| Author | Message | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 857 Registered: 11-2003 |
Folks, I just got off the phone with Keith H., a long time member here in the club, and neighbor here in NC. We were discussing some things regarding one of his basses, and ... well ... to make a long story short, we talked for over 1.5 hours. What did we talk about? His instrument. The pullout of the last combat brigade in Iraq. The wisdom of going into Iraq in the first place. The mosque issue in NYC. The job market. What to do with a top round "london broil" cut steak and a pineapple/chipotle glaze. Brining pork loins. Comfort taper vs. custom taper. Those who open a restaurant without restaurant experience. The difference between home and professional cooking. Why items to be placed in an omelette should be warm before making the omelette. Why one should marinate thin cuts of meat as opposed to thicker cuts. Where to build a retirement home here in NC (and by that, I mean a home one plans to remain and retire in). All of this was a pleasure to discuss with Keith. The common denominator that brought Keith and I together for the call (and draws us all here) are Alembic instruments. This common denominator led to discussions on other things completely unrelated to each other in a very friendly way. That a company and an instrument can be the catalyst for such discussions never ceases to amaze me. I'm sure there are other instruments and companies that inspire similar passions, but I just thought I'd share this with everyone. Alan P.S. I've had similar discussions with Olie in the past that were equally enriching and enjoyable. P.S.S. Keith - any chance I can get the recipe for the Pineapple/Chipotle glaze? ;-) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1217 Registered: 5-2009 |
This is very cool_________ The above post is a prime example in my opinion of what it takes to bring this World (Earth) together, Reach out to our Brothers and Sisters and find common ground . Love & Sonic Regards! Wolf | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 1292 Registered: 3-2004 |
Thanks Alan. A reminder that there are some wonderful folk here who it is a privilege to talk with and sometimes do a little business with as well. Also that we share being misunderstood by a lot of musical folk. But deep down we don't really mind. | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 809 Registered: 12-2004 |
richbass & I had fued a few months back where i emailed him with some very bad words where dave (hauk) had shut the thread,well anyway richbass & i talk often and are good buddies today as well as working on a new guitar strap harness!......sometimes good things can come from bad vibes! | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 1329 Registered: 11-2004 |
All the folks are cool here, there are some exceptions but I ignore them, that way it doesn't become so heated and personal that it causes bad feelings. I hope to drive across the USA next year on the I-50(the lonliest road) and if I get to do it I hope to meet some of the members on the way | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 9531 Registered: 5-2002 |
Thanks Alan; reading this is a wonderful start to the day. | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 471 Registered: 11-2008 |
Alembics brought me together with Abidu, another club member from Brazil, with whom I've traded basses and attended some performances. It's very cool how finding common ground brings people together! Cheers to Alembic!! Greg | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 9532 Registered: 5-2002 |
Terry; I think you mean US Hwy 50 rather than I-50, and that would indeed be a very interesting trip. Keep us apprised of your plans. | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Senior Member Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 618 Registered: 5-2007 |
Maybe we should start our own reality TV show: the Essence of the Series would be about Rogue musicians who Excel | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 9533 Registered: 5-2002 |
Vann-Di; if we did that I'd have to take a shower and put on clean clothes and stuff. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 2091 Registered: 6-2002 |
Yeah a show like that would be an Epic, maybe since alembic is based on the west coast they could do a California Special and the networks would be sure to give their signatures for a series II. Well we better keep Orion the schedules and see what happens. hahah couldn't resist. Jazzyvee | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 810 Registered: 12-2004 |
Starring the alembic Brass! | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 2092 Registered: 6-2002 |
I've Gotoh tune into that. | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 472 Registered: 11-2008 |
That will be a nice Tribute to us musicians... (I know, I used the easiest one... but that is unfortunately, the best I can do...) Greg | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 811 Registered: 12-2004 |
dont forget the Micaphone. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1220 Registered: 5-2009 |
OK . Folks ,that was a nice round of comments for Series I . Now it is time to continue to Series II . I will be very excited when we get to Series III !!!!!! | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 1655 Registered: 2-2005 |
Al, I enjoyed our discussion also. Rene and I haven't made a trip down that way in a while so might give you a holler one weekend. Keith | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 189 Registered: 9-2009 |
Why I'm an Alembic Player... Because the company is still owned by the Wickersham's I sleep good at night knowing they are there. Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 1333 Registered: 11-2004 |
Dave, yes I meant Hwy 50, already doing the planning!! | ||
| benson_murrensun
Advanced Member Username: benson_murrensun Post Number: 320 Registered: 5-2007 |
I don't have cable TV, and I don't know if the antenna would PICKUP the show. Owwwww. | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 1107 Registered: 11-2004 |
I really like this club. It is a true community. A great place to hang out for awhile and get away from all the strange stuff that exists. When Keavin described the scrap that we had a little while ago, he failed to mention that I started the whole thing when I should have just kept my mouth shut and not been such a dick. In our chats since then I've discovered that Keavin is really a cool dude. Terryc, let us know when you're traveling across US 50. I don't live very far from 50. If I can possibly get there I would like to meet you. Rich | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1483 Registered: 9-2002 |
Why am I an Alembic player? Susan. Mica. Mary. . . . and all of you ! J o e y | ||
| bassman4
Junior Username: bassman4 Post Number: 17 Registered: 3-2009 |
Very cool post ajdover ! I am so glad I stopped to read this!! In answer: ...because I was lucky enough to hear one...(Stanley)...savvy enough to know it was the top of the mark...and finally fortunate enough to find one that suited both my sense of aesthetics, and my pocketbook...If I had not...I'd still be looking!! | ||
| tcube
Member Username: tcube Post Number: 71 Registered: 8-2007 |
Why I play Alembic: In a word, Stanley. I saw him back in 74 or so on Public Television with some group called Return to Forever. I couldn't believe that I played the same instrument as that tall bass guy! The style and sound were revolutionary. Fast-forward 20 years, and I realized that my '69 Fender Tele bass (pink paisley) was worth a little more than the $175 I paid for it. Selling that Tele netted me my first Alembic - a 1992 Essence 5 that I played for over 10 years, then sold in a moment GAS insanity. In the meantime I owned and seriously gigged Roscoes, Warwicks, and Foderas, not to mention trying out other boutique brands like Lull & Sadowsky. With all of them, I'd adjust my EQ & Fx in quest of the sound that I'd get with my Essence with EQ set flat. Lesson learned, I'm back to playing an Alembic (Distillate). They just sound the best - nothing compares. And finally, there is Alembic, the workshop of the Magic Hippies who spin wood and electrons into gold. Their dedication to us players whether it's a hack like me or Stanley Clarke and their dedication to sound crafting is unsurpassed. Well, I suppose I'm preaching to the choir. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1605 Registered: 5-2009 |
My Alembic will quickly tell me when and how to shape up; it tells no lies ! I also find that I get back what I give and the results can be sweet . | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 1138 Registered: 11-2004 |
" ... Alembic ...the Magic Hippies who spin wood and electrons into gold." Wow ... extremely well put. Rich | ||
| mario_farufyno
Senior Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 593 Registered: 9-2008 |
Because of Stanley Clarke and because I've tryed playing it at the shop... I couldn't believe how it sounded good even unplugged and when I turned on the Amp, wow, I had to buy it instantly. | ||
| billostech
Member Username: billostech Post Number: 67 Registered: 1-2011 |
Well, I got my first Alembic 5 days ago. I can't stop playing it. Running home from work to play it....playing it early in the morning. I wonder if I will ever get over this addiction... Sorry for the rant. Just happy is all. | ||
| pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 573 Registered: 6-2006 |
Bill Happy is good!  It certainly is a joyous feeling being an Alembic owner! Nice stinger. | ||
| pierreyves
Senior Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 748 Registered: 11-2006 |
Because Stanley in first. in the beginning of 80's one of my friends gave me the album "Stanley Clarke", and said to me "listen to this incredible guy...and I was begenning to learn how he play, and some monthes later, I bought my first Alembic... I'm soooo sorry, but I cannot play with another bass, Alembic is in my blood, even I don't agree with all. | ||
| pierreyves
Senior Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 749 Registered: 11-2006 |
and because Alembic SC and MK are the nicest basses, for me. | ||
| mario_farufyno
Senior Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 594 Registered: 9-2008 |
All other basses got dull compared to it, as I suddenly discovered a 3d dimension on my canvas. | ||
| billostech
Member Username: billostech Post Number: 71 Registered: 1-2011 |
I remember well (It was only 2 months ago). I had just purchased a PRS bass and was searching the net viewing images, when I saw a picture of a guy holding a bass. I clicked on the image and it was Big Tony holding his Alembic Series I. The picture was from this forum. This was the first time I actually heard of the Alembic brand. After some research and a couple of calls to some well-known musicians in our area, I caught the "must have one" bug. Every forum member I have talked to dealt with my ignorance to the brand with respect and patience, and has taught me a lot. I have even gotten great advice on my playing. I guess my MK not only came with great looks and awesome sound, it came with a great community of musicians. I can't say enough good things about Mica. She assisted in our (used bass) transaction as if I was buying a new bass directly from the Mother Ship. When I am able to purchase a new bass it will be from Alembic!!! (Message edited by billostech on February 17, 2011) | ||
| jameso9
Junior Username: jameso9 Post Number: 20 Registered: 9-2009 |
In the later 70's, when I was about 17 I heard Stanley for the first time. Yeah he was good, LOL, but that sound was what I wanted. I was hooked... and when I identified it as 'Alembic', I tracked them down (no internet... but I was on a quest). I wrote to them and rec'd an info packet (which I still have to this day), including a 1980 price list. Ouch! There goes that idea. But a couple of years later I saw an add for a stock model, the Distillate. This time I called and asked if they could tell me who might have one to try. That led to a Saturday, driving over 4 hours to a store in Cleveland. They had just gotten a Spoiler. I played two notes and melted to the floor. But alas, still couldn't afford. So I looked for the closest thing I could find, and settled for an Aria Pro II SB-1000, which had similar features and I could afford. But finally my luck changed (fate). In '85, a muscian I had recently met, contacted me about someone who was selling one. I finally had an Alembic, a 2 year old Distillate. It's a tank, and has been my main bass for over 25 yrs. Still in the same shape as adopted. It was getting lonely though, and recently I was lucky enough to find another 32" Alembic. A custom Elan with the bonus of Anniversary electronics. Pristine, so my poor Distillate will still have to do the bulk of out-of-studio work. Yes... I've been obsessed (or posessed)! | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1284 Registered: 11-2004 |
James- 32" Elan? I'd love to see pictures if you have them. You should open a thread in the showcase section if you have pictures and a few moments. | ||
| jameso9
Junior Username: jameso9 Post Number: 21 Registered: 9-2009 |
That's a good idea 't'... here's what I found I have of the '89 Elan... and a bonus pic with the '83 Distillate    | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1285 Registered: 11-2004 |
Killer stuff.... I have a 32" Elan with Signature electronics on my wish list. | ||
| speicky
Senior Member Username: speicky Post Number: 432 Registered: 3-2005 |
very nice... and the licence plate is killer, too  | ||
| billostech
Member Username: billostech Post Number: 72 Registered: 1-2011 |
Beautiful basses you have there James. We can see why you are an Alembic player!!! The license plate has given me another idea.... | ||
| pas
Advanced Member Username: pas Post Number: 257 Registered: 3-2003 |
Mine has always been a conversation starter...  | ||
| billostech
Member Username: billostech Post Number: 75 Registered: 1-2011 |
Officer: “Drivers license and registration please” Paul: “Here you go officer. May I ask why I got pulled over” Officer: “No reason, I am a bass player too. I am thinking about a custom Elan with a walnut top. What do you think” Paul: ” Well…...” | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 936 Registered: 11-2003 |
BTW, James.... GO BUCKS! | ||
| tcube
Member Username: tcube Post Number: 73 Registered: 8-2007 |
Hmmmm. Nice plates - What would you think if Mica's plate read "Fender"? | ||
| jameso9
Junior Username: jameso9 Post Number: 22 Registered: 9-2009 |
That's some funny stuff... I'm still laughing. I especially like the plate because, few know the name (or is it a word to them?). People ask all the time 'What does that say, Alll Em ba...". So if something happens, they'll be reporting... "I think it was alimbis, or something like that" | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 2338 Registered: 6-2002 |
I play Alembic basses because they are the only basses I have. :-) Jazzyvee | ||
| lenny_d
Junior Username: lenny_d Post Number: 29 Registered: 9-2009 |
In a word, Stanley. Preceding that was the original Hofner, and the then current dream bass, the '72 all maple Jazz later upgraded with DiMarzios. I played that until I wore the finish off the underside of the neck (and still have it). Then RTF debuted in the '70s. I was hooked. Ordered a 34" small body SII. And waited... 6 mos. later after a medium scale small body arrived at the music store, we called to inquire about mine. Someone there (unknown to us now) casually replied "Oh we didn't like the way it was turning out so we scrapped it and started over." Wow. I waited patiently and continued gigging with the Jazz sounding very Sadowsky-like, long before he rose to prominence. Six more months later I received a call from the store that my bass had arrived. Being like family, we all eagerly gathered around as I opened the packaging. I can still recollect the smell as I opened the case. We all just gasped in silence. Through all these years later I am still rewarded every time I play no matter what environment I find myself in. I discovered early on that unlike most of its neighbors Alembic has no boundaries. You don't discover that until you play one and then play something else. I feel truly fortunate. ...but then, I'm preaching to the choir, yes?! | ||
| billostech
Member Username: billostech Post Number: 76 Registered: 1-2011 |
Graet sermon Lenny. | ||
| mario_farufyno
Senior Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 595 Registered: 9-2008 |
Loved your story, Lenny! | ||
| chuck
Advanced Member Username: chuck Post Number: 257 Registered: 3-2005 |
The question. Why do I play an alembic? Answer. Because I can. Chuck. | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 1535 Registered: 11-2004 |
I waited over 20 years to get my MK Signature, I remember seeing RTF on a rock show here in the UK 'The Old grey Whistle Test' and Stan was playing something I did not recognise, I was 14 or 15 years old and was just getting interested in playing music, the only makes of guitar and basses I knew of were Fenders & Gibsons. I had not a clue what he was playing but it was the sound..it cut through like a knife. This was around 1972 and as the decade wore on I found out about Alembics but they were extremely scarce in the UK and I could never afford one. Norman Watt Roy alledgedly played on one on the Ian Drury video 'Hit Me With Your Rhythym Stick' and one was used by Dexie's Midnight Runners. Eventually in 1998 whilst on holiday in New York I bought the MK from Rudy Penshur's Music Stop for a mere $1500. It is a great bass but I don't think I will be able to afford multiple Alembics unless I win the lottery | ||
| georgie_boy
Senior Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 1005 Registered: 8-2005 |
Terry! I have (99% sure) the Dexy's bass played by Georgio Kilkenny. It now resides in Scotland, and is spoiled and pampered as all beautiful women should be. I waited 25 years to find her. We have been together for 11 years and her birthday is today!! George | ||
| benson_murrensun
Senior Member Username: benson_murrensun Post Number: 431 Registered: 5-2007 |
I heard of Alembic from tales of the Grateful Dead and Owsley. Then I saw some pix of Alembics and that whetted my appetite. Years later I saw one on Craigslist for an irresistable price so I got it. I play one now because it plays like buttah and sounds great! | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 1536 Registered: 11-2004 |
georgie...so that's where it ended up..you lucky man..it was on an episode of 'The Young Ones' back in the early 80's which I posted on here a couple of months ago..Lucky man you are | ||
| seventhsunbass
New Username: seventhsunbass Post Number: 2 Registered: 4-2011 |
To paraphrase a friend of mine on Talkbass, I play my Alembic because it plays like butter dipped in liquid Jesus. | ||
| rustyg61
Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 81 Registered: 2-2011 |
It's like the Harley slogan..."If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand!" The first time I rode a Harley, I "got it," & the 1st time I played an Alembic (which I bought mail order sight unseen) I was hooked & nothing else compared! Alembics are so much more than a bass or guitar, they are the ultimate instrument with a rich history full of amazing people & players who changed the music world forever. For those of us lucky enough to own one or more of these amazing intruments, we are truly blessed! | ||
| billostech
Intermediate Member Username: billostech Post Number: 135 Registered: 1-2011 |
Amen to that Rusty!!! | ||
| rustyg61
Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 82 Registered: 2-2011 |
Thanks Bill! | ||
| s_wood
Advanced Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 332 Registered: 5-2002 |
Wow...how did I miss this thread! Alan, your intro post was just beautiful...a C major chord on a sunny day. Thanks! | ||
| hifiguy
Advanced Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 278 Registered: 10-2006 |
I played bass for 25+ years before I bought my Alembic in 1999. It was the first bass that ever "talked back" to me. Playing an Alembic - any Alembic - is for me an immersive and interactive experience. Nothing else, as the Porsche commercials used to say, even comes close. Add to that the family atmosphere of the Alembic community and the extraordinary support of all the folks at the Mothership and you have something unique. A good friend of mine in the audio industry has owned Ferraris for years and we've swapped stories about that special sense of understanding that arises among a group of people who not only appreciate the best, but WHY it is the best. We understand each other's passion for our "toys" on a profound level. And he even let me drive his Maranello once. He looked over the Alembic site once or twice and got the crux of the biscuit immediately even though he does not play any instruments. Game recognizes game. | ||
| jbybj
Advanced Member Username: jbybj Post Number: 329 Registered: 6-2006 |
The apostrophe?!? | ||
| seventhsunbass
New Username: seventhsunbass Post Number: 10 Registered: 4-2011 |
When I was just a wee lad in '86, I started playing bass after a friend bought a set of drums. Having small hands and trying my first bass, I realized this may be a problem. I went to Chuck's (Washington Music Center) and spoke with Paul Schein who handed me an Alembic Distillate. Plucking on it as best as my limited experience allowed, I was floored. The very air around where I was playing changed. There were rainbows and sunbeams everywhere. I even thought I saw a unicorn, I swear. OK, so it was the 80's, I know what I saw. Then Paul told me the price. Oh, really? Did I mention I was a plumbing apprentice then making $3.35 p/h? I settled on a MIJ Fender P in 32" and have spent the next 25 years trying to climb back to Eden. Finally, my rainbows and sunbeams are back.......and the unicorn, too. | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 1309 Registered: 12-2004 |
Alan: re: warm ingredients in an omelette. Is this because cold ingredients cause the egg to cook unevenly? Also, one of my rules of thumb is to never put cheese on an omelette that is shy of fully cooked. | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 964 Registered: 11-2003 |
You want your ingredients for your omelette warm simply because they will continue to cook the eggs after you pull it off the heat. If they're warm, the omelette will cook to perfection (the omelette shouldn't be completely cooked when you pull it - just shy of it). If they're cold - well, you'll get excess liquid you don't want in an omelette. As for the cheese, add it with your other ingredients. Alan |
