| Author | Message | ||
| lawrence
New Username: lawrence Post Number: 1 Registered: 8-2004 |
I have a few questions that I hope you guys will be able to help me with. My searches for a lefty 5 bass have yielded a very pretty Orion. I'm well aware of the prestige that the Alembic name carries, but I want make sure it's the right bass for me. I'm told that the electronics on this bass are 'low-pass' filters, versus 'hi-pass' filters. What affect will this have on me getting the particular sound that I'm looking for? Does it provide more or less tonal options? I did play the bass, but only for 15 minutes (I had the girlfriend with me at the time.) I loved what I heard and felt in the 15 minute interval, but hoped that someone could provide more feedback on what I can expect long term. Also, the guy's asking $2000 for the bass. Is this reasonable? | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1886 Registered: 6-2000 |
Orions usually have 4 controls: volume, pan, bass, treble. We do make quite a few where the customer or store has specified volume, pan, low-pass filter (with our without Q switch). Hi-pass filters are very rare on our instruments, and I'm sure we've never used one on an Orion. Low-pass filters are the traditional Alembic tone control. I'm no expert on used prices, but I can tell you a new lefty 5 Orion is $3980 with case for reference. | ||
| bsee
Advanced Member Username: bsee Post Number: 229 Registered: 3-2004 |
You can't be an expert on pricing of used Orion five string basses. There just aren't that many on the market. If it were right-handed, I would expect the eBay value of it to be about $500 lower. Stores always get a bit more than that, and if it's in great shape, it's probably worth it. You're just not going to find a better deal floating around, so you can't be as price-picky as a righty looking for a common bass. If you suffer from GAS and will sell it in a year or less, you could easily lose $500 when you try to resell it. If you're likely to keep it long-term, then that shouldn't matter compared to what you feel and hear when you play it. You certainly couldn't get a new one set up the same way for much under $3000, so $2000 looks pretty good viewed from that angle. -Bob | ||
| poor_nigel
Intermediate Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 116 Registered: 7-2003 |
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4713&item=3743526226&rd=1 The above is for your consideration. I am an expert on little. However, I have learned an important lesson in life. Never rush into something that is important. Check things out thoroughly, get it clear in your head just what you want, and then make a move when the time and circumstances are right. eBay gets more Alembic lefties than many would think. I check there several times a day. There are not new ones posted daily, but they are not that unusual of an item there, and it is best to seriously learn about Alembics before buying one - unless you stumble across a great deal and know it. In your post you mentioned just a few factors that consider value on the Orion you are pondering. What woods are the bass made of (This can have a great impact on its value), just which pickups and electronics it has, does it have purple heart laminates in the neck? Does it have inlays in the fretboard? Does it have LEDs in the neck? Best bet is to get its serial number and request a build list of the bass on here. Then more people can give you their opinions and you can look through the Orions in the showroom section and other basses there, too. Maybe you will see a Epic or a Mark King that you feel you want much more than the Orion. At $2,000 for that bass, I doubt you need to rush on it. Bottom line - You decide what you want and then make a move. Grab a digital camera and post its picture here. Then you will get a lot more opinions and better advice. Whatever you decide to do, I hope it all works out for you. There is nothing like owning your first Alembic, except for topics best left to other sites . . . BTW - Welcome Lawrence. I am sure you will get some good advice from members and staff, and everyone on here is very helpful. Take care. | ||
| lawrence
New Username: lawrence Post Number: 2 Registered: 8-2004 |
 Thanks for the input so far, it's been useful. Thanks also for the welcome. I look forward to many informative conversations. I have checked eBay and have seen items listed there, but I am a little apprehensive to make such a major purchase on eBay. Maybe the apprehension is unwarranted. Also, I would rather get the Alembic new. Anyway, I have attached a picture of the bass in question and of desire. The serial # is 12780. Here are the other specs: Neck: 5 Piece Maple Neck, Set Neck Design, Walnut Headstock Overlay Fingerboard: Ebony with Pearloid Oval Inlays Body: Solid Mahogany Top: Figured Walnut Finish: Clear Polyester Scale Length: 34" Width at Nut: 1 7/8" String Width at Bridge: 2 13/16" Overall Length: 46" Weight: 11 Lbs | ||
| hollis
Advanced Member Username: hollis Post Number: 322 Registered: 11-2003 |
It's a beauty Lawrence. I know what you mean about wanting a new one. I did that with my first Alembic. I've been completely satisfied with the purchase. After all, it's your money... If it's the one for you, I say go for it. The money has a way of going regardless of how it's spent, it's only a means to an end anyway. (at least that's been my experience) My only regret is that I wasted a lot of years that could have been spent playing an Alembic. Apparently, you have access to the Orion, go spend some time with it. Your ears and your heart will tell you what to do. Enjoy, and welcome! | ||
| pace
Junior Username: pace Post Number: 36 Registered: 4-2004 |
Lawrence, What is that "particular sound you're looking for"?!?!?! All in all, I feel that if you spend a good hour w/ that Orion you'll find "that sound", and then some.... No offence to your woman, but leave her at home! $2000 for the bass above isnt unreasonable (If it is something you're gonna use for while).... In hindsight I feel I overpaid for my Elan, but at the same time I KNEW that it exceeded my criteria for a Jaco-type/fretless/Jazz Bass~ its an instrument Im not going to let go of, and it appeared at time where my impulsive tendencies didnt hinder my other finances...... On the other hand if you can afford to wait, then by all means WAIT! I've been awarded awesome pieces of gear which I "needed", for next to nothing just by waiting a month or two. I consider it a mixture of good kharma and synchronicity..... Oh muse, dont fail me now!  whatever you decide, best of luck!!!! -Mike | ||
| lawrence
New Username: lawrence Post Number: 3 Registered: 8-2004 |
I kinda stumbled up on the bass...I would not normally take my girl to a music store! I guess she was good luck that time, huh? I want the bass to have the ability to replicate a range of sounds, however, above all, I need a tight B-string. Also, I would like it to be able to get a little growly. Now, when I played the bass, the guy plugged me up to this really nice Aguilar rig. And, it sounded great with no adjustments. The thing just sang when I played a few chords. Obviously, it's going to sound a lot better than the Hartke combo I currently use. But I'm sure I'll still love it no matter when I plug into. | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 560 Registered: 11-2003 |
Sounds like you've made up your mind. Congratulations. It's a beauty for sure. BTW, I'm a Hartke guy, HA4000 & 2.5XL cabinet. Sam | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1888 Registered: 6-2000 |
By the way - that looks like a standard Orion electronics configuration of volume, pan, bass and treble. No filters there, but it's an easy to use cicuit with many musically useful sounds. | ||
| lawrence
New Username: lawrence Post Number: 4 Registered: 8-2004 |
Mica - would you please provide the specs that are on file for this bass? The serial #12780. Thanks to all for your input, it is much appreciated! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1893 Registered: 6-2000 |
Here's what is in the file: OLB5 Orion bass lefty top: Flame Walnut accent: Maple pinstripe body: Mahogany neck: 5-piece Maple with 4 Walnut pinstripes, 34" scale fingerboard: Ebony with pearloid oval inlays pickups: MXY56 controls: volume, pan, bass, treble finish: Polyester gloss with satin neck feel hardware: polished brass birthday: April 25, 2002 originally sold to: G guitars That's about it. | ||
| bsee
Advanced Member Username: bsee Post Number: 231 Registered: 3-2004 |
Lawrence, It sounds like a great bass. If G Guitars will let that go to you for $2K, I'd jump at it. That's awfully close to cost, maybe below cost to have it built on today's price list. The pics are up on their site and it's a beauty! Also, now that this info is all public, you may have less time than you thought to make your decision. Good luck! | ||
| lawrence
New Username: lawrence Post Number: 5 Registered: 8-2004 |
Thanks again for everything! |
