| Author | Message | ||
| fmm
Member Username: fmm Post Number: 55 Registered: 6-2002 |
http://www.williesguitars.com/Pages/alembic.htm I have no association with the selling of this bass. I just hope I can get over to play it before it gets sold. | ||
| fmm
Member Username: fmm Post Number: 56 Registered: 6-2002 |
It looks like this is the one sold through Superbass.net | ||
| kungfusheriff
Advanced Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 230 Registered: 8-2003 |
{drool} | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 405 Registered: 7-2003 |
Guys, yes it seems to be the one of Superbass.net. The price is a real bargain! Oliver (Spyderman) | ||
| fmm
Member Username: fmm Post Number: 57 Registered: 6-2002 |
The only word I can think of is stunning.  | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 406 Registered: 7-2003 |
FMM, did you buy the DW? It is really a gorgeous bass. I have played Rogers DW (the first ever made) extensively and my next bass will also be a DW. Many greetings and happy holidays. Oliver (Spyderman) | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 407 Registered: 7-2003 |
FMM, here is the pic where I am playing Rogers gorgeous Dragon Wing No.1. Rog, many thanks for it! Oliver (Spyderman)  | ||
| fmm
Member Username: fmm Post Number: 58 Registered: 6-2002 |
Goodness, no. If I happen to win the lottery I shall go back and get it. I'd rather spend that much (preferably less) on a S-I or S-II. While the craftsmenship is breathtaking, what I found most striking was the sound. It must be the purpleheart lams. I need to find out what ebony sounds like. | ||
| ox_junior
Advanced Member Username: ox_junior Post Number: 203 Registered: 3-2004 |
Yummy. <drools> Anyone feel like gifting me for Christmas? Mike | ||
| ajdover
Intermediate Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 152 Registered: 11-2003 |
Mike/Mike/Ollie, I'm seriously considering picking up the Dragon's Wing. I've emailed Ollie via separate correspondence asking for his impressions since he's played one. I picked up my Spyder based on his advice so it's only prudent to ask for it again. Mike, I know you've seen it up close from the pix, so if you have any insights, I'd appreciate it. Anyway, we'll see how it goes. Till then, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and may Santa bring each of us a new Alembic this holiday season! All the best, Alan | ||
| valvil
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 608 Registered: 7-2002 |
Alan, I've played that bass; my 2 cents are that if you like the way the spyder plays, you'll like the dragon wing as much or more. The balance is pretty similar and I think you'll love the coco bolo top. I'd like to see that one go to a good home like yours. Merry Christmas Valentino | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 619 Registered: 3-2004 |
I would have to agree, and it looks like a great value. The Superbass DW had a list price of almost $13K with the various upgrades. Even if you don't love it as a player, I can't see this instrument depreciating significantly from the current value. I have to say I just *LOVE* the look of the logo with shell. | ||
| ajdover
Intermediate Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 153 Registered: 11-2003 |
Gents, I have completed the transaction with Willie's Guitars to acquire the Dragon's Wing. Should have it in about a week or so (after Monday - that's when it ships). I spoke to some of the guys at Willie's and they told me the original owner (by that I mean whoever purchased it from Superbass Steve) had put it on consignment. When I asked why, they said they didn't know. When you look at what Superbass was asking for it (almost $13K list), the price is a steal. I'd be curious to know what the original owner paid for it. From the pics, it looks like it has the original Alembic strings, so it doesn't appear to have been used/played much, as Mike has told me. Anyway, Santa has been good to me this holiday season by bringing me Alembic #3. I can't wait to get it. Many thanks to all who assisted me in making the decision to purchase yet another fine Alembic instrument. Val: It's going to a good home, so the good people in Santa Rosa need not worry! Happy Holidays, Alan | ||
| richbass939
Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 63 Registered: 11-2004 |
Congrats, Alan. Pictures soon please. We've seen the bass. Now let's see it underneath your big grin. Rich | ||
| ajdover
Intermediate Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 154 Registered: 11-2003 |
Rich, Absolutely, as soon as I have it. As my teeth are rather crooked, I'll definitely keep it to a grin! Alan | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1838 Registered: 9-2002 |
Alan ...now you DEFINITELY has to organize that BRBQ ...let's say about spring next year ...nei-ei-eih ...we'll make it 15th of june ...I'll be 50. BTW I DO like a T-bone but rather '"rose". Congrats with the purchase! PTBO | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 620 Registered: 3-2004 |
Thanks, Alan! I was tempted and you saved me. Based on Superbass Steve's great prices and monthly specials, I would guess that the original buyer probably paid something in the vicinity of $8000. Seems crazy that he would let it go so cheap without trying to get more of his money out of the deal, but very nice for you! | ||
| ajdover
Intermediate Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 155 Registered: 11-2003 |
Paul, Provided I am in the country, and you can make the hop "across the pond," June sounds good to me. No problem with a rare T-bone - anything more than medium rare is a crime! Besides, I'll cook it any way you like it! Really looking forward to this one. Only 4 of them out there (so far!), and I have one. As far as I can tell, the main differences between mine and Roger's are: Neck Inlays (Roger has the beautiful Dragon Inlay, I have abalone ovals) Control Knob Placement (Roger's are custom) Control Knobs (Roger has THG knobs) Back Plates (Roger has two, I have three - at least as far as I can tell) Other than that, they're pretty similar, e.g., coco bolo top and back, maple-purpleheart neck, etc. The fact that I got it for what I consider a great price is only the icing on the cake! And of course, they're both Alembics. That's all that counts in the end. I'll post pics when I get the bass. Now, back to saving for a Stanley Clarke Deluxe ... Happy Holidays, Alan | ||
| ajdover
Intermediate Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 156 Registered: 11-2003 |
Bob, Glad I could be of help :-). If, in fact, the original owner paid that much ... I am indeed fortunate. Can't wait to get it and play it! Alan | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 411 Registered: 7-2003 |
Alan, as said before in my email: many congrats to your new DW at that bargain price. You will love it, I swear. Happy holidays to you all. Oliver (Spyderman) | ||
| ajdover
Intermediate Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 164 Registered: 11-2003 |
Gents, The Dragon Wing arrived today. Yet another example of superlative craftsmanship! I love it! I know I'm probably going to be asked, so I'll say it up front: How does it compare to the Spyder? First, the Dragon's Wing is more comfortable to play due to the smaller size, particularly standing up. One has to reach a bit to get to first position, but not as much as on the Spyder. It is also lighter, and the case is smaller (when I take the Spyder somewhere, people ask me if I have a keyboard in the case!). It is also quite comfortable to play sitting down (as is the Spyder). Soundwise, it is less trebly than the Spyder. I attribute this to the electronics (Anniversary in the Spyder, Signature in the Dragon), and woods (Spyder, Flame Maple with Walnut core, Dragon Wing, Coco Bolo, maple/purpleheart accents with mahogany core). The sustain is similar to that on my Spyder, but the Spyder has a bit of an edge in that department due to the individual brass tailpieces for each string. Neck is more narrow at the nut, which I personally like. Inlays are abalone and are stunning. And it has the inlaid logo - absolutely beautiful. Wow factor - even with it's unique shape, I think the Spyder has the edge due to it's sheer size. As I've said before, people get out of the way when I strap the Spyder on. Since this is smaller, I'm not sure it will get the same reception. We'll see I guess, but I'm sure I'll be asked what it is, can I play it, etc. I'll have pics later today - have to wait for my wife to get home to take them for me. Alan | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 412 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hi Alan, many congrats to your Dragon Wing. I knew that you are satisfied. And..I have to agree to all your points above. You know I played Rog´s DW when we met at Edwin van Huiks shop and I really was amazed about the small case of the DW. And.... plse post pics,pics,pics Many greetings from a Spyder brother Oliver (Spyderman) | ||
| kungfusheriff
Advanced Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 237 Registered: 8-2003 |
Niiiice! Glad to see my tax dollars are going for a good purpose (laughing). Congratulations, and PICTURES-PICTURES-PICTURES! | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 636 Registered: 3-2004 |
Congrats, Alan! After recommending it, I'm very happy that you're pleased. Your Spyder probably has a sustain edge as a result of the weight difference as well. The narrower neck at the nut is a surprise to me. If I had known it had that, I might have jumped on it ahead of you, you lucky dog! -Bob | ||
| ajdover
Intermediate Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 165 Registered: 11-2003 |
Gents, After popping some brand new DRs on it (.40-.100 - and yes, I use Rotos, but they didn't have any light gauge), the Wing positively sings (wow, it rhymes too!). I cannot believe the sounds that emanate from it. It is everything I expected and more. I can't wait to take it out in public and play it. I'm charging up the camera (wife took mine, and didn't charge up this one!), and as soon as I can, I'll take pics. Bob: Yes, I am indeed lucky, both with the instrument and the price. This is probably the only time I'm glad I got in ahead of another club member! But, they can always make you one .... ;-) Shawn: Yes, your tax dollars at work. At least you know your taxes actually bought something that's quality and works! Oliver: You realize, of course, all of this is your fault! It was you who convinced me to buy a Spyder, and look at me now! Three Alembics and counting! Alan | ||
| ajdover
Intermediate Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 166 Registered: 11-2003 |
Gents, Here she is, the Wing. I love it! Alan  | ||
| ajdover
Intermediate Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 167 Registered: 11-2003 |
Second Pic of the Wing. My wife made me smile AND close my eyes! Alan  | ||
| ajdover
Intermediate Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 168 Registered: 11-2003 |
Third pic of the Wing. Man, what a bass.  | ||
| dgcarbu
Member Username: dgcarbu Post Number: 61 Registered: 6-2004 |
Hi Alan, Many Congratulations on your "Medieval Beast", now wouldn't you like to show that off in person? I know I'd like to see one. Happy New Year!!! Darrell | ||
| kungfusheriff
Advanced Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 238 Registered: 8-2003 |
Wow! That colobolo is frightening! | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 413 Registered: 7-2003 |
Alan, just as I thought. This weapon fits you really well.... :-) You know, I am still jealous.... The next one will be a DW too. It must be an Alembic as I laid my eyes on other beauties too much in the past. So my small collection now is: Alembic Spyder 4string Alembic Spyder 8string Ovation Elite Acoustic bass (Johns personal) Warwick Buzzard Limited Status Buzzard 2 Custom with a blackburst finish. But I am still the Spyderman...... Oliver | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 414 Registered: 7-2003 |
Guys, and here a photo of my latest toy, the Status Buzzard 2 Custom. OK, not Alembic this time but definetely JE related. And the next will be an Alembic of course, the DW. The bass is a bit custom as it has the big Buzz1 electronics in, an alder body with a custom ash top and a custom blackburst finish. What do you think? (photo courtesy of S-G) Oliver (Spyderman) (Message edited by senmen on December 31, 2004) | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 415 Registered: 7-2003 |
Sorry guys, here is the picture:  | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1853 Registered: 9-2002 |
(Message edited by palembic on December 31, 2004) | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1854 Registered: 9-2002 |
Nice ...weird but nice ... oh ...huh ...how far was the drive to your place again??? PTBO | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 417 Registered: 7-2003 |
Paul, you know it is very close to me. If you ever like you are invited to come! Oliver (Spyderman) | ||
| lbpesq
Advanced Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 225 Registered: 7-2004 |
Alan: AMAZING! Does it have the custom fire-breathing option? Oliver (Spyderman): VERY COOL! And I'll bet you never make a mistake as to which fret you're on! Happy New Year to Everyone. Bill, tgo | ||
| ajdover
Intermediate Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 169 Registered: 11-2003 |
Bill, If it came with a custom fire-breathing option, I would have gotten it! Darrell: Yes, I took it out in public yesterday to the local music store while shopping for strings. Everyone was absolutely floored. Oliver: I have 13 in my stable now ('73 and '94 Fender Jazz Basses, '87 Gibson Thunderbird, '74 Gibson Ripper, '79 Musicman Stingray, '76 Rickenbacker 4001, the Spyder, Dragon's Wing, and Europa, '04 Pedulla MVP 4, '89 Peavey Dyna Bass Unity Series Limited with Kahler tremelo, Godin A4 acoustic electric, and an Ovation CC074 acoustic electric). The Alembics are the stars of my bass collection. Don't have a Status ... yet! Maybe a Status Buzzard in my future ... or a Stanley Clarke Deluxe ... ahh, the joys of GAS! Alan | ||
| the_mule
Advanced Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 380 Registered: 1-2004 |
"I took it out in public yesterday to the local music store while shopping for strings. Everyone was absolutely floored" I can imagine that! Did they let you try different strings, or did you go for a favourite and tested brand? The first isn't likely, but maybe the Dragon's Wing has that kind of effect on people?! Very impressive bass, you sure look very pleased! Wilfred | ||
| rogertvr
Advanced Member Username: rogertvr Post Number: 289 Registered: 1-2003 |
Welcome to The Dragon's Wing club, Alan! Currently running at two members ;-) Referring back to an earlier post, my own DW has three back plates - one for the electronics, one for the battery for the electronics and one for the batteries for the LEDs. There is also another unmentioned/unnoticed difference between my own and Alan's basses - mine has three purpleheart laminates in the neck. It certainly is a pretty bass, Alan - the grain in the wood is lovely! On the subject of future basses, I have just over 4 weeks to wait for the arrival of my 40th birthday present, as purchased by Jacqui for me. I'm not going to play the guessing game with everyone, so I'll just tell you - it's a Status Graphite Buzzard, chrome hardware except for a gold D-tuner, and blue side LEDs. Should be interesting! Cheers, Rog | ||
| the_mule
Advanced Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 383 Registered: 1-2004 |
Sounds like a great bass Roger! Feel free to post some pictures - we still like them, even if they're non-Alembic - in the Misc. section, I'm planning to do the same with my Christmas present to myself, a MIM Fender Jazz 5... Wilfred | ||
| ajdover
Intermediate Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 170 Registered: 11-2003 |
Roger, Thanks! It's good to know I'm a member (for now at least) of a fairly exclusive club. It's my hope that Alembic makes this a more "regular" model so others can enjoy it as I (and you, and in the near future, Oliver) do. The more I play it, the more I'm just blown away by the sound, tone, and sheer ease of playability. It truly is a superlative instrument IMHO. Wifred: Nahh, but they did let me take some out of packages and measure to make sure they fit (a lesson I learned with my Spyder). I settled on DRs as noted above, and it just made the Wing positively sing (there I go rhyming again!). In fact, those DRs (hi beams) sound so good, on Monday I'm going to get a set for my Spyder. I know that Oliver uses them on his, and now I can see why. I'm normally a Rotosound man (that's what I have on everything else), but I'm having difficulty finding Rotos long enough and in the gauge I prefer (.40-.95). The DRs, however, sound great on the Wing, and I can't wait to try them out on the Spyder. And yes, I am very pleased with the Wing. Best regards, Alan | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 418 Registered: 7-2003 |
Alan, yes you are right. The DR High Beams are really great and especially on the Spyders they give unbelievable highs. I do run my Spyder4 now VERY LOW and the strings are short before buzzing. It is very good for Johns typewriter style..... Many greetings Oliver (Spyderman) |
