alembic with the ability to sell down the road at close to what you originally paid. Have fun trying them all. Bones | ||
| dfung60
Senior Member Username: dfung60 Post Number: 498 Registered: 5-2002 |
Bass Northwest is a great place! Evan, the owner, is a great guy so take advantage of the his knowledge and the staff. Take the time and try everything out too, while you're there as there aren't many chances to try out so much diverse bass gear. You can do an A/B comparison of what makes an Alembic an Alembic. Used or new, it's hard to get hands on an Alembic in many places. If you're serious about it, you may find that scheduling a factory visit is well worth your time. I'm sure there are stores where you have a chance to try a variety (in my area, the Silicon Valley, Guitar Showcase often has multiples). Even production line Fenders vary in sound and feel, so handbuilt Alembics are as different as people. Before you have a custom made, you really benefit from having significant experience with one, so you can develop the vocabulary to have a productive discussion with the factory. Good luck, and enjoy the buffet at BassNW! David Fung | ||
| charles_holmes
Intermediate Member Username: charles_holmes Post Number: 145 Registered: 3-2009 |
Let's see...I got my Distillate from Evan, I got a SuperFilter from Evan, DS-5, an extra 5 pin cable, 18" Bag End and Evan turned me on to DR short scale High Beam SMR45 strings.(I use those strings exclusively now) Evan and his staff are excellent to deal with, in addition, I believe that you can trust that they will not just try and sell you anything just to make a buck! When I decide to get a 5 string series Bass, Bass Northwest will be the 1st place that I will look up!! | ||
| bonesrad
Member Username: bonesrad Post Number: 71 Registered: 5-2002 |
All but one of the Alembics I've owned over the years came from Bass NW (including my Europa 5 String w/ Series I electronics which I ordered through Evan). Evan and his crew have always been very enjoyable people to do business with or even just talk bass and stuff with. I'm quite lucky that my office is about a 6 block walk away from Bass NW. GAS always needs to be kept in check. Bones | ||
| wishbass
Junior Username: wishbass Post Number: 11 Registered: 5-2011 |
I had a chance to play the Elan.Fast neck,and not as heavy as I would have thought.Smaller body than I expected.Some neck dive(although the strap was thin and cheap).I loved the sound dispite the very DEAD strings.Q switch was fun.Tomarrow I will check out BNW and play their selection of Alembics and other fine basses. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 2504 Registered: 6-2002 |
Elans and Europa's are wonderful and IMHO, the best body shape in a 5string and balances wonderfully. Having a choice of which alembic to buy is quite dangerous but I hope you make a good choice. :-) jazzyvee | ||
| rjmsteel
Intermediate Member Username: rjmsteel Post Number: 162 Registered: 7-2008 |
Dangerous is Right! My custom, I`m sure as well as the majority of the others here, went through multiple mutations of design before the final custom product went "full steam ahead" :-). Both my (Custom) Rogue and Elan (6 string bass) body shapes balance great. -Rich | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 951 Registered: 11-2003 |
Karl, I second the sentiments elucidated by David Fung reference trying Alembics first. I went through several new and used Alembics before I realized what I really liked (a pan pot works for me, thinner neck profile a la Jazz Bass, Signature/Essence/Series II/Epic electronics, etc.). My first as a Spoiler Exploiter, which led to a Europa and a limited edition Spyder. I no longer have any of them, as they've been replaced with an Epic, Stanley Clarke Signature Standard (purchased in Korea), an Essence (bought used and with me in Iraq), and the creme de la creme, my Series II Entwistle Replica custom. When I had the custom built, I actually visited the factory and discussed with Mica and Susan what I wanted, and they delivered, in spades. If you can try some out first, by all means do so. If you can visit the factory ... well let's just say it's about as close to a religious experience without going to church. If you do get to the factory, they will have showroom models and others you might be able to try to get a feel for what you're looking for or desire. However you go, I wish you the best of luck in acquiring an Alembic. You won't be sorry. Alan | ||
| wishbass
Junior Username: wishbass Post Number: 12 Registered: 5-2011 |
I really loved the Elan.I played it again with a wider strap and it balanced nicely.The sound was amazing.No major blemishes considering its age other than a chip(to the wood) on the under side of the headstock along the back edge.I know its GC ,but that is the bass that melted in my hands.I'll keep you folks posted,and thanks for the advice! | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 936 Registered: 1-2005 |
Every now and again you can find something nice at GC for a reasonable price... I hope you get a nice first Alembic! My first was a mid-'80s Spoiler/Exploiter, I don't have it anymore but I have a mid-'70s doubleneck Series I and a 5-string Stanley Clarke and F-2B preamp and SF-2 Superfilter - addictive? NAH! Now if only I can find that Series I 8-string with my name on it... | ||
| wishbass
Junior Username: wishbass Post Number: 13 Registered: 5-2011 |
Waiting,waiting,waiting....... | ||
| wishbass
Junior Username: wishbass Post Number: 14 Registered: 5-2011 |
The Elan has been shipped!Still waiting....... | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1401 Registered: 11-2004 |
Congratulations! Elans are my favorite body shape. Post some pictures when you get it! | ||
| wishbass
Junior Username: wishbass Post Number: 15 Registered: 5-2011 |
Thanks, I am very excited.I also love the Elan body shape.It is a so close second to the modified Rogue body shape that I constantly flip/flop back and forth in my planning. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10284 Registered: 5-2002 |
Congrats!! | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1402 Registered: 11-2004 |
Karl, Is the 'modified' Rogue shape you're talking about similar to this one? http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/16123.html?1286976123 I've drooled over that bass/body shape for a couple years! | ||
| wishbass
Junior Username: wishbass Post Number: 16 Registered: 5-2011 |
Yes indeed, that is the one.Will Gunn turned me on to it.Very cool....=) | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1403 Registered: 11-2004 |
I have an affinity for Elans that Will Gunn helped with.... http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/58550.html?1249617101  | ||
| wishbass
Junior Username: wishbass Post Number: 17 Registered: 5-2011 |
Beautiful! | ||
| wishbass
Junior Username: wishbass Post Number: 19 Registered: 5-2011 |
my Elan is here!Transparent red flame maple.90H5939.Can't wait to get her set up.Christmas in July! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10290 Registered: 5-2002 |
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