| Author | Message | ||
| slammin
Junior Username: slammin Post Number: 14 Registered: 10-2009 |
Please tell me. I am a fairly new Alembic owner but I do have some serious GAS for a Series bass right now. What will I get from a Series bass that I don't already get from my Persuader? Keep in mind I've only owned my Persuader for a few short months and that it is the first Alembic I've ever touched, and I absolutely love it. I have the action set low, and perfect, I love the tones I can get from it and it plays so easily. If I could say one single complaint, it would be that the neck hangs, or tends to hang at 2-3 oclock, whereas every other bass I've owned was either more at the 1-2 oclock position. Not really a complaint since I love the easy access to the neck notes and 3 oclock is perfect for that, but then when I do head north, I do find myself 're-slinging' the bass sometimes. So, other than ergonomics, what would I expect from a Series bass? I realize that the electronics are different, but will I get any more playability? Are the tonal differences/possibilities so vast between the two? Again, I love this Persuader, but I just love the body style, look, and I just got some serious GAS for a Series. All input appreciated! | ||
| fmm
Advanced Member Username: fmm Post Number: 282 Registered: 6-2002 |
I don't have time for specifics, and I'm not even sure I can adequately describe them, but: When I sold my Spoiler and bought my Series, I felt that the Series was as far above the Spoiler as the Spoiler was above anything else I have owned. | ||
| mike1762
Senior Member Username: mike1762 Post Number: 411 Registered: 1-2008 |
The electronics AND PUPs are different. The "Hi-Fi" aspect of the Series tone is just another dimension when compared to the non-Series instruments. I have a Series I, but I mainly use my Spoiler and/or SC because the Series tone doesn't "sit" well with the stuff I've been recording lately. You can find a Standard Point SI for cheaper than you might think. However, be advised that the older instruments might not have had the electronics upgrade (thus might be noisy). | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 9050 Registered: 5-2002 |
The Persuader controls are Volume, Volume, Filter. With a Series I, in addition to a Volume control, each pickup has its on Filter and a three position Q switch; so the tonal pallet is much broader. Then on top of that, there is the "hi-fi" aspect that Mike mentioned. Then there are the differences that any two Alembics might have; neck recipe and body woods. If your Persuader has a Maple neck, then a Maple neck with Purpleheart laminates will be a noticeable difference. | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 1460 Registered: 2-2005 |
The Series use a single coil pickup which I think has a more open sound to it. If when you say playability you mean a physically better playing bass I would say no. I feel the neck on any of my Alembics are just as playable as the same neck on a Series. That is one of the nice things about Alembics is you can keep the same physical bass characteristics across models. I did this with my Series 1. I like my Brown Bass neck, body and electronic locations so I had them done the same way on my Series. Keith | ||
| 2400wattman
Senior Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 760 Registered: 11-2005 |
I concur with Keith. Playability across the spectrum of any model all have the same attributes of attaining your ideal set up. As far as sound, Series instruments filters ARE more pronounced and I must say lively. Upon the introduction to your Persuader's tone you had to have been anything from dumbfounded to enlightened. I know I was when a Distillate made it's way to my hands. Then a Series 1 came to me and the heavens opened up. no kidding. An Alembic is a no joke instrument and any model commands respect. If all you can afford is what you have, feel fortunate that you do have an Alembic and if you are in fast persuit for a Series good luck to you as you won't regret it. | ||
| peoplechipper
Intermediate Member Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 185 Registered: 2-2009 |
I run my Distillate both pickups on, bass and treble boost on, q off and it's the best bass tone ever( or so I've been told) personally, coming from an ignorant guitar background( some of my guitars don't even have volume-use the pedalboard!)I am not a knob tweaker at the best of times, so I guess it depends if you're the type willing to explore the knobs...Tony | ||
| slammin
Junior Username: slammin Post Number: 15 Registered: 10-2009 |
Wow, thanks for all the input! I guess it makes sense that the different models feel the same though I have read somewhere that there is also the 'Comfort' tapered necks, which I'm not sure I'd prefer now that I've gotten so used to the 'old' taper on this Persuader. I also have serious GAS for a SC/Signature but I don't know if there would be enough tonal difference between a Signature and my Persuader. I don't gig but I like to solo so my thinking is that I would get more enjoyment from a Series than a Signature. Of course, I'm sure even if I got one, I'd HAVE to eventually get a Signature too. I'm not rich but I don't have the wife around sucking up all the cash, hence 3 new bases for me in 2 years. It used to be 1 bass per 10-15 years when I was married, lol! Me see's a Series in 2010 and a SC Sig in 2011 :P unless of course some female ruins my plan! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 610 Registered: 5-2009 |
If things go well for you the prospective Lady might want you to have the Series Bass as to hear and feel your "TRUE INNER SOUL" during a well delivered solo ! Now that is LOVE with a CAPITAL "L"! | ||
| slammin
Junior Username: slammin Post Number: 16 Registered: 10-2009 |
Ya know, and I'm sure you do, but sometimes the notes tell more than what we meant for them to tell. I can actually express madness with this bass. And anger; not that I'm either. Probably not too conducive for LOVE, but we'll see. Still, I feel like BB King with this bass! Speaketh The Bass kinda thing. I've played basses that let me be as funky as I want, others that let me express myself in other ways, but this is the first bass that lets me do what I want. And then some. I know I am probably not saying anything new here, but I just gotta say it anyway. I am sold. This instrument does what I want it to do. GAS MODE=ON Also, something really weird I discovered today. I set my tuner to 450hz long ago because I like the extra string tension I guess. Tuning my Persuader @ EADG with 450hz reference is NOT A GOOD THING! Kills all the harmonics. Is that a known fact? | ||
| mike1762
Senior Member Username: mike1762 Post Number: 414 Registered: 1-2008 |
I can see how EXCESSIVE tension would kill the harmonics (and the fundamental for that matter). I noticed considerably more string tension when I got my first Alembic. At first I was quite distressed about that, but it does have advantages (you can play faster and with better definition). Try DRs if you want a little less tension... or tune standard!!! | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 634 Registered: 12-2004 |
The alembic Series Bass is Like sex with out a Condom! | ||
| otis
Intermediate Member Username: otis Post Number: 133 Registered: 10-2008 |
Or like a Ménage-à-Trois with two Supermodels- without a Condom!!! | ||
| otis
Intermediate Member Username: otis Post Number: 134 Registered: 10-2008 |
Seriously, though- the difference between a Persuader or Spoiler and a Series bass is like the difference between a late model Ford F150, and a brand new Ford Mustang (just using Ford as an example, not because I prefer them- for some strange reason, I find the vehicle I drive around in is off less importance than the instrument I play... maybe I'm more than slightly mental, eh, guys?) The Persuader (and I believe Spoiler) is mostly maple (from what I know of them), while a Series I has a 5 piece neck (maple & Purpleheart), and usually (sometimes there are more laminates, depending on what a person has ordered) a 3 piece body with a mahogany core and an exotic top and back with a hollow well. A Series II wood-wise has at least a 5 piece body, and a 7 piece neck with the hollow well. This all makes a huge difference in tone- I've owned Europas, Epics, a Series I, a couple of Customs, and finally, the gem of all gems, a Series II (6 String). As to electronics, forget about it- the Series instruments are the top 2 models Alembic makes, and as such, they have the best of everything. The tonal possibilities are quite literally endless. Some people will say that the woods and or construction doesn't make that much of a difference, but like I said, I've had quite a few, and the difference may be subtle to some, and quite astounding to others (I guess I fall in that 2nd group). What I find so great about my S2 is the purity of tone. The tone is so clear and clean that it's like going from speaking with a normal voice to speaking with the voice of God. Do yourself a favor and get either a Series I or II, but if I were you, I'd hold out for a S2- I've seen more than a few 4 strings for nearly the same price that you'd pay for a SI. Heck, I've seen Signatures and Brown Basses for around the same price, or more, depending on if they're Standards or Deluxes. Good luck in your search and enjoy that Persuader- it's a keeper! Peace;) Frank | ||
| slammin
Junior Username: slammin Post Number: 17 Registered: 10-2009 |
I am learning a lot from you guys and I do thank you for that. I do spend a fair amount of time just browsing different threads here but still haven't browsed enough to find all the info I want though I know it's there somewhere, so I really, really do appreciate all the input because you taking the time says it all. Great community! Question; A Series bass is essentially something akin to Signature bass, but with an onboard SF1 preamp? Frank, thanks, I think I will hold out for an S2 based on your perspective and first-hand experience. I'm already truely dumbfounded with this bass. In a good way. I would have never imagined the amount of articulation I can achieve with this bass. Now, what scares me a little is that I'm playing through a Peavey Combo 300. I was going through a Pod X3 Live too but I took that out because it really does seem to take away from the pure sound of this bass, though I do like to 'play' with the POD at times because the amp modeling can get interesting. But I do think my next quest after getting an S1 or S2 will be an amp that the bass deserves. Basically, music has become my primary hobby again. For the past several years, it was building computers (water cooling, souped up everything, etc.) but I am bored with building computers and playing computer games and am so glad I am back to focusing on music. It's been very rewarding to me. I really feel like I'm learning to play all over again, and getting better than I ever was. Thanks again, Ivan | ||
| mike1762
Senior Member Username: mike1762 Post Number: 415 Registered: 1-2008 |
I struggled with the Series concept as well. The first thing you need to realize is that the Alembic designations (Series, Signature, Spoiler, etc) really refer to the electronics package rather than the body shape. However, a Series body will be thicker and chambered because of all the electronics "stuff" that has to be crammed in there. All Alembic PUPs are low impedance (as opposed to most PUPs which are high impedance) and single coil, but the non-Series PUP is a stacked hum-canceling PUP (basically a stacked Humbucker without a magnet in the bottom coil). Series pickups are true single coils with a hum-canceling "dummy coil" (that PUP in the middle that "doesn't work") shared by both pickups. The electronics in a Series instruments are NOT a "plug and play" operation. I don't understand the details, but they have to be "tuned". On the other hand, you CAN order a non-Series electronics package and install it yourself. While the layout of the Signature and Series I package may look similar, they are quite different "under the hood". | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 1464 Registered: 2-2005 |
Ivan, There are several differences between standard option Series and non-Series basses. Note most any of these can be customized as you wish on a custom order. As was mentioned the Series instruments are thicker to accommodate the electronics. They also have more laminates that make for a more interesting contrast of woods (IMO). Except for the Deluxe model non-Series do not come standard with a back laminate. There is a big difference in the electronics. In Series instruments the pickups are single coil. In the non-Series they are hum canceling. The Q-switches on a Series 1 are three position as opposed two position on non-Series. Internally the preamp is more sophisticated in the Series instruments. The default control setup for Signature is Volume/Pan/Filter/Filter where Series are Volume/Volume/Filter/Filter. The Series are also capable of stereo operation where the Signature are not. There is a variation of Signature electronics called Anniversary that does have Volume/Volume/Filter/Filter and stereo mode though. Variable Q is available on Series while I don't believe it is an option on Signature (or the cost is so much as to not be worthwhile). Keep in mind all of these can be changed as you are not buying an off the shelf instrument when you order and are free to customize as you wish and can afford. One item that I've seen more folks do is order a 3 position Q-switch for the non-Series electronics. Another thing some folks have done is change the Q-switch boost down to 6db as opposed to the standard 8db (or is it 9 db). The sky is the limit as long as Susan allows it. :-) One word of advice is if you decide to go custom nail down the specifications before your order. Making changes midstream can delay the build process considerably. I found the folks at Alembic gave me plenty of advice and phone time while planning my Series 1 such that I didn't need to make changes or have any loose ends when the build started. In my case all that had to be done was pick and approve the inlays and provide a custom location for the LED on/off switch. Keith | ||
| slammin
Junior Username: slammin Post Number: 18 Registered: 10-2009 |
Wow, great info! This helps alot and means I will definitely do some homework when making my next purchase. Thanks all! | ||
| gtrguy
Advanced Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 266 Registered: 9-2004 |
If you want to go nuts on tone for a while, get an SF-2 first. That will keep you busy for a lot less cash. Whatever you do, keep the Persuader as a backup. Bear in mind that playing out with a $3000 (or more) used Series (Gawd help you if it's new) might make you nervous as you look at it sitting on a stand in a bar. For some here it does not scare them. Also, there can be some resentment from other musicians (working ones) who may not be able to afford a Series or even any Alembic. I have got weird responses from even playing my Epic live. The external power supply and big cord can be a problem. On mine, the neck seems to stick straight out when I wear them and it's a reach to get to the low end, plus they are heavy. However, I have long hands. You might consider a short scale if you don't have long arms. However, they are heirlooms of tone and I love them!!! Dave | ||
| otis
Intermediate Member Username: otis Post Number: 137 Registered: 10-2008 |
Ivan, I can second what Dave just said- the SF-2 is around $500, used, and around $950 new. I had one, that I just purchased over the summer, and I loved it- it opened up a whole new world of tone for me, with both of my former non-Series Alembics. Having said that, though, I would still save every penny and just go for the Series II. There are many far more experienced members, here, and some of them have chimed in with far more accurate information than myself... but if you're looking for the "ultimate" Alembic- the Series II won't disappoint. My straight from the gut, instinctual reaction to my Series II is that I now have my dream bass- it delivers exactly what Alembic promises- the ultimate in tone. Definitely keep the Persuader- you'll want a back-up, like Dave said. And from time to time, you'll enjoy the ease of the "plug & play" you have with the Persuader. You can still use the mono (1/4) jack on a Series I or II, but it will be just that- Mono- so while there isn't truly a "plug & play" with a Series, there sort of is- only you're getting one pickup, instead of both... which is fine if you're just practicing by yourself, or noodling. Get yourself a used Series I or II before trying out the Custom Order route- unless you're in a position to spend more $ and wait the necessary time for Alembic to create a work of art for you. Again, if you're going to go for a Series, just go for the Series II- the price difference isn't that huge, and it's worth every penny you pay, and then some. You'll never want to touch another bass after you pick up a Series II. I know of one killer Series II 4 that tempted even me, a Six String Slinger- Brian from the Low End bought it and posted it on the Low End site on October 20th. Just an FYI- the individual selling it was offering it for quite a low price, as S2s go, and I don't know what Brian acquired the bass for, but I'm quite sure that if he still has it, he's not going to let it go for the same price. Check out this website and do a search for Alembic, and you should find the link- it's dated October 20th, 2009, and it's a Series II Custom in Walnut with Front Red Leds and an Omega cut. It has a longer upper horn, and really neat flamed Walnut. Great looking bass! Here's the link: http://www.thelowend.net/thelowend/used-basses.html Good Luck! email me when/if you check that bass out, and let me know if it's still available and what Brian is asking. Just curious! Peace;) Frank otisduo@yahoo.com | ||
| otis
Intermediate Member Username: otis Post Number: 138 Registered: 10-2008 |
Ivan, It looks like Brian already sold the S2- it's in the "Sold" Gallery of Alembics. But it still can't hurt to send him an email and inquire about the bass. He gets Series I and II's in pretty frequently. Here's another site you can check out that someone from the Club recently posted- it's called site-mash- it basically searches all of the USA & Canada for Alembics. I know I saw some Series I's and Series II's- not sure if any of them are still up for sale, but there's always something! Here it is: http://www2.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/mash.cgi?cat=mus&itm=alembic&loc=XNE&fil=&ys=&ye=&ps=&pe=&pgs=100&submit=++++go++++ Good Luck! Peace;) Frank | ||
| slammin
Junior Username: slammin Post Number: 21 Registered: 10-2009 |
Dave - Frank, All, Awesome info! Combining everything I've read in this thread, I really do think my first stop will be an SF2. From a playability perspective, the only variable is whether I'd like a short scale even more than this medium but I certainly like the medium more than my other basses (34" and 35") as far as feel, so there is still some GAS left but if I get the SF2, that leaves the door open to other possibilities - SC, Brown Bass, etc. Then again, I would have jumped on that Series II at thelowend had I been in the market at the time, even knowing what I know now! Thanks again! | ||
| glocke
Senior Member Username: glocke Post Number: 658 Registered: 9-2002 |
I own a maple topped SI, a coco-bolo S2, and SCSD. They all sound great. The series instruments have more options in terms of adjusting your tone, but no matter what bass I play I pretty much dial in the same tone each time I play. The woods really do make a tremendous difference. Between the maple SI and coco-bolo SII there is a much larger difference in sound than I thought there would be. The maple toppled bass is really quite crisp and brighter sounding, while the coco-bolo topped SII is much darker and heavier sounding. To be honest, the SCSD coupled with an SF2 really fits my needs quite nicely, and if I ever was in a position where I needed to sell my basses that would probably be the last to go.... As far as playing out with any Alembic, leaving it on a stand makes me nervous when playing in a bar, so my basses usually go back in their cases between sets. Also, as an earlier poster mentioned, be prepared to get lots of comments from other people when out with an Alembic. While I've had some positive comments made when out playing with one of my expensive basses, many people have made what I will only describe as weird comments. |
