Alembic preamps for guitar? Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Alembic Club » Alembic Basses & Guitars » Archive through March 16, 2012 » Alembic preamps for guitar? « Previous Next »

Author Message
sjhoffma
Advanced Member
Username: sjhoffma

Post Number: 201
Registered: 5-2008
Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 - 3:11 pm:   Edit Post

I've heard nothing but incredible things about Alembic preamps, but mostly from bass players. Can a guitar player give me some insight into how they work for a guitar rig, and what kind of sound I should expect.

Looking to maybe pick one up. Up until now I have used mostly vintage blackface reverbs with my guitars, but was thinking about putting a rack together. What could I expect from either the FX1 or F2B?

Thanks!
edwin
Senior Member
Username: edwin

Post Number: 1148
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 - 11:17 pm:   Edit Post

Well, the F2B has been David Gilmour's secret weapon for years. It's basically a mil-spec Fender front end, so if you like the basic tone of a 60s Twin Reverb or Dual Showman, you'd be pretty happy. If you like a Marshall tone or something a little more wooly, you might want to look elsewhere.
hieronymous
Senior Member
Username: hieronymous

Post Number: 1041
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - 3:42 am:   Edit Post

I seem to remember reading that David Gilmour's F-2B was modified somehow in the treble range.

Everything besides the drums on this track went through an F-2B - the guitar player loved it!

http://soundcloud.com/hieronymous-seven/8b4x4
pace
Senior Member
Username: pace

Post Number: 833
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - 4:25 am:   Edit Post

Sam, the F-2B and FX-1 are very transparent. I'd imagine that the F-2B would suit the stereo capability of your new SI best, and you can cascade the two channels when you plug in your other guitars. Putting a Superfilter into your signal chain might be worth your while too; the bandpass and highpass settings are equally as useful as the lowpass circuit on your guitar.

The one thing that will make the biggest difference in tone is what power amp and cabs you decide to go with. Also, you need to find a decent reverb unit....
benson_murrensun
Senior Member
Username: benson_murrensun

Post Number: 597
Registered: 5-2007
Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - 2:38 pm:   Edit Post

I have used my F1-X along with a Crown D-60 amp for guitar. It's quite pleasing! It is fairly transparent, for sure. You can really tell the difference between whatever speakers you are selecting from.
I don't get much overdrive from cranking the system up (nice and clean, which I like). But it takes pedals VERY well.
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 5095
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2012 - 7:24 am:   Edit Post

I have a rack with an F-2B, Superfilter, Demeter Real Reverb, and Mesa 50/50 Stereo power amp. It sounds great, though these days I've gotten smaller and lighter and usually play out of a Pritchard Sword of Satori. For guitar, as I understand it, the F-2B is preferable to the F1-X.

Bill, tgo

Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | Help/Instructions | Program Credits Administration