| Author | Message | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 552 Registered: 11-2008 |
Hi guys. This is my Rogue. I bought it about an year ago, used, here in Brazil. Serial Number 96Q9891.  The Rogue, to me, its the best Alembic, with the perfect balance between sound, playability and price. Keep in mind that i've had quite a couple of different Alembics... I would like to bring out my preferred points on this bass, and why I prefer it for everyday use over any Series bass. Here is what I love about the Rogue: 1- No need to carry a power supply around. If I want, I just need to put the bass in a gig bag and it is ready to plug into any amp on any gig and give it it's full potential. With any cable, in case I forget mine (only happened once, but still...). 2- The Electronics are not extremely sensitive and don't pick up every interference on the way. Keep in mind I live/play in Brazil. AC power here is really dirty. And they love to put antennas everywhere here. With the Rogue, I've never had to worry... It's always a clean sound. Of course, I could carry all sorts of Furman-like stuff with me to filter that, but for me, there is no price on being able to be practical if I want to, with just the bass/cable/amp kit. Some of my gigs have to be like that, so it's important to me. Obviously, it doesn't have the same sound of the Series basses that I've have/had/played, but in live situations I don't mind. It still has what makes an Alembic, and Alembic. Which actually takes me to next point. 3- Sound. The Rogue is the Alembic I got more compliments on, regarding sound. I love the clear sound of the Series, but the less clear sound of the Rogue ("clear" might not be the correct term, but I think it works for the this explanation) sits perfectly in every scenario, at least for me and my style of playing. Not that the Series doesn't, but it just sounds more "normal" compared to what most people are accustomed to, regarding bass sounds. I've never found it easier to get that sound with the Series... It's kinda hard to explain, but no one never said "Why don't you use a Fender?" to me while playing the Rogue. Let me be perfectly clear, though: NOTHING sounds as good as a Series bass, in my opinion. But you guys know sound people...  The Rogue cuts the mix perfectly, but it is never too hifi or too bell like. And I like that. The "dirt" it has, compared to a Series, is a good compliment to the songs I play (mostly Rock/Blues)... But then again, just my 2 cents... Ps. I must mention that when I take my full rig to concerts, it is F-1X powered. The result of this combination should be obvious 4- Rogue has the best controls for quick and precise sound change. Need more bass? It's a click away. Less Treble? It's a click away. Need silence? Master volume. Need to twist the sound a bit from "Jaco" to a bit more "Pbass-ish"? Pickup pan. No need to mess with a bunch of knobs and amp controls. I know that for a lot of people that isn't an issue, but I love the easiness of the controls on the Rogue. Specially when playing live. 5- The Rogue is perfect on a strap. PERFECT. Europas are really close, but the Rogue, with that extra length on the horn, is perfect. I still have to try a MK though... 6- Playability. Again, it's an Alembic. Enough said. Anyway, this is my small review of why I love the Rogue. Some will disagree, others will agree and that's the beauty of it: there are different Alembics to suit everyone!! Cheers, Greg | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Senior Member Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 956 Registered: 5-2007 |
And what a beautiful specimen of a Rogue you have | ||
| smokin_dave
Senior Member Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 401 Registered: 10-2002 |
Yup.I concur.I know that I REALLY like mine. Beautiful Rogue by the way.I love the top wood. | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 556 Registered: 11-2008 |
Thanks guys! | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 557 Registered: 11-2008 |
 | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 558 Registered: 11-2008 |
Just updating with the info: "Here's the information I found in the file for your Rogue bass: QLB4 Rogue top: Flame Maple accent: Purpleheart laminate body: Mahogany neck: 3-piece Maple with 2 Walnut pinstripes, 34" scale fingerboard: Ebony with pearloid oval inlays pickups: MXY controls: volume, pan, filter, Q switch, bass cut/flat/boost, treble cut/flat/boost, side-mounted monon output finish: polyurethane satin natural (very thin) originally made for: Ace Music, Miami, FL birthday: May 6, 1996 | ||
| dtothec
Intermediate Member Username: dtothec Post Number: 117 Registered: 3-2015 |
Greg I loved my first one so much I now have two of them, and for most of the same reasons you mentioned! | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4963 Registered: 6-2002 |
I have an Elan with the Europa/Rogue electronics and you are right they are less complex than the series setup but so much easier to use live and the switches make great sense when you need to change things quickly or between beats. On my Elan with that setup I have the treble in the cut position most of the time because the bass is so bright. The Q-switch is usually off unless I'm on the bridge pickup going for that nasally Victor Bailey weather report tone. The bass boost is great for reggae tracks when I need a bit more oomph or on tracks and RnB songs where i'm are playing quietly but still need some weight behind the bottom end. That's a great bass you have there. What were your other alembics? | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 560 Registered: 11-2008 |
Darrell, I know the feeling! I almost got a second one recently hehe | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 561 Registered: 11-2008 |
Hey Jazzyvee. Yeah, it's just great to be able to dial the tone so easily while playing! Answering to your question, I had the following: '98 Series I Europa (Burl Maple) http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/201851.html?1419884229 '08 Stanley Clarke Deluxe (Coco Bolo) http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/76651.html?1270612771 '81 Distillate (Walnut) http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/61786.html?1344559689 '03 Series I Triple Omega (Buckeye Burl) http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/68621.html?1267220662 '83 Spoiler Exploiter (Bird's Eye Maple) http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/74744.html?1271207960 | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4967 Registered: 6-2002 |
Wow that's a great collection of basses. Cleary my favourite is the series I Europa. Which is your favourite and which do you gig with the most? | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 562 Registered: 11-2008 |
Hey Jazzyvee, thanks! You see, I live in Brazil and during this financial crisis we are going through right now, I lost quite a lot of money and had to basically sell all my basses. The only one left from my collection is the Rogue, due to its versatility and that I feel most comfortable using on gigs. But I know where they are, so as soon as I'm back on my feet, I'll try to get them back! As to picking a Favourite.... that's not fare to the other basses hehehe Each has it's own personality, as I'm sure you know | ||
| dtothec
Intermediate Member Username: dtothec Post Number: 118 Registered: 3-2015 |
Greg based on your collection, you have excellent taste in basses! | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 567 Registered: 11-2008 |
I can't deny that, Darrell... Thanks!! | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4968 Registered: 6-2002 |
Sorry to hear that Greg. I hope your circumstances change and you can get back to your feet. Getting the basses back, wouldn't that be great. | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 568 Registered: 11-2008 |
Thanks Jazzyvee! Life has it's ups and downs... It happens! Gotta get up again! hehe But hey... I still get to own my Rogue!! Cheers!! Greg | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4853 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hello Greg, Your Rouge will certainly be a close friend at this time for you . it looks like a wonderful instrument. I am certain that you will get through this financial hardship as well. In 1978 I went through a period where I had to sell almost everything as well , including one of my Alembic modified instruments . I bounced back later with the universe on my side luckily. I send you my best wishes and positive vibes for that big bounce back ! Wolf | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 569 Registered: 11-2008 |
Hey Wolf, I really appreciate that! Indeed, the Rogue will be an excellent company until everything gets sorted out! Thanks for wishes and vibes! Cheers! |
