| Author | Message | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 207 Registered: 6-2007 |
I just thought to understand others comments, when it comes to the hidden rules of things "never to do" with an Alembic Bass/Guitars. Let's have some fun here... I kicked this topic because there are some owners who would test the limits of ding things that other "Amebicans" would find too liberal or in some cases, too conservative... What are the do's and don't's with an Alembic you find which is un-acceptable/accepatble? | ||
| hifiguy
Intermediate Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 136 Registered: 10-2006 |
Unacceptable #1: Yanking out the electronics and pickups and replacing them with Bartolinis or anything else. Most of the magic of the Alembic sound lives in Ron's still waaay ahead of the curve pickup/filter system. | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 208 Registered: 6-2007 |
AMEN! 1. "Thou shall not yank out the electronics and pickups and replacing them with Bartolinis or anything else". Who else wish to add to this list? | ||
| pauldo
Junior Username: pauldo Post Number: 32 Registered: 6-2006 |
Unacceptable # 2: Do NOT paint your Alembic or alter the finish in anyway - other than cleaning and polishing. Acceptable # 1: After you finish your first set; it is permissable to take the bass off and casually rotate it before placing it in its stand/ case as to show off its beautiful back side. (Message edited by pauldo on February 10, 2008) | ||
| dela217
Senior Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 878 Registered: 6-2002 |
NEVER move the strap button on a small standard body. | ||
| glocke
Advanced Member Username: glocke Post Number: 318 Registered: 9-2002 |
stickers...I think Ive seen one alembic with a sticker. thou shalt not put stickers on thy alembic | ||
| pierreyves
Advanced Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 250 Registered: 11-2006 |
Acceptable #2: you can change strings : EADG to ADGC without changes .. just maybe the high of the bridge. | ||
| mike1762
New Username: mike1762 Post Number: 7 Registered: 1-2008 |
Thou shalt never play thy Alembic whilst wearing spandex. | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 209 Registered: 6-2007 |
Oh God yes... Please never move the strap buttons, and never put a sticker on them are a huge no-no... Never carve anything on them. Battle scars are fine, but pre-meditation marks, is a sin. | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 210 Registered: 6-2007 |
Please, no missing knobs. Oh, that looks horrorable. Please, no "dice" volume/tone knobs or something you find in an auto parts store. | ||
| bassjigga
Advanced Member Username: bassjigga Post Number: 301 Registered: 8-2005 |
Why is this thread titled "Stanley Clarke Bass"? | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1746 Registered: 2-2006 |
How about, ...stop playing your Alembic to take out the trash! I mean what is she thinking!.  | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1747 Registered: 2-2006 |
On a serious note, , Never, I MEAN NEVER, soak your Alembic in a pawn shop!! (Unless you plan on selling me the pawn ticket ;) Honest Olies' Used Axes. Buying 'em Cheap Buying to keep! | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 211 Registered: 6-2007 |
This was out of error. For some reason it was stored from my local machine buffer. The title was called: "Do's and don't's" with an Alembic. | ||
| oujeebass
Intermediate Member Username: oujeebass Post Number: 116 Registered: 10-2002 |
Yeah no pawn shop should ever have one, so all they'll ever have are the fakes. I remember an Alembic was rumored to be spotted in a pawn shop(early 90's Warner Robins Ga.) and I went to check it out, and it was in bad shape. I believe it was Persuader. I think it was going for @ $800. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2941 Registered: 7-2004 |
A pawn shop in Oakland currently has an Essence for $1799. As for stickers, remember that Jerry put the Wolf sticker on his Alembic (NOT Irwin) that Irwin replaced with an inlay at the same time he replaced the Alembic logo with his own. If it was O.K. with Jerry, it's O.K. by me. Bill, tgo | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 447 Registered: 11-2004 |
Don't... Have your Alembic refretted by anyone else except the mothership Rest it against your amp..it will definitely fall over Don't use soft gig bags..there was a thread where someones Alembic head stock broke off when he dropped it whilst it was in a gig bag Nightmare!!!! And never lend it to anyone no matter how many times they say they will look after it!(unless you are within 4 feet of them even then it would give me the jitters!) Do... Play it often, especially at gigs to show it off Polish the body, clean the hardware, oil the fretboard. Change the battery at least once a year | ||
| glocke
Advanced Member Username: glocke Post Number: 319 Registered: 9-2002 |
"And never lend it to anyone no matter how many times they say they will look after it!" this really irks me....I cant stand it when people that I dont know, or dont know that well ask to play my alembics....worse yet are the people who think its ok to just pick it up without asking... | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1378 Registered: 12-2002 |
Need i say more???!...   .....Never leave it plugged in during a break! (Message edited by keavin on February 11, 2008) | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1634 Registered: 10-2002 |
Rule #1. You paid for it, you own it, you do whatever you want with it. (unless you intend to sell it on). Graeme edit.. Alembic started of ftheir instrument business hot-rodding other company's instruments in much the same way that the MG Car Company started off hot-rodding Morris garage's standard vehicles. I see nothing wrong in modifying my MG Midget to suit my needs (and neither i suspect would Cecil Kimber) so I think it's unlikely that Ron, Susan or Mica would be offended by someone adding a sticker or changing electronics. (Message edited by jacko on February 11, 2008) | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 448 Registered: 11-2004 |
That's the one I was on about...I know it is an inanimate object but if it had a nervous system it would definitely be in pain, as much pain as the owner!! Glocke..I know what you mean..that happened to me, a guy picked my MK Signature up and was going to play 'air guitar' with it, he was offended when I told him to put it down, he was under the influence and I told his friend who was defending him how much it cost and was worth and it was not a 'Christmas Guitar Pack' I just avoided a jump turn spinning kick at him(ex TaeKwonDo exponent). | ||
| white_cloud
Advanced Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 295 Registered: 11-2007 |
Never ever eat your Alembic - no matter how "tasty" it appears to be! This will result in broken teeth, sore gums, indigestion...and no Alembic John. | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Member Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 59 Registered: 5-2007 |
I echo Mr. Locke's comment. I would never just grab another musician's instrument. I irritates me when others do. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1095 Registered: 6-2002 |
....and here was me thinking a hippie sandwich was a delicacy to sink my teeth into John..... :-) Someone grabbing my alembic without permission would quickly find themselves grabbing and examining their own crown jewels.. ( Ex Lau Gar Kung Fu Exponent) After I had got the bass back...... jazzyvee | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 701 Registered: 3-2004 |
I have Alembic paint my basses black thank you very much. And believe me it's not cheap. I too have broken my Dragon 6 TWICE as it leaped out of a stand. So I now go wireless. No one asks me to play the bass anymore. Must be the angry white boy persona. In Ba Gua Kung Fu and Chigong we believe in a less forward approach. Not to say I would be tempted to a chotay kick followed with a palm strike. Or maybe some Chi Na to get the point across. | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 753 Registered: 6-2002 |
When there are other people around, I don't use a stand - period. When it comes off my shoulder, it goes straight into it's case. Nobody comes near it for any reason. I NEVER leave it unattended at anytime in public. It's just common sense. | ||
| pauldo
Junior Username: pauldo Post Number: 33 Registered: 6-2006 |
Ok so we can add an amendment to my #2 Unacceptable things to do with your Alembic - Danno has "the Mothership" paint his - So we could say: "If you choose to alter the finish on your Alembic - for the love of god (or the deity of choice) have a professional do it!!!!" | ||
| brb9911
Junior Username: brb9911 Post Number: 13 Registered: 10-2007 |
Arrrgh! Keavin, those pictures almost made me spit coffee all over my computer monitor! Oh, the horror! | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1096 Registered: 6-2002 |
I agree with that Rami. I also never let anyone carry my guitars/basses when I'm gigging or on tour. I always carry my own wherever it has to go and its in the case before I get on stage and back in there straight after. I've seen far too many accidents fortunately only one where the headstock broke off like Keavin's pictures. Jazzyvee | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 212 Registered: 6-2007 |
Decapitation of an Alembic.... It don't get worse than that, for Alembic owners. Those pictures are symbols of Alembic carnage. A down right nightmere! Pound for pound, it's like recking a classic 1964 Aston Martin DB5. | ||
| elwoodblue
Intermediate Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 198 Registered: 6-2002 |
Walking them thru a pawn shop doorway should be up there with the BIG SINS ,maybe even the thought, (unless you are on your way out with one to give it a home). I should have been homeless and angry with my alembic under my coat...learning is living...sigh. smiles to y'all | ||
| pauldo
Junior Username: pauldo Post Number: 34 Registered: 6-2006 |
I know a guy around Milwaukee that had a Series I that took a dive off a stage - lost its head. This was probably 20+ years ago. He said he sent it back to Alembic and they used a hypodermic needle filled with glue and plenty of patience - it was as good as new afterwards. Don't fret about losing your head - they can rebuild it! | ||
| somatic
Member Username: somatic Post Number: 70 Registered: 11-2003 |
jacko sez: "Rule #1. You paid for it, you own it, you do whatever you want with it." 'Tis the truth. I'm going to get my S1 refinished by a local luthier and have some repairs made. I know and repect his work and it'll cost less than the shipping to and from California. As for moving the strap pins on a small body, mine balances better for me with the changes. The repairs above will fill in the original hole. | ||
| 81distillate
Junior Username: 81distillate Post Number: 23 Registered: 1-2008 |
I have to agree with somatic, Im a player, not a museum curator, so if I move the strap buttons to get a better balance, I like to pretend as if Im R. Wickersham, or R. Turner back in the 70's finding new ways to make old ideas work better for me. What you do with your instrument is your business and if it means a lower resale value, who cares, cause Im not selling it anyway! | ||
| somatic
Member Username: somatic Post Number: 71 Registered: 11-2003 |
Cheers 81D (my second bass was an 83D: 83D2915). If people think moving the strap pin is a big deal, perhaps I shouldn't mention swapping out all the PF6 for my own design. There are no sacred cows around here. | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 213 Registered: 6-2007 |
The human mind is a wonderful thing to invest in. It asks so little from us, and it gives back more than anyone could imagine... I am blessed as many people to realize some things you don't touch after its made. 1. A balanced body and mind. 2. A balanced Alembic Bass. I am smart enough to know, I should never alter the state of either things, and it is blessing within it's self; to even know this... Who would buy an original "Piccasso" and add their own paint to it? I am not calling any one out on this, but... think deeply on this before reaching to personal rights and "I'll do what I damn please..." arguments. For true bass enthusiast, we are just highlighting and dicussing some hidden rules, or codes of ethics to honor, as Alembicans. Who agree or disagree with me here? | ||
| somatic
Member Username: somatic Post Number: 72 Registered: 11-2003 |
I am blessed as many people to realize some things you don't touch after its made. 1. A balanced body and mind. 2. A balanced Alembic Bass. An Alembic bass is like any other bass: it s a tool. If it needs to be modified for the purposes of the craftsman then so be it. I am not calling any one out on this, but... think deeply on this before reaching to personal rights and "I'll do what I damn please..." arguments. I did and all my mods are seamlessly reversible. However the instrument performs better and more closely aligns with my wants and needs now, so by definitition it is 'better'. FWIW, I'm an EE with a lot of years of audio design behind me. I respect Ron's work, but he himself has moved beyond the cct in the PF6 and I took that as a benchmark for experimentation. If you cannot do so yourself, continue to worship. I am not calling any one out on this, but... think deeply on this before reaching to personal rights and "I'll do what I damn please..." arguments. It's may bass and I'll do whatever I damn well please to it. If it offends your sensibilities, then so what? For true bass enthusiast, we are just highlighting and dicussing some hidden rules, or codes of ethics to honor, as Alembicans. What rules? My bass, my decisions based upon a lot of thought and experimentation. Who agree or disagree with me here? I do. You sound like a brainwashed cultist. | ||
| 82daion
Intermediate Member Username: 82daion Post Number: 129 Registered: 5-2005 |
I'm with Somatic-there's no mythical quality about an Alembic that makes it somehow immune to change or modification. In the end, it belongs to the player, and although some decisions to modify Alembics are made in what might be considered poor judgment by others, if they bring the instrument more in line with what the player wants, then so be it. That said, I can't find anything about the design of my Series I that I'd want to change, but I understand that the things I like about it might not work for someone else. | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 214 Registered: 6-2007 |
No my friend, I am not a cultist. My message is more in line with "Altruism". Go look it up. A cultist harbors more of the individual and selfishness. My approach is just the very opposite. Think on this... | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 215 Registered: 6-2007 |
I have seen some Alembics where I had literally thought it was something else... No, I am not talkin about simple modifications. I am talking about "The Michael Jackson" definition of change on Alembics. | ||
| somatic
Member Username: somatic Post Number: 73 Registered: 11-2003 |
My message is more in line with "Altruism". Go look it up. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/altruism I did. I don't see how it applies here. | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 216 Registered: 6-2007 |
My Alembic, will be preserved in its native form. This action, is not even close to what you called me "a cultist". It just so happens, to fit the definitions of Altruism. (and... I asked you to look that up, and you still didn't get it for some reason). I am not cultist. Alembic fit the definition of an art. Some basses are just objects of pure science. I'll give you one more try here, before I close up my thoughts on this issue altogether, because I was making a small mole hill discussion, which turned into mountain. I respect your views, but you calling me a cultist is wrong and totally un-nessary. You don't know me and I would never call some anyone a derogatory term to make a point. | ||
| somatic
Member Username: somatic Post Number: 74 Registered: 11-2003 |
I looked up the definition of 'altruism' and you do not fit it, especially around Alembic basses. My Alembic, will be preserved in its native form. Good for you. I prefer to modify my tools to fit me and do not have judgemental reactions towars others who decide to make similar decisions. This action, is not even close to what you called me "a cultist". I am not cultist. Your tone towards what is a tool makes me believe you are. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cultist See 1c. Alembic fit the definition of an art. Some basses are just objects of pure science. To me they are bass guitars, and therefore tools. Very nice tools, but tools none the less. To ascribe any higher quality to them is indeed worshiping. I'll give you one more try here, before I close up my thoughts on this issue altogether, because I was making a small mole hill discussion, which turned into mountain. Your point was 'things which are not allowed to be done to an Alembic'. This is NONE if it's a bass you have paid for. Anything else is a lot of judgemental self righteous crap. You obviously don't like being called on it. I respect your views, but you calling me a cultist is wrong and totally un-nessary. You don't know me and I would never call some anyone a derogatory term to make a point. This is the last defence of a victim. Sad and pathetic. It is simply descriptive based upon what I have read. | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 217 Registered: 6-2007 |
Now, we have a discussion... Quality basses don't need a "nip or a tuck" (if you get my drift...) But if you got to carve it up, to make a statement, go a head my friend. It is your bass. For me to do this, would be like me rapping and stripping away the identity of its core engine and purpose and removing others from knowing the origin of its whole. I would not like to inherit something that is no longer the true heritage of its original forms. There feelings are of value, for how do you preserve the quintessential and essentials if no man can keep anything forever? | ||
| briant
Intermediate Member Username: briant Post Number: 111 Registered: 12-2004 |
This is obviously a very passionate discussion. Personally I like to buy instruments because they sound a certain way - and they MUST also feel good in my hands. If both of those criteria are not met I won't buy the instrument. If I find a particular instrument that feels really good but doesn't quite make the sound go that I'm after I'll modify it so it does. That said I have only one instrument that is strictly because I can't get that sound from an Alembic (thus far) and that is a Musicman Stingray 5. I've owned a lot of high end basses over the years and this is just my experience. It does make me sad when I see an Alembic that has been stripped of it's electronics that is for sale somewhere. It's like an experiement that went horribly wrong and would most likely be better off if nothing had changed in the first place. Though I can respect someone's desire and will to make changes to try and get the sound they are looking for. Some people change amps. Some people change the instrument. Eventually it is a good thing when they find the happy medium. Some people never find the medium and forever search for a sound. Would this be the wrong time to point out that a lot of your sound comes from your fingers and not the instrument? Maybe. I can tell you right now that I sound like me when I'm playing on an Alembic or a cheap Johnson Jazz bass knockoff that costs $125. A lot of sound is in the fingers. | ||
| somatic
Member Username: somatic Post Number: 75 Registered: 11-2003 |
Quality basses don't need a "nip or a tuck" (if you get my drift...) It depends on whether you revere them or use them. I see no problem with reversible mods on any instrument. I have the ability to do the mods I did and it improved the instrument to my mind and ears. But if you got to carve it up, to make a statement Who's making a 'statement'? Not me. I merely modified a tool, something that is done every day in countless fields. I can do without the hyperbole. For me to do this, would be like me rapping and stripping away the identity of its core engine and purpose and removing others from knowing the origin of its whole. Perhaps for you it would be, and in that I feel sorry for you. Perhaps Ron should never have modified the old Guilds. The statement quoted above and many more of your here smack of a quasi-religious idolisation of Alembics. I have enormous respect for Ron and the others at Alembic, but not for one moment do I think of them as Gods. I would not like to inherit something that is no longer the true heritage of its original forms. There feelings are of value, for how do you preserve the quintessential and essentials if no man can keep anything forever? Gobbledegook | ||
| somatic
Member Username: somatic Post Number: 76 Registered: 11-2003 |
It does make me sad when I see an Alembic that has been stripped of it's electronics that is for sale somewhere. It's like an experiement that went horribly wrong and would most likely be better off if nothing had changed in the first place. As a general principle, I agree. However in about 1 hour I can replace my electronics with the originals and you would never know it had been done. I seldom condone radical mods, such as making it headless unless you are damn sure you know what you're doing and have the right skills and tools to pull it off. I modded mine because I'm not willing to pay the price and shipping (+taxes etc upon return) to have it modified at the factory. $US2k is the minimum it would cost me and that's too much, when my mods cost <$A100 and some time. Similarly for the refinishing. My S1 was used extensively by it's previous owner(s) and I would like it to look a bit better, though a beaten up Alembic seems rare and 'exclusive'. To ship it to California from Australia is too expensive, and the luthier doing the work is a wonderful craftsman, so I don't see the difference between local and factory. Except my wallet hurts less. I simply don't see the need for the 'worshippiness' of some of the posts. You are correct that a large part of a player's sound is them, and the instrument merely allows one version of it's presentation. I sound like me on all of my instruments. Within reason, only another bass player would be able to tell the difference between them. No one in the sudience will, so long as I 'bring it'. | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 218 Registered: 6-2007 |
You keep pushing that I have an idol "golden cafe" level of appreciation for Alembic basses. I understand, in order to make your argument stick, or carry weight, you must try to use an religious references to galvanize your justifications in 'personalizing your bass.' The only inherit problem with personalizing a bass, including an expensive bass like an Alembic, if you ever needed to sell them, "this issue" will become a serious trade-in value; meaning: the depreciation on customization on "novice" ideas for the bass will be a reality. And for someone like me and others on this board, would comb for closer even loser examination, and some wouldn't even have the spirit to take notice. Alembic has spent many years perfecting their basses, and when you alter them, you automaticly de-value them as fast as you drill the first hole. For example: I know guys who raise "Pit bulls" into universal lovable dogs. I also know people who take the same wonderful breed, and convert them into man(children)-killers biting anyone except, their master(s). This is customization too. Bottom line... I don't trust anyone other than Alembic authorized personnel touching my bass. Anybody else doing something to the bass outside the scope, I would say: "buyer beware." The fact of the matter is, you can't keep anything forever. For those things that benefit you, should be passed down, to benefit others after you. This is a non selfish point of view. "Do on to others, as you wish others to do onto you..." This is a golden rule my friend and it is also an Altruistic message. Nothing wrong with changing something if it's broken, or needs to be improved. I am in the business of making things better too, but as a Engineer myself, I know that some things need to be done by better minds than myself. Rock on! | ||
| somatic
Member Username: somatic Post Number: 77 Registered: 11-2003 |
You keep pushing that I have an idol "golden cafe" level of appreciation for Alembic basses. I understand, in order to make your argument stick, or carry weight, you must try to use an religious references to galvanize your justifications in 'personalizing your bass.' I nned no ones approval or justification to modify something that I own. However from the tone of your comments, you seem offended by it. The tenor of your own posts proves my point. The only inherit problem with personalizing a bass, including an expensive bass like an Alembic, if you ever needed to sell them, "this issue" will become a serious trade-in value; meaning: the depreciation on customization on "novice" ideas for the bass will be a reality. Your assumption is that my mods are not an improvement. They are. And if you'd actually bothered to read my previous posts, then you would have seen that they are reversible with zero damage. And for someone like me and others on this board, would comb for closer even loser examination, and some wouldn't even have the spirit to take notice. I don't understand you point through the messy grammar. Alembic has spent many years perfecting their basses, and when you alter them, you automaticly de-value them as fast as you drill the first hole. Who mentioned drilling holes? I would state who had done the refinish if I sell. To think that only the staff at Alembic are capable of stripping and refinishing an instrument again makes my first point. It is not rocket science. As for them being perfect, far from it. Very good? Yes. Perfect? No. I know guys who raise "Pit bulls" into universal lovable dogs. I also know people who take the same wonderful breed, and convert them into man(children)-killers biting anyone except, their master(s). This is customization too. Straw man. The fact of the matter is, you can't keep anything forever. For those things that benefit you, should be passed down, to benefit others after you. So only in it's factory state woiuld my bass be of benefit to anyone else? Ludicrous. "Do on to others, as you wish others to do onto you..." This is a golden rule my friend and it is also an Altruistic message. What has that got to do with my own choice of modifying something that I own? Nothing wrong with changing something if it's broken, or needs to be improved. Thanks. It was and I did. I am in the business of making things better too, but as a Engineer myself, I know that some things need to be done by better minds than myself. The electronics in an Alembic are far from SOTA, cutting edge technology, especially as mine are nearly 30 years old and the 5532 was surpassed long ago. It's just a couple of well implemented buffers and SVF's. I'm an EE so it's an easy job. | ||
| somatic
Member Username: somatic Post Number: 79 Registered: 11-2003 |
PS: the hole from the neck strap pin being moved was there when I bought the bass, but it balances better for me in the new position so I'm leaving it where it is. | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 219 Registered: 6-2007 |
I know a woman who needed glasses since she was 4 years old. She later become a Nurse and raised two sons to adult-hood. One day, this woman in her 60's had a headache, and was later admitted to the hospital. The MRI xray showed she had a Aneurysm over her optic nerve; which had been blocking her optic nerve since she was a child, and was the bases for her headaches and the sole reasons of her needing glasses in the first place. A Neural Surgeon, told the woman, he could fix this Aneurysm so that it would not rupture. She accepts the proceedure, and the next day after the operation, she dies just like that. This woman was my mother. In the same dramatic way, Kenya West mother dies from a lipo-suction surgery. Both surgeries were voluntary proceedures. Now, you might say, what does this have to do with Alembic basses... Nothing really. It just gives you a perspective of my personal life experiences, and lessons learned from people who say they are experts and could make something better. When you said this, it reminded me other the young doctor who also though he was good enough to make something "better" and it turned out wrong. Somethings you don't change. But will we learn? | ||
| darkstar01
Intermediate Member Username: darkstar01 Post Number: 103 Registered: 6-2005 |
honestly. i'd chainsaw my alembic in half if i thought it would get me a good sound.i use dremels and hammers and nails (oh my) on my instruments all the time for sound. music has - absolutely. nothing.- to do with how well your instrument was crafted. be creative. period. | ||
| somatic
Member Username: somatic Post Number: 80 Registered: 11-2003 |
Now, you might say, what does this have to do with Alembic basses... Nothing really. The first thing you said in that post that makes any sense. lessons learned from people who say they are experts and could make something better. When you said this, it reminded me other the young doctor who also though he was good enough to make something "better" and it turned out wrong. But it didn't turn out wrong in my case. I'm an experinced EE who does know what he's doing. This last post of yours proves my earlier points; 1: you seem to have a worship of Alembic, their products and the belief that they are the only ones who can make or mod their instruments for the better. 2: that you cannot sustain the argument without moving off into strawman arguments or irrelevencies 3: That the people most likely to get caught up in cultish worhip of products and companies don't know how things really work. It's not just on this forum, but you sir are one of the worst examples I have ever seen. | ||
| somatic
Member Username: somatic Post Number: 81 Registered: 11-2003 |
honestly. i'd chainsaw my alembic in half if i thought it would get me a good sound.i use dremels and hammers and nails (oh my) on my instruments all the time for sound. You Sir, are destined to the Hell Of WalMart Starter Kit Basses. | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 220 Registered: 6-2007 |
I would love to hear some of your music. Please send me some of it. I am very seriously interested. Put all the crap a side, do you have a mp3 file ore something I could listen to. Heck, you got me worked up to want to listen to your music now. Send me some music, can you do this? Show me a picture of you custom Alembic. I would also love to see your EE at work too. Hey you got me very interested now. I have said enough. Let me see the wonder you had made. | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 221 Registered: 6-2007 |
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| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 222 Registered: 6-2007 |
  (Message edited by davehouck on February 16, 2008) | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 223 Registered: 6-2007 |
My Alembic is 33 years old, and it still cranks. I'll strap this old-timer at any gig and kick up a few notches. Although, I don't travel as much as I did in my teens, I do find myself recording alot. On the left, is my Strat-Godin Artisan. It sounds better than an any Alembic guitar I ever heard. Yeah, I said it... [I said...] It sounds better than any Alembic guitar I ever heard... and or anything else out there, as far as I am concern... My first language is my guitar, basses are my second. So, again Alembics are not my cup of tea, for electric guitars and frankly, I am not interested. No worship here... I am just picky when it comes to electric guitars. Same goes with my basses. Alembic basses are the best for me for the music I play. One other thing, 100% stock [no nip, or tucks]. If I buy a guitar, and it don't give my the sound day one, it stays on the show-room floor. I don't want to do nothing to it unless it needs repairs. | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1386 Registered: 12-2002 |
that's a badass bike! | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 224 Registered: 6-2007 |
Thanks Keavin. You have a sweet Cad yourself. Keep it going... | ||
| darkstar01
Intermediate Member Username: darkstar01 Post Number: 104 Registered: 6-2005 |
somatic, i'm not really sure what you mean by being 'destined to the hell of walmart starter kit basses', but surely you didn't mean it in a condescending way. my point was, anyone who spends the kind of money one tends to spend on an alembic, on ANY instrument, can do whatever the hell they want to said instrument. one day i plan to record a track of me destroying some (nameless) high-end bass just to see what happens. maybe you can engineer it. austin | ||
| pauldo
Junior Username: pauldo Post Number: 36 Registered: 6-2006 |
Things certainly have gotten twisted now haven't they??? The OP (hendixclarke) started this thread as a (in my opinion) tongue in cheek 'let's make some by-laws for what you should and shouldn't do with your Alembic' in fact he says "Let's have some fun here..." Now this is getting whipped into a flame war - We all should read Dave Houk's recent post "a reminder from the moderator..." this is a community and we should behave as upstanding supporting citizens of the community. | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 601 Registered: 11-2003 |
Interesting thread to say the least ... I have 28 basses. Some are stock, some aren't. My '73 Fender Jazz bass is heavily modified, e.g., J-Retro preamp, Badass II bridge, new tuners, new Seymour Duncan Pickups, etc. I modified it because while I liked the bass in its stock form, it still lacked something to make it more playable and sonically pleasing to me. Hence the mods. Fender purists would think I completely defiled this bass. I don't think so. After seeing what some of these "good condition" vintage Fenders are going for these days, I think my modifications increased the value rather than decreased it. Some of us think that modifying an Alembic in any way is heresy. Others think the opposite, that an Alembic owner can and should do whatever they deem necessary to make it better for them. Neither are wrong, merely opinionated, and that's cool. For me, it's your bass and your money. Do what you want with it, regardless of make or cost. In the end you're the one playing it, not someone else. Leo Fender built the first Fender Precision with bolt-on parts (and most of the subsequent Fenders were built in the same way to my knowledge). I have to think that Leo did this because he knew that players might want to modify them at some point, or at the least make it easier to replace a damaged or worn out part. As I see it, if Leo thought this, modifying a bass is not only OK, it's completely normal and expected. I could be wrong about why Leo did what he did, but it's an interesting topic for discussion I think. I don't modify my Alembics (though I am thinking of getting a Q switch for my Essences). I like them the way they are. Should they need changes or modifications in the future, I wouldn't hesitate to make them, although I'd probably send them to Alembic to have it done (I'm not good at that kind of thing). Bottom line: it's yours. Make it more yours in any way you see fit. If others don't like it, well, that's their prerogative. Alan | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 225 Registered: 6-2007 |
Honestly people, this post was created out of pure fun, and yet it touches and overlaps many personal issues, for example: "How much comfort, am I willing to accept or not; when deciding on changing something to fit my personal needs and/or desires?" Who should my actions really serve myself, or the social good of others? This is the heart of my question... I once bought a house and painted the interior with bright colors. When it got time to selling it, my Real Estate Agent, told me I needed to paint over my wonderful colored wall, to a "more neutral color" because my colors were too specialized and it may hurt my chances in getting it sold. I took her advice, and repainted the walls, and the house was sold, and I made profit; because I was willing to listen and act. It always pays to please others, and put others first. | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Advanced Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 264 Registered: 10-2006 |
OK, Brett, I'm intrigued. I have never heard a bass that sounds better than an Alembic,and would have no idea how to go about changing the circuitry. Can you explain what changes you made & how they improved it - in a way that an electronic semi-illiterate can understand? Peter | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 226 Registered: 6-2007 |
I too, had ask "Somatic" to send me a sound clip(s) and picture(s) of his work. Hey, maybe he is "the man". I would love to see/hear his work. No fear here. I gave him the mic long ago, and I am ready to be amazed. Besides, he's an Alembican, my hat goes off to him regardless what he does. And with a twinkle of hope, I remember so well as a child, I believe anything is possible, if one believes. | ||
| mike1762
New Username: mike1762 Post Number: 9 Registered: 1-2008 |
Well...this was fun!!! I'm actually on both sides of this debate. Until I got my Spoiler, I've altered EVERY bass I've owned in some way. I have often very much regretted it later. The most glaring example is a complete mauling of a vintage Tele bass. I stripped it, routed new cavaties, filled old cavaties, splatter painted it (it was the 80's), new electronics/hardware, etc. It was mine, so I did with it what I pleased. I now have a worthless conversation piece. So...do what you gotta do, but be prepared to live with it. I've seen the complete lack of interest that modified Alembics generate when they are offered for sale. But seriously, don't wear spandex...ever. Don't wear make-up either. It runs under the stage lights and gunks-up the pots. | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 227 Registered: 6-2007 |
 Above, is a picture of my non-Alembic Blue Bass. As you can see, I added a Bigsby "whammy bar" and I also, carfully removed the frets; thus giving the bass an even smoother harmonic, and "reverblistic" touch and sound. This one-piece, bass is my pride and joy, and I play it when I am doing less "funky things". Hopefully, when I pass it on, the new owners will appreciate the refinements, I tried to do. In terms of doing the same on my Alembic... [A Dramatic pause]. |
