Brown VS Signature Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Alembic Club » Dreaming... for now » Archive through April 25, 2011 » Brown VS Signature « Previous Next »

Author Message
rustyg61
New
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 1
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Saturday, February 19, 2011 - 1:48 am:   Edit Post

I am ready to buy my Alembic, but am undecided on whether to get a SC Brown or SC Signature Deluxe. Can anyone tell me the difference in sound or playablility? There are no local stores that carry Alembics in Houston, so I have to drive to Austin to check them out.
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 7227
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Monday, February 21, 2011 - 1:42 pm:   Edit Post

The main tone difference is the the neck woods. The Brown Bass has Mahogany as the primary wood, SC Deluxe has Maple. The other woods contribute too, but the neck sets the stage, so to speak.

So the Brown Bass has an overall more warm and round tone as its default, and it can make crazy bright tones. The SC will have a brighter default tone that you can pare down with lower filter settings, but it won't get as round sounding as the Brown Bass.

I've written a little more detailed explanation of the neck woods you might want to explore if you haven't seen this relatively new page yet.

Perhaps a player that has both might chime in with their observations as well.
mike1762
Senior Member
Username: mike1762

Post Number: 763
Registered: 1-2008
Posted on Monday, February 21, 2011 - 6:52 pm:   Edit Post

I have a SC Standard and a Brown Bass. I find myself "tweaking" with the BB more than the SC, but if you set them up similarily I would agree that the BB is warmer and rounder. The SC has a little more "punch" in the upper midrange whereas it's more in the lower midrange with the BB. All this depends on your definition of "warm", "round", and "punch".

I really like them both. I let my Series I long scale go in favor of the BB and I don't regret that decision. I've found that I'm a small body short scale guy when it comes to Alembics. I love the sparkly clear high-end that Alembics will produce, but it sort-of grates on the nerves of most guitarists (impinging on their "territory" I guess), so I have starting rolling off the neck PUP filter a bit.
mike1762
Senior Member
Username: mike1762

Post Number: 765
Registered: 1-2008
Posted on Monday, February 21, 2011 - 7:21 pm:   Edit Post

A word of advise... before you drive to Austin expecting to play one (especially if it's new), you should call and make sure they will let you!!! My first dealer experience was sort-of like the scene in Spinal Tap:

[discussing Nigel's Guitar collection]
Nigel Tufnel: Look... still has the old tag on, never even played it.
Marty DiBergi: [points his finger] You've never played...?
Nigel Tufnel: Don't touch it!
Marty DiBergi: We'll I wasn't going to touch it, I was just pointing at it.
Nigel Tufnel: Well... don't point! It can't be played.
Marty DiBergi: Don't point, okay. Can I look at it?
Nigel Tufnel: No. no. That's it, you've seen enough of that one.
rustyg61
New
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 2
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 - 3:58 am:   Edit Post

Thanks for your replies. I made the decision yesterday to buy the Signature Deluxe! Mica, this is the one you are holding for Beaver! Thanks for all the pictures you sent him, it helped me to make my choice! You saved me a trip to Austin too! I have no doubt I can get a great sound out of the Signature. I prefer the upper mid sound & have been accused of being a "lead" bass player, so it should fit me perfect! I get the bass on Thursday...I can't wait!! Here's a picture.....SC Signature Deluxe
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 2859
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 - 4:20 am:   Edit Post

Congrats on the new Bass Rusty and welcome to our community.

Graeme
rustyg61
New
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 4
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 - 7:18 am:   Edit Post

Thanks Jacko! It's an honor to be a part of the Alembic family again! I had a Series 1 back in the early 80's.
eligilam
Advanced Member
Username: eligilam

Post Number: 309
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 - 2:55 pm:   Edit Post

Hey guys sorry to hijack, but mike1762, was that in Atlanta perchance?
mike1762
Senior Member
Username: mike1762

Post Number: 766
Registered: 1-2008
Posted on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 - 4:34 pm:   Edit Post

Yes it was Will!!! I do understand not wanting a bunch of random kids coming in off the street and abusing the instruments. But I'm a middle aged guy with a bank account. You can run your business any way you like, but they probably missed an opportunity to sell a new instrument that day. I've since bought several Alembics not only without having played them, but also sight unseen... so there ya go!!!
rustyg61
New
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 5
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 - 12:04 am:   Edit Post

I had spoken to Guitar Resurrection in Austin about trying to decide between the Brown & Signature, & the guy was very nice & invited me to come try them out. I go to Austin all the time, my son is at UT, so I will stop by & try the Brown just to satisfy my curioiusity. I'm sure I will love the Signature though!
groovelines
Senior Member
Username: groovelines

Post Number: 664
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 - 10:27 am:   Edit Post

Hi Rusty,

Guitar Rez is a small shop and easy to miss from the road, keep an eye out. They were very accommodating when I visited and didn't hesitate when I asked to play what is most likely the same BB you're going to look at. The BB has a surprisingly BIG sound. I've been wanting one since.

And . . . welcome to the Club!

Mike
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 2344
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 - 10:52 am:   Edit Post

I got an alembic guitar shipped to me in the UK from Guitar Rez and it arrived in perfect condition so you can be confident it will be packed properly.

Jazzyvee
rustyg61
New
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 7
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2011 - 8:05 am:   Edit Post

Hey Mike,

Thanks for the info! I pulled up Guitar Rez on Google Maps & did the street view so could see what the building looks like. I can see how it would be easy to miss! My SC Signature Deluxe is on the UPS truck for delivery to me today!
rustyg61
New
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 8
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2011 - 8:10 am:   Edit Post

Hey Jazzyvee,

My bass is out for delivery to me today! My worst fear is that I will open the case & it will be damged in shipping! I have read some posts on here where some have been damaged in shipping. I'm sure Alembic packed it well!

Rusty
groovelines
Senior Member
Username: groovelines

Post Number: 665
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2011 - 10:05 am:   Edit Post

Waiting for the big brown truck makes for a long day, but it'll be worth it in the end.

Someone won't be going to bed on time, hehehehe.
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 2861
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2011 - 10:06 am:   Edit Post

Remember to breathe Rusty :-) two of my Alembics came across to Scotland with UPS and neither were damaged. Mica and co do a great job of packing them.

Graeme
rustyg61
New
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 9
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2011 - 12:20 pm:   Edit Post

"The waiting is the hardest part!" - Tom Petty
hieronymous
Senior Member
Username: hieronymous

Post Number: 890
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2011 - 1:43 pm:   Edit Post

You are going to love the SC Signature! I've got a Standard, and it has such a nice, clear tone.
rustyg61
New
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 10
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2011 - 3:34 pm:   Edit Post

I just got it! Pictures don't begin to do this justice! This is the most beautiful bass I have ever laid eyes on!!!Rusty's SC Signature Deluxe
groovelines
Senior Member
Username: groovelines

Post Number: 666
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2011 - 4:17 pm:   Edit Post

The only thing I can think of that might be better than that bass hanging on you would be if it were hanging on me. Congratulations and here's to many days of enjoyment!

Mike
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 2862
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Thursday, February 24, 2011 - 8:35 pm:   Edit Post

Another Happy bassist. Looking good Rusty!

Graeme
slawie
Advanced Member
Username: slawie

Post Number: 326
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Friday, February 25, 2011 - 1:35 am:   Edit Post

The smile on your face says it all!!!!
The smile on your ears will complete it for you.

Congratulations Rusty

slawie
artswork99
Moderator
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 1431
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Friday, February 25, 2011 - 5:20 am:   Edit Post

Congratulations Rusty! Play it Healthy!

Art
edwin
Senior Member
Username: edwin

Post Number: 875
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Sunday, February 27, 2011 - 3:03 am:   Edit Post

Congrats, Rusty! some very beautiful grain in there! I know exactly how you feel. I've had that smile since my very similar looking bass showed up in October! It's not a smile that fades quickly, if at all.

Welcome to the club!
rustyg61
Junior
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 18
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Sunday, February 27, 2011 - 9:15 pm:   Edit Post

I just played my 1st gig with the bass & it was even more amazing than I had hoped for! Every note is so clear & distinct with bottom end that will shake the room! It sounded so good on my amp that the sound man didn't even put me in the mains! I LOVE IT!!!1st Gig!
artswork99
Moderator
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 1432
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Monday, February 28, 2011 - 6:13 am:   Edit Post

SWEET - do you look like you're having fun! I really like the unpacking thread that you shared too.
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 10151
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, April 25, 2011 - 1:47 pm:   Edit Post

I'm just now getting to this thread; beautiful bass! Congrats!!
rustyg61
Intermediate Member
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 122
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Monday, April 25, 2011 - 1:51 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks Dave! I love this bass more & more everyday!

Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | Help/Instructions | Program Credits Administration