| Author | Message | ||
| ambientbass
New Username: ambientbass Post Number: 2 Registered: 12-2005 |
Sometime in the future (probably distant rather than near) I plan on ordering an Alembic..I just thought I would turn to the good people here to see if they can help me along the long process of dreaming up my future custom Alembic. | ||
| eastcoastepic
Intermediate Member Username: eastcoastepic Post Number: 167 Registered: 10-2003 |
OK, basic questions for you; what's your budget? Do not be afraid of the Quote Generator; it is your friend. Do you prefer the powerful 'punch' and lower cost of a set-neck, or the clarity and sustain of a neck-through? How important are the electronics and ease of control/adjustment to you? How much of a concern is weight and balance (body style) to you? As mentioned in the past, the purchase of a lower priced, pre-owned Alembic with your basic requirements may give you a better indication of what you like/don't like and need/don't need in a guitar. You can then re-sell your 'test-bass', if you desire, to help fund your new bass. Personally, I went for the best of both worlds...I love my JPJ Signature neck-through with a passion, but my set-neck Orion has that super tight 'punch' that I love, and that I could not do without. It's a big investment....take your time, and if possible, play as many as you can. (Ironically, all 3 of my Alembics were purchased sight unseen, and I have not been disappointed with any of them; IMO, they're that good) And finally, pick a dealer that you're comfortable with (Bass Central is my favorite), and let them assist you in your journey. Best of luck, Chris | ||
| 2400wattman
Junior Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 34 Registered: 11-2005 |
Hello Chris, is that JPJ triple o from Ed Roman's store? Beautiful bass man! | ||
| ambientbass
New Username: ambientbass Post Number: 3 Registered: 12-2005 |
I have a fairly specific bass tone in mind that I've been searching for (and my music man doesnt deliver on). the growly, pseudo-distorted bass tone that Geddy Lee was known for in the earlier days of rush (and that John Myung and Billy Sheehan have nearly duplicated with their own bass rigs) Can you recommend a direction to go in that might lead to this kind of sound? | ||
| s_wood
Intermediate Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 167 Registered: 5-2002 |
The best advice I can give you is this: pick up the phone and talk to Mica or Valentino! Tell them what you are looking for as far as tone, looks and special features, and have a rough idea of how much you want to spend. They will give you great guidance about how to make your choices. One other thing: the construction features of the bass, particulary the wood choices, will affect the tone. A lot. If you have a preference that's based on how the wood looks - and I think we all do - make sure you learn about how the wood will sound! If your choices for the top and body wood conflict with the tone you are going for, you may be disappointed. On the other hand, if you talk to Valentino or Mica they can often suggest work-arounds that will get you both the tone and look you prefer. | ||
| s_wood
Intermediate Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 168 Registered: 5-2002 |
The best advice I can give you is this: pick up the phone and talk to Mica or Valentino! Tell them what you are looking for as far as tone, looks and special features, and have a rough idea of how much you want to spend. They will give you great guidance about how to make your choices. One other thing: the construction features of the bass, particulary the wood choices, will affect the tone. A lot. If you have a preference that's based on how the wood looks - and I think we all do - make sure you learn about how the wood will sound! If your choices for the top and body wood conflict with the tone you are going for, you may be disappointed. On the other hand, if you talk to Valentino or Mica they can often suggest work-arounds that will get you both the tone and look you prefer. | ||
| ambientbass
New Username: ambientbass Post Number: 5 Registered: 12-2005 |
Could I just as easily post a message in the factory to customer section asking for advice from Mica or Valentino? (to save on long-distance phone bills, mainly? :P) | ||
| s_wood
Intermediate Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 169 Registered: 5-2002 |
Well, I have always had the best luck with the telephone, as opposed to e-mail. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1516 Registered: 9-2003 |
The phone is your best bet...even if it costs a little it'll save you time, money and aggravation in the end. You could also try a respected Alembic Dealer...Steve from Superbass was priceless when it came to his 20-plus years of Alembic experience, both as a dealer and a pro player of same. Unfortunately, he's on an extended hiatus. I'm sure there are others out there with extensive experience...and you may get lucky with an 800 number (et al), LOL! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 2847 Registered: 5-2002 |
The Factory to Customer section is reserved for orders that are in the process of being built. This section, the Dreaming section, is for working out ideas before placing an order. | ||
| ambientbass
New Username: ambientbass Post Number: 7 Registered: 12-2005 |
ah ok. thanks dave. I see what you mean now (about it being closed to new threads) I posted a message to val and mica in Dreaming, but it hasnt gotten any notice yet. | ||
| eastcoastepic
Intermediate Member Username: eastcoastepic Post Number: 168 Registered: 10-2003 |
Hello, Adam. I got my Triple O from Beaver at Bass Central...Ed Roman's was out of my price range. (over $10K, if I remember correctly) Chris | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1517 Registered: 9-2003 |
Yeah, Ed Roman's museum piece, LOL! Because it was a featured Alembic COM, he wants an heirloom museum price for the thing...and what he's got is a museum piece that nobody will pay that much for and he will keep for a very long time. Regardless, it is a verrrrry nice piece, the buckeye burl on it is spectacular! | ||
| ambientbass
New Username: ambientbass Post Number: 9 Registered: 12-2005 |
Er...can we get this back on-topic? I know a little bit better of what I am looking for, so I might be able to have a more intelligent conversation now. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1522 Registered: 9-2003 |
Sorry...we're all quite easily distracted here, LOL! Cheers, Kevin | ||
| ambientbass
Junior Username: ambientbass Post Number: 11 Registered: 12-2005 |
Alright..well..I have some vague ideas I thought I might throw at you guys to see what you think so far. I dont really know much about the electronics and tone woods offered by alembic, but just from what I've seen on the website, I really like the look of the Exploiter style, and I am thinking about requesting an omega or stinger cut-out (if that's even possible on an exploiter) so what do y'all think? | ||
| keith_h
Advanced Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 283 Registered: 2-2005 |
Well I think the first decision you need to make is whether you want a set neck or a neck through. This will effect the basic cost of the instrument (i.e. the starting point). The next step I would do is decide upon the electronics (or model since the two are more or less interrelated). With these picked out you will know the basic cost and standard features. After having the basic model information you can start looking at things like body shape, LED's, etc since they will effect the basic cost. For example the Exploiter body shape adds $800 to the basic price. For the neck throughs you can get more information by running the Custom Quote generator. You can also get a custom quote for the set neck Excel by going to the Excel web page. Since all of the set necks have the same base price (according to price list) I would expect the Excel quote generator to get you close for an Epic or Orion. Not all features or options are in the quote generators. For anything not listed you should call Alembic and I am sure they will be more than happy to discuss it with you. You also need to keep in mind the special of the month since it can save quite a bit of money depending upon what you want. Wood selection is another area to consider. The "Must Reads" and FAQ's have some info on this. You should also discuss this with Alembic. I was surprised when I heard Moderator Dave's two Series 1 basses. His newer maple faced bass was much brighter than his older 1976 bass. I had always been under the impresion that body wood didn't have a major effect on tone but on Dave's they seem to. I will also add that I went with an Ashe body instead of Mahogany for my fretless Orion so I could get more of that growly sound. Hope this helps get you started. Keith |
