| Author | Message | ||
| dnburgess
Senior Member Username: dnburgess Post Number: 413 Registered: 1-2003 |
From an interview at: http://www.bassplayers.co.za/interviewjan-olof-s.html "For basses, lately, I’ve been using my Fodera 5-string with a Zebra wood top and ebony fret-board. It’s from 1990. The bass plays really well and sounds good. It sounds a bit like a HOT jazz bass with sustain. I also use an Alembic Series-I five string with a Burl Walnut Top and an Alembic Series II six-string with a Burl Walnut top as well and an Alembic Signature four string fretless with a Cocobolo top. Actually the Alembics have been used on all of my recordings. In the future I am planning to use the Fodera more as it’s a more flexible bass for studio and live jobs and the sound is more traditional. The Alembic however, sounds incredible when everything is set right, its just a bit more complicated to work with. On the new CD, there’s a track called "Progressive" where I play the low bass part with my Fodera and then solo over that with my Alembic Series II. It worked out really well because the sounds were completely different. Then I have a custom four string bass with Alembic Series I electronics and with a Burl Maple back and Top, an MTD custom Shop five string with a Burl Maple Top and Ebony Fret-board. "  | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 1848 Registered: 5-2002 |
Cool! Here are some pictures. | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 557 Registered: 6-2002 |
I remember him doing an EBS/MTD clinic in The Hague about 2 years ago. Lots of technique, but I won't comment on musical merits - it was certainly not the right ambiance for anything special so that wouldn't be fair. He does have a nice collection ... | ||
| jorge_s
Member Username: jorge_s Post Number: 51 Registered: 8-2002 |
My wife is Finnish. In the past, whenever we went to Helsinki we dropped by Jan's bass shop. I haven't been to Helsinki in a while I don't know if he still works there. Anyways, he is a super nice guy. He was someone that really turned me on to Alembic. He showed me details in the construction that set them apart from other manufacturers. Besides this, he has monster chops. I was very hesitant to try any instrumets out being in the presence of such a player. The last time I saw him he was going to a recording session with Stanley Clarke and Armand Sabal-Lecco. He mentioned to my wife in Finnish that perhaps we could stop by. Unfortunately we were leaving back to the U.S. the same day. | ||
| dela217
Senior Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 513 Registered: 6-2002 |
Jorge - When you get a chance give me a call! 722-1856 Michael | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2839 Registered: 10-2002 |
Thought this thread deserved a bump. I've been 'chatting' with Jan-olof this week and he's updated his website. There's some nice pics of his Alembics alongside the rest of his collection including his Neuser custom and a very nice pair of Signature acoustics by Rauno Nieminen. Even more exciting is news that his new CD will be released next month. I have several of his recordings already and they're always getting airtime. Graeme | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Senior Member Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 671 Registered: 5-2007 |
He is a great guy and those custom Series II basses are two of my all time favorites VMG | ||
| jos
Junior Username: jos Post Number: 37 Registered: 4-2009 |
HI Brothers! Thanks! It’s funny that after 20 years I still discover new sounds from the Alembic basses. They surprise me all the time with the flexibility in sound. Usually I do not change the sound on my bass that much but this time I just wanted to experiment more with the Q switches and the filters and liked it a lot. I did play the Alembic basses on every track except on one where I did use the acoustic bass guitar. I did also find out that even if the series one and series two basses are really great sounding instruments, there is a place for the Distillate (now called Europa) and the Signature basses too. At least I did use them on my recording and loved the sound, very different from the series basses, but really great instruments! All The Best, J-O-S | ||
| skyboltone
Junior Username: skyboltone Post Number: 47 Registered: 11-2010 |
"Object not found" Dave Ah, never mind. Ancient post. (Message edited by skyboltone on January 23, 2011) | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2843 Registered: 10-2002 |
He has a new site Daniel. here's a new link. Graeme | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2905 Registered: 10-2002 |
I've spent the past couple of weeks istening to J-O's new album 'At the Seasound' and I have to say it's a superb piece of work. Naturally there's loads of Bass but it never takes over the mix, in fact, Id' say it's one of the most musical bassplayer led recordings I own. Jan-Olof's compositions are very inventive and he's put together an awsome band - his main drummer in particular - Jartas Karvonen - is superb. One or two tracks have Paul Jackson singing and I have to say he has an excellent voice and he gets to showcase his Bass chops too. Jan-Olof's playing is as fine as ever and his Alembic tone really cuts through beautifully. One of his songs - Dominique - has the best fretless tone I've heard - What bass and strings J-OT? The compositions are so diverse there's probably a tune on here to suit everyones taste. There are some live recordings on CD2 aswell as video. All in all, a fantasic package that I'd recommend to anyone. edit. there are a whole bunch of videos on his website. Graeme (Message edited by jacko on April 29, 2011) | ||
| artswork99
Moderator Username: artswork99 Post Number: 1484 Registered: 7-2007 |
Thanks for the review Graeme! | ||
| jos
Junior Username: jos Post Number: 39 Registered: 4-2009 |
Thanks Graeme! It’s nice to hear that you did like the CD.…. this time I was smart enough to start the recording session after our summer tour instead of in the beginning of the tour! 70% of the recording is studio live with a few overdubs. We did it like in the old days and were very happy that we did so. I had a bunch of basses with me but ended up playing Alembic on every track (except the tracks where I did play the upright or acoustic bass guitar) I must say that I am addicted to the Alembic sound!! Since 1995 I have only been using the Alembic Signature long scale for the fretless work. I did try several other basses as well, some really good ones, but for me the Alembic did work the best. I like the growl, punch and great sustain that the Alembic basses produces. For the song Dominique I did use the Elixir 45-105. I think those strings produces a nice fat midrange and a great bottom end as well. I do not like Elixir’s for all of my basses because I do miss some “punch” in those strings sometimes, but for fretless its fine. I did use the back pickup and then rolled the tone control halfway. My bass has a big body so it has great bottom end. For pre amp I usually use what they have in the studio Millennia, Avalon or something similar but I also carry my Alembic F-1X pre-amp with me because many times I record in small studios and do not know what they have to offer. But again, many thanks!! Jan-Olof | ||
| hb3
Senior Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 597 Registered: 2-2005 |
Hi Jan-Olof, Are you still there? I watched some of your videos, and they're truly lovely. Bass is such a beautiful instrument; I keep telling myself to play my Alembic more, but I'm taken up w/ my piccolo bass... But I was wondering if you could tell us what scales you like playing? Some of them seem sort of Spanish sounding. | ||
| jos
Junior Username: jos Post Number: 41 Registered: 4-2009 |
Hi Hugh! Noting special there with the scales! I guess the Spanish kind of sounds come from the Phrygian scale. Starting from E its E, F, G, A, B, C, D that’s what Stanley and Al is using with RTF from time to time. I also like to use E major over C#m9 sometimes, just to get a more “positive” sound. I like the pentatonic scales too and use them quite much but its also nice to improvise with just a simple major scale like E major E, F#, G#, A, B, C# D#...and of course passing tones are always great to use too. In general I do not think too much about scales except if it’s mentioned in a composition! You should ask Jimmy Johnson about the scales he is a master improvisator and knows about those things! Actually I am working with a jazz trio right now and bass solos on about every song…… that is really challenging …….to make them say something and make them sound like music!! But anyway thank you for asking!! All The Best, J-O-S | ||
| hb3
Senior Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 598 Registered: 2-2005 |
Oh, ok! Actually, that's an interesting answer. So, there is something very unique about your playing style that is a combination of technical and intuitive...it's never too easy to explain! Probably what I was hearing was phrygian mode, but in combination with your own artistic sensibility. And that is very good. I could probably also say there's something Finnish or Scandinavian in there! I never really knew what I was doing with the weird piccolo tuning I use until I finally figured out I was composing everything in C major -- can't get more "classical" than that! Everything's in the key of C...;)This is probably why I was curious -- looking for more exotic sounds. Anyway, thanks for the reply.  | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Senior Member Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 746 Registered: 5-2007 |
This guy is a brilliant player. I hope he tours in the Washington DC area. | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3112 Registered: 10-2002 |
I just received Jan-Olof's new album 'Made in Finland' yesterday. Sandra (mrs J) was out for the evening so I was able to listen to it at a decent volume and I have to say, JOS just keeps getting better and better. He has a new band who all sound fantastic - the drummer, Kimmo Porsti, in particular is a fine musician. He also has Michael Manring guesting on fretless Zon on around half of the tracks (although his fretless tone isn't a patch on Jan-Olof's on the bonus track 'Dominique' on the DVD). Also guesting on one track is another bassist, Jan 'Jysky' Strandberg; a chip off the old block perhaps? There's quite a variety of styles on this album - the track 'It's a journey' is very reminiscent of Joe Zawinul's 'Silent way' whereas 'yes, this is it' has a much more percussive feel. This would be a great album for anyone wanting to hear just how versatile Alembic basses are :-) As I already mentioned, this album comes with a bonus DVD which features the original Strandberg Project lineup performing 'live' in the studio as well as a great documentary with Paul Jackson. I've just been listening to the album on my headphones at work (in my lunchtime) and got so 'into it' I missed 2 calls from my wife :-) Graeme | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Senior Member Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 749 Registered: 5-2007 |
How did you get it so early? | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3115 Registered: 10-2002 |
friendship counts for a great deal in this world :-) Graeme | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Senior Member Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 751 Registered: 5-2007 |
I am jealous. Vann-Di | ||
| jos
Junior Username: jos Post Number: 49 Registered: 4-2009 |
Hi Guys and thank you! Here is the new Strandberg Project promo video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fgvxKgtc8M Alembic basses are all over the place……… just can’t live without them!! Best Regards, J-O-S | ||
| pierreyves
Senior Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 1039 Registered: 11-2006 |
waaw nice, I love it as usual a little link to buy it ? | ||
| artswork99
Moderator Username: artswork99 Post Number: 1704 Registered: 7-2007 |
Congratulations on the new CD Jan-Olof! http://www.janolofstrandberg.com/ "Made in Finland" is due for release at the end of the month (3/31), unless you have connections ;) All the best, Art | ||
| pierreyves
Senior Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 1040 Registered: 11-2006 |
I'm interested by the video. Jan-Olof, please correct your myspace link on your website, it's not correct !! LOL Here is the good link: http://www.myspace.com/janolofstrandberg :o) | ||
| jos
Junior Username: jos Post Number: 50 Registered: 4-2009 |
Thank you! The CD`s can be bought from this page http://www.seacrestoy.com/ if the information is not there yet it will be there soon but they can already be ordered! …and from http://cdon.fi/ and http://www.abstractlogix.com/index.php and then the usual www pages like http://www.cdbaby.com/ distribution is always a pain in the ass nowadays specially if you make some more “creative” music and are a unknown artist. But things are how they are and for me music is not about money its about the love of it! I do not mind money but music first …… so if someone wants to buy the CD I am very thankful! Best Regards, Jan-Olof | ||
| jos
Member Username: jos Post Number: 58 Registered: 4-2009 |
Hi guys! Here is a video clip from a concert I did last year with the group Paidarion The performance is not perfect but I just love the sound of the fretless Alembic bass! No effects used and the amp is about flat… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYAlroxDfiU&feature=related J-O-S | ||
| pierreyves
Senior Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 1058 Registered: 11-2006 |
wowww I live it completely !!! | ||
| pierreyves
Senior Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 1060 Registered: 11-2006 |
This one = great with two basses !!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDFHU5--j3g&feature=relmfu | ||
| pierreyves
Senior Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 1061 Registered: 11-2006 |
just bought now this one on Itunes store... great, I recommand ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dHFZrV5BcI&feature=relmfu | ||
| jos
Member Username: jos Post Number: 62 Registered: 4-2009 |
Thank you Pierre-Yves! It’s quite much work to put together a recording project and then take the Project for live concerts! But always very nice if someone listens to the CD`s or comes to the concerts!! ………By the way you have a great sound on this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1_C1ueMzJE& Jan-Olof | ||
| pierreyves
Senior Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 1063 Registered: 11-2006 |
Thanks for your appreciation Jan-Olof ! | ||
| wishbass
Advanced Member Username: wishbass Post Number: 302 Registered: 5-2011 |
Would love to see more photos of your basses up close.Lovely design. : -) | ||
| jos
Member Username: jos Post Number: 72 Registered: 4-2009 |
Hi everyone! I have finally some pictures of the basses I use. Many of them are Alembics!! You can find the pictures at www.jostrandberg.com “gear” ….the pages are not completely ready yet, but hopefully soon! | ||
| mario_farufyno
Senior Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 1051 Registered: 9-2008 |
Wow, loved those jazz basses! | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 1546 Registered: 5-2006 |
Awesome collection indeed, thanx for sharing! The Series basses and the MK deserve their own place in the showcase section. :-) Could you elaborate on the Neuser? Was it converted by Alembic or did Neuser/you/local luthier install those electronics? (Message edited by fc_spoiler on June 27, 2014) | ||
| zomnius
Junior Username: zomnius Post Number: 23 Registered: 9-2013 |
beautiful basses! | ||
| jos
Member Username: jos Post Number: 74 Registered: 4-2009 |
The Neuser bass was built in Slovakia where all the installation where made. The purpose of this bass was to have a bass I could use at trade shows and performances where representing Neuser instruments. The instrument is pretty good, nice punch and midrange, not exactly Alembic, but good! This instrument is extremely nice to play. I have not used it too much for recordings…. For recordings I prefer Alembic and Fodera basses depending on the session. The Neuser Company has not made any basses since early 2000, as far as I know, and this bass has never been in production. Here are a few video clips where the bass is used. The video sound is maybe not the best, but you get the picture. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Is2V7Tl1vWM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFmesNNRFqU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEyJTdfs290 | ||
| jos
Member Username: jos Post Number: 75 Registered: 4-2009 |
Alembic fretless, the sound is right there. Not much to do, except to play the instrument!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yq1M6dr6RAI | ||
| bassfingers
Advanced Member Username: bassfingers Post Number: 323 Registered: 11-2005 |
That just might be the most perfect fretless sound I've ever heard.A beautiful piece of music too. | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Senior Member Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 939 Registered: 5-2007 |
Jan-Olaf is amazing Be sure to check out 'Made in Finland' VMG | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3646 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hello Jan , I very much like your playing and sound. In regards to the fretless Alembic featured in your post #75 above I would be interested in the details as to that instrument such as to all finger board details and electronics package . Wood recipe of the instrument , scale length , etc as well . Many thanks for being here with us and sharing your time and wonderful music as well , Best Regards, Wolf | ||
| jos
Member Username: jos Post Number: 76 Registered: 4-2009 |
Thank you for your comments!..... Many thanks brothers! Wolf….The Alembic fretless I have is really a normal 34`scale Signature bass 1991 (today called Signature Deluxe) with Cocobolo top and back. The bass was converted to a fretless bass in 1995 because I needed a great sounding fretless bass to record a few tracks for my cd “At The Music Box”. I did try several other basses too before converting the Alembic….. and many of them were really great but with the Alembic….you already know; the punch, clarity, sustain, dynamics and overall sound is just amazing!! I guess that if you order a fretless bass from Alembic it’s even better, but this works fine for me. Here is another video with the fretless.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3wBqZNKUIU Many thanks, Jan-Olof ps. here are some more pictures of my basses www.jostrandberg.com | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3647 Registered: 5-2009 |
Jan , thank you very much for your response. I am enjoying your work and the links . Wolf | ||
| pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 1279 Registered: 6-2006 |
Dominique was truly beautiful. Toms Nurses was pure fun. I need to get a copy of the Strandberg Project CD, I really like that music. The guitarists phrasing was refreshing, bass was blossoming and everybody really jelled. Thanks for sharing. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11537 Registered: 5-2002 |
Just listened to Dominique. Very nice tone! And yes, the guitar player was doing some very nice things as well. Congrats on a great video! | ||
| jos
Member Username: jos Post Number: 77 Registered: 4-2009 |
Alembic basses are electric instruments with the dynamic range of acoustic instruments. After more than 20 years of playing the Alembic, I still discover new sounds and new ways to play the instrument……… here is a video with the 5 string Series I. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCsOpIKXE2k | ||
| jos
Member Username: jos Post Number: 78 Registered: 4-2009 |
The first two concerts I did with Armand Sabal-Lecco & Strandberg Project I did use another fretless bass but Armand told me to use the Alembic, he really did like the sound of the Alembic!! I like it too and use it for recordings and some live gigs but not always for travelling…….. Maybe I should!!  | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 1588 Registered: 5-2006 |
That fretless tone is to die for, awesome! Tone is also in the hands, I can't get anywhere near that tone with my (signature electronics) fretless. ...and now for something completely different: I saw you on the Skull strings artists list, have you tried them on a long scale Alembic? Someone on Talkbass said they were too short for a 35 inch Dean bass... Keep up the good work and if you ever come to Holland, please show me how to get that tone from my fretless! :-) (meanwhile I'll be looking for cheap tickets to Finland) :-) | ||
| jos
Member Username: jos Post Number: 82 Registered: 4-2009 |
Hi! Thank you brother!! I am pretty sure you will get a great fretless tone from your bass, just experiment a few more times. What I suggest first is that you put the strings as close to the fretboard as possible, quite low action. But still so, that the strings will ring clear when playing open strings with medium touch, no buzz or rattling. For fretless I use mostly Nickel strings 45-65-85-105 R.Cocco or Elixir. For recording R.Cocco because there is more edge without the coating. R.Cocco also fits the Alembic basses I have (they need long scale + strings) For legato try to play on the fretboard with your right hand, you will get a full round growling sound. I might also play with the soft side of my left hand finger for some legato things? Well, no amp is actually really flat ever, but I usually keep the knobs on the amp I have straight. I do most of the adjusting with the bass and with the fingers. Ps. I will be at NAMM in January are you going to be there? Best Regards, Jan-Olof Strandberg www.jostrandberg.com | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 1589 Registered: 5-2006 |
Thanx! No Namm for me :-( Maybe that's a good thing, I would be blasting all over the place in the Mesa booth. :-) I'm gonna give the fretless a good setup and see what happens. I also use Cocco's, never tried the Nickel strings though... (only the Stainless steel) I had a gig yesterday with the fretless and there was some mwhaaa happening, also got some compliments so there is some hope. :-) | ||
| jos
Member Username: jos Post Number: 83 Registered: 4-2009 |
Hi! I like stainless steel too, especially for recordings but for fretless bass I have been using nickel strings for the last 10 years……..I am pretty sure you have your sound together in no time…. Last week I started a recording with a group called Kings Of Modesty (prog- metal) and have been using my 5-string series bass, works very well. Most of the tracks are recoded with D tuning but the Alembic sound stays in shape. “Tight and angry”!! I will also use the fretless bass on a few tracks….need to post a sample when it’s ready. | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3604 Registered: 10-2002 |
looking forward to hearing this latest venture Jan-Olof. is this going to be something along the lines of dream Theater - I always think they'd sound better if Myung used an Alembic:-) graeme | ||
| jos
Member Username: jos Post Number: 84 Registered: 4-2009 |
Hi Graeme! Yes I am looking forward to the prog/metal project as well; it looks like it’s going to be a great high-profile production. Here are some raw mixes of another project I am involved with….I did use the Alembic Series I on every track except the last where I use my Upright. I have another bass in the picture but on the recording it’s Alembic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG2bzc378sg&feature=youtu.be Ps. Next time Jimmy Johnson is in Scotland I will be there too!! | ||
| jos
Member Username: jos Post Number: 88 Registered: 4-2009 |
Hi Guys! I have been using the AER Head One together with Cab One and Cab two for some time now. I am convinced that this is one of the best bass systems money can buy! It’s portable and really easy to carry, not to heavy and fits the car well….well at least easier than a normal BIG rig! AER works really well with the Alembics too…to me it sounds like a great studio sound live! I have been able to use the high-filters on the Alembic Series basses for the first time on live gigs so that it sounds really good! It’s quite difficult to make a video where you can hear it well but I hope this helps a bit....it’s of course always best to try it with your regular bass to get the real picture. It has just been so difficult to find bass equipment that can produce all the frequencies high-end basses have…to get a complete balanced sound! AER is definitely one of the best…if not the best. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdskjMl0e5Y Best Regards, Jan-Olof Strandberg | ||
| susan
Moderator Username: susan Post Number: 130 Registered: 5-2002 |
I didn't see that this one is posted yet Bass solo with Alembic Series II 6-string by Jan-Olof Strandberg https://youtu.be/HWU6F_v6HbA |
