| Author | Message | ||
| mattheus
Junior Username: mattheus Post Number: 22 Registered: 5-2003 |
It looks like everyone here has got a habbit of telling a bit about themselves, their Alembics, their gigs, rigs etc. So here is a little story of me: Once upon a time (I always wanted to start a story with that), somewhere in the mid-eighties I was looking around for a new bass. I've had many, but still was looking for that special one.. In a small shop in Holland I ran into Alembic. Never heard of, and they looked very strange from all the aother basses I've had. I could not resist to try one, and at first I had to get used to that weird neck. But then that sound, that feel, that sustain. It overwhelmed me. I went home, and counted my savings and made up a plan to get as soon as possible as much money as I could to buy one of these basses. Not much later I ordered my first Alembic. A Spoiler with an original body style. It became my partner in crime, everywhere I went, she went. Just a few years later I ran into a Series 2, and I couldn't resist it. I bought it, and sat all night in my livingroom with the lights off, and the lights on the neck of my series 2 on. The series 2 is a great bass in the studio, but on stage it always was a big puzzle to me. You must know, I'm a big control freak. And the series 2 has so many controls, and sounds onboard. Instead of playing bass, I could stand on stage in a corner, playing my parts and turning and tweaking my sounds all night long. To make it short, the series 2 was just too much for me. So, I took my OBS with me again. A few years, the series 2 has been put away in his case, and every now and then I took it out and played with it. But it broke my heart, to watch a bass like that just laying around doing nothing (apart from being a spare bass in case of....) A few months ago I finally made a decision. After a very long night we sat together, watched eachother, played a little and came to the decision that it was the best for both of us that we broke up. I sold the series 2, and I must admit I had a hard time doing that. For the time being (i do need a spare bass) I've bought another bass. But I' m looking around to order me a very special Alembic in the future. And when I look at all the great stuff I've found here, I will have a hard job doing that. Nowadays I play music for a living. After years of hard work, we finally managed to stop working and make music for a living. Our band does aprox. 140 shows each year, which isn't that bad for a small country like ours. You can find many, many pictures on my site under 'foto's'. For years I've had a small bass rig which included a Hughes & Kettner preamp, a carver poweramp and two Hartke 410 cabinets. But a few years ago, as a band we made a switch and threw all our backline out of the car and went over to In Ear Monitoring. As a bassplayer I simply can't recommend to other bassplayers, but it gives a very clean stage and a very fast set up. No more soundchecks etc. I must admit, last week I bought myself a Ashdown combo, to give just that little bit of a bass feelling that I need onstage. Now I only have to wait for that special bass, and I know who is going to make it... | ||
| thebass
Junior Username: thebass Post Number: 47 Registered: 3-2003 |
Hello Mattheus, a good story and fun to read. Wow, after years of hard work you turned into a professian ? I am dreaming of this too but if there wasn't the money I need for living ;-) How did you manage it and what kind of music are you playing ? BTW: please let me know if you are doing a gig in or near to Germany. I'm located 20km NW of cologne (not too far from senmen BTW). | ||
| senmen
Junior Username: senmen Post Number: 17 Registered: 7-2003 |
HI Mattheus, hi thebass, Mattheus, your article was great to read. Wow, you are a prof? My question is the same as the one from thebass: How did ya do this? btw, where are you two located in Germany? Thebass, as said I live in Dueren but work in Duesseldorf..... Oliver | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 510 Registered: 9-2002 |
EU-meeting! Mattheus: great story. It's a pity for the S2. As you propablysaw/heard/read I'm a S2 player myself and on this moment -thanks to some of you all- even a F1-X and SF-2 player. So I think you could say I'm a control freak either. However My experience is that -giving it some time and staying with the S2 (for me it's easy, I only HAVE 1 bass except for a Fender JB I use in Big-band settings on a different amp)- you really start mastering those knobs and you shape the sound to the room where you're playing leaving just a small room for sound-switching you do when you play different numbers. Basically I just touch the PU-selector and the PU volumes + General Volume leaving all the other settings in his "start-position" I choosed for the evening. About 10 years ago I played a Spoiler too. I do recognize that the lay-out of the tone controls on that bass were very "economical" = maiximum results with minimum manipulation. Being a professional bass-player? Nice! I think it's a job as another. A lot of people forget that professional bass-players seldom play what they like. I mean, they DO like playing bass, but they have to play in situations and music not allways very funny to do. I think Mattheus has this dream situation because it's not HIM PERSONALLY ALONE that went profesisonal but HIS ENTIRE BAND! So THAN you do play what you LIKE to play. Seeing the pictures it's a very entertaining band and if you entertain people ... they like you! And if they like you ...you get payed ...well ...most of the times they should (LOL). I always found The Netherlands more "focused" on entertaining live bands than f.i. Belgium. The Netherlands are in that way teh same as the US. A party: let's ask a band. That can be even just 2 people: an accordeon player with a lady-singer/recorder player. I remember a statement from Edwin (van Huik): the greatest time as a bass-player he had was ...playing live in a small combo for the elderly people in a nursery-home. "Entertain people" is the key-word and 2nd: doing this as versatile as possible. Paul the bad one BTW: question of location ...even I am not far away. | ||
| thebass
Junior Username: thebass Post Number: 48 Registered: 3-2003 |
@senmen: my location is Dormagen but I will move to Solingen in October (my MK STD needs a nicer home ;-) | ||
| senmen
Junior Username: senmen Post Number: 20 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hey thebass, so we are very close together he? So letīs plan the first european Alembic bass meeting!...... Oliver | ||
| mattheus
Junior Username: mattheus Post Number: 24 Registered: 5-2003 |
Hi there, tnx for reading my story, there is much more that I haven't written down. Perhaps in the future or ........ On a EU Alembic meeting day?!?! Paul, you're absolutely right about the simple but effective controls on the spoiler. Although I sometimes miss a sort of 'bottom en' control. I've played the S2 for about 12 years, I certainly did like the sound. But when I was on stage stage doing my thing I always was busy with my sounds, always trying to give it a bit more of this/a bit more of that. Another thing that was (just a little) problem was the fact of the external power supply. Nowadays we play a lot a bigger stages, and I needed to go wireless.... But, to be honest, sometimes I miss that define S2 sound. So I just have to wait and see what the future brings. 'Being a professional player' doesn't meen that much. In a way, it gives a lot of freedom. On the other hand, it gives a lot of pressure. I know I'm not the world most gifted bassplayer, I just try to do my best. But when you set your mind to it, lots of things can happen... I think that I've had a lot of luck, to come this far. Paul is right when he says that pro-bassplayers seldom play what they really like, I see (and hear) that very often. Luckely in our band that's not the case. Sure, there are a few songs that I don't like much, and sure there are some places where I don't like to play, but who cares.. at the end of the month I can pay my morgage etc. I must say, that I play bass mostly for my own fun. When I don't like the things I do anymore, I stop doing that. The music we play vary very much, from Rammstein to Robbie Williams. But we try to give the audience something extra. We try to make a very theatrical show, for instance; Queen played by a (stoned) marching orchestra, or Elvis coming back from ... It's very much fun to do, and a lot of work also. But finally it's paying of .... And YES, we sure do have to have a EU ALEMBIC meeting day. And I think Mica an cs. has to come... Mattheus | ||
| mattheus
Junior Username: mattheus Post Number: 26 Registered: 5-2003 |
Just spent a few nights in a row looking around on this site and of course the Alembic main site. Especially looking for the special things made by Alembic. Cooking up ideas for my next bass. My God, is there anything they can't build? Now I even have more choices, more controls, more woods, more combinations, more inlays, more scale lenghts, more body shapes..... You must know I 'm a libra, that means more sleepless nights...... | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 518 Registered: 9-2002 |
Brother Mattheus, let me give you a starting push. 1. You are a "scene" man. It's obvious your Alembic must be of a catchy "colour". So I suppose a nice quilted maple would do. 2. Being on scene a lot and in Live sitiution hobling around a podium: you'll need a well balanced axe: why not go for a Rogue shape, or the 2nd generation model of the EVH? 3. A 5 string (I think that's obvious), I always liked the Orion peghead. More: the Rogue body combined with the Orion peghead gives me always some "classic" thoughts. It gives me the idea of the re-invention of a Jazz-bass. 4. I know you like quick tonal changes: the Rogue and Europa electronics are identical. 5. Again your "on stage" profession in mind I would consider side leds. I know it's expensive but I just realized the gig we did this weekend that it IS confortable (I couldn't see a THING in that bar - jeeez). The fancy options ...well that's your choice. I just tried to be really "down-to-earth-modest" and sketch you some basic principles! Doei! Paul the bad one | ||
| mattheus
Junior Username: mattheus Post Number: 29 Registered: 5-2003 |
Oh my big bad brother, you know me so well! Perhaps you've been talking to Edwin to much.... Tnxs for the starting push. I've had many similar ideas like yours: 1. Catchy clour - indeed. A problem; every Alembic has a catchy colours, when I look at Bonnie, or Rami's collections, in fact everyone's. My personal taste goes for a 'dark, heavely figured wood, like coco bolo, or figured walnut, rosewood, flame walnut. But I admit I've seen some alembics in quilted maple that are absolute stunning. 2. Being a Alembic traditional addept, I'm still in love with the tradional bodystyles. This time my choice would be the small standard body. Perhaps with a tummy and elbow shaping. But I've also seen very nice pictures of small standard with a very nice omega cutaway. I must say that I liked the first generation of the EVH models very much. 3. As a tradional player I set for a four string. I'm still thinking about the scale lenght, it would be easy and comfortable to have a short scale. But I'm very comfortable with my medium scale. So here's a testing ahead. 4. Here's a difficult part. The electronics... I always liked the thundering sounds of my S2. I also liked the quick acces of my spoiler. How do I combine this? Perhaps with a standard solution likeyou ssuggested: europa electronics. Or, giving Ron a big job with a special re-invention of what I want. I've seen some things on this site that really amazed me. (Is there anything that this man can't build?) So here's also a lot of thinking to do. 5. I've loved the (standard) side leds on my S2. One thing I'm sure I want to have. Perhaps even with front leds. But this time I'm considering to have blue ones. I think is a more classy colour to match up with dark woods. Now I only have to choose from a million fancy options Alembics have....... and have a very long talk with my wife.... (and with you of course ; ) Mattheus | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 533 Registered: 9-2002 |
Brother Mattheus, no I didn't talk to Edwin. But I guess WE can talk soon. Oliver (the german "Spyderman") and I are planning to meet soon, so I keep you posted and maybe it will work out for all of us. Meanwhile I'm seriously thinking about organising the "AWS-Home: Leuven" in the spring of next year. However: before doing that I would have to talk to Mica and some other people. Paul the bad one PS: AWS-Home (pronounce: awesome) was an idea of mine some months ago when I entered this club (there must be a thread somewhere about it). It stands for Alembic World Summit Home .... (and than the place to be). It was my idea to gather Alembic players of the world (or Europe, or Benelux to start modestly) to one place and just meet, play, learn, drink, eat and ...euh ...play again. | ||
| mattheus
Junior Username: mattheus Post Number: 30 Registered: 5-2003 |
Big bad brother Paul, I was already halfway through the Netherlands when I found out that you were talking about spring next year.... It's sad to say, but I only have limited amount of days off. So I hope the date you both choose is a date that I can come over too. Otherwise, perhaps we meet at that Franfurter Messe. I've rumours that Mica and the rest of the Alembic-clan will be there too...... Mattheus tDo | ||
| senmen
Junior Username: senmen Post Number: 47 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hi Guys, yes a european Alembic meeting would be great. I talked to Mica yesterday and she told me that she canīt say if it will work out well to come to Frankfurt next year. So why donīt we charter a lear jet and fly over to Mica...... Anyway I would be very glad if we could meet in the near future somewhere in Belgium, the Netherlands or Germany.... Many greetings from Spyder4 (and soon also Spyder8) Oliver Baumann | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 534 Registered: 9-2002 |
I know that this doen't like very "musician" of me but (hehe) when is that Frankfurter Messe thing going on?? To be honest: I never liked that kind of "messes" it always gave me a terrible headache!!!! Paul the bad one | ||
| groovelines
Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 82 Registered: 4-2003 |
pardon me for intruding from across the water, but I find this burgeoning euro-confederation heartwarming. just goes to show you, bassists are the best. mike | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 535 Registered: 9-2002 |
You're not intruding anything IMO. BASS RULES! Anyway ...I had not in mind to keep this EU-wise. If I go-on with it in fact it's open for everyone who like to come...but let's wait until I got everything more "in line" in my head! Paul the bad one | ||
| senmen
Junior Username: senmen Post Number: 48 Registered: 7-2003 |
Paul, the Frankfurt Musik Messe is from March 31st until April 3rd 2004. But you are right, every year when I leave the Messe I have this headache after seeing this whole bunch of instruments. Many greetings Oliver | ||
| mattheus
Junior Username: mattheus Post Number: 31 Registered: 5-2003 |
Perhaps we can organise a meeting halfway Europa and the States. Let's pick up a globe and find out where that could be....... Who has a globe in the house! ; ) Mattheus tDo | ||
| senmen
Junior Username: senmen Post Number: 49 Registered: 7-2003 |
Mattheus, but then we have to take a submarine to meet halfway! But no problem, my watch has a water resistance up to 1000metres. :-) Maar als je wilt kunnen wij ook een nederlands-belgisch-duits meeting doen. De nederlandse taal is niet het grootste probleem voor mij...... :-) Oliver | ||
| thebass
Member Username: thebass Post Number: 52 Registered: 3-2003 |
Just a few days not reading the board and so many news. Please count me in for the AWSome EU Meeting. Man, all us gearheads in one place ... I guess this requires a spouse-free zone ;-) But my dutch is almost non-existing, I can only read the sense out of it, but nor speak neither write a word. BTW: meeting halfways between US and EU would require a boat or a huge warming fire (arctic region) ;-) Werner | ||
| eugen
Junior Username: eugen Post Number: 15 Registered: 8-2002 |
We can meet us in my garden, in " Norddeutschland". Gruß Eugen | ||
| rogertvr
Member Username: rogertvr Post Number: 87 Registered: 1-2003 |
I think I must have been hibernating since this EU-meet idea kicked off! Are future Alembic owners from the UK invited? We could always throw the party in Edwin's shop in Hilversum - lots of gear to try (and buy) - but only if Edwin gets the beer in eh? ;-) Rog | ||
| mattheus
Junior Username: mattheus Post Number: 36 Registered: 5-2003 |
Mmmmmmmmmm, sounds also like a good idea! So what do we have so far: meetings at: the Franfurter Messe the garden of Eugen halfway Europa en the US Paul has a special meeting idea Edwin's shop Man, we'll be very busy.... And Heineken is gonna get rich ; ) Mattheus | ||
| thebass
Member Username: thebass Post Number: 56 Registered: 3-2003 |
I'd like to opt for Edwin's Shop too. This seems to be the appropriate environment for us Alembic-Maniacs. And I like dutch beer the same as my Weizen-beer  | ||
| mattheus
Junior Username: mattheus Post Number: 41 Registered: 5-2003 |
I hope that Edwin has a good relationship with his neighbours. There's gonna be a whole lotta decibels produced over there..... | ||
| eugen
Junior Username: eugen Post Number: 19 Registered: 8-2002 |
Hy folks, whatīs about our meeting? next jear in Frankfurt????? | ||
| senmen
Member Username: senmen Post Number: 56 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hi Eugen, of course you can count on me. And I think all the others have to come too. What do you think? Oliver | ||
| mattheus
Junior Username: mattheus Post Number: 45 Registered: 5-2003 |
The Frankfurter Messe is one of the things I try to be each year. So, if nothing goes wrong I will be there. | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 566 Registered: 9-2002 |
Well ...we could do the Frankfurter messe anyway. Seems fun to me, an maybe I'll get less headache in companion of the other Brothers of the chapter. Wew ...sounds "deep". Maybe we should all go for a Eugen-syle Alembic tattoo? Brrrr ....I'm not THAT fanatic seems painfull, maybe we should invent a kind of "decalco"/appliable "tattoo" (yes I know ...I'm a woossi). Paul the bad one (no Brothert Paul the fake one, we'll not driving Harleys!!!!!) |
