| Author | Message | ||
| angelboy
New Username: angelboy Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2004 |
I'll try and keep it brief but.....who knows, eh? I've been bedroom bassing for 15yrs now, the main reason is through my previous love of Mark King........there was a time that his style was popular - I learnt it and wisely kept it hidden away from everyone through fear of beatings. I'd been a pro-drummer for the last 6 years and last year decided to plump for bass playing - sick of the drummers jokes I guess. Went out bought a Stingray 4, (am I allowed to say that in here?) Fell in love with the growl and punch it sounds.......well it sounds like a musicman. Now, we're getting close to the point........ Jaydee Alembic Jaydee Alembic - played a Jaydee when I was a kid and loved it. Played one last week and hated it!!!! So, Alembic Alembic Alembic Alembic...........never played one, mainly coz they're rare as rocking horses! But.....(get to the point!).......I really do want to try one....so.....I've just bought a 1997 Series 1....(I'm sure some of you would have been bidding against me for it) but the scary thing is I've never actually held one or even heard one, (unless it's on a later Level 42 record). So, the questions that I hope you will answer are, How different a sound are they from my Stingray? and Am I stupid? Love Angelboy | ||
| alembic76407
Advanced Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 225 Registered: 5-2002 |
way to go Angelboy, you will never be the same!!! and Welcome to the club, and we need to see it!!!! David T (the loud one) | ||
| kayo
Junior Username: kayo Post Number: 24 Registered: 10-2002 |
Paul - It is quite understandable that you would be concerned. Keep in mind that what you are asking is highly subjective - there is no "absolute truth" that will satisfy all who ponder that same issue. Therefore, how you will ulimately feel about it once you have first hand knowledge is dependant on many other factors. What "I" (and I am not expert) have found to be the main factors that influence how a bassist with no bias on Alembics (either for or against) responds to them once they do play them is the type of sound that they have become habituated with (ie - the Fender sound, the middle of the road sound, or the quality "luthier product lines" sound). Next is the kind of action that they are used to - though Alembic will custom build a neck (along with anything else one desires) to any musician's specs - when a non-Alembic player has his/her first experience playing an Alembic it will not likely be because they custom ordered one - it will be someone else's axe or at the store (off the rack). Unless they are used to what I would otherwise consider the "generic" specs (non-custom ordered) for the dimensions of the neck (the thickness, the width at the nut, the width at the 24th fret) etc that are typically supplied by Alembic, they will invariably resort to measuring against what they are used to. Fender players, or Rickenbacker players (due to the those instruments' neck dimensions) may likely be the ones that have the most difficulty adjusting. I find the Alembic necks to be very even, not too thin, nor too thick. It is for this very reason that I had great difficulty when playing Fender & Rickenbacker basses - I did not like the width, and could not adjust well to the disparity in dimensions between the nut and last fret (22 most likely on those basses). As far as the sound goes - there are those players that I know that are not Alembic fans but like the Alembic action - the reason being that they do not like the Alembic sound. Many players I know claim that Alembic is too "sterile/clean" or high tech sounding..... usually hardcore old school Fender players. There is even an interview with Marcus Miller where he mentioned that he shows up frequently to session(s)to be told that they want him to put that fancy bass down and pull out the old Fender Jazz because 1) that is the sound that many of the older cats associate with the "traditional electric bass guitar sound; 2) or (my personal opinion) that it is the sound that many have come to know as the "Marcus Miller Signature Sound". You have heard more Alembics than you probably even know. Suffice it to say, that unless you are really really narrow in terms of only 2-3 sounds that you want that are usually associated with Fender, Music Man, Ricko-sound, or midrangy active pick-ups (a-la-EMG sound), then you are likely to be very pleasantly surprised that even the most basic electronics set-up that Alembic offers far supercedes the useful range of tonal possibilites offered by all other manufacturers - I am not a good candidate to address how to measure the sound of Alembics as weighed against the sound of a Stingray - as I do not feel that the Stingray sound is the benchmark for comparison or that it establishes the "ideal" tone that all others need to be compared against. Today you may want to drive the "Ferrari or Lamborghini (the Alembic) - tomorrow you may want to drive the Cobra or the Mustang (Fender & the like). It's all about - if it gets you off when you play it, chances are people will hear your pleasure in your playing. (Message edited by kayo on January 13, 2004) | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 885 Registered: 9-2002 |
Welcome-welcome Brother Paul the balled one1 (it IS time we get this Paul circus on th eroad somehow, no???). I think Musicman Stingrays are good basses, truly. Brother Werner plays Stingray AND ALembic Mark King signature so he would be the perfect brother to say something senseful, but knowing him even HE will be carefull. It depends on what you want to do with that low frequencies producing instrument. Are you of the "nice-I'm-sounding-low-and-they-seem-to-cope-with-the-beat" (which means no offence) even a Music-man Stringray will be an overkill. The placement of the PU gives a typical mid-growl that is very fashionable these days. For a simple "Bom" I suggest a Prlwtzksfsky-bass or something (I do a great "bomming" with my Squier). However. If you like to take some soundshaping control and estend your abilities in that part -what will always be hated by sound-engineers because you're doing part of their jogb with your bass- I think you took a great decision and Brother DAvid is right if he says we are all anxious to hear from your experiences. Playing Alembic is playing with choices not THAT OR THAT but merely THAT AND THAT ...AND MAYBE THAT TOO ! Get it !??? Paul the bad one | ||
| bracheen
Intermediate Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 119 Registered: 11-2003 |
OK, I'll bite. What's a Jaydee? Never heard or held an Alembic and you buy a Series 1? Way to jump in with both feet. Congratulations! You will love it. As mentioned earlier the tonal possibilites are wide. A lot depends on your amp though. You know of course that photos are mandatory. We get a lot of vacarious satisfaction from seeing others' Alembics. Brother Paul TBO, it seems our UK chapter is catching up to the Belgian chapter. What do you call someone who likes to hang around with musicians? A drummer! Sorry couldn't help it. Sam | ||
| jazzyvee
Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 72 Registered: 6-2002 |
I have an alembic SC Deluxe and a musicman Sterling which I've had for about two and a half years. Of the two I have to say that I do prefer the sound of the Alembic which I use exclusively live and use the sterling just for rehearsals. I find the Sterling is an excellent bass and the narrow maple neck is very responsive easy to play at the nut. I've had the alembic for about a year and a half now. I used to love the sound of the Sterling and it does have that really loud crisp biting tone that is synonymous with the Fender Jazz bass and the stingray. However i do find that I can a better representation of those sounds and much more on the alembic but they are far more musical and cleaner and less harsh. As for the hi-fi sound. I do love that and they do stand out for the clarity without being in-your face tonally. I think you will love the series bass. oh heres a drummer Joke.(q) What is the difference between an Drummer and a Drum Machine? (a) You only have to punch the instructions in to the drum machine once..... :-) sorry I couldn't resist that one.... | ||
| dannobasso
Intermediate Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 114 Registered: 7-2002 |
You will find that you can't cheat on an Alembic! The sound is a direct and complete representation of your technique. Garbage in---garbage out. You can dial in a sound that may have the same signature as another bass in relative terms, but the touch and feel of your hands will come through. I just purchased (with Mica's and Susan's helpful suggestion) my 10th Alembic. I will someday get to join the series 2 club. But each one gives me great pleasure. 4,5,6,7,str 30,32,34 scale deluxe, set neck MXY, AXY, Fatboy, wide, narrow, inlays or no, they never disappoint and deliver great tone. They record great, look great, feel great and are a great source of conversation. Just like a jazz kit and rock kit serve different masters, each one seems a bit out of place in the other's arena. The Alembic will find a home (apart from looks) what ever you are playing. Congratulations! Balls...definitely balls! Danno | ||
| davehouck
Advanced Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 314 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Paul, and congratulations. Did you buy the '97 Series I with the quilted Maple top and back? If so, that's a very beautiful bass. To address your question about comparing a Series I to a Stingray, Kayo's Ferrari/Mustang analogy is a good starting point. I'm guessing you will find the difference pretty amazing. It will probably take some getting used to; lots of playing with the controls. Once you get the bass, if you have any questions, like what the controls do, just post and someone will probably be around to answer. Kayo; is that Marcus Miller interview on-line? | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 887 Registered: 9-2002 |
Brother Sam, a Jaydee was the bass where Mark King started it's career with: the Jaydee "supernatural. VERY nice basses, UK-made. Brother Roger -you know him, the "dragonman"- used to have one. Because the neck-through construction, the wooden PU's housing (electronics were made by Jaydee themselves), the fancy looks, those basses were often compared with Alembics. Paul the bad one Oh ...Jaydee stands for the letters J and D and the initials of the builder which I forget. | ||
| mint_bass
Junior Username: mint_bass Post Number: 20 Registered: 1-2004 |
welcome to the club you will not regret your purchase alembics are amazing Muusicman are great bassesv but i think you will find quickly that your usicman can produce a great tone but is limited and your alembic will do anything you want it to good luck with your bass i have no doubt you will be more pleased with it than you can imagine andrew | ||
| rogertvr
Intermediate Member Username: rogertvr Post Number: 182 Registered: 1-2003 |
Yes, I used to have a JayDee Supernatural Mark King. JayDees are built in Birmingham, UK. I played a 1986 model that was used in a shop in 1989, it played every bit as well as the Alembic Series I that I played in 1993, even though the sound wasn't as good. The JayDee that I ordered and took delivery of in 1990 was never anything like the one I played, the Series I or my 4001. It was a constant disappointment. No real sustain and the sound was fairly poor. Nowhere near as good as a lot of things I have played in fact, and no matter how many times it was adjusted/tinkered with, it was never a great bass. It languished in its case for years and I sold it last year, having given-up on it. The one thing I really did like about it though were the wood pick-up covers! All of this is my own opinion based on experience of course. I'm sure, like everything else, there are great and poor examples of the breed. It's not fair to compare them to Alembics though, there is an awfully large difference in price and therefore expectation. I think it was when I played the Series I that it reminded me of what the used JayDee was like and what mine should have been like. If my JayDee had been like the used one, I wouldn't be in here today I suspect. So I'm glad it was poor, especially considering what I have waiting for me!!!!! JayDee is long-hand for JD which are the initials of John Diggins. I hope this inane whittering helps someone, somewhere... Cheers, Rog | ||
| angelboy
New Username: angelboy Post Number: 2 Registered: 1-2004 |
Well......you've all made me feel much much better now and I feel.......sob.....at home!!! I think I've made a good call! JD.......yes I think to satisfy my chilhood dream I will eventually get one........but it stays in the bedroom like the dirty whore it is!!! davehouck: Yes the one from ebay. You know how it is with ebay, everyone waits until the last few seconds to bid and I've lost out on loads of stuff that way.So this time I though I'd just do it and worry about it later........they even knocked me $300 off the price and told me it has the rack mount power pack...............Which reminds me........... What do I need the power pack for........wait hang on.......I still play dem drums sir! I can just plug straight into my amp, yes? I havn't bought one of those fancy watches that tells the time in 76 different countries but the batteries are as big a suitcase....have I?!?!? All: Yes, I will have great pleasure in posting some photos as soon as I can work out how to get the bass!!!! Do you know, it's cheaper for me to fly from London to Seattle, pick up the bass, and fly directly back than it is for shipping!!! Bah! Mind you, I think I'd end up with a 'gloved hand up my arse, (ass.......wink!), if customs see me walking past and a few hours later walking past 'em again!...........I could always tell 'em 'I'm just nipping back, I forgot something.' | ||
| bracheen
Intermediate Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 123 Registered: 11-2003 |
Yes you can plug straight into the amp. The series 1 electronics are so powerful (maybe the wrong word) that you'll go through 9V batteries about every other measure. Hence the external power supply. Look on the pictures from ebay. See the five prong connector right above the 1/4" jack? That's for the power supply. I've never had one but those that do don't seem to be bothered by it. Sam | ||
| willie
New Username: willie Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2003 |
angelboy my first quality bass, (the one i got after the ten dollar one), was a music man sabre which is more rare than a stingray but because of the extra pick up has more tone options. then i got my first alembic in 1983 and the sabre got a very long vacation. i also have a five string stingray which is great for rock and with a basslines preamp and pick up i added will knock the walls down. but it also seems to stay in the case most of the time. its not that music man basses are not good its just that alembics are so much better. i also have two fender jazz basses and they spend alot of time hanging out with the sabre & stingray and most of the time i play my Europa which is the best bass i ever picked up. so i think you will be quite pleased with your new purchase and lets see some pictures. congratulations and welcome to the club | ||
| robthejock
Junior Username: robthejock Post Number: 16 Registered: 6-2003 |
Just a footnote on Jaydee. The builder, John Diggins was originally the partner of John Birch( Sabbaths guitars etc) | ||
| jet_powers
Intermediate Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 117 Registered: 2-2003 |
Thank God another Paul has arrived on the scene!!! You are gonig to love that bass and if you're like a lot of us you'll be craving another and then another..... John Paul | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 892 Registered: 9-2002 |
Yep ...now we have the brothers: Paul the good one Paul the bad one Paul the fake one Paul the John one Paul the Silent one Paul the Balled one ***sigh*** We still need an ugly one or a female one LOL Paul the bad one | ||
| davehouck
Advanced Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 316 Registered: 5-2002 |
Paul; well, yes you have (batteries .. suitcase) <g>. As Sam said, you can plug directly into your amp, but you will go through batteries very quickly; so you'll probably want to use the power supply. The Series electronics are the ultimate in guitar and bass pickups and preamp; and part of the reason is that they are low-impedence, and thus require a lot of power. (There are some good descriptions of how they work posted in this forum.) To give you an idea of what you just purchased; the list price on an Alembic Stanley Clarke Deluxe is $6,300, and the SC Deluxe does not come with Series electronics. The same SC Deluxe with Series I electronics is an additional $3,500. One way to look at it is that you just purchased the ultimate bass electronics package and got an amazingly beautiful and well crafted bass thrown in for free <g>. | ||
| kayo
Junior Username: kayo Post Number: 25 Registered: 10-2002 |
Dave - Yes, the Marcus Miller interview can be found on his website - here is the link: http://www.marcusmiller.com/index.html Actually - I just went to it - and it (the website) has been rearragned. I didn't find it but that doesn't mean it's not there. I had printed it out and packed it away in storage - (if you need a copy, when I have the time to go get it let me know and I'll mail or fax it to you). I am pleased to announce that he will be playing 3 dates here in the Bay Area at the end of this Month at "Kimball's East". Though I wish I could make it to all the shows, I'll be there Friday for sure. | ||
| davehouck
Advanced Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 318 Registered: 5-2002 |
Thanks Kayo; I'll look for it. I've never seen Marcus in person, but I do have his DVD which I like a lot. Enjoy the show! | ||
| bigbadbill
Member Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 55 Registered: 10-2003 |
Looks like I'm coming in at the tail end of this topic again...I blame it on the time difference (maybe I'm just slow)! Let's put it this way Angelboy, I'll be amazed if you aren't happy with the Alembic, although be aware it's quite a departure from the Stingray.In my experience I'd say the Stingray is probably more aggressive-sounding, but it lacks the incredible musicality of a through neck Alembic, and has nothing like the tone shaping capability. Of course the feel is completely different, so I guess it ultimately depends on your personal preference. You may find the Stingray better for some things, the Alembic better for others.You may also be interested to know Mark King used both on albums in his Alembic period,but preferred to use the Alembics live. Good luck anyway! In passing, I've owned 2 Jaydees; one was like Roger's in that it was an extremely dead instrument. However someone had shaved the neck to a size that seemed to make it really unstable. The other was awesome; I actually compared it to an '80 Series 1 when I bought it, and there was nothing in it. Unfortunately I had to get rid as it weighed about 13 pounds and my back didn't like it! Kayo, I'm surprised that you found the neck dimensions of Rickenbackers and Alembics to feel so different; one of the reasons I always got on with Alembics is that I learnt on a Rickenbacker (and have owned many since) and the necks always felt very similar to me; certainly in terms of the nut/bridge spacing differential (i.e. fairly straight and even and the exact opposite of a Fender Jazz, which is one of the main reasons I never got on with Jazzes). Wierd how different players perceive things so differently; but then variety is the spice of life!I'd be interested to hear Roger's take on this too. All the best Shaun |
