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jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 2794
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - 1:48 pm:   Edit Post

I got my first one in 2002 from the Bass Centre in Birmingham UK.
It was this Stanley Clarke Signature bass which I still have and it's still my favourite.





Jazzyvee
pauldo
Senior Member
Username: pauldo

Post Number: 788
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - 2:28 pm:   Edit Post

1985 (86?) Ralph Hanzel's Music on Greenfield Avenue in Milwaukee, WI.

The very same Distillate I still have today :-)
jazzboy621
Member
Username: jazzboy621

Post Number: 59
Registered: 7-2011
Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - 2:49 pm:   Edit Post

Thats a beauty, Jazzyvee!!!
dannobasso
Senior Member
Username: dannobasso

Post Number: 1435
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - 4:23 pm:   Edit Post

1983 Spoiler solid koa body, Sam Ash 48th street NYC. $900 no case. Refinished by Alembic about 10 years ago.
mtjam
Junior
Username: mtjam

Post Number: 17
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - 4:30 pm:   Edit Post

Just got my first one, an '83 Distillate, right before Thanksgiving 2011 from club member Bassthang. Currently trying to decide between an Essence, an Orion, or a Series 1 for my second! Any advice? Must sell some gear first...
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1341
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - 4:37 pm:   Edit Post

I got my '88 Spoiler in '98:

Still in love :-)

A few years later I got a very beat up '83 Spoiler that I foolishly traded in for a Gibson Ripper...
I corrected my mistake asap and got the '83 Spoiler that's currently my favorite bass (she's so lovely)
FF some years and I got the Stormburst Elan.
Then came the time to go custom :-) But no response from Alembic :-(
To kill the time I bought the fretless Orion, because I was in love with the looks of that bass ever since it was posted on that site (UK Alembic dealer)
Then came the response from Alembic :-) and the realization of my 5 string monster Elan :-) :-) :-)
dela217
Senior Member
Username: dela217

Post Number: 1107
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - 4:46 pm:   Edit Post

I got my first one brand new in 1978. It was serial number 78 1058. It was a medium scale, point body, with purpleheart top and back. Zebrawood veneers on the headstock, ebony board, and shipped with Pyramid Gold flats on it. I do not have any pictures at all of this bass as far as I know. I would love to see it today.

I traded it back to Alembic for a Small Standard. The small standard was serial number 78 1168, and was also a purpleheart top and back instrument. I regret parting with this one, but I went through a LOT of Alembics back then.

Michael
room037
Senior Member
Username: room037

Post Number: 436
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2012 - 1:33 am:   Edit Post

I got my first bass "Alembic Distillate Bass" in 1981, and I was a guitarist until then.
I cuddled this bass all through my bass life.
Because, I never want Gibson and Fender basses except my daughter's Fender Japan Mustang bass.
(But I love and own Fender and Gibson guitars. It's curious !)

My second Alembic was 20th Anniv. Maple version in 1990 or 91.
It was traded few years ago, but I regret it.
I love the maple sounds !

Afterwards, I got my 5 strigers and shorties in last 10 years.

Eiji
terryc
Senior Member
Username: terryc

Post Number: 1797
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2012 - 4:56 am:   Edit Post

I only own one..a Mark King Signature Standard retro fitted with SIMS LED's in red
It does everything I want it to..the action is low and is so easy to play and the sound is the great.
One drawback..it is very heavy..12lbs(UK) but a comfort strapp spreads the load
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 3110
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2012 - 5:35 am:   Edit Post

i bought my 96 epic new early in 1997 from the Bass centre in birmingham when I was working for cadbury's IT dept. The shop was a subsidiary of the London bass centre and has since closed. i bought the epic when I decided I'd like to start playing 5 strings and spent at least 4 months trying out every make and model I could get my hands on. For the price, the only one that came close to the Alembic was a pre-gibson tobias 5 string at a different shop but their credit terms were extortionate. I consider myself lucky as I doubt very much whether Gibson / tobias have such a friendly and informative forum :-)

graeme
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 2797
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2012 - 6:31 am:   Edit Post

just read some of your thread Jacko via the link and you mention there a possible series project in 5 years and I think that is up now. Are you still thinking along those lines?


Jazzyvee
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 3113
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2012 - 6:36 am:   Edit Post

Hah! I WAS pretty optimistic back then eh? Looking at the current quote generator I think I'd have to sell my house to afford a new series bass now. I'd maybe stand a chance if a reasonably priced 5 string series came up second hand!.
I've just booked a 3 week trip to the states in September (which is costing a fortune) during which we'll be visiting the factory. maybe I can smuggle out a new bass down a trouser leg :-)

Graeme
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 2798
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2012 - 8:30 am:   Edit Post

Yeah that quote generator is scary as it is without any non standard personalisation going on. So you can imagine the cost of something unique for a custom I'd have to sell my house as well then we can afford one between us with a time share arrangement 6 months each per year. haha

Jazzyvee
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 10596
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2012 - 11:26 am:   Edit Post

My first Alembic was my 1990 four string Essence, purchased used January 22, 1996.
rjmsteel
Intermediate Member
Username: rjmsteel

Post Number: 180
Registered: 7-2008
Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2012 - 1:23 pm:   Edit Post

1981: Make `N Music when it was in Homewood, IL.

I also still have this same Distillate - in Purpleheart - today just like Pauldo has his.
poor_nigel
Advanced Member
Username: poor_nigel

Post Number: 242
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2012 - 2:18 pm:   Edit Post

If the quote generator is scary now, imagine it after the price hike finally gets installed in it that was supposed to be done last January. Once the price hike goes into effect, prices on eBay will jump for used instruments. Luckily, I have all the basses I will probably buy in this life time. Otherwise, it sucks to get old!
wayne
Advanced Member
Username: wayne

Post Number: 202
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2012 - 6:34 pm:   Edit Post

1990

5-string 20th Anniversary (one of VERY few fivers with that moniker)

http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/19580.html?1120832114

C-Ya............wayne
serialnumber12
Senior Member
Username: serialnumber12

Post Number: 944
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 - 5:25 am:   Edit Post

purchased in 1980 at 19 yrs old, this 1972 series I/with series II guts .....(Serial#12.)

(Message edited by serialnumber12 on March 20, 2012)
alembic76407
Senior Member
Username: alembic76407

Post Number: 690
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 - 8:07 am:   Edit Post

July 2 1976 I got my Series 1 and still have it
hieronymous
Senior Member
Username: hieronymous

Post Number: 1045
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 - 11:31 am:   Edit Post

Hey jazzyvee, my first Alembic was in 2002 too! An '85 Spoiler/Exploiter bought at Blue Note Music in Berkeley, CA:

exploiter
unholyprawn
New
Username: unholyprawn

Post Number: 1
Registered: 3-2013
Posted on Sunday, March 24, 2013 - 10:27 am:   Edit Post

What an appropriate thread for my first post.


My first Alembic was a 1983 Persuader (Single pickup). It is honestly and truly the best bass I have played. In fact, I liked it so much, less than a month later, I bought an Epic.



[moderator's edit for picture alignment]

(Message edited by adriaan on March 25, 2013)
unholyprawn
New
Username: unholyprawn

Post Number: 2
Registered: 3-2013
Posted on Sunday, March 24, 2013 - 10:28 am:   Edit Post

What an appropriate thread for my first post.


My first Alembic was a 1983 Persuader (Single pickup). It is honestly and truly the best bass I have played. In fact, I liked it so much, less than a month later, I bought an Epic.
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 3390
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Sunday, March 24, 2013 - 1:23 pm:   Edit Post

Hey Charles, welcome to the forum, and a grand entrance with two basses.


Jazzyvee
that_sustain
Intermediate Member
Username: that_sustain

Post Number: 129
Registered: 8-2012
Posted on Sunday, March 24, 2013 - 5:12 pm:   Edit Post

I bought my first at age 19. It was a 4 string Essence in natural finish...all maple(figured top). This was in 1994. I found out about Alembic through BassPlayer Magazine. They praised the company above all.


Welcome, Charles
that_sustain
Intermediate Member
Username: that_sustain

Post Number: 133
Registered: 8-2012
Posted on Monday, March 25, 2013 - 12:19 am:   Edit Post

Charles..that Persuader is somethin' else.
rjmsteel
Intermediate Member
Username: rjmsteel

Post Number: 197
Registered: 7-2008
Posted on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 - 9:41 am:   Edit Post

1981 Distillate. Bought new at Makin Music, Homewood, IL ($1,400.00) Still have it.

The guys at Bag End, (when they were in Palatine, IL), let me try out the Series I they had, and still have, threw a set of headphones plugged directly into the bass and I fell in love.
guineapig
Junior
Username: guineapig

Post Number: 34
Registered: 9-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 - 10:40 am:   Edit Post

A 1993 Spoiler. I bought it in 2005 in a small music shop. The owner of the shop had bought the complete stock of another shop that stopped it's activities. According to him the other shop bought it new and never sold it. So that would make it NOS I guess... I don't play it very often, so it still looks like new...

Spoiler 3
georgie_boy
Senior Member
Username: georgie_boy

Post Number: 1057
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Saturday, March 30, 2013 - 6:11 am:   Edit Post

Got my Series 1 1976 model from the Bass Centre in London for my 47th birthday........present to myself.
I still have her and she is even better now, just ask Jacko, he's played her.
It's her birthday tomorrow 31st March 1976
georgie_boy
Senior Member
Username: georgie_boy

Post Number: 1058
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Saturday, March 30, 2013 - 6:13 am:   Edit Post

You can see a pic on my profile page
senmen
Senior Member
Username: senmen

Post Number: 1092
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Saturday, March 30, 2013 - 8:51 am:   Edit Post

It happened back in 2004 after the JE Limited Spyders had been launched.
My first one, Spyder No. 04-50, 4 string
My second one, Spyder No. 08-25, 8 string
My third one, Dragon Wing "Tears for John", my first custom Alembic.
All sold unfortunately, but soon to be replaced by something new....





Greetz,
Oliver (Spyderman)
mavnet
Junior
Username: mavnet

Post Number: 18
Registered: 2-2003
Posted on Saturday, March 30, 2013 - 5:45 pm:   Edit Post

1977 - 2 custom small body, long necks (2 of the few that Alembic ever made). One fretless, one fretted. Ebony on fretless from the same log as one of Stanley Clark's basses. Same electronics in both of mine - one superfilter, one series filter w/cvq, with a bunch of switches that let me switch high/band/low for the SF, filter in/out for the series filter, and let me put the two filters in series, plus the normal mono/stereo switch. Really amazing instruments, finish on the fretted showing its age, though. Need to get at least the fretted back for refin. I don't have good pics but will attach a few I have.
avnet fretted
avnet fretless

[edited for picture alignment]

(Message edited by adriaan on March 31, 2013)
tbrannon
Senior Member
Username: tbrannon

Post Number: 1548
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Saturday, March 30, 2013 - 6:21 pm:   Edit Post

That maple inlaid fretted SI is amazing.
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 2845
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Saturday, March 30, 2013 - 7:53 pm:   Edit Post

Now these two are really KOOL !!!__ Ja das ist aber KOOL !!!!!!!!!!!!

I like these , I like them alot ____
terryc
Senior Member
Username: terryc

Post Number: 2070
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Monday, April 01, 2013 - 4:11 am:   Edit Post

January 1998, bought at Rudy Penshur's Music Stop New York.
Gigged all the time and retro fitted with SIMS LED's in 2009.
bigredbass
Senior Member
Username: bigredbass

Post Number: 1973
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Tuesday, April 09, 2013 - 11:16 pm:   Edit Post

So in the late 70's I worked in a terrific 'mom and pop' music store in a little town in East Texas. I've always been a catalog nut, and this place had several file drawers full of everything from Conn horns to Mutron to . . . Alembic.

I would take the few sheets out and just stare at these Series instruments and was just mesmerized. I knew what I was looking at, just how big a jump these were. The new Precisions and Ricks hanging on the walls suddenly seemed so . . . . prehistoric alongside these things.

Fast-forward 15 years. After I'd moved to Nashville, over time I got 'round to all the music stores here. Gruhn's was an eye-opener after having read about them for so long. I walked into one of the 'too-cool-for-school' shop at that time, Rock Block, full of graphics-painted Jacksons, Steinbergers, the then fairly new Taylors, and so on. I look up in the midst of all the axes hanging six-high up the walls, and . . . . there a five-string Alembic, Series-shaped, in see-thru red. The room began to spin . . .

Eerily, this was what I would have custom ordered. At that time, I didn't know enough Alembic-ese to realize it was a Spoiler, all i knew was it didn't have that 'middle pickup' !

I didn't know Spoiler from Spamola. Didn't care. Had to have it. I'd never seen one in the flesh. Bought it. Done. I still have it, and will never be without it. Spooky . . . . .



J o e y
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 3345
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 - 4:12 am:   Edit Post

nice story Joey. And equally nice bass :-)

Graeme
lembic76450
Advanced Member
Username: lembic76450

Post Number: 330
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 - 8:17 am:   Edit Post

Bought my Series I in 1978 and never looked back. I picked up a few more along the way, but, this will always be my baby...



Joey, the bigredbass is a beauty...
alembickoa
Intermediate Member
Username: alembickoa

Post Number: 140
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Thursday, April 25, 2013 - 4:13 pm:   Edit Post

Mid-Nineties...somewhere in there...
The Koa
jshull138
Junior
Username: jshull138

Post Number: 31
Registered: 8-2012
Posted on Monday, July 29, 2013 - 6:59 am:   Edit Post

Last year actually, a 1983 spoiler all koa. Ordered it from the Guitar Center in Arizona, best purchase I could have made.
tomhug
Intermediate Member
Username: tomhug

Post Number: 103
Registered: 7-2008
Posted on Sunday, August 18, 2013 - 8:50 pm:   Edit Post

1977 Series I, which I purchased in 1986.

Here's a picture of it's most recent outing:

1977 Series I
slawie
Senior Member
Username: slawie

Post Number: 539
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Sunday, August 18, 2013 - 11:45 pm:   Edit Post

1988. Bought it from the Starving Musician in Santa Clara. I was in the US from Australia on a training course walked into the shop had no idea what it was. I just fell in love with it when I tried it out and had to have it.
slawie

rami
Senior Member
Username: rami

Post Number: 1029
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Saturday, August 31, 2013 - 12:48 pm:   Edit Post

Around 1999-2000 I was looking for a fretless at my local music store. I NEVER expected to find this:



The Excel was still a new model at the time, it only cost $1499. It was love at first sight and play. I still have it and I still adore it! Thanks again Mica for designing it!

:-)

(Message edited by rami on August 31, 2013)
alembic76407
Senior Member
Username: alembic76407

Post Number: 734
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Friday, September 06, 2013 - 10:13 am:   Edit Post

July 2nd 1976 I paid $1817.00 Worth every dollar . I still have it and still play it

it
5a_quilt_top
Intermediate Member
Username: 5a_quilt_top

Post Number: 177
Registered: 6-2012
Posted on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 - 11:25 am:   Edit Post

Monday, June 18, 2012

Stanley Clarke Signature Deluxe:






Why did I wait so long - ?
superlow
New
Username: superlow

Post Number: 4
Registered: 9-2013
Posted on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 - 7:14 am:   Edit Post

1993.brand new serie 1 in Bass center, Paris.
It was in the back of the shop, I asked if I could try it, I was 19, and the guy was very upset to let me play on this beauty. He asked me to put out my belt!! I've played 2 minutes, with the guy standing in my back, and say "OK, I'll take it". The shop owner was near to have a stroke..... Well i've payed three years for it, that was 20 years ago and it still mine, I've make 600 gigs with it and I'm still in love.VERY in love.
rustyg61
Senior Member
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 958
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Wednesday, October 09, 2013 - 8:20 pm:   Edit Post



My 1st Alembic was this early 80's Series I that I bought used in 1986 from Music Emporium mail order, sight unseen for $1500.
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 3792
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Sunday, January 05, 2014 - 12:38 am:   Edit Post

Hey rusty I didn't realise you previously had a series bass. How long did you have it?
rustyg61
Senior Member
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 1073
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Sunday, January 05, 2014 - 2:47 am:   Edit Post

I had it for about 3 years. I was young & dumb & didn't realize what I had & sold it. I wish I still had it! Here's a better picture -

aeijae
Junior
Username: aeijae

Post Number: 18
Registered: 12-2010
Posted on Wednesday, January 08, 2014 - 3:28 pm:   Edit Post

First Alembic Europa.

I bought this one on 31 Oct 1997 when I was 17 years old. I worked for about a year and a half to save up the 2,000$ for the bass. I still love it.
aeijae
Junior
Username: aeijae

Post Number: 19
Registered: 12-2010
Posted on Wednesday, January 08, 2014 - 3:30 pm:   Edit Post

I bought this one on 31 Oct 1997 when I was 17 years old. I worked for about a year and a half to save up the 2,000$ for the bass. I still love it.
terryc
Senior Member
Username: terryc

Post Number: 2161
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Thursday, January 09, 2014 - 3:07 am:   Edit Post

I really like the sticker on the Strat!! LOL
aeijae
Junior
Username: aeijae

Post Number: 20
Registered: 12-2010
Posted on Thursday, January 09, 2014 - 6:46 pm:   Edit Post

I would have put one on my Alembic, but my guitar player only had one ^^
terryc
Senior Member
Username: terryc

Post Number: 2162
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Friday, January 10, 2014 - 12:54 am:   Edit Post

aeijae...Is that a bubinga top, looks the same as my MK Signature?

closeup
aeijae
Junior
Username: aeijae

Post Number: 21
Registered: 12-2010
Posted on Friday, January 10, 2014 - 11:03 am:   Edit Post

That is indeed Bubinga as the finishing touch of coalecsed woods carefully carved to produce a superior instrument. I always liked the look of Bubinga, it surely inclines one to make a double take.

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