| Author | Message | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 438 Registered: 6-2007 |
Everybody, join in... What was it like when you got your first Alembic? | ||
| glocke
Senior Member Username: glocke Post Number: 562 Registered: 9-2002 |
I wet my pants. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 439 Registered: 6-2007 |
If only for a rare moment in time, the world seemed a little more fairer than usual for me. | ||
| mike1762
Advanced Member Username: mike1762 Post Number: 264 Registered: 1-2008 |
I thought... "I'm not worthy"!!! | ||
| kungfusheriff
Senior Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 801 Registered: 8-2003 |
It was a mess. Mine was an '84 Spoiler that had the electronics with the exception of the pickups replaced, and a hole routed by the truss rod cover on the G string side so you could pop the strings. Still, I loved it like crazy. It was my first 'really good bass,' and obviously it made something of an impression. ;) | ||
| malthumb
Senior Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 452 Registered: 5-2002 |
Mine was a 1983 Spoiler. I was really impressed (obviously...went back to the well 5 more times). It was proof for me that there was life beyond Fender style basses. | ||
| hifiguy
Intermediate Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 167 Registered: 10-2006 |
Bought my SCSS from the Guitar Center on Memorial Day, 1999. For that day, that bass was $1500 (then a mere $3700 MSRP). Saw it hanging there, and had the sales guy take it down. Played it for twenty minutes and told him to wrap it up, even though I was unemployed. I'd wanted an Alembic since I saw a picture of The Great Jack Casady playing Number One. Couldn't pass it up. Took it home and just stared at it for more than an hour in complete disbelief. | ||
| ulf
Junior Username: ulf Post Number: 39 Registered: 5-2008 |
I only think.... "WOW" | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1570 Registered: 12-2002 |
I staired at it for a long time as if it was a "Butt Naked Woman with no clothes on"......then i sat it on my lap and inserted that fat plug in it!........not only was the sound very Creamy it was very Erectifying! (Message edited by keavin on February 22, 2009) (Message edited by keavin on February 22, 2009) | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1573 Registered: 12-2002 |
 http://alembic.com/club/messages/449/8538.html (Message edited by davehouck on February 22, 2009) | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 441 Registered: 6-2007 |
HAaaaahaaaaaa Haaaaahaaaaahaaaaaahaaa!!!!!!!!!! That was a good one.... Haaahaaa haaahahaaa! Keavin, you hit that one, out of the park man. I feel you man... Right on! | ||
| 3rd_ray
Intermediate Member Username: 3rd_ray Post Number: 189 Registered: 2-2008 |
Sometime around 1993 I bought a new Essence 5-string with bocate top from The House of Guitars in Rochester, NY. They also had a 4-string MK Signature Deluxe with either birds-eye or burl maple top. I don't remember why I chose the Essence, probably because it cost less. When I got it home, I remember the feeling of finally having a high-quality bass. The wood and construction was cool, but it's the sound that had me. That was my first bass that had bright piano-like tone. Mike | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 697 Registered: 11-2003 |
Mine was an '84 Spoiler-Exploiter. Zebrawood, and just gorgeous. I remember being blown away just looking at it - I'd never owned an instrument that finely crafted. I literally just left in in the case and stared at it. Even though I sold it later, it began the love affair I have today for Alembics. Alan | ||
| slawie
Member Username: slawie Post Number: 60 Registered: 8-2002 |
While on a training course in 1988 in Mountain View in California I had happened across a shop called the Starving Musician in Santa Clara. I was looking for an investment type instrument because the prices were far cheaper in the US as opposed to Australia. While looking through the range of basses I saw a fretless that I did not recognise the brand and thought I would give it a bash. MAN I was blown away at the tone and just how easy it was to play my fingers ran over the fretboard like they were buttered and the thing almost played itself it was so beautiful. Needless to say without knowing what it was I forked out the $1.000 asking price. With a little bit of research I found out about Alembic, went to the factory in Santa Rosa and had the instrument validated and insurance priced. I met Mica and Ron verified the piece then they gave the instrument a serial number. 75-251S I asked Mica if she could put an "S" on the back end of the number for "slawie" and she did. I bought a cast logo because I wanted to squirrel away he sterling silver hand cut logo ( Idid not want some punter to pinch it at a gig) The last resort is selling it as I will leave it to someone in the family if I pass away. I did have it temporarily up for sale but managed to work around the financial short-fall and did not sell. You will have to prise the bass from my cold dead hands. slawie | ||
| crobbins
Advanced Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 227 Registered: 6-2004 |
My 1st Alembic  | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 715 Registered: 11-2004 |
I bought mine when I was in New York, it was an absolute bargain at $1800 but my credit card would not stretch that far, Rudy Penshur took $200 off it. It wasn't until I got home that I realised what I had..I had been waiting 20 years for one and now I had one..it is in the showcase section as under Signature basses as Mark King 93. It took me about 6 months to master the tones and get used to the heavy weight but since I am the only one in Teesside to own one it turns heads and sounds excellent. I addition it made me play better, an inspiration to do more than is normally achievable with any other bass. I wonder if Alembic incorporate this magic when they are building the instrument?? Does anyone know where we can get those Alembic pins that our late friend Paul had?? | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2128 Registered: 2-2006 |
MY first Alembic to play was around 77 or 78 and belonged to someone else. My first one to actually own was in March of 2006. Why so long to own one? I got married in '79 at the ripe old age of 17 became a father less than a year later. After raising 2 daughters, school & college (for the girsl), weddings..yadayadayada...I rewarded myself with my baby below (which I do believe Danno has been having lustful thoughts about lately.LOL). Anyway. Bought this bass off of eBay in March of 06, and when I first played it I thought, DUDE I wasted a TON of money. RF interference, fret buzzing all over and when I tried to get funky, which I Luuuoooove to do, my slap and pop was more, shuck and jive. Well after speaking to Mica and Val I sent the electronics in for an upgrade which took care of the RF noise. I cleaned up my slap technique, set up the neck and action and she purrrred like a kitten. While she may be a little large for me, large body-extended-upper horn-and 35" scale. She was my first and plays and sounds so awesome she will remain with me. So just like when I got married as a kid at first I thought "what have I done" later turned out to be one of the best things I've ever done. OO  | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2129 Registered: 2-2006 |
And by the way this is what she rebirthed (playing the one in the 70's planted the seed this one rekindled the fire)....numbered in order of obtaining. And while I'm at it I would like to toot Mica's horn a moment. When I called Alembic after buying this bass Mica was SO helpful in getting this bass up to date assessing the RF problem, and I'm here to tell she KNOWS her stuff. So a big and hearty SALUTE to Miss Mica.  OO | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 412 Registered: 5-2002 |
I'd wanted one since seeing the Dead in '76 and hearing Stanley Clarke around the same time. I didn't manage to get my '78 Series I until '95. Someone had it in the WantAd in Boston, listed at $1200. I went out to look at it and finally admitted it was beyond my price range, as all I had was $750, so I didn't want to insult him and I was sure he'd find a buyer pretty quickly. Three days later, he called me up and told me we had a deal! Last year, it finally went back to the factory for a refinish and carve. Sadly, the weight has resulted in rib and muscle problems, so I can't play it nightly. I did covet Andy West's Series I that was at Cambridge Music for a while. I was seriously trying to scrape up the cash for that one, but couldn't manage it. Edwin | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 442 Registered: 6-2007 |
Man, who need Bass magazines, when the best minds, in the world, share and discuss their humble beginnings with the undisputed baddest basses in the world (compared to everything that is, and were). | ||
| kenbass4
Advanced Member Username: kenbass4 Post Number: 324 Registered: 10-2003 |
My First:  My Second:  ..and my third:  Needless to say, they all sound incredible! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1621 Registered: 10-2003 |
Olie, I played your first bass when it was at Guitar Center in Indianapolis shortly before they put it to auction. I knew it just needed to be setup, and was blown away that they would hang an instrument (ANY instrument) on the floor setup as poorly as that one. It's a beautiful bass! John | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2138 Registered: 2-2006 |
Thanks John, you should play it now, she'sA like butta!  OO | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2186 Registered: 3-2004 |
"My" first Alembic was a Spoiler I talked a friend into buying new in the mid 80s. It was maybe $800-1000, and was easily the best playing, looking and sounding instrument in the shop. This guy was a Fender player/Beatles fan, so it was a stretch for him. It was just so sweet compared to everything else that he couldn't resist. My first owned Alembic was a Spoiler/Exploiter that I "borrowed" in the late 90s from a music store where a friend was the GM. I could have owned the caseless bass for about $800 with a soft keyboard bag for transport. I played it for a few weeks and took it to a couple gigs, but my shoulder was always killing me after playing because of the way I leaned my right elbow on the bass for support. I returned it and my bandmates were pissed because they loved the tone and my playing was even better with it than a "regular" bass. After that, I actually bought a Persuader five string. This one had purpleheart in the neck and it was a revelation. The tone was just so much thicker than the basses with only maple. The 32" scale B string sounded more musical than 34" or 35" instrument I had played before or since. Hard to say which was my first. I suppose it depends on how you look at it. -bob | ||
| pauldo
Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 98 Registered: 6-2006 |
84' Distillate (see profile for pic) got it at Ralph Hanzel's Music Store... great guy. I was walking on clouds, couldn't stop touching it and posing it for pictures!!! :-D It was love.... | ||
| mike1762
Advanced Member Username: mike1762 Post Number: 268 Registered: 1-2008 |
I think I would have bought anything that said "Alembic" on it... I was bound and determined to have one. My first wound-up being a really nice Spoiler I found on-line at Atlanta Bass Gallery. I had worked all night long at the hospital (in Knoxville) then drove to Atlanta and claimed my prize. It was a really proud moment in my life. The longer I've had the Spoiler, the more I appreciate it. Rather than the typical Koa, it has a Mahogany body with a Maple laminate and a Bocate top. The medium scale really "fits" me and this particular bass just feels good in your hands. Within a few months a SC and a Series I were sitting next to it. | ||
| aquaman
Member Username: aquaman Post Number: 70 Registered: 9-2006 |
Alan, Your first Alembic was Spoiler Exploiter 1984 Zebrawood. Coincedently, I own one, too. Wonder if they are the same? Was yours in mint condition (as is mine)? | ||
| dela217
Senior Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 944 Registered: 6-2002 |
My first Alembic is one that I bought new in 1978. It was a medium scale bass with the point body style. I remember opening it's case like it was yesterday! I orderded the bass from a local music store that sold very few instruments, but had pro sound gear and some stereo equipment. I just asked them one day about Alembics and they said "Sure we can order you one". I Put half down to order it and paid the other half when it came in. The total price with tax and everything came to $1550.00 total. I still have the reciept somewhere. When I ordered the bass I had no clue. No clue at all about woods, or even that you could choose options. I knew I wanted one, everyone in town was playing them. I played a few and loved every one of them before I ordered mine. A day or so after I ordered it they called me to ask me what kind of wood I wanted, a light one or a dark one. I chose a dark one. It came in just a few days later, probably a week or so. When I opened the big blue case, the bass was incredible. I quickly got a course on what the woods were. In the case was the paperwork with an operations guide, what woods were used and who made it. The bass had a purpleheart top and back, mahogany core, purpleheart stringers, and zebrawood veneers. The bass also came from Alembic with Pyramid Gold Flatwound strings installed. I played the bass for a month or so until I put my hands on a small standard. I just had to have one! It fit me so much better. I called Alembic and spoke with Sam Fields. He and I talked for a while and he agreed to take back the bass. He did not hesitate at all. He wanted me to be completely happy with my Alembic purchase. I sent the bass back and some time later my small standard arrived! I have not been the same since. Sure I have had some large bodied Alembic basses since then, and I really appreciate them for what they are. But for me it is small standards all the way. I wonder what happened to that original Alembic I had. It was serial number 78 1058. | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2116 Registered: 6-2002 |
The first Alembic that I ever played was an SC with Spoiler electronics. It played wonderfully, but I couldn't figure out why such an expensive instrument had a p/u selector instead of a pan pot (two extremes, and a mellow intermediate sound) plus the filter and Q switch were somewhat confusing to the uninformed. And I hated the sound of the Trace Elliot stack at the store - no brightness whatsoever. Flash forward a couple of years to 1994, to a music trade show in Amsterdam where Wils had a nice selection of Alembics in their booth. After staring at the basses for a while (they also had some tasty Pedullas) they suggested I go to another booth where one could try out Bag End speakers - with an Epic and an SF-2 - interesting choice for a demo setup. The first ads for the Epic had already set me dreaming, and this only confirmed it - I had to get an Alembic! A friend at a music shop arranged for me to visit Wils a couple of weeks later to try out some Epics and Essences. I was thinking of buying a fretless, and they only had one of those, an Essence which had the filter with the Q always on - which I really, really dislike - and it was slightly over my budget. One of the fretted Epics was mighty fine, and the flame koa top was a no-charge upgrade, so I settled for that (thank you very much). I'm not 100% sure, but I think the Epic is the same one that I had tried out at the trade show. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 474 Registered: 6-2007 |
In San Francisco, where I was a freshmen at San Fransisco State U living at my Aunt's house on Broad St in 83, there uses to be a Guitar Centers downtown off 5th and Mission. Anyway, I always wanted an Alembic but there was no way in hell, I would never think I would just see one hanging up in the show-room there. So, just going in to buy some strings for my Ibanez 79 Roadstar "Black Bass" which was a very funky bass (I still have this bass too.) and BAM! It hit me just like that! The Alembic poison got me. It cost me a pretty penny, but GC had a lay-away program. Man, every pay day, it would be a joy heading to GC... It was pure joy in my heart, to pay down on on my Alembic. It took me a college whole semester to finish paying for it; and on that wonderful, faithful, glorious day of my last payment, it would be mine, to take home. I was the most happiest person on earth. I felt the Angele of justice and fairness (if only for a moment)... I will never forget it either. Now I could relate, when my Father paid for his first White on White Cadillac back in 72. Man if I want my father to smile in his old age, all I have to do is mention his 72, and the whole visit would be right for the angel's in heaven. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1622 Registered: 10-2003 |
811952. I sold and/or horse-traded about a dozen nice basses to fund it (Rick 4001 w/badass, P-bass, some Washburns, etcetera..). Ordered it through the music store where I was teaching at the time, and their cost was roughly $3600.00 since I had specified some customization of the body and electronics. They were a bit tweaked that the markup wasn't what they were expecting and essentially let me have it at cost. I made payments and had it paid-off by the time it arrived some months later. Having that instrument built was one of the best things I've ever done. John | ||
| jack
Intermediate Member Username: jack Post Number: 196 Registered: 11-2005 |
I'll repost my first post to the forum: "Was eighteen, fresh out of basic training, had been playing an entry-level Ibanez for five years and saw the Epic in a local music shop in Monterey, CA. All I knew about Alembic was that Stan Clarke played one. So they let me take it into one of the practice rooms in back and play for an hour. Then I had to leave, see a movie and come back [by this I meant I was so jazzed up I had to go chill and think it through]. I was eighteen- I'd never bought anything for more than a couple hundred bucks. I can remember having the shakes as I wrote the check [1065 on the nose, 1k + tax] It was an impulse buy. I didn't know much about bass construction, etc. But the sound was awesome, and it played so smooth. Only later did I come to appreciate the dual truss rods, superior electronics and amazing versatility of tone and setup." ...and, I'll add now, the history of Alembic. I think that's one of the coolest things, actually. Reading these stories and realizing how far out there the whole approach was, compared to what else was going on at the time. I wish I understood electrical engineering better to fully appreciate it. I was definitely in the market for a good bass at the time, I didn't have the Ibeenhad shipped out. As I look back on it, I think I was looking at Pedulla, Modulus, maybe some others... I checked out the Modulus factory in San Fran, but I think that was after I bought the Epic. Incidentally, I think the Epic was the first 5 str I ever played, and really had a tough time deciding if I wanted to go that route. So happy I did, play 'em exclusively now. That was it for me for almost ten years. Then a couple years back I picked up a Rick Turner Renaissance and just got an Essence (I love 'em both). Oh, and some junky Aria for a buck fifty I keep around for fun. | ||
| jakebass
Member Username: jakebass Post Number: 60 Registered: 7-2007 |
My first Alembic is the one I have now, an 07MK coco bolo deluxe balance K, it is the best instrument I have ever played. I would like a fretless and I would love a go at Series electronics. If my current gig goes the way I want it to I will have both. Heres hoping. Jake | ||
| pierreyves
Advanced Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 376 Registered: 11-2006 |
In 1977, I have listen a bass player with a curious bass ... a friend of mine say: "hey Pierre-Yves, listen to this incedible bass player" !!! This man was naturally Clarkee !!! The first alone recording... I search after where I can buy this bass and I had a friend who had musical shop in lausannne, Switzerland "Happy Sound", This friend was the bass player of rock swiss band AND played with alembic. I bought my first one, about 4000 CHF and when i received, I had a little deception because it had a disgracious part of brown on the body. But THE sound, THE sound ... THE sound of "life it's just a game..." waaawww!!!  after this one, I bought 3 others very nice (see link below) the story of my first alembic's | ||
| mario_farufyno
Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 73 Registered: 9-2008 |
1st thought: - "Oh well, there'll be no problem just feel what is like, althought I could never afford it..." 2nd thought: - "Man, this really sounds fine! Will it sound as good on my Amp as it sounds unplugged?" So I asked to use one similar Amplifier on the store and got totally blown away by its clear and tight sound... Last thought before get the credit card: - "Will my wife expels me from home when she sees that I bought one more Bass?" | ||
| harald_rost
Intermediate Member Username: harald_rost Post Number: 169 Registered: 6-2002 |
I bought my 1976 Series 1 in 1999. It was the first (or second) year Ebay started here in Germany and it was my first transaction there. I bought the bass from a musician from Austin, Texas. It was a big adventure for me because I had to send the money first and then to wait for the bass hopefully to come some weeks later. No Paypal or any other security in these days! When the parcel arrived with no damage I was very happy. Before I looked for some years here in Europe but no Series basses were for sale here. I remember some nice Email contacts with Michael (dela217) who gave me a lot of informations about this kind of basses. But it was hard to find someone who was willing to ship to Germany. Well today it's all easier. | ||
| krystoof
Junior Username: krystoof Post Number: 19 Registered: 1-2009 |
The first thing I said when I entered Nicolas' appartment ( the previous owner) was : "............... Oh, putain!" ( the silence before these two words was rather long!) I wanted to make pictures and a little film of the first approach of the beauty, but just don't even think about it! I was just hypnotised, just thinking about taking and playing it... And I still this intense pleasure every time I have it in my hands. Mmmmmmmhhh.... ;-))))) | ||
| jedisan
Member Username: jedisan Post Number: 52 Registered: 3-2008 |
Ok...here's my story. Back in 1981, I'm playing music professionally, as in I had no day job, and had recently moved back in with the parents after a nasty divorce. Well needless to say, I didn't have much, or was not making a lot doing the club circuit at the time. One day while out hitting music stores with the guitarist, we end up at GC San Jose, California, that is. Way up, and I mean way up on the wall is a Distillate/Exploiter with a koa top. I asked to check it out, so the salesman gets this tall ladder to bring it down so I can give it a go. Well, love at first sight. I start to sweat a little, and I know I have to have it. But damn, I don't have any money to spend on this at all. So what do I do? Put in on layaway, of course. So I leave, as a somewhat new Alembic owner, not knowing how in the world I am going to come up with $1800 OTD. Well, time goes by, I haven't come close to raising any funds, and the sales guy is ringing me every other day wanting to know when I will pick up the bass. At one point, I even thought about going down and bouncing a check, just to get it over with. I soon realized, that wasn't such a good idea. "So Dad, I'm really in a bind here, and REALLY want this bass, is there any way you can lend me the money? I promise to pay you back." After a round of talks, and signing a contract, my Dad lent me the money. I wish I still had this bass, but giving this one up is whole other story. True story, sorry if there was a little long wind... and here is the only pic I have of the bass. In my parents family room no less.  | ||
| willgunn
Junior Username: willgunn Post Number: 31 Registered: 2-2007 |
I'd NEVER felt such anxious anticipation as I had while waiting for my first Alembic to arrive! After waiting 9 months since ordering it directly from Alembic in September of 1975, the Big Brown Truck finally pulled up in front of MY house! At Last! I'd been sharing the house with the other members of the band I'd been playing with at the time, and, while everyone looked on (I'd been raving about "a bass just like Stanley's" for months on end), I popped open the white Anvil case and..."Oh, My God!" - the room went silent! Finally, the drummer said, "man, you weren't kidding!" - and I STILL had yet to even touch it! I ran off, washed my hands and THEN finally lifted it out of the case...it was unbelievable! I'd never imagined a bass could be so beautiful! There it was - a short-scale with a Zebrawood top & back, "knob" peghead, over-sized abalone fretboard inlays and "Series II" electronics (a $100 up-charge at that time). I can still even remember the SMELL! | ||
| kungfusheriff
Senior Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 807 Registered: 8-2003 |
Will, you took delivery of that bass during the month that I was born. I'd say it made an impression. | ||
| briant
Advanced Member Username: briant Post Number: 275 Registered: 12-2004 |
My first Alembic experience? I went to BassNW and played the JPJ Custom that they were unloading for really really cheap. I plugged it in and got this sound: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL4fVqlKWUw THAT is the sound of an Alembic bass. And that is the sound I get from both of mine. It made me order the Rogue 5 that is now my main instrument. Because it makes that sound go. Nothing else does. | ||
| crobbins
Advanced Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 242 Registered: 6-2004 |
 | ||
| 2400wattman
Senior Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 680 Registered: 11-2005 |
First was a Distillate. Very beautiful but made me realise I don't like medium scale basses no matter who built it. So selling it did'nt hurt but the experience gave me the jones to get another and another. Selling those isn't going to happen unless ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY! | ||
| peoplechipper
Junior Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 18 Registered: 2-2009 |
Mine is the '81 Distillate I got just over a year ago. Ebay, I guy I know selling it for the original owner, right in town so no shipping...I still can't beleive how good an instrument it is; the attention to detail everywhere makes it feel indestructible and so far beyond a mere instrument of music it's silly...I feel SO lucky to have it...I could not believe my good fortune when I first opened the case and I probably got a new wrinkle from grinning so hard when I first plugged it in...several bass player friends have played it and are smitten too...Tony. | ||
| toddharris
Junior Username: toddharris Post Number: 15 Registered: 7-2008 |
A revelation of emotion spurred by pure, powerful, all encompassing sound - never did the room move like that! | ||
| chalie_holmes
New Username: chalie_holmes Post Number: 9 Registered: 3-2009 |
Since the 1970's I have always wanted an Alembic.But I never thought that I would own one.Two years ago I saw a short scale series I bass on line at Bass NorthWest and jokingly said to my wife, Ok, this is what I want for Christmas. My wife said ok, and promptly called Evan and purchased it for me. I remember the excitement of knowing that within a week that I'd have the finest crafted instrument in the solar system. When the bass arrived, I was so excited....I had butterflies in my gut! And when I opened the case..There she was!!! Calling my name and saying ok baby, let's tear the roof off the mother sucker! The drummer in my group said that the clarity of my bass is awesome, no buzzzing anywhere. I could go on..But needless to say.. I'm one happy bass player!!!!! | ||
| toddharris
Junior Username: toddharris Post Number: 24 Registered: 7-2008 |
Hi Chalie, Love your story and suggest you might want to dwell a bit longer and in detail (with accolades and pr0fessions of love!) on your wife's incredible generosity and thoughtfulness - as club members (and potential gift recipients) we really should encourage this kind of thing !!! | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 996 Registered: 3-2004 |
Like, about $1000.00 no case. 1983, Spoiler, 48th St. Sam Trash. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 704 Registered: 6-2007 |
Wow, I finally got around to reading all the wonderful stories of your first Alembic. If there are anybody who didn't post, I believe it would be an interesting journal. Everybody has a story... | ||
| southpaw
Advanced Member Username: southpaw Post Number: 217 Registered: 12-2004 |
As a fan of The Who & Entwistle, I always wanted an Alembic. But being a lefty, I knew it would be a tough search for a used one I could afford. While reading a bass forum one day someone posted a picture of a lefty Gibson bass at a small guitar store, I noticed a lefty Alembic Orion next to it in the picture. I called the store and asked the price, then called Val at Alembic and he said it was a great deal, so I bought it, sight unseen, a lefty Orion w/ Europa electronics for $1100. An interesting note; the Gibson & the Alembic were owned by a neighbor of guitar store's owner, who had passed away and his widow was selling the basses... a bit noir, but 2 of my basses came from lefty bassist who had passed away... I guess that is the only way we lefty's will part with our basses! When the bass arrived, the feeling of owning an Alembic was amazing. | ||
| smokinbear
Junior Username: smokinbear Post Number: 18 Registered: 11-2008 |
All my life i wanted an Alembic since Phil Lesh And the Grateful Dead had such a history. Well long story short my dad helped me buy a new series 2 from Rockley Music in Denver Co, back in 92' beautiful bass that i absoulutly couldn't play! I have small hands and this was a 36' scale 5- string! So after much sadness i sold it and bought a ken smith. Fast forward 15 years and now i have Danno's old 5-string Distillate (best bass i have ever played!) and a persuader 4 both with walnut tops. I will not be letting go of these ever!! Someone bought my old 5-string s-2 last year but i can't remember who. | ||
| ojo
Junior Username: ojo Post Number: 20 Registered: 3-2008 |
This has been a fun read. Here's my story. I was in GC (Chicago) last year because I just wanted to see what was there. There was no reason for me to think about buying another bass at that time, but I just _had_ to put my hands on something different that day. So I wonder through the small back corner of the shop, randomly picking up various basses. After circling the are four or five times, I finally recognize the logo on the headstock and decided to give this fancy-pants bass a go. Backing up a second. A few months earlier, a co-worker picked up a used Epic off the CL, and had been going on-and-on about how awesome it was. Since my friend was so impressed, I thought I should pay attention. So, while I had been aware of Alembic, THAT was the first time I spent time actually learning about the brand and products. Back to the story. After I realize there's an Alembic on the wall, I figure "OK, I should probably play this thing and see what it's about." At this point I had a neutral to negative impression of the instrument, thinking it was all hype and price. Then I played it . . . for an hour. No joke, I sat there for a solid hour just playing the damned thing thinking about what I'd offer and what I'd sell to pay for this thing. The sales dude finally came up, and long story short, we had a quick (and honest) conversation about what I'd be willing to pay and he accepted. While they were ringing it up, I called the missus to tell her that I spontaneously bought an expensive bass, but I had a plan to pay for it. It's been over a year now, and I still love my Epic. What I loved, and love, about the instrument is the clarity of tone. Every pitch is clear and well distinguished from each other, and the tonal flexibility is FANtastic. Though I'm more of a fretless player these days, I still love pulling out my Epic and spending some time just basking in the glorious, sweet sound. Sounds dorky, but it's true. So, my first Alembic was a pretty amazing experience with a pretty good story, and it's a keeper. I'll own another someday. Who knows what it'll be and who knows when it'll be, but I look forward to that day. Oh, and though I posted it under serials, I figure I should include the pic again here.  Then there's the F-1x I bought a few months later . . . Joe | ||
| rraymond
Advanced Member Username: rraymond Post Number: 359 Registered: 6-2002 |
My first experience was a bit of a disaster. I played an Epic that had sat in a shop for a while, and the ebony fingerboard had shrunk leaving the fret ends exposed. After 15 minutes playing it, I put it back and discovered the palm of my fretting hand covered in blood! My first Alembic "ownership" experience was so awesome, I went back for 8 more, the second a mere two weeks after I bought the first. Here's my Alembic family as of a couple of years ago.  | ||
| kimberly
Advanced Member Username: kimberly Post Number: 313 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Guys! This *is* a great thread and a real treat to read! I'm similar as with many of us and heard about Alembic in the mid-70's with Stanley and RtF. I also heard about the price being in the 2k range and while I wished I could get one (for that amazing Alembic sound) it just wasn't in the cards for a 'lounge lizard' back then. Skip forward to the late 80's and I was so burned out from playing covers and being a 'human jukebox' I 'hung my bass up' for 17 years. In 2005ish I did my 'annual get the bass out of the closet and play a few notes' routine to see how it felt and for the first time in almost 20 years, it was good to play again. Skip forward a couple of years and getting my chops back and deciding to get a new instrument. Went to BassNW and found a lefty Modulus. Had Evan call Modulus to see about changing it to right hand stringing and found the cost to be way too much. Put it back on the wall and was leaving when Chad said something about getting a used Alembic lefty in a couple of weeks. I literally stopped in my tracks and said, 'Really? An Alembic? Suhweet!'. A couple of weeks later I'm back at BassNW playing my first Alembic and first five string. Very cool! The bummer was it being a lefty, the strings were upside down for me so my 'test drive' was limited to playing with the tones and trying to defeat 'muscle memory' and play something and feel the action. Anyway, it didn't take long (mere minutes) and I was discussing the costing and modifications needed for upside down stringing. Sent from BassNW to Alembic and about a month later it arrived. Yes! Skip forward a couple of years and I'm 'on the prowl' for a lefty six string and found one on Craigslist in North Carolina. After a couple of weeks of discussion and a local 'hands on and eyeball' by our favorite moderator David Houck and club member Art (artswork99) I bought it sight unseen and had her shipped to the factory for my left hand upside down modifications and received her in the fall of last year. So...I'm at two Alembics and while it'll be awhile before I get another, I can definitely 'see' the high probability of getting another in the next couple of years. The only question is, used or custom? Picture and details located at, http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/56707.html?1224014518 Best Regards, Kimberly | ||
| neyman
Member Username: neyman Post Number: 76 Registered: 7-2002 |
Saw my first Alembic when STYX released "Paradise Theater". Chuck Panozzo's bass was "IT". Around '83, a local store got in several Distillates. Got to play one in the store, and was blown away. Fast forward to 2001, stopped by BassNW and fell in love with a walnut topped Distillate. This time I could afford it, and it walked out the door with me!. 2 years later, my 5 string Orion showed up at my door, and I've been happy since!   | ||
| rockbassist
Intermediate Member Username: rockbassist Post Number: 167 Registered: 8-2005 |
It was like having sex with someone who knew everything that you didn't. | ||
| guitarguy
New Username: guitarguy Post Number: 1 Registered: 6-2009 |
Just bought one but haven't received it yet. I will reply back after I get a chance to play it and can't wait.......yes, I too am getting ...moist. ;>) | ||
| evilgus
Junior Username: evilgus Post Number: 42 Registered: 7-2005 |
My first Alembic was a used Epic 5 that played great in the bedroom, but unfortunately, I couldn't make the sound work in the rehearsal room at all. Some of it was lack of experience with such a hi-fi sound and how to EQ it well from my amp, but the limited EQ on the bass didn't make that any easier. I ended up trading it back on a new Excel 4 that I enjoyed a whole lot more. Later sold that due to lack of need for an expensive 4-string, but now have a new Rogue 5 with all the bells and whistles, so I'm in Alembic heaven at last! Cheers, EG | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8163 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Gil; congrats and welcome to the board! | ||
| 57basstra
Senior Member Username: 57basstra Post Number: 980 Registered: 4-2005 |
Hello Gil. Welcome aboard! | ||
| guitarguy
New Username: guitarguy Post Number: 3 Registered: 6-2009 |
Thanks gentlemen, I wanted to introduce you to my new best friend......what a beauty!!  | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 890 Registered: 11-2004 |
I have had 93MJ7899 now for 11 years, it has been played at every gig from when I brought it from the USA..it now has LED's in it. It is the finest bass I have ever played, I have suffered from insomnia for the past few months due to a painful right shoulder(which doesn't hinder my playing, just getting the strap over my head) and when I cannot sleep I plug it into my Zoom unit and put some head phones on, the tone and the action are superb, there is nothing else like it except another Alembic..I would love to try a SII with it's Vari-Q controls. They are and always will be exceptional instruments. In my eyes they are the best basses in the world | ||
| musashi
Junior Username: musashi Post Number: 40 Registered: 5-2004 |
I was lucky-- my first Alembic was a medium-scale, small-bodied Series I (electronics), with Series II woodwork-- with a rosewood top. It was the scratching of a deep, deep itch as I'd been trying for years and years and years to become the owner of an Alembic-- always coming up $200 short... Yeah, that was a good day. By the way, the Alembic was the result of a round-robin trade, where I gave up a Jaydee GA24 that had been played by Jaco at the 1984 California Guitar Show, a buddy gave up a brand new Pedulla 5, and a retailer gave up the Alembic... I would like to think that everyone got what they wanted. I know I did. (Message edited by musashi on June 09, 2009) (Message edited by musashi on June 09, 2009) | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 891 Registered: 11-2004 |
I guess the mystique of owning a bass played by jaco was overcome by the want of an Alembic, as long as you are happy and you have what you want. Did the JD have any 'mojo' about it(See Bass Of Doom in Misc section) | ||
| sonicus
Intermediate Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 105 Registered: 5-2009 |
I recently checked out a JD for sale locally and discovered that although the laminates look like ran through the body from the neck they are not really neck through but a set neck . I did not buy it although it was in perfect condition. The seller told me that Mark King had actually played that same bass. | ||
| pas
Intermediate Member Username: pas Post Number: 188 Registered: 3-2003 |
The year was 1985. By that point, I'd been playing for 5 years. I had (well, still have actually) a 1980 Guild B-302 that I had converted to fretless the previous year. The Guild had some neck issues however and I REALLY wanted an instrument that wouldn't fight me. I became aware of Alembic initially through some articles & ads in Guitar Player magazine. I knew #1 had been built for Jack Casady. I knew about the association with the Dead. I knew that Alembic had earned a reputation for top flight quality and as I said, I REALLY wanted an instrument that wouldn't fight me. There was a local band whose bass player apparently traded several basses & a stack of cash for a new Spoiler. It sounded great! In 1982 I saw Dickey Betts at a little club called "The Coffee Pot" in Roanoke, VA. The place couldn't have held more than 100 people. Rook Goldflies was playing a Series 1, which I got to see & hear up close. The bass sounded great, as did Rook's playing. I finally called Alembic in the spring of '85 & they sent me some very good info & promotional material, as well as a list of dealerships. I was living in Norfolk, VA at the time & the closest dealer was Rolls Music in Falls Church, VA. I was familiar with them - Phil in particular - as I grew up in Arlington & had shopped there before. I started putting cash away & finally in either June or July, I took a road trip up to Rolls. My recollection is that they had a couple of very nice Distillates...which were out of my price range. It finally came down to a choice between 2 basses. One was a Persuader with a with a gorgeous cocobolo top under a gloss finish. I had never even heard of cocobolo before, but I knew it had me nearly drooling! The other bass was a Spoiler with a Bubinga top under a satin finish. It sort of said to me "Hi, honey", whereas the Persuader sort of said "Ooh, baby". As much as I liked that cocbolo top, when I picked up the Spoiler & played it, that was it...I had found my bass...or perhaps it had found me. It just played, sounded & felt so RIGHT! I was still a little short on cash, so I put half down & they put it on lay away for me. The following month I came back with the rest & my Spoiler finally came home with me. We've never had a fight & have been happily married for 24 years now... ;) (Message edited by pas on June 10, 2009) | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 894 Registered: 11-2004 |
sonicus..beware of that statement of Mark King, if he played it then he may have signed it to the seller. Early JD's were battery eaters and white cloud on here owned one and said the damn thing was impossible to set up. They are good basses and Mark King used them all the time, so much so that JD could not keep up with the demand 'cos everyone wanted one to sound like Level 42. That is a bit misleading as it it is a set neck, someone once said they are a poor man's Alembic but they still deserve a place in bass history. | ||
| musashi
Junior Username: musashi Post Number: 42 Registered: 5-2004 |
terryc, that Jaydee that Jaco played did have a lot of mojo. It had been reviewed by Rick Turner in Guitar Player magazine (this was before Bass Player magazine existed), and Rick had likened it to an Alembic LSB. I picked the bass up at a NAMM show, because I could afford it (Jaco was still with us back then), and because I couldn't afford an Alembic Series instrument at that time. That was my main axe for awhile-- it was a mean machine-- but it wasn't an Alembic. | ||
| jeffbass4
New Username: jeffbass4 Post Number: 7 Registered: 2-2003 |
My Alembic journey started almost 25 years ago. After seeing Stanley and Jimmy Johnson and the beautiful instruments they played I just had to have one! In Oklahoma there were no dealers, so I went to Dallas to play and actually hold one. I played a Distillate/Exploiter in Birds Eye Maple, but it was a slightly different version I had in mind. I wanted the Distillate body with a Cocobolo top, and so it was ordered. It showed up on my door a few weeks later and it was the most amazing bass I had ever played, and still is to this day! It has been the mainstay for me all these years, and although I have several other basses there is not a one that compares in sound or playability. Although I only own the one Alembic, and I have dreamed of having others, I can't see myself EVER replacing it!! It's amazing when I am on tour vitually no one in the rock scene knows what it is. I hear, "what kind of bass is that",and "are they still in business". I guess there are not that many rock players out on tour playing these awesome instruments, but I'm sure glad I'm one of them. I spread the Alembic word where ever I go. Here's a recent picture of me and the Distillate from the House of Blues in Las Vegas. Rock On! Jeff~  (Message edited by jeffbass4 on June 22, 2009) |
