| Author | Message | ||
| neurotictim
New Username: neurotictim Post Number: 6 Registered: 1-2008 |
Okay, so now I'm the proud owner of an Alembic. :yay me: Is there really such a thing as "too much bass"? Throughout my 12 years of playing, I have considered myself a "fair-to-middlin'" player. I have a pretty solid understanding of theory, and a lot of practical experience, but I'm much better at holding down the bottom than I am at flashy solo stuff or fancy fills. Like most musicians, I always feel like I can get better, I've yet to be "content" with my ability. I almost feel like I don't rate having such an awesome bass. Anyone else contend with this issue? I mean, Corts and Fenders and so on, I'm completely at home with, feel like they're on par with my playing ability, but I almost feel like I can't live up to my own expectations with this guy. ...Does make me want to practice more, though... I need to get a wider strap - 3 hours of practice yesterday with the band and a 2" nylon POS has my left shoulder all kinds of sore... | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1755 Registered: 6-2002 |
Your Cort or Fender will probably cover up any slight imperfections in your technique, but an Alembic will highlight those imperfections because it presents a truer reproduction of what the strings are doing. The nice thing is that this enables you to overcome those imperfections - the downside is that your playing may sound like it has gotten a lot worse. But that's a learning opportunity: you WILL become a better player. | ||
| white_cloud
Advanced Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 203 Registered: 11-2007 |
Hi Timothy. I dont think you have to reach a certain ability to justify having an Alembic. Even the simplest of lines, played honestly, well and with conviction will sound better with the best equipment. There are actually a lot of players out there who do just that. The most important thing is to get the best sound that you can no matter what type of music you play or what level your ability is currently at. From reading your post it seems to me that you have a healthy attitude to your bass playing. Its always nicer to meet folks who are a little humble as opposed to the people who think they have it all sewn up! John. | ||
| neurotictim
New Username: neurotictim Post Number: 8 Registered: 1-2008 |
It's a point I had considered, adriaan, but to be honest, though I love my Epic, my Curbow is pretty good at pointing out my flaws, too. I would feel too elitist to suggest that they don't have some positive qualities, although we're all agreed that they're "inferior" instruments. It feels snooty to me to even type that, geez. white_cloud, I'm always on the lookout for any "horn-blowing" on my part, because I'm constantly reminded of how many bassists out there are better than I am. It's inspiration, motivation to get better, but it also keeps me in my place. ;) I'm a tone junkie, and I'm getting to the point where I can be a little less concerned with price and a little more judgemental, so when I saw the Epic on Craigslist, I knew I had to jump. And I have a feeling this one's in the stable for the long haul. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1068 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi, Timothy, I had the same feeling when I got my first Alembic. Before that I hardly did any bass gigs to be honest. I had a bass at home because I loved bass and just wanted one around to use now and again. I got my first alembic because I'd always wanted one. So i never really thought about my ability vs the instrument I chose. But since I have bought it, I want to play bass much more that I have done in the past so as a result, my playing has improved a lot so I do persue more opportunities to play now because I'm happy with the Alembic sound I have now. I only get self conscious when I'm gigging in front of other bass players who I know are awesome players. Then I start to wonder if they think I'm not good enough to have an Alembic. You could argue, no-one needs to have a Rolls Royce... but people do because they want the quality that it has and the standards it represents. I think the same about Alembic. As Aadrian says, you do have to work on technique in order to keep your sound free of the basses desire to sustain any sound it makes, whether you want it to or not. I still wouldn't say i'm the kind of bass player or guitarist that would stop anyone in their tracks by what I play, though I play competently and fit into what is required. I get an immense amount of pleasure from my alembics and , I do more often than not get complimentary remarks about my sound from other musicians and positive responses to my playing too. I'm a person who likes the best quality I can afford and I do enjoy the fact I have a different sound to the norm. Maybe I need to work on my self consciousness this year... All the best Timothy Jazzyvee | ||
| white_cloud
Advanced Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 205 Registered: 11-2007 |
Its a very thought provoking subject! I remember the tremendous joy at finally purchasing my Alembic was also tinged with guilt when looking around my home and thinking of the things needing done. But at the end of the day life is too short! I would have hated living my whole life, then lying in a wooden box in the groung thinking "Damn, I wish I had bought an Alembic but I wasnt good enough to own one!" (Message edited by white cloud on January 14, 2008) | ||
| neurotictim
New Username: neurotictim Post Number: 9 Registered: 1-2008 |
Yeah, I've got that going on too... Mortgage, car, girlfriend, all that... Of course, then I plug in, tune up, and tune out. ;) Just like watching videos of Jaco, Woot, or any number of great bassists, this bass inspires me to work harder and earn the "right" to play it, so all in all, it's a good thing all around. It's gotten me out of my comfort zone musically, and that's always a good thing... At least, at practice. And at least I won't be chillin' in the afterlife with those esteemed greats saying, "I passed on this really great bass..." And after all, my girlfriend's always after to me live in the moment more... | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1267 Registered: 9-2002 |
You'll never be sorry you bought the best. I played piano for years, and believe me I learned to get over that feeling real quick: I'd play a little spinet or some other lesser instrument, then sit down at a 7' Steinway, and I wasn't sorry one damn bit. I could hear everything, the action, the tone, the heavens opened, as it were. I have other basses that I play that don't sound like the Alembics. Sometimes I just feel like playing them instead. Then as I work them, it dawns on me that I can't quite hear everything as clearly, the action's not quite the same, I'm tweaking the amp way more than I would if I had the Alembic out . . . . then I put it up and get the Alembic and it's all right there. Just like sitting down at the Steinway. J o e y | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 595 Registered: 11-2003 |
Tim, What I've found is that Alembics are unforgiving. Unforgiving of bad technique, sloppily played lines (regardless of difficulty) and dare I say respect for the instrument. An Alembic, due to its construction and electronics are a very finely refined tool that demands that the user pay attention. You can't just flub a line and not have it be noticed. In this sense, a Fender or other mass produced instrument is a bit more forgiving, and for many folks that's what they're looking for. I believe this is part of their appeal (for the record, I own several Fenders) in addition to any number of other factors. They're also very comfortable IME, as are their clones (Sadowsky, Lakland, etc., both of which I own, and they're very fine basses indeed). I don't look at it as not being worthy. An Alembic speaks to you for any number of reasons. You like it. You like to play it. Really, in the end, that's all that matters. Joey is spot on when he say that you won't be sorry, and that they're just a cut above in many aspects aesthetically and technically. This is what drew me to them. Believe me, I'm not sorry after owning 7 of them and playing one in a war zone that I became an Alembic player. In fact, it led me to order the bass of my dreams which you can see over at the Factory to Customer section (Alan's Custom Exploiter). Bottom line is if you like it, that's all that matters. Play it and enjoy it, and don't worry about feeling worthy. You are. Alan | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1857 Registered: 3-2004 |
As far as I am concerned, no, an Alembic isn't too much bass for anyone. Put steel roundwound strings on an Alembic and open the filters all the way and you better have some solid technique. Moderate the filters on a bass strung with flats and you can get away with being sloppy. I think it's possible for an Alembic to have the knobs dialed in to show up every flaw of your playing. I think it's also possible to dial them, along with preamp settings, so that it is not the case. Set it how you like it. If you learn/play on an Alembic, particularly short or medium scale, you may be too spoiled to play on a long scale instrument. At least, you are likely to struggle a bit in making the switch. On the other hand, I suspect most people could play things on a short scale Alembic faster and cleaner than they could on a "typical" bass. From that perspective, it can make average players appear better than they are. In terms of the "awe factor" I think just about anyone can play a <$2K used Alembic without creating undue expectations. Get yourself a $10K Series instrument with front LEDs, though, and people might wonder if you aren't a bass god. I guess there's a wider range between high and low end with Alembics than with most other manufacturers. | ||
| neurotictim
Junior Username: neurotictim Post Number: 13 Registered: 1-2008 |
Good points, all. Maj. Dover, (I think I saw that somewhere) it's a pleasure seeing you get the bass of your dreams... I'm sure you've earned it. I'm more of a conservative stylist myself... I always loved the body style, but not so much on the bass for me. I guess that's just the Navy in me - 9 years, E6/Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class with two deployments under my belt - OIF on CVN-75 and OEF on CVN-73. ;) Glad to have you back safe. I've found a few sounds on the Alembic that I don't carer for - having the treble all the way up is (as I found out tonight) a sure way to push out too much in the mix - my guitarists were complaining they couldn't hear themselves. ;) And having the bass up past 3/4 clips my preamp, at least compared to my Cort. I'm learning more each time I play it, and my practice time has gone up considerably in the last couple of days... Now it's just a matter of making it habit. I like to think my techniques, at least the ones I'm comfortable with, are pretty clean, but I've had to adapt already to the Epic's configuration... My hands are in a more "proper" playing position now, and it's only going to get better I'm sure. So I know completely what you mean about forcing you to play better. I suppose I'm still in awe. Alembics, for as long as I've been playing, have been the flagship, the bass to lust after, and now there's one sitting in my living room... Going to take some getting used to. | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 596 Registered: 11-2003 |
Ahh, the USS Truman (CVN-75) and the USS George Washington (CVN-73). For those who may not be familiar with how the US Navy designates ships, CVN means nuclear powered aircraft carrier. I too am an OIF and OEF vet, with service aboard USS Peleliu (LHA-5). Thanks for the props. BTW, I'm retired now .... thank God! Glad to have you back safe as well. Alan | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1268 Registered: 9-2002 |
My favorite bumper sticker, get a new one every time I go to the National Museum of Naval Aviation, aboard NAS Pensacola: "Fly Navy!" J o e y | ||
| white_cloud
Advanced Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 209 Registered: 11-2007 |
Man, after todays session Im asking myself "do I deserve an Alembic?" Its funny how some days your just burning and others you play like you have fingers of clay  | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Advanced Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 256 Registered: 10-2006 |
It doesn't matter how good you are or aren't - I don't see any reason not to play the best instrument you can afford (unless, of course, you're David Lindley....) If I'd started on a Martin instead of a painful-to-play no-name POS rental, I'm sure I'd have practiced more, and would thus be much better than I am now. Peter | ||
| neurotictim
Junior Username: neurotictim Post Number: 15 Registered: 1-2008 |
Retirement doesn't look to be in the works for me... I think 10 years will be enough for this sailor. The Navy's not what it used to be. After practice last night, I spent some time really playing all of my basses. Each one's got character and voices all their own, but the Epic is really the one now that's driving my need. I caught myself in the middle of practice naming the notes I was playing! I haven't done that in years. Maybe I'll just keep on thinking I don't deserve an Alembic, if it inspires me like that. I seem to have some sort of subconscious need to prove that I'm worthy to play it. Again, I know it's no $10K Series custom, but it doesn't need to be, for me. | ||
| georgie_boy
Advanced Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 307 Registered: 8-2005 |
Have to agree with Peter's comment here, and yes, all good basses have their own voice-------I just prefer my Series bass Will post some pics soon if I can figure out how to do it!? Bracheen has very gratefully resized them for me, but just got to learn how to upload now Thanks Sam for the work George | ||
| glocke
Advanced Member Username: glocke Post Number: 288 Registered: 9-2002 |
I agree with the other comments. get the best you can afford, play it and enjoy it. One thing Ive noticed about my alembics, they are an inspiration musically, both by their sound and looks. | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 743 Registered: 6-2002 |
That's why we've got to practice! I wear out my lesser Basses practicing so that I can play my Alembics. | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 630 Registered: 12-2003 |
Maybe it's because I'm a guitar player and not a bass player...I don't know. But I find the complete opposite of what's been said here to be true. I'm an okay player. Self taught. Play for fun, you know the story. Anyway, I play so much better on my Alembics than my other guitars. I find that the outstanding build quality (wonderful neck carve and dimensions, etc...) allows me to play certain lines easier than on my other guitars. My Alembics don't emphasize my weaknesses, they help me overcome (or at least compensate for) them. (Message edited by jalevinemd on February 06, 2008) | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 745 Registered: 6-2002 |
Pulling out an Alembic definitely makes an impression on those who see it. They may expect more of you as a musician holding such an instrument. But the instrument doesn't make the musician; it's the hours and hours of practicing, numb fingers, split fingertips, tennis elbow, sore wrists, sore ribs, tendons, sore back and obsessive stubbornness and persistance that does it. I finally completed learning all ten works of "J.S. Bach for Bass". What it took to learn, memorize, and play each piece note for note cost me half of my sanity and took the mentioned physical toll and more. I actually see wear marks on the frets of my Jazz Bass - but those pieces sound oh so glorious on my Alembics - particularly my Series II.  Only then do I dare touch this magnificent work of art. | ||
| oujeebass
Intermediate Member Username: oujeebass Post Number: 115 Registered: 10-2002 |
An Alembic shouldn't be viewed/played/owned as a means to and end,but as an ends to a way... If you can't resist go for it but you'll look really silly bippity boppin on one. I know I do :>) | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 204 Registered: 6-2007 |
The Alembic Bass. Not even the so-called California dreamers of a "Steve Jobs" could copy a better bass. | ||
| briant
Member Username: briant Post Number: 95 Registered: 12-2004 |
Alembic: The Real Man's Ken Smith. (that was meant to be funny) No one *NEEDS* to have an Alembic bass - or any really nice bass/instrument for that matter. If you can afford one there shouldn't be anything stopping you from buying one. Going broke just to buy one for the sake of owning one is another matter entirely - that's just stupid and irresponsible. An instrument isn't going to make you a better player - it only serves to allow you to get your musical point across better. Any good player can make a $50 Jazz bass knockoff sound good. How good it feels in your hands is another matter entirely... :-) | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 746 Registered: 6-2002 |
I agree entirely. I'd rather spend 6+ hours each day learning and screwing up on my Jazz Bass before I pick up an Alembic. It's the reward for the hard work of practicing. I still look silly with it though. The next owner may be the Bass God that it deserves. ;) (Message edited by rami on February 06, 2008) | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1373 Registered: 12-2002 |
the best bassplayers are the ones that 'arnt' flashy........rami thats one badass lembic! | ||
| aquaman
Junior Username: aquaman Post Number: 46 Registered: 9-2006 |
I am a ham and egger player meaning I recognize my limitations. I am probably at best decent beginner. Still I have zero regrets owning a spoiler and exploiter. I appreciate the quality and workmanship of these beautiful instruments and can afford to own them. Why not enjoy the finer things? Anything sound wrong with that? | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 960 Registered: 12-2004 |
I'm with you-- I'm just a middling player, but I am skilled enough to recognize quality. | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 205 Registered: 6-2007 |
Alembic basses are for anyone, who is crazy enough to enter and assist people in discovering new bass sound definitions. ...and if you think in taking the cheap route, by purchasing Alembic pickups; and slap it on something other than an Alembic, you're still missing the amazing acoustics, and beauty like no other bass in the world could offer. Just looking at my alembic at rest, I could imagine the sound alone, and make it real! Even while it sits still, it wants to bite hard like a bull-dog at my side! No other bass has inspired me to "pick it up" than my 76 shorty. Alemic basses are truly legendary basses and probably will always be... | ||
| mike1762
New Username: mike1762 Post Number: 6 Registered: 1-2008 |
Back "in the day" I was considered a very good bassist and I was arrogant enough to be content with my skill level. Acquiring an Alembic bass really opened my eyes to a whole different realm of possibilities. An Alembic is unforgiving of sloppy technique and forces you to improve your playing. The tones are unlike anything I have ever heard. I had always used single PU basses, set everything on 10, and got my tone from the amplifier. Now I set my amp flat and get my tone from the bass!!! That being said, I've always considered an instrument a tool. I don't understand owning an Alembic and treating it as a trophy to hang on the wall and never touch. | ||
| mike13
New Username: mike13 Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2007 |
I started with Alembic pick ups in a Fender Jazz about 1990,then got my Essence in 93 WOW!!! whole differant sound.Have the pick ups in my Nanyo Fretless now untill I find an Essence fretless  | ||
| white_cloud
Advanced Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 280 Registered: 11-2007 |
Thats a nice Essence! Mike, yes Alembics are unforgiving of sloppy technique and they do indeed help you evolve as a player! Rami, you have just mastered the ten J.S.Bach pieces? You must have incredible chops! I just listen to that stuff and think "forget it" John. | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 750 Registered: 6-2002 |
You can do it too John - If I can learn that stuff, believe me ANYONE can. It just takes alot of determination and time. If anyone lived with me, they'd lose their minds from the constant repetitive practicing. But the great reward is picking up my Series II and playing that stuff. It's almost a religious experience. The Series II is a regal instrument that deserves a high degree of respect. You don't learn to drive in a Rolls Royce! | ||
| glocke
Advanced Member Username: glocke Post Number: 316 Registered: 9-2002 |
Playing and memorizing that Bach material is pretty impressive. I can play some of it, as long as the music is in front of me, but I dont think Id ever be able to memorize it..... BTW, that fretless essence is a nice looking bass.... | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 751 Registered: 6-2002 |
You can definitely do it Greg. When I'd watch Classical soloists play, I would always wonder what it took to play like that. The secret is hours and hours and hours and hours and hours of practicing, over and over and over and over and over again. You practice until you hate it, lose sleep over it and become totally obsessed with it. You develop a love/hate relationship with the piece. It truly is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. And like eating an elephant, you take it one small bite at a time. | ||
| georgie_boy
Advanced Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 396 Registered: 8-2005 |
The words of a true player! Rami, where can I get hold of thes pieces?? I NEED to learn them G | ||
| white_cloud
Advanced Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 289 Registered: 11-2007 |
I dony know if its just me but I just dont have that kind of dedication - I just enjoy doodling! I really appreciate great playing though, I remember the Jeff berlin piece "Bach" from his "taking notes" lp.....phenominal chops! Jaco was a big Bach fan as well, chromatic fantasy from his "word of mouth" lp being a good example! John. | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 752 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi George, It's a Mel Bay publication entitled "J.S. Bach For Bass" by Josquin des Pres. It's easily available through your local music shop. It comes with a CD performed by Josquin des Pres. But don't get intimidated by the performances. Take up the challenge to make them your own. I personally don't care much for his thin nasal tone. I prefer a bigger, harder tone. A Bass should still sound like a Bass. Always shake the ground! Best of luck and enjoy! Peace, Rami P.S. I don't recommend learning them on an Alembic. Save the Alembic until you've perfected the piece. When learning those pieces, sometimes the urge to toss your Bass out the window is a little overpowering. YOU DON'T WANT TO HAVE AN ALEMBIC IN YOUR HANDS WHEN THAT FEELING COMES OVER YOU!!! ;) (Message edited by rami on February 10, 2008) | ||
| georgie_boy
Advanced Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 399 Registered: 8-2005 |
Thanks Rami I'll tr to play them on my Curbow and THEN on the SEries if I ever get the hang of them. Got to go with the "shake the ground" idea!! That's why I love 18" Thanks again George | ||
| glocke
Advanced Member Username: glocke Post Number: 320 Registered: 9-2002 |
"You can definitely do it Greg. When I'd watch Classical soloists play, I would always wonder what it took to play like that. The secret is hours and hours and hours and hours and hours of practicing, over and over and over and over and over again. You practice until you hate it, lose sleep over it and become totally obsessed with it. You develop a love/hate relationship with the piece. It truly is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. And like eating an elephant, you take it one small bite at a time." I guess thats what it takes, lol...Ive gone through that book just to work on my reading and strengthen my fingers. These days its hard to find more than an hour a day to practice, probably watching too much tv...Guess I'll just pick a piece and try to memorize it... Hope I have enough brain cells left for that... | ||
| rockbassist
Intermediate Member Username: rockbassist Post Number: 126 Registered: 8-2005 |
Adriann is right on with his assessment. When I first played my Alembic I was horrified at how much I noticed the imperfections in my technique. I have several 70's era Fenders which I love but when I played them I never heard anything unusual. My playing and technique have improved substantially since getting my Alembic. As far as whether or not you rate having such a great bass. It's your decision to play what you want to play regardless of what other people think. To borrow a line from Eddie and The Cruisers II "Don't worry about being good enough, just go out there and play the best that you can play it". Congrats on the Alembic | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 757 Registered: 6-2002 |
It's really about the music and your passion for it. I don't feel the instrument plays any role in my skill as a musician. I do all my practicing on my non-Alembics. The Alembics are the treat for when I've mastered each piece. If picking up an Alembic highlighted a flaw in my playing, I'd put it back down and practice some more... ;) | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1105 Registered: 6-2002 |
You are right Rami, the instrument doesn't play a part in your skill, but there is be an element of sheer satisfaction in play when you play an instrument that you really love which does not impede your performance and I believe that feeling can bring out another aspect of your playing. I've become a better player since having my alembic basses but that's more to do with the fact that I want to play them, and do so far more than I did my previous basses. I didn't get to where I am now by playing alembics, but the last few years since owning them has been a much better ride lol. Jazzyvee | ||
| u14steelgtr
Member Username: u14steelgtr Post Number: 62 Registered: 7-2003 |
I have to disagree with Rami in part. Different instruments bring out in me a desire to try different types of music. The setup of one instrument may bring out my desire to play some slide while another instrument may inspire me to play some Swing, et cetera. So having a variety of instruments keeps me more motivated to practice and it gives me options which allow me to shift focus when I feel frustrated and need to try something else for a bit. All of this encourages practice; which improves skill. JazzyVee said something similar albeit with a different spin. The phrase "which does not impede your performance" is a critical point. My Alembic is my least played guitar because it does not inspire me as much as my other instruments. But when I am in an Alembic mood it too is a source of inspiration. Getting back the Neurotictim's question about "too much bass"; I think that extremely versatile but correspondingly complex active electronics can be an impediment to some players. The old joke which basically states "beware of the man that owns only one hunting rifle... he probably knows how to make it work in every situation" comes to mind. However I do not think that one can have too good a setup or too good a teacher. But some people are better suited to having 1 volume control, 1 tone knob, and 1 pickup switch. Give them a parametric EQ and multiple Q-control presets, and it distracts them from focusing on their basic playing technique. A warehouse full of auto-shop tools you are not comfortable using will not help you if you really just want to learn to drive a car. However: comfortable seats, an ergonomic cabin, and user-friendly controls will make you a lot more willing to practice your driving. I would rather learn to drive in an obsessively maintained Rolls Royce than a jalopy with no synchronizers in the transmission and really bad brakes. -E (Message edited by u14steelgtr on March 01, 2008) | ||
| freefuzz
New Username: freefuzz Post Number: 8 Registered: 2-2008 |
expensive sportscars aren't built for race drivers. fancy suv's aren't built for offroad freaks. expensive watches aren't worn by people who have to be on time. mansions are not built for people who live at home. ..really the audience couldn't care less what instrument we're playing if the band is grooving. go to any 3rd world country to see what kind of equipment they "need" to give you the joy of music. and don't forget to explain your alembic fetish to them. =) having a "work of art" to play on is great, but it is a luxury, and not a necessity. and i think that should be kept in mind. | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 761 Registered: 6-2002 |
I agree entirely that an instrument can be inspiring. Some instruments are truly works of fine art that can bring almost as much satisfaction being admired as played. As musicians, we want to exlpore every nuance of its sonic palette. I just want to be up to the challenge when I pick it up though. The toil and aggravation of learning and perfecting a difficult piece isn't something I'd like to experience on my best Basses. When I get the urge to toss my Bass out the window and myself after it, I'd like my alembics to be safely in their cases out of reach. ;) | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1108 Registered: 6-2002 |
Well Rami, you'd have to get that urge many times before exhausting your source of alembics :-) Jazzyvee | ||
| jl_mitchell
Junior Username: jl_mitchell Post Number: 30 Registered: 1-2003 |
Rami, I hope that you were reading the notation in "J.S. Bach For Bass" by Josquin des Pres because the TAB has plenty of errors. James | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 762 Registered: 6-2002 |
You're right James, the TAB does have lots of errors. I pencil in the corrections for consistency. In some cases, the notes are correct but the positioning is wrong. That's a major key to learning them. | ||
| thehifidoc
New Username: thehifidoc Post Number: 7 Registered: 3-2007 |
No neurotictim there is no such thing as too much Bass. I love foundational players and am one myself. Don't you just love the full bodied tone of the Alembic Basses? My 4 string has more low end then half the 6 strings ever made. I played a Peavey Cirrus for a while until I could get my Essence 6. By comparison it had no tone at all. So I say "add some bottom, so the dance rythym just can't hide" S Stone | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 769 Registered: 6-2002 |
I found another great collection of works by Bach; "Great Instrumental Works of J.S. Bach" Transcribed for solo electric Bass by Bennett L.Cohen It's a Mel Bay publication. Catalogue #MB97745 This is really the next level after "J.S. Bach for Bass". There's no accompanying CD, and the material is more challenging. Best of luck! |
