| Author | Message | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1601 Registered: 7-2004 |
Check out the "mods" on this one! http://cgi.ebay.com/Alembic-Epic-Fretless-5-String-Bass-Bartolini-Pickups_W0QQitemZ190029708483QQihZ009QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Bill, tgo | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 805 Registered: 10-2002 |
I'm not sure I understand why anyone would replace Alembic Pups with bartolinis. Surely the point of Alembics are their electronics. Graeme | ||
| 57basstra
Advanced Member Username: 57basstra Post Number: 317 Registered: 4-2005 |
As stated in the seller's sales pitch, "This is a one of a kind." I feel certain it will remain so. | ||
| crgaston
Advanced Member Username: crgaston Post Number: 272 Registered: 11-2005 |
I don't play fretless, but I can certainly see how this could be an amazing bass, both from a playability and sound standpoint. Alembic isn't the only company to make good sounding electronics, and not everyone wants the "Alembic sound". The construction is still there, and almost nobody else offers the tweakability of an Alembic. I really enjoy my Modulus with Bartolini pups and electronics, and can easily imagine how this bass would sound. We tend to think of Alembics as "sacred", and generally, the mods I have seen done on Alembics in the past have detracted from rather than improved the instruments. That said, I have to admit that this particular bass appears to be a well-done alteration with a specific sonic goal. (It's not like someone replaced SII electronics with Barts.) It may be a Frankenbass, but my guess is that it's one hell of a monster. Charles | ||
| georgie_boy
Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 95 Registered: 8-2005 |
Hi graeme! Just to say that I have Bartolini's on my Curbow bass and I must say----they are not to be dismissed as light hearted copies---With the active EQ, they are quite superb!!!--------Maybe not SERIES class, but VERY good all the same. Could it be that someone has replaced the pickups because they prefer the sound of Bartolini?????????? Please forgive me for this transgression-----it happens when you get old! G | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1608 Registered: 7-2004 |
But guys, how about the fretboard treatment? Bill, tgo | ||
| crgaston
Advanced Member Username: crgaston Post Number: 273 Registered: 11-2005 |
Pedulla Buzz fretless boards are like that, and it's not that dissimilar to a fretless graphite-necked bass. There have even been aluminum fretboards made. I wouldn't do it myself, but again, looks like it was done well. I listened to the recording, too. It sounds great. Charles | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 806 Registered: 10-2002 |
I'm going to stick my neck out here and say I don't see the point in 'epoxying' the fingerboard. Surely the tone of a fretless comes from the interaction between the string and the wood of the fingerboard. Hardening up the fingerboard is going to radically alter the feel and tone. Now I know some people want to have that feel but to me, the customisations on this epic suggest the seller would have been better off buying a pentabuzz in the first place. And george, I've nothing against Bartolinis, just can't understand why someone would buy Alembic (and you're buying it for 'that' tone) and then change it. Graeme | ||
| mdrdvp
Advanced Member Username: mdrdvp Post Number: 201 Registered: 7-2002 |
I think the answer to that is quite easy. The bass is for sale. So the seller must have the same thoughts. Manfred | ||
| keurosix
Member Username: keurosix Post Number: 75 Registered: 10-2005 |
A lined fretless may have a noticable sound to the fret lines that can also wear faster than the fingerboard. It stands to reason that a finish over this would keep the playing surface even, and less chance of a sonic clue to the lines. The lines do help for fingering too, so it is a best of both worlds compromise. Personally, I would not bite without Alembic electronics though. Barts are good, but Alembics are best. Why settle for less? Kris |
