| Author | Message | ||
| moonkeyhead
New Username: moonkeyhead Post Number: 1 Registered: 3-2008 |
Hi folks, I've been working towards an Alembic for awhile now (Further). I've got everything sorted out money-wise, and intend to close the deal Monday. I live in San Francisco and have my eyes on the Further currently in stock at Showcase in San Jose. I've bugged the hell out of the guys down there, testing it, asking questions, etc. BUT, I am also eyeing the Further currently listed at Bass Central. So, my question is, has anyone on this forum had their hands on that guitar by any chance? I'm not too worried about ordering long distance, but then again I KNOW I like the one in San Jose. I'm giving the Bass Central guitar consideration because it will be cheaper state to state (no tax), and it has brass knobs. The latter is a small consideration, but still.... Also, I'm assuming some on this forum have purchased from Bass Central...a good experience? Though I know it is a long way off, I'd love to come to the next Bay Area Alembic gathering! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 6383 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Jay; I just wanted to welcome you to the board! For reports on past experiences, you might want to try the search feature in the upper right corner of this page. | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1851 Registered: 6-2002 |
Or actually try this Google search - probably faster. | ||
| moonkeyhead
New Username: moonkeyhead Post Number: 2 Registered: 3-2008 |
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll see what I can come up with. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1928 Registered: 3-2004 |
Jay, Here's the short version: A lot of people have purchased from Bass Central, which stands to reason since they stock quite a few Alembics. I am one. I have never heard a complaint of any kind about Beaver and his crew. Showcase is a great shop. Though I live at the opposite end of the country, I make it a point to go there any time I am in the Bay area with a few hours to spare. Doc Greene, known on these boards as "Alembic_doctor" is the Pro Audio manager over there. Though prices are pretty firm, there may be other things that Showcase can do to make the deals more even. It's always good to have a friendly relationship with the local shop. When buying any guitar, I believe it's always best to have a hands-on experience before purchase. When you're talking about hand-made instruments, the feel and tone may be subtly different from guitar to guitar. You'll have to weigh the difference in overall cost against the risk that you don't like the other guitar as much, or that there is a mishap during shipping. Good luck! -bob | ||
| moonkeyhead
New Username: moonkeyhead Post Number: 3 Registered: 3-2008 |
I'm thinking you are right, Bob. I bought a Les Paul long distance a few years ago, and it just plain had to go back (lots of little problems). Thankfully the return policy was agreeable. Though I trust the high quality of Alembic's output, I'm thinking more and more that a few hundred dollars and brass knobs are not worth buying something I haven't laid my hands on. The Les Paul experience made me cautious. I might add as well, that Showcase has a Tribute in stock, and it is actually a little cheaper than the Further (No LEDs, no continuous wood backplates - neither is a huge issue for me); I've not played it, though I have played the Further, but it has struck me that I should compare and contrast as I just might like the Tribute better for all I know. I'm going down Monday to play them both. But, yes, I think the guitar will come from Showcase in the end. I'm notoriously slow on decisions these days, but I'm prepared to walk away with one, so long as everything feels, "right." Incidentally, like many here I was drawn to Alembic because of the Dead connection. I finally decided to go for one based on the quality of the instruments, their versatility, and frankly it feels good to give my money to someone other than a corporation. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3013 Registered: 7-2004 |
Jay: If the Tribute is the same one Doc brought up to the Alembic Gathering a couple of weeks ago, it is VERY pretty and plays VERY nicely. You can completely trust Doc to give you good advice and info. One thing you may not consider is the utility of the side LEDs. When I ordered my custom Further (Woody - Oct. '07 COTM), I wasn't sure about the LEDs and thought them a little gimmicky, perhaps. I posted a query on this forum and was overwhelmed with the positive things people said about LEDs. That convinced me to order them. Am I glad I did. The LEDs are wonderful on dark stages. Also, I can sing and see the frets with peripheral vision without my glasses. Good luck and congrats. I suspect you will be very satisfied no matter which decision you make. Bill, the guitar one | ||
| moonkeyhead
New Username: moonkeyhead Post Number: 4 Registered: 3-2008 |
Thanks Bill, I confess the LEDs do feel a bit gimmicky to, but not to any extreme extent, and the truth is I've kinda' pictured clicking them on in my practice space, lights out, all moody and whatnot. Heh. Anyway, funny about that Tribute, because I saw the pictures with the guy jamming with the tag still on it, and I thought, "Hmmm, I wonder if somebody bought that Showcase Alembic?" The tag being in their style. Well, I've got cash in pocket and am headed down Monday. I'm gonna put 'em through the paces. I'll admit too that I've been listening to Wolf-era Jerry, wherein are found some of my favorite shows and tones - I really like his sound on The Closing of Winterland. I'm getting excited. I really appreciate all the posts by the way! I'll keep you up to date on what happens. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3014 Registered: 7-2004 |
Jay: Other possible considerations: The Further is a neck through. The Tribute is a set neck. Continuous wood backplates are not just very cool looking. They are actually functional as the brass plates they replace are quite a bit heavier. Alembics tend to be on the heavy side and wooden backplates help to alleviate weight. All this may go out the window, of course, once you get your hands on the instruments. When I bought my Gibson ES335 back in the '80s, I visited almost every music store in the Bay Area and played over a dozen used ES 335s and 345s. One of them just felt right, as soon as I played it I knew it was the one - that's the one I bought ... for $400! (In some ways I really miss those times! lol) Bill, tgo | ||
| moonkeyhead
New Username: moonkeyhead Post Number: 5 Registered: 3-2008 |
Yeah, I have been thinking on the neck issue, and weight is something to consider as well. I know my preference at this point, but I've set myself to go in and just play and listen to them both, and start from there. When I bought my Les Paul (the one I still have) I had a color in mind, and a neck profile (they come in 50s - fat - or 60s - slim). I played a ton of guitars, and in the end went with a 50s neck in lightburst...but I'd set out to get a cherry burst with a 60s neck. So, I have an idea when I go in, but I'm willing to let the actual experience of playing and tone sway me on my final choice. I prefer the further from the aesthitic standpoint, but don't dislike the Tribute. If the Tribute blows the Further out of the water on feel and sound though, that'll be the one. If the differences are slight to my feel and ear, then I'll opt for the Further. They are very close to evenly priced - a matter of a couple hundred dollars. Also, both are 2006 prices, so I feel like I'm ahead of the curve so far as that goes. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3015 Registered: 7-2004 |
Jay: I can assure you that nothing blows an Alembic out of the water ... even another Alembic. Bill, tgo | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1929 Registered: 3-2004 |
Jay, it's probably already in your head as a guy who has been around, but be careful of what sort of amp you listen to these guitars through. If there's any tonal difference between them that matters to you, it might be covered up by an amp that has too much of its own voice. Ideally, I'd try them through a few rigs. In old-time terms, I'd go for a JC-120, a Fender Twin, and a Boogie. Of course, if you're more into one particular tone and style, go there and be happy. Nothing beats trying a guitar through the gear you'll actually play it through, and you might even bring your current favorite guitar to A-B with the Alembics in real time. As much as I believe that Alembic is the absolute best, it may be that neither of these is perfect for you. When you're spending new money on an Alembic, it pays to get it right the first time. You may find something missing in the tone that a little discussion will help you get on a new order for a few hundred more. Maybe you wish the neck was thinner/fatter/wider/narrower? A small price to pay for getting it just right. What's a couple hundred when you're heading in the direction of $6-8K to begin with? If one of these two sings for you, then jump on it. If not, take a look at what it would take to make whatever little tweaks might bring you to the promised land. You're also in an Alembic-rich area. You might take a run up to Alembic to see if they have anything lying about the factory or try to get together with some of the locals to try some more instruments. I know that playing a few other customs really helped me when I decided to take the plunge. I do have to disagree with Bill on one point. I think an Alembic that fits you perfectly, particularly in neck dimensions, does blow any other Alembic out of the water. If the standard shape and size is what fits you, then you're all set. Just my opinion... -bob | ||
| moonkeyhead
New Username: moonkeyhead Post Number: 6 Registered: 3-2008 |
Bob, I really like the sane advice here, very much so. I will test on multiple rigs. I'm really weighing my options as the weekend progresses. I've reminded myself that if I walk out with nothing, I still have the cash on hand to move when the right guitar presents itself. A trip to the factory might be nice for instance. I've kind of been thinking it would be nice to find a Further without an effects loop...and it has dawned on me that I could have one made. I feel like it is very possible that I'll have a new guitar Monday, but I have all the patience in the world to wait if I feel like those particular guiars are not working for me. I sure appreciate all the sage posts here. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3016 Registered: 7-2004 |
Jay: I had my Further built without an effects loop. Since I always play with volume at 10 and put a volume pedal at the end of my effects chain (essentially simulates the Garcia effects-always-see-the-same-signal) I had no use for the effects loop. Bob's suggestion about trying different amps is an excellent one. I've found some very good amps and guitars that just don't seem to like each other. On the other hand, I still disagree with him about aquatic pyrotechnics. One particular Alembic may be the right one for you, but all the others can still hold their own. One caveat about ordering a custom: it is a wonderful experience, but be sure to spend a lot of time really figuring out what you want as it is an awfully expensive proposition to not get it right the first time. Many around here have suggested picking up a used lower end Alembic and living with it for a while to really crystallize your vision for a custom. Also, you are going to wait. The more customizing, the longer the wait, especially for inlays. By the way, if you want to try out a Further without an effects loop, my studio is a hop, skip, and jump off of the Bay Bridge. Have a blast on Monday, and don't be afraid to take your time. As Paul, the bad one, (a regular around these parts) often reminds us: "There will always be another". Bill, tgo | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Advanced Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 289 Registered: 10-2006 |
Hey, Bill, how do you run the effects with your Series guitars? Something like Irv>DS-5>effects>Boogie? Peter | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3017 Registered: 7-2004 |
Peter: You got it. The only difference is I run from the little blue box DS-5 to an A/B box into which I also run another guitar, then out from the AB into the pedal board, and then on to the amp. That way I can quickly change to the 12 string for the songs I use it on. Bill, tgo | ||
| paulman
Advanced Member Username: paulman Post Number: 285 Registered: 2-2005 |
Good luck today moonk! I was lucky enough to get to Ed Romans (before he went non-Alembic, go fig) when he had 2 Furthers in stock. My buds (friends) said I was nuts to go to Vegas for a guitar, but sure enough I came back "up" as I found one of the Furthers to just make me go "yeeeaaahhh". I too thought LED's were gimmicky, until the dark stage scenario hit. My bass player wants them now hah! Personally I like the effects loop as I tend to wander around a bit and like not having to come out of my funk to run across the stage. Just slipping down and hitting a switch to be natural or effected is like 2nd nature now. I've also come to a realization with the pickup switches. During a live performance it's difficult to do a quick pickup change as 2 switches need to be moved sometimes. The blade type of switch seems more accessible now. I would never have realized that had I not had My Further. My Skylark was like, easy since it only has the two switches. Dude, update when/if you get it. We'll want pics too...lots of them!  Maybe 1 or 2 here and the rest in the Showcase for documentation and salavia generating purposes! (Message edited by paulman on March 31, 2008) | ||
| moonkeyhead
New Username: moonkeyhead Post Number: 7 Registered: 3-2008 |
Will do on photos, I'm headed out soon (it's Monday morning). We'll see how it goes. I'm ready, but cautious too, so as I leave the house there is a 50/50 chance I'll be coming home with something. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1930 Registered: 3-2004 |
When you think you're sure, ask them to hold it for you for an hour or so while you go grab lunch/dinner. If you're still sure when you're done eating in a "normal" environment outside the store, go back and get it done. Otherwise, go back or call in to let them know you want to look at some others before you jump. Even then, it would be great if they could hold it on (refundable) deposit long enough for you to see Bill to try his guitar, and to get a factory visit in. You should go into this purchase with your eyes wide open and knowing your options. It's not quite like buying a car, but it's not that far off. Good luck today! -bob | ||
| moonkeyhead
New Username: moonkeyhead Post Number: 8 Registered: 3-2008 |
Bob, Couldn't agree more. I am fresh back from San Jose. I sat with both guitars a good long while, played on a couple amps, both clean and with drive/distortion. I did quickly realize that the Further had a tone more suited to me. I tried lots of different pickup selections, tone settings, and just really sat with it a good long while. I got right up to the edge, as it were, and I must say, Terry (Showcase guy) is a very nice and patient guy; just gave me a chord and free reign, opened the case holding the Alembics and suggested I take all the time I wanted. Before going I set myself a little failsafe (prompted by the nice advice you folks have given me), in that I deposited the cash to pay for the guitar just this morning. Since I know that transactions take a couple of days at my bank, I couldn't possibly have left with the guitar today. I really, really dig the Further. I was very happy with my play test, and I did the the things you do when buying such a thing (close eye inspection, testing for buzz, etc.) and it stood up great to everything. And really, it just sounded fantastic. The action is very low. I noticed what others have reported here on buying Alembics, that it showed every little sloppy thing I did through the speaker of the amp. That is, when I left a little noise in moving one string to the next, the "flub" was quite pronounced...but I quickly got used to that and even kind of used it to my musical advantage. Obviously Alembics make you play, 'better'. I wanted to talk to Doc, as per Bill's advice (and thanks Bill for the offer to try yours, which I most certainly will do if a good window of time opens, really, thanks) but didn't find him until I was leaving. I introduced myself, and asked his impression of the Further, though he didn't really have one, as he'd not played it. He nicely offered to give it a whirl later today, and to correspond with me via email with his impressions, and answers to my questions. Very cool. I left after talking to Terry and asking what I should do if I decide it's a go and I want them to to hold it. He just told me to call, and that they'd set it aside, AND that they'd extend their normal return policy to 10 days with refund if and when I take it home. So, my plan now is to sleep on it, see what else I can get in for comparison, and talk to Doc a bit. I'm right there on the edge, and I know if I take my time I'll be happier for it. Thanks all for your input, and I will update this thread as I move closer to closing! | ||
| moonkeyhead
New Username: moonkeyhead Post Number: 9 Registered: 3-2008 |
Hi all, Just a little update here. As detailed above, my last trip to showcase resulted in a really nice play test. I have corresponded with Doc a little, and his thoughts on the guitar are in line with my own... I asked the guy I've been dealing with at Showcase if they'd take "the price of the Tribute...." for the Further, which is a couple hundred dollars cheaper, and they were up for that. Cool. I'm going in this week to play again and make my final decision. If I feel wobbly about it, I'll just put it aside until I do get to the factory (haven't yet), but I really liked it so much that I'll feel confident in buying if it feels right in the moment. Of course, I've given it all a lot of thought, so if I pull the trigger it'll be because I'm sure. It really is a damned nice guitar, sounds great, fantastic action...and a stunner, of course. I think I'm going in Wednesday (I've put in for that day off...which should be no problem). | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 697 Registered: 11-2004 |
Sounds like you're taking a smart approach- I've enjoyed reading about your search. Be sure to give us an update after Wed Toby |
