| Author | Message | ||
| hendixclarke
Intermediate Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 153 Registered: 6-2007 |
What I had notice between Alembic basses and other basses; was when I play them without using my power amp, the Alembic bass sounds exactly, 1 to 1 as when I power "amp it". In other words, the natural acoustics without power, sounds exactly the same, as when playing though my power amp. "This is such wonderful thing...it totally rocks!" With my other basses, (Ibanez, and Fender P) I still here the clean natural acoustics sound (with out power) but when I power them on through my amp, those basses sound different from when they are off. Even if I had adjusted the tone/volume/eq, the sound still don't match its natural non-amp acoustics, and my Alembic bass (like I said) does. Am I the only one who noticed this? | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1724 Registered: 6-2002 |
You're pretty much describing what the good people at Alembic set out to do - to reproduce the instrument's own tone without colouration. Sounds like they have succeeded. Check out the company history on the main site, through the site index. | ||
| white_cloud
Intermediate Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 117 Registered: 11-2007 |
Another reason why, from my point of view, I think Alembics are wonderful basses; I havent had my Alembic for very long..but I am suddenly, after 24 years of playing, discovering new things about playing the bass. Indeed, I would have to say that my playing is all of a sudden advancing! Its almost like the Alembic is teaching me new things/opening up my mind to new ways of advancing my technique/note choice etc! Im quite sure that this is, in a way, some kind of subliminal after effect of finally having the bass that I always aspired to..but there is more to it than that. Dont laugh guys, but its almost as if there is a spiritual thing going on as well. Anyone else experienced this upon owning an Alembic???? | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2769 Registered: 7-2004 |
John: This phenomenon has been noted often on these pages. The general consensus is that Alembics not only provide inspiration, but that the clear and present sound of an Alembic makes sloppy technique readily apparent, where the same technique on a Fender, etc, is not nearly as noticeable. I've certainly found this to be true with my Alembic guitars. A little fudge here or there that never was noticeable on my Strat or PRS or other guitars was VERY noticeable on the Alembic. My technique has certainly improved since I started playing Alembics. And such wonderful piano-like tones can't help inspiring new musical adventures. Enjoy! Bill, the guitar one | ||
| hendixclarke
Intermediate Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 154 Registered: 6-2007 |
Sometime I question myself: are there really a need for human beings to deserve such quality these days? I'll explain... I hate reminding people my age, but I remember a time when people, including the youth of my generation really cared about speakers and stereo systems. It was a time when you would go to a walk-in store (like a music store, but only stereo systems were sold) where you could pickup modular stereo systems and integrate them into a custom musicial component player of your desires. I remember so much knowledge was explained in those stores, you felt like "music was a science" connecting tweeters, mid-range, woofers, and sub-woofers speakers into a work of art and giving the owner’s a huge sense of pride was cool, [James Bond/60's Rat Pack Cool]. Today's culture has reduced music to the level of a mere option of a cell phone's mp3. What kind of sound can anyone expect from those dime and quarter size speakers anyway? Not only this, when I was in grade school, music appreciation was a requirement and it was a great social club for us to hang out during school lunch periods and talk about "what?" music. We didn't have hand-held devices; we carried boom boxes with EQ for complete music interactions in producing the best sound possible. It was important. Now, it is not to the average Joe, and this really bothers me. What demand can one expect, as the years go by? So I ask myself, why a company like Alembic even bothers to continue producing quality, when the "media" trains most people, to accept less quality music and to be more infatuated multi-faced; smaller; shiny; fit-in-your pocket; sound devices. I kept my sanity, back in those school days, and now, I find it a bit more of a challenge. Maybe this is a problem with older musicians, or am I wrong? | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1527 Registered: 10-2002 |
Try not to think about it too much Hal. Kids nowadays are just out there enjoying the music. It doesn't really matter whether or not it's been reproduced perfectly, they're still appreciating it. I know this as my kids would all rather listen to music on their mobile phones than go through the ritual of putting an LP on their Dad's turntable and settling down in the perfect listening position. Due to it's portability, they listen to alot more (and much more diverse) music on a daily basis than I ever did and that to me is a good thing. There will however always be a need for quality, even if it's just so us old grumblies can complain about how bad things are getting ;-) Graeme (still listening to LPs and playing Alembics despite modern conveniences) | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Advanced Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 235 Registered: 10-2006 |
I understand completely what you're sayong, Hal, and have often thought the very same myself. But really, to be honest, how many of us never listened to a 45 on a briefcase record player (or an 8-track, for that matter)? (edited for spelling) Peter (Message edited by Cozmik_Cowboy on December 15, 2007) | ||
| spose
Intermediate Member Username: spose Post Number: 163 Registered: 5-2002 |
Alembic was never for the "average" citizen. There will always be a small specialized community of sound people that want and expect the best. Like most of us in this club. I have no interest in seeing the G.P.(general public)get or expect what we get from our Alembics. Let them eat cake.. or in musical terms.. let them have Brittney Spears | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 901 Registered: 11-2004 |
No matter what kind of device people use to listen to music, it has to be (or should be) recorded using quality equipment. I believe that our kids would notice the difference (even on a cell phone speaker) if they listened to a crappy recording. Maybe the general public doesn't really understand what goes into recording songs, but you can be sure that producers (and maybe even many artists) do. They probably even mix some songs so that they sound okay on tiny speakers if they think that's what that segment of their audience will mainly be using. The live music experience is a whole different animal altogether. There will always be a place for quality instruments, equipment, and techniques, even if Brittney Spears (and her audience) don't know, or care about, the difference. Rich | ||
| hendixclarke
Intermediate Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 155 Registered: 6-2007 |
All I am saying is: The average "Joe" from the 70's or the parents of the "IN" music crowd don't have the choices I had in learning and desiring "the quest for sound and quality". I am not talking about the sound engineer or the person who's making a living producing music (or maybe I am...). I am talking about the average consumer who can't see as far as what is packaged at Wal-Mart which is something we never seen in retail history. "If it's not there, it don't exist mentality". Schools, at the grade level are even reducing music classes and some schools don't even have classes at all; for I believe its due to the current culture which are destroying the values of music to this current level. Pop culture has helped reduce even myself from even turning on my radio or even finding value in purchasing a plastic solid-state digital appliance. Thus, I am holding on to my vintage recordings and stereo components (tubes and all) because I thoroughly and emphatically believe, the producers are only looking for the same thing one-hit wonder performer(s), and that one hit fast manufacturing piece of plastic players, matching the fast and numb skull; no supportive music commercial culture. There is hope for young minds. Everytime I pickup my Alembic, boy does it do more work musically in attacting future musicians than my words could ever inspire. People just like us, know the real thing just when they experience it. By all means, Alembic is our GEM example of a company, finding perfections in music. Alembic is with us, and we will win new hearts along the way! | ||
| hendixclarke
Intermediate Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 156 Registered: 6-2007 |
People generally want quality, and I personally demand it and will pay the price for it too. I remember when getting a cup of coffee was a matter of heading out to the doughnut shop (still is in some areas). In those days, that's all I knew. People from other countries had better methods in creating coffee, but our culture was not allowing change as fast and it would take years before someone with the vision, and guts to take on older methods, toward the idea and possibilies of change. Now, people are hooked on quality coffee and it's here to stay. These days, it would "almost" be a sin, not suggesting places where coffee machines (espresso) values of $3,000-to-$10,000. The question is: Does it really matter, and are those important values for people? No need to ask me, for I am very open to change, so “yes” I believe people should be always given the choices. If we understand this with coffee, why would music be understood any differently? Alembic basses metaphorically speaking, is the great Miles Davis the "Bitches Brew" of quality. While coffee blends of are elevating our sense of taste, aroma and flavors I believe coffee houses are taking people back to fine music too. You can even purchase Miles Davis music and other musical greats there too. Quality coffee selling quality music, makes complete sense to me. This is a wonderful way to keep music as real as a great cup. | ||
| edwin
Advanced Member Username: edwin Post Number: 254 Registered: 5-2002 |
OK, now you've done it. What is the Alembic of espresso machines? At home I am limited by funds to a Rancilio Silvia with a Faema grinder. It took me a year to get consistently good shots and now I prefer my own coffee to 99% of the coffeehouses here in the states. I guess going to Italy almost every year for a while inspired me to follow the doctrine of if you want something done right, get the right tools and do it yourself! Edwin | ||
| hendixclarke
Intermediate Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 157 Registered: 6-2007 |
I just purchased a Breville 800ESXL expresso machine. For about two years, the word has been out, that the Breville was a great machine to own, so after my Delonghi died last month I was set (like you) on a journey to seek a replacement. On my journey to finding a more refined "Alembic-Quality" expresso, I entered one of the fine retail outlets and seen a beautiful stainless steel machine enabling taller cups to fit the unit. I could have just purchased the same Delonghi model, but I figure I felt I'd deserve something better after using the cheaper plastic Delonghi for so many years (paid my dues), and wanted to get something nice and built to last. I hope the Breville is as good as people say. I'll find out soon because I would love to save money in the long run from expensive coffee shops like Starbucks and others. Good luck to you too. | ||
| 82daion
Intermediate Member Username: 82daion Post Number: 120 Registered: 5-2005 |
I don't think that the whole musical world will ever convert to Alembic, as they aren't everyone's cup of coffee, so to speak, but like the massive emergence of coffeehouses in the US, the massive emergence of custom bass luthiers building quality instruments speaks to the fact that players no longer feel like they're limited to playing two or three styles of instrument. There will always be people who don't care about quality, but if one does, now is a great time to be a bassist/music aficionado/coffee lover/whatever. And Hal, those stereo stores sold smoke and mirrors as much as anything else. ;) | ||
| hendixclarke
Intermediate Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 158 Registered: 6-2007 |
Real quality is never televised, it’s like talk radio, and the best information is late at night. Case in point: I remember Playboy after Dark show produced by Hue Hefner back in the 70's. Man, I loved that show, and I begged my parents to allow me to watch it when Miles, Sammy, Frank, Dean, or Dizzy etc would perform. I would even then ask myself, why was not, more children exposed to this music and generally why TV targeted jazz to only adults? What's with that? (...and why?) I believe media had a low expectation of kids (my generation) and still does now... I believe it took my convincing reasons with my parents, to appreciate Alembic quality future. The Internet, I believe will help make things better, for the knowledge is out! "THANK GOD!" | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 591 Registered: 11-2003 |
I've noticed that playing an Alembic makes me: More attractive Stronger A better cook Did I mention more attractive? Seriously, I think being an Alembic player forces me to play better and cleaner simply because they are so well built that they don't suffer fools, if you will. They demand that you play cleanly and well, and learn how to use their unique qualities in order to get the most out of them. For those (like most here) that are willing to put in that effort, the rewards are very tangible and fulfilling. Many others are not so willing, and choose other marques. So be it. I have other basses from other manufacturers that I play and love, but none come close to my Alembics IMHO in sheer playability and above all craftsmanship. And coffee? The key to a good cup of coffee is to brew it using water between 195 degrees F and 205 degrees F. Any higher and you extract very bitter water soluable substances; any lower and you don't get that great coffee flavor. As for an espresso, sorry, I'm a plain coffee kind of guy! :-) Alan | ||
| white_cloud
Intermediate Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 126 Registered: 11-2007 |
Hal, I kind of think that Jazz was kept from young impresionable kids because of the perceived association that the righteous attached to many of its leading names with drug usage! Also, Jazz was "edgy" (therefore considered dangerous)and often performed by many people from "the wrong side of the track." I may be wrong, but its possible. People, by simple human nature, are scared of what they dont understand, and to a lot of our parents Jazz was certainly hard to understand with its off the cuff improvisations etc Of course, society has advanced a great deal in the last 20-30 years and prejudices are not as prevelant in todays modern world. Hopefully this will continue, as it can only be for the good of all in my opinion! As for coffee..hey Im from Scotland, what the hell is good coffee????? | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1530 Registered: 10-2002 |
Boiled water poured over a spoonful of Kenco's costa rican or morrocan. 2 jars for the price of one in Scotmid just now ;-) And coincidentally, from last nights simpsons (series 1. moaning lisa).. Marge: Lisa! Get away from that jazz man! [to Bleeding Gums Murphy] Nothing personal, I just fear the unfamiliar. made me smile anyway;-) If my folks had had any influence, I'd probably be listening to perry como right now. Graeme. | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 917 Registered: 2-2005 |
Graeme, Now you did it. I thought I had finally forgotten the Perry Como Christmas specials that were on TV as I grew up. Guess it's time to pull out my Dad's old vinyl and put on a Perry Como Christmas. :-O Keith | ||
| white_cloud
Intermediate Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 128 Registered: 11-2007 |
Thanks for the coffee tip Graeme, two for one sounds like a great cup to me no matter the taste!! I dont watch "The Simpsons" much, I prefer "Family Guy" (featuring another anti-hero father figure!) Very funny take on modern family life..or does it just remind me of ME? Yes, have to say I can fully concur with your experiences of your parental musical taste..my parents though Joe (shaddupa your face)Dolci was cutting edge  John. | ||
| lothartu
Advanced Member Username: lothartu Post Number: 230 Registered: 8-2003 |
The first post got me thinking about when I went to buy my first Alembic. I had never played one before and there was a guy who owned a music store who had a Series I for sale. I went by and told him that I was there to check it out. He put the case up on the counter and opened it up. I about poop'ed my pants. I took the bass out and sat down on a piano bench and started playing. After a minute the guy asks, "Don't you want to plug it in?" I said, "No, it has to sound good on it's own before it can sound good plugged in." Maybe I'm wrong but I still believe that's true. If it doesn't sound good when it's unplugged and it does sound good when plugged in then you might as well just only buy the electronics and skip the bass. -Jim | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1265 Registered: 10-2003 |
Alan hit it on the nose. John | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2781 Registered: 7-2004 |
Jim: I couldn't agree more. I always play a new guitar unplugged. If it sounds good acoustically, you can always mess with the electronics to sound good amplified. If it doesn't cut it on its own, swapping out electronics won't fix the problem. Hal: Do you really wonder why parents wouldn't let their children watch "Playboy After Dark"? Probably for the same reason not too many parents let their children watch "Deep Throat" 10 years later. The story about when the Dead were on PAD is hilarious. Everyone on the set was afraid to eat or drink anything! Bill, tgo | ||
| thebass
Advanced Member Username: thebass Post Number: 236 Registered: 3-2003 |
When I was a teenage kid just starting bass playing and heard Stanley Clarke Bassound the first time on Schooldays his sound was not from this world and unreachable like from outer space to me. This was the sound which I always wanted and when I saw parts of his bass collection on the inner sleeve of Rock, Peebles and Sand I knew which bass I was dreaming of. It took me more than 20 years to get my 1st Alembic and they still mark the peak of bass lutherie for me. Even not playing them it's a pleasure just to look at or hold them. For this reason they are not locked away in a case instead they are decoratively hanging on the wall in my living room and get played every day of course. | ||
| hendixclarke
Intermediate Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 159 Registered: 6-2007 |
Yeah, its too bad that it took "other people" to "catch-up" toward eventually finding out Jazz was safe and beautiful. The same people would say: "you spent how much for a bass?" (as if that was a waste of money) This is so funny to me. People are always ready to point their fingers and look for quick fixes or answers. This is why the world is so crazy today. Alembic basses where hidden so well from "people in plain clothes". I was angry for not being aware of them sooner, and wasted all those years with other basses. This was evil to me, for the truth was hidden so well. | ||
| white_cloud
Intermediate Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 129 Registered: 11-2007 |
Agreed Hal! If I sat down and figured out exactly how much cash I had spent on other makes of basses over the years I could have easily had a series two custom built. How sad  | ||
| spose
Intermediate Member Username: spose Post Number: 164 Registered: 5-2002 |
I love my Alembic. | ||
| white_cloud
Intermediate Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 132 Registered: 11-2007 |
I love your Alembic too | ||
| spose
Intermediate Member Username: spose Post Number: 165 Registered: 5-2002 |
heh heh yeah man... that scene would be much different without it. I have a big show coming up this weekend and the Alembic will be center stage. She shines. I get compliments on my tone always. Never get props for my playing..but my TONE! the best compliments are from other players...keyboard players, other bass players, guitar players. The Alembic has become a part of me. | ||
| white_cloud
Intermediate Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 134 Registered: 11-2007 |
She sure is a work of art..simple as that! I love the picture, almost a celestial scene from another dimension or something! Man, if God himself plays bass Im sure its an Alembic! Such beautiful beautiful instruments to listen to, look at and to play....you are a lucky man! | ||
| spose
Intermediate Member Username: spose Post Number: 166 Registered: 5-2002 |
yeah, that shot was from night before last. We rehearse at a beautiful old theater in town. I know this may sound odd..but that bass has become a big part of my identity. I couldn't imagine being without it. I've played and owned many other basses in the past, but always sell them off because they don't get played. Even when I did play my Fenders, I'd go back to the series bass and wonder...wtf was I thinking!! nothing compares to the balanced response of the series bass..nothing I have ever played. yes, I feel the Alembic has helped me define myself as a player and has made me a better human being....hehe, just kidding about that last part I'm still a bastard ;) | ||
| hendixclarke
Intermediate Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 160 Registered: 6-2007 |
I am the hardest "motha#*&" in the world, to please. I even irritate myself sometimes, "Im so damn picky..." But just one look at my Alembic, wow. I am ok with the world's other flaws. | ||
| white_cloud
Intermediate Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 135 Registered: 11-2007 |
I dont think that its odd at all to feel such a connection with an instrument. When you have something that you truly love you are obviously going top become emotionally attached to it and incorporate it into your identity!! Im also critical by nature and hard to please, the smallest details and imperfections can drive me nuts. Thats why I love my Alembic, no flaws there! Im already saving up fo the next one, he he he | ||
| briant
Junior Username: briant Post Number: 18 Registered: 12-2004 |
Aside from my own love of Alembic basses I wanted to add to this thread other people's opinions. At any given gig I'll get at least one person who isn't even a musician to come up to me and ask about my bass. They want to look at it and usually have a lot of questions about the woods used and whatnot. More than any other instrument I've ever owned I have other musicians commenting on how amazing this thing sounds. Be it other bass players, guitar players, drummers, singers... you name it. | ||
| hendixclarke
Intermediate Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 161 Registered: 6-2007 |
 | ||
| hendixclarke
Intermediate Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 163 Registered: 6-2007 |
Looking at the shape most Alembic Series I/II at the top, has an Asian/Eastern appearance. I call it a "Temple Top" and it's a beautiful and spiritual shape which is also dear to my heart. | ||
| alembickoa
Junior Username: alembickoa Post Number: 50 Registered: 5-2002 |
I've started a little "fund" because I just can't stand not having an Alembic. My current bass is a wonderful instrument...great neck, sound, all of it...but it just ain't the '81 koa. Maybe if I find the guy that tried to dump mine on Ebay... | ||
| hendixclarke
Intermediate Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 164 Registered: 6-2007 |
First of all, I am sorry about this Steve. If you still have the serial numbers from your bass, you should report it with Alembic. Also, for anyone looking to purchase an Alembic from eBay, please ask for the serial numbers before you "even bid". I remember asking a seller to provide me the serial number on a bass on eBay, in a few hours I checked my email for his reply, and his ad was gone: "just like that". Steve, if that's the bass pictured in your profile, it looks very expensive and if someone is bold enough to list your bass on eBay, I seriously doubt anyone would pay without reviewing the serial numbers with Alembic first in determining title. Otherwise, they risk getting ripped-off and still no bass trade. "Who can trust a thief anyway?" Steve, please follow up with Alembic and report it, if you had not already done so. | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1257 Registered: 9-2002 |
Why do I think they're wonderful basses? Aside from the tone, the style, the quality? They're the only basses that after I bought them, THEY own ME. Just doesn't happen with Fenders . . . . J o e y | ||
| hendixclarke
Intermediate Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 166 Registered: 6-2007 |
That was deep, even too deep for me to enter. For no material object owns me. I had traded one of my Alembics for a Strat, Tele, and a graphite neck Stein burg. I believed it was a great deal at the time, and today, I still feel this way. To me, everything has a price or has a fair trade/exchange value, except my soul. Alembic's are in tune with my soul, only after I adjust the strings, and tone/volume/EQ controls for my taste. Other than that, its just a better refined tool. However, I would never go as far as to say: it own me. WOW. Does this hing on idolatry? (I hope not) Alembic's are wonderful guitars and they are the best made (to me), but that is as good as wood, and metal, lacquers and glue can get, and "money" (not soul) I will pay. | ||
| hifiguy
Intermediate Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 121 Registered: 10-2006 |
Like any artisan-made, as opposed to mass produced, thing an Alembic is somehow imbued with the vision and substance of its makers. A Jazz is a Jazz is a Jazz, and they are pretty fungible. Every Alembic instrument is a unique individual with its own "personality" that is the result of the materials and the care that goes into constructing the instrument. I certainly concur about an Alembic making one a better player as has been discussed above. I think it comes down to the noise floor of the pickups and electronics being so low. Small flubs and technique errors that would go unheard on a Fender are blatant and glaring through the all-hearing ear of Alembic electronics. I do know this - if my house were on fire, I would run into it to save two things: my cat Max and my Alembic SCSS, a/k/a Sophie. Paul | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1261 Registered: 9-2002 |
Nope, they really do own me. No idolatry, false gods, etc., intended, with all due respect to my maker. BUT . . at least they don't send me out for ice cream late at night! Honestly . . . yes, they're tools, if lost them, life would go on, yadayadayada. I s'pose I could live the rest of my life successfully without 'em, the Earth would keep spinning. But for me, there really is NOTHING ELSE like them. J o e y | ||
| mike13
New Username: mike13 Post Number: 6 Registered: 11-2007 |
Walked into Pro Audio in OZ in 1993 saw my first Alembic plugged it in had a play WOW!!! could not believe the differance to my 63 Jazz. Bought it on the spot | ||
| hendixclarke
Intermediate Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 171 Registered: 6-2007 |
Some basses "look" like the era they were built. But Alembic basses, "look good" in every era. Look at a PJ bass, Vox's, I think 50's-60's. Look at Steinburg's, I think of punk-rock Look at Musicmans, I think of 70's disco; same with BC Rich basses. Era basses, fade out at the end of their era; which are results of poor vison. | ||
| spose
Intermediate Member Username: spose Post Number: 169 Registered: 5-2002 |
PJ's - slab mentality Steinys - box mentality(bo diddly) musicman - slab (same builder) BC Rich - (I played a eagle bass for years) uh, it's just wrong. Gibson - nothing good to say here ALEMBIC - unique, thoughtful design, compliments the individual, refined tone. the standard by which ALL other non slab basses are judged. | ||
| dnburgess
Senior Member Username: dnburgess Post Number: 534 Registered: 1-2003 |
Mike - I also saw and played my first Alembic at Pro Audio and fell in love. This started a journey which lead to the opening of Bass People in Annandale in Sydney on 15 December 2007. Alembic has pride of place with eight basses on display. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1273 Registered: 10-2003 |
Some P-basses and J-basses are wonderfully inspiring. Problem there is that lots of them are not. The Steinberger L2A I owned, and which my brother now owns, is a wonderful instrument. When the battery is about dead, that thing absolutely sings in a Mel Schacher kind of way. No dead spots either, anywhere on the instrument. Musicman basses fall into the same category as P and J basses for me as well, though more of them are inspiring than not imho. Same goes for G&L. Go figger. I've always loved B.C. Rich basses, though their sound is not spectacular anymore. The one's built in the '70s still are wonderful instruments though. Gibson RD Artist basses sound wonderful. I think you could shave off half the neck though and it would still be big. I really like the '76 Thunderbird I owned also. Alembic is obviously (to us, at least) the best for myriad reasons, not the least of which being that one Series I can be tweaked to sound like virtually any other bass, with the simple system of just two filters and two Q-switches. John | ||
| jbybj
Intermediate Member Username: jbybj Post Number: 124 Registered: 6-2006 |
I think one's appreciation of an instrument is not a concrete, quantifiable metric, but very dependant on one's relationship with that instrument. I love my 69 Jazz bass, in part because I've had it for 31 years. I have many associations and experiences wrapped up in that instrument. If the exact same bass were hanging on the wall of Guitar center, and I met it today for the first time, would it inspire the same response in my hands? I doubt it, but that doesn't make it any less fun to play. Falling in love with my Epic was instantaneous though :-) | ||
| rockbassist
Intermediate Member Username: rockbassist Post Number: 120 Registered: 8-2005 |
My Epic was the first bass that as soon I picked it up I had that "this is the one" feeling. I only played it for about 30 seconds before buying it. The tone, feeling and comfort are second to none. I also like my 78 Fender Jazz and 76 Precision but my Epic 5 String is my main bass. | ||
| hendixclarke
Intermediate Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 188 Registered: 6-2007 |
It's magic. | ||
| tcube
New Username: tcube Post Number: 4 Registered: 8-2007 |
I sold my 1969 Telecaster bass (pink paisely!) to buy my an Alembic Essence 5. I played it for 13 years. One day, I got the urge to play a 6-string, and, I wanted to know what else was "out there". So I switched and played, for one year each, a Warwick Thumb 6 and then a Roscoe SKB3006. Compared to the Alembic, the Warwick has a stiff mid-rangy sound that I fought. The Roscoe is beautiful to look at, easy to play, and has a great slap tone, but the level of the D-C strings is weak in pizz, no matter how much tweaking I do. So, long story short, I bought a 6-string Essence -- I have come home. | ||
| hendixclarke
Intermediate Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 190 Registered: 6-2007 |
First of all, let me say: "Happy New Year Everybody" As the years go by, I find myself listening to more music related to an era gone of complete quality. The kind of quality which provides the perfect balance and minimal-ness. For example, I was listening to a 1966 original recording of Astrud Gilberto "Who Needs Forever." OMG, the arrangement and the music still sends chills dowm my back everytime I listen to this track. Stan Getz adds one short sax solo, and I swear, it was so lovely, it pulled a tear of emotion from my eyes. Music is magic and it heals and what a song to kick into the new year! Anyone who could appreciate such music, is a precursor of owning such wonderful bass as an Alembic. Quality, Quality, Quality!!!! | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1326 Registered: 12-2002 |
hendixclarke is this your bass???http://youtube.com/watch?v=JC001Z3XWKE | ||
| hendixclarke
Intermediate Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 191 Registered: 6-2007 |
If you look at the video, you will notice Stanley's bass has a "top-hat" pick-up selector cap switch. Mine has the original "tear-drop" cap switch. But, wow it does have a strong resemblance and it would be my guess, both basses were created, during the same period in the mid 70's. Thanks for sending the video. Those guys were clowning around for the fun of it Honestly, I felt Stanley "jive-playing" school daze jam never hit a cord to my heart. I never cared for this anthem which was so successful for him. It's funny, like Sammy Davis Jr's "The Candy Man." I hated that song, but it was what put him on top... Go figure. To me, The Return to Forever band for Stanley, is like the Band of Gypsies for Jimi or Brand X for Phil Collins. The members of those groups mentioned above, made Stan, Jimi, and Phil play at levels, that blew me away and made me gasp for air! Stanley, please no more school days, its just too simple for anyone to duplicate. I love hearing the stuff "I wish I could do..." | ||
| hendixclarke
Intermediate Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 192 Registered: 6-2007 |
Keavin, one other thing about the knobs on Stanley Clarke's Alembic in him using the "top-hat" tone/volume as a selector switch... My theory is: Stanley removed the original tear-drop switch was an intentional act, to prevent the video camera from learning too much about his control positionings. As you may know, the the original "tear-drop" switch shape shows, and conveys pickup positioning, and the top-hat is just "round", and it conveys "no" pick-up positioning. Stanely believes he has something to hide. No comment. :| Pssssss(quietly)... Alembic players secrets are safe...with us. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1297 Registered: 10-2003 |
Or maybe he sliced his hand up one too many times... Been there, done that! John |
