| Author | Message | ||
| Charles "David" Tichenor (alembic76407)
Intermediate Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 107 Registered: 5-2002 |
I was 20 years old, I had a $200.00 Karman Ghia rag top, with a $2000.00 Alembic Series 1 sticking out of the back seat with the top down, like a surfboard, the only way it would fit. that was in 1976, and I still own the bass David T (Message edited by alembic76407 on March 19, 2003) | ||
| Daan de Bruyne (wheezl)
New Username: wheezl Post Number: 1 Registered: 3-2003 |
I think I was 18 or so.. The discussed EVH series.. 4string. It served me well :-) | ||
| John Stefancik (jet_powers)
New Username: jet_powers Post Number: 7 Registered: 2-2003 |
I'm envious. It took me until I was 28 to get my first Alembic. There's no stopping me now.... John | ||
| Duncan Muller (muller1007)
Junior Username: muller1007 Post Number: 23 Registered: 5-2002 |
I bought my first Alembic at the age of 22 (1992). It was the Mark King Signature Deluxe I still have today. I don't think I'll ever part with it. Duncan | ||
| Michael Delacerda (dela217)
Intermediate Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 101 Registered: 6-2002 |
I bought my first Alembic at age 17. Or maybe it was 18. The year was 1978 and I went to my local music store and put a down payment and told them to get me one. At the time I thought that a medium scale, large body bass was for me. I plunked down a payment of $500.00, and they ordered me one with a point. They asked me what kind of wood I wanted and I didn't even know. So they asked if I wanted a light colored one or a dark one. I chose dark, and in a few short weeks I got my first Alembic. It was medium scale with a point just like we ordered. It came with a purpleheart top and back with a kinda stripey ebony fingerboard. It also had zebrawood headstock veneers. I remember that it's serial number was 78/1058. I played it for a month or so, and realized it was just way too big for me. I then parted with it to get a small bodied Alembic. I picked up 78/1158 brand new. It was also a purpleheart top and back and was just a wonderful instrument. Today I have no idea where either of those basses are. When I bought that first series 1 bass the price was $1550.00. I still have the receipt. | ||
| David Burgess (dnburgess)
Junior Username: dnburgess Post Number: 18 Registered: 1-2003 |
I was 30. Had been playing an Ibanez P-Bass to see whether I liked bass after switching from guitar. I did - so decided to get a proper bass. Took a friend on the 200km trip to the Alembic dealer. She thought that for high end intruments they were pretty cheap - she was a cellist and looking at $100,000 for a respectable instrument. So I bought the Series I which I still own. | ||
| Steven Smolinski (stevens)
New Username: stevens Post Number: 4 Registered: 12-2002 |
31. I've owned Fenders, a 60s gibson eb3, Spector, Yamaha, and borrowed tons besides. I had decided to take up fretless. Then one day, while picking up a rental PA, I browsed through the used basses at a little store, and there was a fretless essence 4. I fell in love. Dreamt about it that night. Mumbled about it the next day at work, then went straight there and plunked down the cash. That was six months ago. Now I'm looking at picking up a fretful essence 4 as a twin to the fretless. I love the small-bodied basses. I'm officially scared to play a series bass. Scared for my bank account. :-) | ||
| Wally Malone (wally_malone)
Junior Username: wally_malone Post Number: 19 Registered: 7-2002 |
Bought my 6-string Orion almost 3 years ago. I was 54 then. Wally | ||
| James L. Martin (malthumb)
Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 65 Registered: 5-2002 |
I think I was 34 or 35 when I scored a Spoiler. Then I was on a pace of an Alembic a year until 2000, when I rec'd two Alembics in the same week!! Those are the two I still have today (and for the foreseeable future) http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/568.html?1022984147 Peace, James | ||
| Harald Rost (harald_rost)
Junior Username: harald_rost Post Number: 11 Registered: 6-2002 |
I was 43. It was in late 1999 when I bought my 1975 Series 1 with Lacewood top and back from a musician in Austin. I did a long search for a used Series bass in Europe but they are very rare here. So I had to import one. Best regards from Germany Harald | ||
| Paul Lindemans (palembic)
Advanced Member Username: palembic Post Number: 326 Registered: 9-2002 |
The short answer: I was about 38 I think. The long answer (of course a long story it wouldn't be me otherwise) I played bass from my 16th of age. I owned a Telecaster bass (messed up). I quitted bass-playing between 26 an 35. However: the period I sold my T bass a friend gave me a GUITAR-player. In that magazine I found an ad for a very beautiful bass. It was a very small black-and white from Alembic picturing a Alembic SII with omega cut-out. I said to myself: " I'll play bass again and it will be on such a bass". Around 35 the urge came back and I kept the ad in my wallet showing it to music-stores. I got reactions like: "never seen it. You don't like this Fender?" " wow.. too expensive .. want to try this Yamaha?" " huh ...where are my glasses... you like this Hayman (yes ... i played a Hayman bass!!!!)?" " not imported but pick up this Music-man" ***sigh*** In that period I discovered (late ... I know) Mark King and his playing. I was starting to play again on a Roland Synth bass. (Yeeeeeeeeeeeks) I discovered Alembic with Edwin ( See thread EVH ...Eee-vee-huh?) I bought a Spoiler wich I owned for 3 weeks. I went back and changed to the MK Deluxe in absolutely fabulous Cocobolo. In 1996 I got "Bonnie" my trusted SII 5 string in a period I could afford it. Alas ... the taxman came and I had to part from the MK (you see Other Brother Paul - I knew where you were up to). I found a picture of yours truly (yes ...that's me 7 years ago) with his first (well...) Alembic. It's a B&W picture. The MK Signature was modified by EVH over here in EU by: - adding a Mastervolume, installing 2 volume knobs and a PU-selector. - adding a Standby-switch with led. It's a real Paul-wise long story about well ... being Alembicious I guess? Paul  | ||
| Jonathan Johnstone (stoney)
Intermediate Member Username: stoney Post Number: 132 Registered: 7-2002 |
I was 36 (1990) . Paul Shine at Washington Music Center offered me a great deal on an Elan. Unfortunately that bass and I didn't get along very well. I loved the tone and the feel but, because I rest my thumb on the neck p/u, the screw extention on the "P" p/u tore up my thumb quite miserably. 1991 I sold my '61 Fender Jazz. Only 30 minutes later, I went to WMC again only to discover someone had traded in a Small Body Standard Series I. I bought it for, get this, $800.00 !!! The rest, as they say is history | ||
| Paul Schmitz (pas)
New Username: pas Post Number: 7 Registered: 3-2003 |
I was 21 - 1985. I had been playing a 1980 Guild B-302 for about 5 years, but wanted an instrument that wouldn't fight me, action & scale wise. I also was looking for a little more lively sound...something you could really hear, as opposed to just feel. They had a couple of Spoilers & Distillates in stock at Rolls Music in Falls Church, VA & I went in & took 'em for a test run. The Distillates being out of my price range at the time, it came down to either a Coco Bolo Persuader or a Bubinga Spoiler...liked the Coco Bolo, but in the end went with the Spoiler - $1,000.00 brand new. It's a great bass & I still have it today. | ||
| Joey Wilson (bigredbass)
Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 71 Registered: 9-2002 |
Forty-Four. Walked into a music store in Nashville. Found the 5-string SPOILER hanging on the wall. Fell in love. Asked 'how much?' 'Consignment, $1500.00.' Asked my brother-in-law (who well understands the syndrome of boys-and-their-toys) who said 'here's the money!'. Before I could repay him, my mother passed away, and I repaid him from the estate. So my brother in law (who's really the brother I never had) bought it for me, and my mother gave me the money to keep it as the last thing she ever did for me. How could I ever part with it, it's the best bass I ever had, shot full of love. The first time he saw it, my brother-in-law said, "Geez, that's a big red bass!" And so our story began . . . (Message edited by bigredbass on March 20, 2003) | ||
| Matt Springer (bassfree)
New Username: bassfree Post Number: 10 Registered: 1-2003 |
I was 34. Okay it was only a few weeks ago that I got my first Alembic (MK Standard)"The Mandarin". I had been on a search for "The One" since I started playing at age 18. I'd owned most of the top names before (Zon, Modulus, Roscoe etc) and that search ended when I picked up my first Alembic. For some reason, I'm just not interested in cruising the guitar shops or internet bass sites anymore. Better late than never! | ||
| Chris G. (76ac070)
Member Username: 76ac070 Post Number: 58 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....my "Baby" (76AC070) was ordered in 1975 when I was 20 and delivered in 1976 when I was 21. All of the local music store guys snickered and told me that I was "nuts" to be spending over $2,000.00 on a bass! My grandfather had passed on and left me a fair amount of money - this is all I have left of that money today. 8>) When she arrived, she became affectionatly known as "Chris' coffee table" because of the size. Imagine what would have been said if I had not had the body sides carved and the front and back contoured!! I believe that she may be the only Alembic with a purple heart neck with walnut stringers as a result of the shaved neck dimensions (Mica?). She also has a Susan designed, modified Tree Of Life inlay that includes a modified Libra glyph at the top in abalone and has LOTS of silver, ivory and mother-of pearl as well. The core is cherry and the front / back are schedua. What a warm and rich sounding combination. She is reportedly worth over $20K (replacement). I'd call that a pretty good investment, eh? | ||
| Daniel Tracey (dannobasso)
Junior Username: dannobasso Post Number: 38 Registered: 7-2002 |
1983 at 20yrs. I had a Gibson Ripper and a custom Fretless. The Ripper was sold by a guy I lent it to who happened to be (as I rudely found out) into heroin. Orderd a custom BCRich Mockingbird bass. Played like garbage. Went to Sam Ash 48th St. NYC. Found a Koa Spoiler 4. $900.00 no case. Just had it refinshed and should get it on the 21st. One day shy of me birthday. Been buying them ever since. 87 Custom spoiler 6 w/dragon inlay. 93 custom spoiler 6 flame koa jazz spacing initials, BDay present to myself. 00 spoiler 7 fretless cocobolo, no real reason, 02 custom spoiler 6 figured walnut initials, back up bass, 03 excel 5 almost black finish, needed dark bass for new project, picked up used 89 spoiler exploiter quilted maple, guy need cash, I needed a fix, 87 SC sig dlx, it was there. 2 F1X preamps, best things to use. I feel the urge for a sister for my Excel 5. I'm averaging one every 2.5 years. Most from Brian at Washington Music. Great rep for Alembic to have. Question is, how old will you be when you get your last Alembic? | ||
| Paul Lindemans (palembic)
Advanced Member Username: palembic Post Number: 329 Registered: 9-2002 |
A question to Joey: is there a picture somewhere of that Bigredbass here hanging around? Same question to Chris: where stands the "coffee table?" 8-D | ||
| Bill Payne (beatlejuice)
New Username: beatlejuice Post Number: 1 Registered: 3-2003 |
I got my first Alembic, an 83'Spoiler....well, today. I'm 50 years and 35 days old (yea, I was born on Valentines Day). Over the last 39 years I have had 24 basses that I can remember (I still have 20 of them). I presently own 6 Fenders (mostly oldies, but goodies), 2 Rickenbackers (including a 64 4001), 2 G&L's, 4 Steinbergers and an old Modulous Graphite Flight 4, etc etc. Looking forward to actually playing out with the Spoiler. Been drooling over owning an Alembic for many years. | ||
| Paul Lindemans (palembic)
Advanced Member Username: palembic Post Number: 332 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Bill, welcome to the club. Bill Payne ??? That name rings a bell but I dunno how? In antother context? Anyway welcome from this Paul (the bad one). I suggest that Daniel and you together can put a nice bass-museum? You add Brother Rami to that. ;-) Paul | ||
| Valentino Villevieille (valvil)
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 107 Registered: 7-2002 |
Paul, Bill Payne is also the name of the keyboard player for Little Feat, maybe that's the bell it's ringing. Valentino | ||
| Edwin Hurwitz (edwin)
Junior Username: edwin Post Number: 17 Registered: 5-2002 |
Also born on Valentine's Day, but got my first Alembic in April of 1995 at the age of 34. 2 weeks after I got it, I went to Europe for a month on my honeymoon and spent a lot of the time wishing I was back home playing my new bass. I had wanted one since 1976 after seeing Phil Lesh playing one at the Boston Music Hall. There was a short lived high end bass store on Boylston St that had a few, including some with graphite necks. Didn't really get to check one out until 1981 in San Francisco. It took a long time to find the right one. Mine is a '78 Series I in Schedua. Paid $750. Edwin | ||
| Paul Lindemans (palembic)
Advanced Member Username: palembic Post Number: 335 Registered: 9-2002 |
Edwin, for some reason I can understand perfectly that you didn't took your new bass along on your honeymoon! ;-) Holy Moder: you are ringing the right bells again. (I'm afraid this memory thing will not go better with the years to come "and where did I put that $$#**^<>@!? guitar ???"?) LOL Paul | ||
| James Patrick Lykens (bassment)
New Username: bassment Post Number: 2 Registered: 3-2003 |
Well, I'm 16 and just bought my '77 or '78 Series 1 3 days ago. I was in there trying out basses and said that I was really looking for an Alembic and couldn't afford it. They said they'd sell me one they had locked up downstairs for $850. So of course I said, "What's wrong with it?" "Nothing." they said. "Is it fake?" they said, "no". So I asked if I could see it and play it. I didn't see anything fake and it certainly didn't sound fake as the Alembic sound came pouring out. It was amazing! I have been trying to figure out some of the technical history of the bass, but I can't get anyone to answer. I don't mind, I know they're busy. But if any one is here... like Mica: The serial number is 964A and its either '77 or '78. They didn't know. Its a Series 1. Any help is appreciated. | ||
| Valentino Villevieille (valvil)
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 108 Registered: 7-2002 |
Congratulations James! it sounds like those guys must have really liked you, or they didn't realize what they had, because a series I at that price is a steal. I imagine most of us would love to run into a deal like that. Wonder why the heck would they keep something like that not on display. That was your good fortune for sure. Post pictures soon, I know we all want to see it. BTW, did you get the power supply too? even if you didn't it's still an unbelievable deal. Valentino | ||
| Kenn Reynolds (lembic76450)
New Username: lembic76450 Post Number: 6 Registered: 5-2002 |
James, the serial number should be on the very top of the headstock. one side of the tip is the year and the other is the number of the bass. welcome to the club. I got my '76 series 1 in 1979, I was 27. Kenn | ||
| James Patrick Lykens (bassment)
New Username: bassment Post Number: 3 Registered: 3-2003 |
To Val, Yes. It did come with the original power supply which worked fine. I am a very happy boy. Thanx all for the welcome. | ||
| Peter Hupfield (hup)
New Username: hup Post Number: 2 Registered: 1-2003 |
I was 24 when i got my spoiler, bought it over the phone without looking at it from The Bass Player in Sydney Australia. It is a 5 string with coco bolo top. I haven't owned may basses but now i have my spoiler i wont play anything but "ALEMBIC" | ||
| Werner Witzel (thebass)
New Username: thebass Post Number: 7 Registered: 3-2003 |
Hello, I had to become 39 to buy my 1st Alembic (94 MK Standard, used, see some pictures in the showcase section) after owning and reselling 20+ other axes. Shame on me it took me that long to find out that this was the sound I was always searching for (I am a huge fan of Mark King and Stanley Clarke). And ... you are right Paul, my other Basses, including my former workhorse, a MusicMan Sterling don't love me anymore ... I guess I can live with that ;-) Peace on earth, Werner | ||
| Valentino Villevieille (valvil)
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 112 Registered: 7-2002 |
My first Alembic was a SC deluxe I got in August 1990. I was 28. I had started playing bass late, at 26, and that was the very first Alembic I ever saw, other than in pictures. It was a dream come true, did not expect to find one when I walked into the one of the Evil Empire Outlets.  I was playing a Steinberger headless 4 string at the time ( the less expensive and more V-shaped of the 2). I gave it away as a present to a friend about 2 years later. I still see it at his house all the time. I never feel the slightest urge to pick it up. Valentino |
