| Author | Message | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Senior Member Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 449 Registered: 5-2007 |
Will this be America's next Civil War? Active versus Passive Direct-to-Board versus Amped/Miked Bolt-on versus Neck-thru | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 924 Registered: 5-2006 |
Alembic and Fender:  | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 620 Registered: 1-2005 |
ditto  | ||
| briant
Advanced Member Username: briant Post Number: 347 Registered: 12-2004 |
Who cares? Seriously. | ||
| jeffbass4
Junior Username: jeffbass4 Post Number: 26 Registered: 2-2003 |
Is this somehow sacriledge to one or the other? :-) But is there an Alembic with a set of stock Jazz pick-ups?? Just thought I'd ask.... | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8343 Registered: 5-2002 |
Jeff; there was a recent discussion on the same issue as the title of this thread, and many of our members found that the course of that discussion became rather unpleasant. Brian's post above may be a reflection of the fact that many here probably don't want to see the more negative aspects of that previous thread resurrected. I doubt Brian was referring to the two basses pictured above, both of which are rather cool. | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 747 Registered: 6-2002 |
Since the electronics and pickups in my '78 series one guitar are in need of repair, I currently have a gibson S-1 pickup, a G&L MFD, and a strat pickup in it (using the humcanceling cavity for the MFD). So there is at least one downgraded Alembic around. Still plays like an Alembic...it just sounds like a really cool Gibson/G&L/Strat hybrid. At some point I plan to bring her back to being pure again : ) | ||
| briant
Advanced Member Username: briant Post Number: 348 Registered: 12-2004 |
"I doubt Brian was referring to the two basses pictured above, both of which are rather cool." You are correct, sir. I've actually thought really seriously about doing a hybrid Mike Lull M4 jazz bass with Alembic pickups. I believe it is completely pointless to discuss/argue why one anything is better than another. Due to the nature of the human race odds are exceptionally high that someone out there is not going to like something you absolutely love. And vice versa. Better conversation could be had talking about why you like a particular something so much. What makes it so great in your eye? What sets it apart from the other options that made you choose it? Etc... It's not better for everyone, it was just better for you. | ||
| 57basstra
Senior Member Username: 57basstra Post Number: 1025 Registered: 4-2005 |
Tonight out of the blue I played my Guild "The Lance" Burnside offset Flying V bass with Alembic pickups (as shown in profile pic.) What a great sound! This was my first "Alembic" and made me want to buy more; but this one is not to be overlooked. It has its own unique voice. I look at musical instruments as if they are kinda like people. Each one has its own place. (Message edited by 57basstra on July 09, 2009) | ||
| chrisalembic
Junior Username: chrisalembic Post Number: 41 Registered: 3-2009 |
"I look at musical instruments as if they are kinda like people. Each one has its own place." That sums it up for me. Well said, David!! | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 830 Registered: 6-2007 |
Why should I have to look at Fenders here??? Just kidding... NO I AM NOT KIDDING... Just Kidding... NO I AM NOT... Just Kidding... [GAGGED - and CAN'T SPEAK]  | ||
| jeffbass4
Junior Username: jeffbass4 Post Number: 27 Registered: 2-2003 |
Dave, my post was really more in jest. I saw the other post and didn't like the negativity either. People have opinions and I say to each their own. From the post about the Mike Lull hybrid, can you just use the Alembic pick-ups with existing electronics or do you need the whole electronics package? Sorry, don't know how that works on these... | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8345 Registered: 5-2002 |
Jeff; because the pickups are low impedance, they work best with Alembic electronics. | ||
| gtrguy
Advanced Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 233 Registered: 9-2004 |
Flip: Fender prodigys rock. | ||
| southpaw
Advanced Member Username: southpaw Post Number: 230 Registered: 12-2004 |
I love both... I have an old P & Jazz bass both with flat wounds strings for that old motown, jazz, blues sound and I have two Alembics with round wounds. Best of both worlds, apples & oranges... | ||
| sonicus
Intermediate Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 169 Registered: 5-2009 |
I LOVE MY ALEMBIC BASS'S __ They sound the best_ :but here is my Confession ___ My 1980 maple neck ,ash body ,USA Fender Jazz Bass has Bartolini 9W4 pickups (wired passive) and a Schaller bridge and graphite nut ; It's just a tool in my tool box of Bass's_______ There we have it____just another tool to make 'em happy__ for just another crazy bird__ (Message edited by sonicus on July 10, 2009) | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Senior Member Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 450 Registered: 5-2007 |
See... We can all get along! | ||
| briant
Advanced Member Username: briant Post Number: 349 Registered: 12-2004 |
"From the post about the Mike Lull hybrid, can you just use the Alembic pick-ups with existing electronics or do you need the whole electronics package?" Activators, baby. If I ever did it I'd get the Activators and then have Mike build me a bass and install them straight away. | ||
| dnburgess
Senior Member Username: dnburgess Post Number: 636 Registered: 1-2003 |
Vive la difference. | ||
| tmoney61092
Intermediate Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 143 Registered: 9-2008 |
you can use alembic electronics with other pickups, i have tried this and it worked, also, i put an alembic p in my Ibanez to make sure it worked, passive bass no other pickups on, tone control counterclockwise, sounded amazing, so it's your call | ||
| glocke
Senior Member Username: glocke Post Number: 604 Registered: 9-2002 |
I started out on jazz basses, but after playing alembics I really have a hard time going back to them. As to Alembic vs Fender, Im not going to get into that, except to say that I know many people who swear by fender jazz and p-basses, but they also have their basses tricked out with replacement pups and badass bass bridges... | ||
| georgie_boy
Senior Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 861 Registered: 8-2005 |
I play a 75 Fender P bass now at most of my gigs. I've got a 76 Series 1....but get too scared to take her out to some of the redneck places we play. I get a thrill from both of them!! They both do the job perfectly!!!...just sound different! | ||
| dnburgess
Senior Member Username: dnburgess Post Number: 637 Registered: 1-2003 |
A question for you guys with Fenders with Alembic pickups. What do they sound like compared to regular Fenders? Alembics? | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 1056 Registered: 3-2004 |
When I was 15 I started out as a Gibson guy for no other reason than the guys I played with had Les Pauls. Not being able to afford a LP bass I got a Ripper. I then bought a hybrid fretless bass that had a Fender neck on it. That neck moved more than anything I've ever encountered so I replaced it with a Kubiki one, new emg's badass 2 bridge, Schaler tuners and I was off. In 1983 I scrounged, scrimped and saved for a BC Rich Mockingbird bass but was disappointed and then got my Spoiler. ($900.00 no case 1983) I must say it was the beginning of an addiction that continues to this very day as I'm have another Alembic built. I do enjoy my Korean Equire Scorpion, Japanese Strat with Fernandez Sustainer and American Strat Deluxe with emgs. ( I always replace the tuners with sperzels and the pickups) At this stage of life all the gear head distraction is only needed in small doses for me. Out there in the wide world, who the h-e double hockey sticks really cares? Get out there, play, created, entertain or simply be a weekend warrior and experience the joy of playing your instrument in the basement, garage or whatever. You worked for these instruments, enjoy the fruits of your labor and play. Every manufacturer has their following and devotees. I'm a fan of other makes, just not a fanatic like I am for Alembic. There is space in my collection for Ovation, Gibson, ESP, Stambaugh, Warwick, Hamer, BC Rich and Fender (just no basses as of well, forever but never say never right) Life is so fleeting and the precious time we actually get to spend in contentment and joy is even more limited. So my prayer for all in this community is to be happy, make music, hopefully make some sort of cash from it if you can and let me know where your cds can be purchased and I'll do my best to support you. (I can actually get Fenders at cost through a friend and still don't have a Jazz) | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 1474 Registered: 11-2003 |
Funkyjazzjunky, you left one subject off the list; Tubes vs. solid state | ||
| chalie_holmes
Intermediate Member Username: chalie_holmes Post Number: 108 Registered: 3-2009 |
Yo Danno, succintly, and elegantly stated! Much Love to ya brother of the low frequencies! Chalie | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3991 Registered: 7-2004 |
Tubes vs. Solid State? Until recently I would have been as strongly opinionated on this one as the Polish engineer who recently posted on another thread how Alembics suck. Now I'm talking guitar amps, not bass amps which are a different animal altogether. After 40 years of swearing by tubes only, I recently tried a Pritchard Amp. HOLY TRANSISTORS BATMAN!!!! This thing really rocks. It not only sounds like a tube amp, it sounds like a killer tube amp, actually several killer tube amps. (Fender, Marshall, Vox, Mesa, Acoustic, etc.) Combo 1x12 with two horns that kick in when you set it in the "acoustic" mode. Variable wattage from a few to 90 clean, 180 dirty. Built in attenuator for practice and bedroom play. Weighs less than 35 pounds!!!! At the recent Alembic Northern California Gathering, Ken's brother brought his Marshall double stack. My little amp sitting on a chair looked ridiculous next to the British Behemoth. Yet, at the end of the day, Ken's brother came over to tell me how good my amp sounded. (As did a couple of other attendees). I never thought I'd ever say this, but I'm now convinced that solid state can work. Bill, tgo | ||
| tubeperson
Member Username: tubeperson Post Number: 74 Registered: 5-2005 |
I remember Bob Carver, then with Carver Corporation, created a stereo amplifier that sounded like a tube amp for home stereo use. At the end of the day, the editdor and staff of Stereophile magazine conceded that Mr. Carver was successful. So why does he still use tubes to this day? I suspect that over a long listening period, you begin to sense annoying distortions through solid state that you do not hear through tube equipment. It reminds us as to why over time CD's sounded harsh as compared to LP's. I use both, just when push comes to shove the tubes win the day. ust my vote, no wrong or right here | ||
| sonicus
Intermediate Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 172 Registered: 5-2009 |
The 'harsh CD issue has many variables in the equation. The Quality of the "Analog to Digital Converter" and the resolution. is a large part of the equation . Regular audio CD's are still only 16 bits @ 44.1khz . Converters have come a long way since 1982. | ||
| 57basstra
Senior Member Username: 57basstra Post Number: 1027 Registered: 4-2005 |
Among the Fender basses I do have (and Alembics, and Gibsons, and Kramers and Rics and etc.) I have a relatively new American Fender Jazz with S1 switching and this is one bad boy. Is it an Alembic? no. It is very light, the neck is fast and the guitar is beautiful (in my opinion.) This is a new American Fender and I think it is a great bass. I have several older Fender basses. My motto is how many guitars (or basses) does a person need? "One more!" (Oh, for the guitar side) I bought an Eric Johnson Strat in March from a local Music Store that had it for a while and could not move it. Also, I scored a Gibson Angus Young SG on Craigslist within the past two weeks. Very, very nice additions to my guitar arsenal that is spearheaded with an Alembic Series I '78 6 banger.) | ||
| hb3
Senior Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 408 Registered: 2-2005 |
I've played some new Fenders that've been very nice. I had a Marcus Miller that played and sounded great. Their stuff seems really solid to me at the moment. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 831 Registered: 6-2007 |
Fender Body, + Alembic pickups = risk-free-cool Alembic Body + Fender Pickups = retarded-risk-seek help now. Hey, if it works, go for it... (Message edited by hendixclarke on July 11, 2009) | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 752 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hal, Did you read that I have a strat pickup in my Alembic guitar? ...can I suggest we close this thread? | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 832 Registered: 6-2007 |
I'll say it again... - Hey, if it works, go for it... | ||
| pauldo
Intermediate Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 186 Registered: 6-2006 |
Tagging a smiley face on to a post thinking it will lessen a rude statement makes as much sense as starting a thread that asks the question: "If you could pick one drummer, who would you go with that embodies your best bass playing style and accents? AND then answering your own question with a list of hundreds of drummers. Sorry Dave - Now that I got that off my chest I will breathe. (Message edited by pauldo on July 11, 2009) | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 834 Registered: 6-2007 |
The list of Drummers, "I listed" was in honor of their great works, and on the contrary to your statements, of me answering my own question(s). Also, when I add a smiley face to my statements, it actually means: "I don't take this stuff seriously, it's my harmless opinion, its just a feeling I would care to share for whatever it is worth, it will not change the world... meaning: Birds will still sing, Flowers will still grow, and Lovers will continue to love..." Now I have a question for you: If someone post a picture on a Fender with Alembic electronics, is there a slight possibility, someone may not agree with the configuration? Those are the risks right? So why are you infringing on my rights to state my comments when there are risks due to the nature of the threads? How was my statements rude in the first place? Some "Alembic Purist" could say, "it's still not an Alembic" would that be rude, if someone said that? I think it depends on the context in which the statements is made, and it could fly in either direction... Therefore, I believe your comments are rude toward me, and not really directed at anything I said here, for you reach on other threads to find something to stick, which frankly merits endorsements nor my trust. Me rude? Try again... prove it. | ||
| white_cloud
Senior Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 718 Registered: 11-2007 |
Just for the record I have nothing to say on this thread because already it has come under threat of hijack from Hal - therefore all common sense, integrity and objectivity would merely be wasted........................... John. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 838 Registered: 6-2007 |
I apologize to someone who would remove a fully functional set of very expensive Alembic pickups from an Alembic guitar, for the replacement of Fenders pickups... Whoever, or wherever you exist and had performed this with your Alembic, I am truly sorry if I had offended you with my remarks. If anyone in the future intends to replace their fully functional used Alembic pickups for a set of NEW Fender pickups, please let me know, and I will save you the cost of purchasing them [I will buy them NEW for you...] at no cost... just send those used Alembic pickups to me; and I'll call it an even trade. (Message edited by hendixclarke on July 11, 2009) | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2319 Registered: 10-2002 |
How about Fender and Rickenbacker? (caution - 1980's content) [moderator's note; Graeme's band picture cropped and reposted immediately below this post] I often wonder how she'd sound if I replaced the old Ric pups with alembics?  Graeme (Message edited by davehouck on July 13, 2009) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8363 Registered: 5-2002 |
Graeme's band picture  (Message edited by davehouck on July 13, 2009) | ||
| crobbins
Advanced Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 399 Registered: 6-2004 |
I like Rickenbacker's... | ||
| jeffbass4
Junior Username: jeffbass4 Post Number: 29 Registered: 2-2003 |
Just a couple of thoughts on the tube vs solid state. From my experience I started with all solid state, then moved to a SVT tube preamp with a solid state power amp. Big improvement and I have had that for years. I never wanted to haul around a monster SVT all tube head but after I played one again I just had to have one. The reason is, I can feel and hear how the tube power pushes the speakers. I still have the tube/solid state rig I use in rehearsals, but switching back and forth there is a clear difference in the punch and fullness of tone. The downside I would say is, at least on this amp, if you are looking for a clean tone it doesn't happen unless the volume is low. The amp overdrives when turned up which for me is a good thing. My vote....tubes! Regards to all. | ||
| sonicus
Intermediate Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 185 Registered: 5-2009 |
One important factor regarding ALL TUBE SVT"S and any other ALL TUBE rig is that you need to RE-BIAS the OUTPUT tubes which in the case of an ALL TUBE SVT are 655O's RE-BIAS ! This procedure is vital to the quality of the sound at high amplitude. This should be done right after you do a total re-tube. Remember tube power amps are not low maintenance. You need to have a RE-BIA's procedure done by a qualified tube tech for maximum sound quality. In California the best TUBE AMP TECH that I know of is http://unclespot.com | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Senior Member Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 451 Registered: 5-2007 |
Do any of you use the Tech21 Sansamp? | ||
| hydrargyrum
Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 617 Registered: 3-2004 |
For the do-it-yourself types, I know that Eurotubes.com sells a rebiasing kit. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8364 Registered: 5-2002 |
Vann-Di; I now have a Sansamp PSA-1 in my rig. | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2322 Registered: 10-2002 |
Thanks Dave. I'll work out how to do that myself someday ;-) Graeme | ||
| jeffbass4
Junior Username: jeffbass4 Post Number: 31 Registered: 2-2003 |
The new SVT's have biasing adjustments on the back panel. There are 2, one for each set of 3 power tubes. Periodically you need to check to see if the green indicator lights are on which tells you if they are in proper bias. I will assume you'll have to get a professional to do this when you replace them. How do you guys like the Sansamp units? I'd like to try one myself. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8371 Registered: 5-2002 |
Jeff; I'm not really using the PSA-1 the way it's meant to be used, so I'm not sure I can provide a useful review. The fact that it is midi controlled was important to me, and I use my foot controller to switch between presets that I have set up on the PSA-1. I was looking for something that would give me the option of more of a tube overdriven tone when I wanted it. I have the PSA-1 in my chain after the F-1X and SF-2. Personally, I don't think I would want to use the PSA-1 as a stand alone bass preamp, as the basic tone controls are not flexible enough. So I use the F-1X and SF-2 together to set up my basic curve, and I leave them alone. I then have a basic "clean" setting on the PSA-1, which is a little more "saturated" then the tone would have been without it. I don't use the bypass on the PSA-1, as my effects are in the PSA-1's effects loop. In addition to my "clean" setting, I've setup two other presets which are not much different than the clean setting, just a little more "saturated" in different ways than the clean setting. And I'm still learning to work with it and plan to develop some more settings that will be useful for me. The PSA-1 is the last thing in my chain before the power amp, so I can use the direct outs if needed. At the moment, I'm happy with my tone; and the PSA-1 is a part of it. So to answer your question, I like it; it's a useful tool. And it seems to me that if I keep working with it, I should be able to coax some more stuff out of it that I'll be able to use. For me, in the way that I'm trying to use it, I find the PSA-1 to be extremely complex and sensitive. There are five different gain controls that work interactively. The thing is designed primarily to emulate Marshall, Mesa, and Fender guitar amps; and there are 49 built-in presets with different amp and effect emulations. All of these sound pretty cool, and none of them are things that are useful to me. So it's going to take some time for me to get a feel for how the controls interact with each other so that I can design some useful presets. | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Senior Member Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 453 Registered: 5-2007 |
Dave, How is your tone when you use the DI on the PSA-1? I want to go direct but I do not want to lose any warmth from the tube pre-amp. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8374 Registered: 5-2002 |
I haven't used the DI yet. According to the manual the same signals that go to the DIs (switchable line level or instrument level) go to the outputs for the power amps. Again, the PSA-1 isn't just a DI; it's designed primarily to be a preamp with circuitry designed to emulate Marshall, Mesa, and Fender guitar amps. So if you are just looking for a DI, the PSA-1 would probably not be what you are looking for. | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Senior Member Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 455 Registered: 5-2007 |
I am looking to stop sweating by hauling around a rig & cabs. I am going to try my old Carvin preamp with the PSA-1 | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8378 Registered: 5-2002 |
There are plenty of reviews to check out at Harmony Central. |
