| Author | Message | ||
| navbass
New Username: navbass Post Number: 2 Registered: 4-2006 |
Hello there, I recently purchased my first Alembic, a used '88 Elan, here in Japan. I don't know much about the woods or electronics used (I've put a serial number inquiry in). I just know that I LOVE IT. I've always been one of those 'Leo Fender got it right the first time' type of guys, until I picked up my Alembic. I've been a full time musician with the US Navy for the past six years (Navy Band Southwest 2000-2005, US Seventh Fleet Band 2005-present). I had an image of Alembic as some kind of overpriced, elitist, boutique bass. Wow was I ever wrong. Now I can't put mine down! I just got back from our spring tour, playing in climates ranging from Hakiado (northern Japan) all the way to Thailand and Singapore. The neck needed absolutely no adjustment the whole trip. My jazz bass would have been unplayable. I'm very happy with this bass and I'm seriously considering my own custom order. I'm glad to join the community here at the Alembic Club! Richard Bruns http://rich7thfleetband.blogspot.com/  Playing my Alembic at the Botanical Gardens in Singapore  Me and my j-bass at the Black Ship Festival in Shimoda, Japan | ||
| navbass
New Username: navbass Post Number: 3 Registered: 4-2006 |
Another pic, My Alembic and I with the band in Hong Kong last month.  | ||
| the_8_string_king
Intermediate Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 139 Registered: 9-2005 |
Welcome to the club, Richard! The fine folks at Alembic, while justifiably proud of their work, generally maintain a fairly humble attitude. But there is no question in my mind that Alembics are the very best instruments in the world, rarely if ever equalled, and never surpassed. Even the lower end set-neck models smoke nearly all other competitors (most of whom have come into being as a result of the innovations and standards set by Alembic). The Elan is a fabulous bass. The electronics are simple and straightforward. You can easily find PLENTY of info on them. Check out the FAQ section at the top of the page, and look for info on the Europa controls. The Elan controls are the same minus the 2 extra "quick change" bass and treble "boost/cut" toggle switches -which I have on my 6-string Elan-plus (so named because it has these extra Europa controls. Alembics ARE expensive; but this is because they are the absolute finest instruments money can buy. And keep in mind -in case you don't know, which you may not- that the prices include a whole bunch of custom options at no extra charge (at least on neck-thrus)-such as several wood choices, scale length, fingerboard dimensions). Check out the custom archives for inspiration. They can do just about ANYTHING you want. This is a very friendly site, full of people happy to answer questions and share experiences. Just be warned: you may become addicted! Even a basic "stock" Alembic is fabulous, but getting a custom is the ultimate. Many people -like myself- spend years planning (and saving) for their customs. There is NOTHING like getting a custom Alembic, made for YOU, just the way you like it. Nothing. Congrats again on the Elan, and welcome again to the club! | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 614 Registered: 11-2004 |
Richard, congrats on your Elan. That's a pretty different type of gig you have there. There's another military guy who posts on the club from time to time. Look for the Burkha King posts. At least one thread is under Owning an Alembic, Fun Stories. Welcome to the club. Rich | ||
| jlpicard
Senior Member Username: jlpicard Post Number: 422 Registered: 7-2002 |
I just LOVE it when we get ex-Fender converts. Congratulations and welcome aboard! | ||
| 2400wattman
Intermediate Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 114 Registered: 11-2005 |
Richard, just checked out your pics and I am jealous! My mom lived in Yokohoma for about two years working for Haliburton. I could have visited but my hectic schedule would not permit me to, and she has since done jobs in Kuala Lumpur, Baghdad, Kuwait, and currently Australia. BTW get that custom Alembic built! | ||
| navbass
New Username: navbass Post Number: 5 Registered: 4-2006 |
Thanks everyone for the welcome! | ||
| navbass
New Username: navbass Post Number: 6 Registered: 4-2006 |
Yeah Rich, it is sort of a strange gig. I often find myself wondering how the band-geek from rural Iowa ended up playing with a red-hot big band all over Asia. I'm really grateful for where I'm at, it's pretty competitive to get in, I get to work with some great players and play in some very cool places. Here is a link that answers a lot of common questions about the Navy Music Program. http://www.npc.navy.mil/CommandSupport/NavyMusic/FAQs.htm Don't worry I'm not any kind of recruiter or jingoistic loony, but I am proud of what I get to be part of. Again thanks for the very cordial welcome to the club! (Message edited by navbass on April 18, 2006) | ||
| the_8_string_king
Intermediate Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 141 Registered: 9-2005 |
Hey Richard, I'm sorry but I saw your bass in the other thread, and it looks like your Elan is one of (I think...?) the older Elans which lacked the "Q" switch. I think your Elans electronics are (just) (master) volume, balance/pan with center detente, and the exclusive (main tone control) Alembic "low-pass filter" -which acts as a "horizontal" sweeping filter, gradually filtering out increasing lower (from the higher) frequencies, eventually filtering out all/most of the frequencies -except the lows, which are "passed" (hence the term/function "low-pass filter". Alembic has another wonderful device called a "universal superfilter" that they sell. If you don't know about this, you'll want to find out about it for sure -and possibly get one (at the least). Anyway, most (later?) Elans also have the Alembic "Q" switch, which, when activated, adds a boost to the specific frequency selected by the low-pass filter. You can't describe it meaningfully. You'd have to hear it. But it modifies you sound in a fundamental way... on a fundamental level. It lets your bass sound like a dozen different basses -or more. At some point, when you have the opportunity, play an Alembic with a Q switch so you can experience it. The good news is that, while you could buy or even commission an Alembic with a Q switch, you could also have them retrofit it with a Q switch at some/any point. They've done this before, it's no trouble for them, and not really too expensive. And this would greatly increase the versatility of your already most awesome bass. Yeah, sorry, the info I gave you earlier was imprecise. MOST Elans do have the Europa controls minus the boost/cut switches, but your Elan seems to be what I think is a small majority of Elans that don't have a Q switch. If I'm incorrect here, I'm figuring someone more knowledgable will set me straight. Congrats again on a wonderful and gorgeous bass, and of course, on the fact that it's your first Alembic!!! | ||
| navbass
New Username: navbass Post Number: 7 Registered: 4-2006 |
The Q switch sounds like a good thing to consider. The filter knob (what I was thinking of as the tone knob) seems to be to set up with a sweep that is a little on the bright side for my taste. It would be nice if I had a little more control. I can still get a great sound, but if I understand you correctly about the Q switch I would have a little more control tone-wise. The other two knobs on my bass are individual volume knobs for the pickups, just like a jazz bass would have. Is that unusual for an Alembic? I was thinking the original owner may have had that done custom. It's fine for me, kind of what I'm used to. Maybe I'll find out more when they find my info from the serial number inquiry. Thanks for the information! | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 849 Registered: 6-2002 |
Souds like it has Persuader controls - two vols and tone, but no Q switch. Like with the Essence package, the Q is always engaged, adding 8dB at the cut-off frequency. If you're considering sending in the electronics for modifications, you might also consider replacing vol/vol with vol/pan. | ||
| the_8_string_king
Intermediate Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 144 Registered: 9-2005 |
Oh, so the Q is always on, like an Essence, eh? That might be why it's "a little on the bright side". Several people have commented that the 0/8 db Q is too strong for their tastes. A 3 position switch that lets you turn off the Q, and/or use it at lower level would be great, like a 0/4/8 db Q switch. This would let you reduce the brightness to your tastes. | ||
| rpm
New Username: rpm Post Number: 3 Registered: 8-2006 |
Nice bass. I was once on the mighty Blue Ridge as ships company 93-1996. Lots of fun times. | ||
| 57basstra
Senior Member Username: 57basstra Post Number: 490 Registered: 4-2005 |
A Salute to you, Richard, and all of your fellow players and all U.S. Military Service Personnel. With great Respect, David | ||
| hifiguy
Junior Username: hifiguy Post Number: 25 Registered: 10-2006 |
Welcome aboard, Richard! As a longtime Jazz and Alembic owner, I finally figured it out. Leo invented the electric bass guitar - no mean accomplishment - by putting all of the elements together in a practical, functional package. Ron Wickersham _perfected_ the bass guitar by creating the most expressive, completely thought-out and beautifully made instruments if is possible to make. Congrats on the Elan - I have always loved the look of that bass' luscious curves. I guarantee you have just started what will be a long and enjoyable relationship with Alembic and Alembic Nation. Best regards, Paul |
