| Author | Message | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 58 Registered: 4-2005 |
I have an old camera incapable of capturing it's true color. FTC pic is much more accurate. Will post more if I find a good camera. A simply superlative bass. I have played none finer, and it has such beauty to the eye. Amazing crafstmanship. The Signature electronics are great. Thanks again to everyone at Alembic and Uncle Bob's.    In the background I hear, "get a series, get a series...." Never say never. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 2789 Registered: 5-2002 |
Gorgeous! | ||
| 2400wattman
Junior Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 21 Registered: 11-2005 |
The coco bolo and the gold/brass hardware just exude soooo much class. Is the back coco bolo as well?Bravo! | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 59 Registered: 4-2005 |
Thank you gentlemen. I too love the gold plated logo & brass. It stands out so nice against the coco.  | ||
| 2400wattman
Junior Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 29 Registered: 11-2005 |
Hello Tom, Please don't take this as being rude but I am curious as to what you had paid for this. Did you have it custom made or did you buy it from a store? I would like to know what to expect when I decide to have something made. This bass is really right up my alley. How are the electronics?I'm still very green to Alembics Q & filter knobs/switches. You can e-mail a response to 1ars@earthlink.net if don't mind. Thanks and Happy Holidays | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 2827 Registered: 5-2002 |
Adam; you can get a good idea about what a similar bass would cost on the quote generator. Start with a King Deluxe. You can go back and forth and figure out what the Ebony neck lam will add (the difference between two and three Ebony lams should give you a reasonable guess). I'm not sure but the ovals look like Abalone, so add them in. Then add the Balance K Omega with Elbow Contour. Add a gold logo. That should cover most of what I'm noticing in the pics at the moment; except of course for the dummy dummy hum cancellor, which is not in the quote generator. You're probably looking at a current list of around $9k. Of course there is a price increase at the end of this month; so you would have to get your order in pretty quickly. The December special is quite generous and it looks like you could use it on most if not all the upgrades (you may need a spreadsheet to figure out which way to go with the special). Then of course there is the dealer discount, which depends on which dealer you go through. But I'm just guessing here; you need to call Val and you need to find a dealer. Hope that helps. | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 62 Registered: 4-2005 |
Hello Adam, The price was standard Alembic discounts that their dealers are able to provide. I didn't shop around since all of my major purchases have been with Uncle Bob's for the last 30 years. Luckily, they are a dealer. I say support your local dealer (I'm in FL and bought from WI), but the various posts on the board should lead you to a good price from the various dealers available such as Uncle Bob's, Bass Central, Bass Northwest and Ressurection in Austin (LOVE that town). Just get a couple quotes; don't haggle for $10-50 bucks between dealers. The elves are busy and multiple quotes from many dealers takes much of their time, but of course, they are always glad to help. (These suggestions are paraphrased from a post by Valentino) Yes it was a custom order. Placed in the end of April to take advantage of a very nice monthly special, which is key to making your purchase in my humble opinion. Order changed from a Standard Small Body to a Deluxe BalK after I placed the initial order. I couldn't resist the hypnotic effect of Coco Bolo. I suggest you plan your dream bass better than I did; the elves were VERY patient with me. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but is my dream bass: MK Deluxe Short Scale, Chip chose the top & back Dragon's Breath Neck Dim. Valentino Neck Gold Plated Logo, Scriptless Dummy HX (might be dumb, but looks smart), 70's pickup spacing BalK with Tummy & Elbow & Omega in Vermilion Abalone Oval Inlays Case (extra charge not listed in the quote generator) There are some nice coco Balance K's in stock at various dealers if you like Alembic's standard neck dimensions. I don't like them, so I had to go custom. I think the buckeye burl instruments currently in the store/showroom are magnificent. Also some very nice walnut examples out there. The elves might be able to steer you towards a bass in stock at dealers not mentioned that might suit your needs as well. I am loving my first taste of Signature electronics. The filters with the Q switch are awesome. I leave the pan 50/50, roll a little high end off the neck, add a little to the bridge, and with the Ebony neck runner it has all the bottom I need. Flip the pan to the bridge, roll a little high end off, and you have a better than jazz bass sound, again in my humble opinion. Q's are always on. Unless I get a series made, I don't see how this bass can be surpassed for me. It is that good. Hope that helps. Season's greetings to you and all. T | ||
| rklisme
Advanced Member Username: rklisme Post Number: 259 Registered: 5-2004 |
Tom I have to disagree as to what dealer you buy from. I am glad that I took the time to research dealers. The money I saved from one dealer to the next was not $10 - $50 bucks but closer to $1000.00. I am not going to talk about any one dealer or another but doing your homework in life nearly always pays dividends in the end. I don't see the point of lining someone elses pockets when I can use the cash just as much as they can if not more. I am not knocking your loyality to Uncle Bob, I just think we are talking to much money to not get the best price posible on one of these fine instruments! Rory | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 63 Registered: 4-2005 |
Rory, I was paraphrasing a previous post by Valentino. Those were his numbers, or close to them. I guess I wasn't clear enough in my explanation. I'm sure you can find Val's post if you don't beleive me. Thanks for your insight | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 64 Registered: 4-2005 |
For the lazy ones who won't try to find this memorable post, here it is: http://alembic.com/club/messages/402/18878.html?1118347959 I promise I'll tell the next person to call Roman Guitars and ask for Ed. | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 65 Registered: 4-2005 |
My bottom line is this: I would not have made this or my other two current Alembic purchases if not for Uncle Bob's Music. They were able to put me at ease with a purchase of an over $9k retail instrument that I have never played. If Uncle Bob's wasn't an Alembic dealer, I wouldn't be playing one, let alone three. It's sad that Rory and others haven't been able to create the family feeling with their music dealers that Uncle Bob's Music has given me the past 30 years. Maybe for Rory, it's all about the money. For me, it's all about making a dream come true. And that dream was to buy an Alembic from Uncle Bob's Music. I made it happen. Three times over. May you all be as lucky as I have been to make my dream come true. | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 66 Registered: 4-2005 |
I had originally put a post here outlining a sample pricing scenario, but screw that - this isn't about money. This is about dreams and a tribute to my mom and dad. I can understand Adam's post, but Rory making this post about money and pricing makes me sick. I told Adam in an email yesterday: 1. Not telling 2. I didn't get any other quotes. I've known Bob for 30+ years and would go nowhere else 3. Start at the largest Alembic dealer, Bass Central 4. Quoted $250 for the Dummy HX I couldn't care less about what I, Adam, or anyone else spends on their Alembics. My dream came true. (Message edited by lidon2001 on December 17, 2005) | ||
| rklisme
Advanced Member Username: rklisme Post Number: 260 Registered: 5-2004 |
Tom It doesn't bother me your reasons for buying your bass or basses from anyone you wish. Not everybody is looking to be pals with a guitar dealer! I am not sure why this is upsetting you so, I just chimed in with my opinion. Some of us are just looking for the best price possible on a very expensive guitar. Everybody is getting what they want it seems. If you are happy with the way you do business I am glad for you as a fellow Alembician. I on the otherhand do business the best way for me and I am happy! Uncle Bob gets your Alembic order and he's happy. Whom ever gives me the best deal gets my order and they are happy. It seems everyone is happy! Tom let's not make this personal, I am sure you are a great guy and I know I am so let's be happy for one another! My deepest apologies for making you sick! Rory PS...Nice looking bass | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 71 Registered: 4-2005 |
He can comment on my dealer, but then order and have to sell brand new Alembics for a loss since he has a problem giving in to his personal lust for a Series. That is just too funny. The one reason I don't go to Alembic to visit is because I know I won't walk out without ordering a Series. It's that simple. To use the words of poker champion Mike Matusow, "Vindication, baby!" When ordering an Alembic, money isn't the issue, is it Rory? It's about getting the instrument you want. And I see you have a problem with that for whatever reason. This will keep me laughing for sometime. Thanks for the story. | ||
| the_8_string_king
Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 56 Registered: 9-2005 |
"I have to disagree as to what dealer you buy from. I am glad that I took the time to research dealers. The money I saved from one dealer to the next was not $10 - $50 bucks but closer to $1000.00. I am not going to talk about any one dealer or another but doing your homework in life nearly always pays dividends in the end. I don't see the point of lining someone elses pockets when I can use the cash just as much as they can if not more. I am not knocking your loyality to Uncle Bob, I just think we are talking to much money to not get the best price posible on one of these fine instruments!" I just HAVE to say that this is clearly a reasonable opinion, and one which is clearly respectfully presented -just as I'd also say the opinion/position/preference to deal exclusively with one dealer without educating one's self on alternatives/shopping around, based on positive emotional feelings as an opinion that is reasonable and certainly one's perogative to have. So... what the heck is the issue here? It seems to me like you're laying into the guy, and HEAVILY, and I'm completely bewildered. "If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it probably is a duck." Well, it looks to me like you're laying into Rory because he doesn't share YOUR viewpoint. Is this so? Or am I missing something? Your viewpoints ARE clearly different and incompatible, but it would seem to be a subjective preference. My viewpoint -as a brief digression- is somewhat of an integration of both your views as I value/exhibit loyalty -which has been discovered/achieved/developed by "shopping around" -and it is my opinion that doing so is a good thing which benefits EVERYONE (except those who make profits by over-charging to those who don't know any better) -by requiring dealers to retain customers by a combination of excellent prices and excellent customer service. In fact, this is the ONLY way dealers can retain the educated customers who DO "shop around." Anyway, my two cents is that you seem to be major ragging on this fellow Rory without making any clear case why he is wrong/bad/whatever. I think if you're going to publicly call someone out, you should back it up (by all means, if you're right, and he's done something wrong). On the other hand, if you're flipping/tripping for some reason, maybe a brain lapse or something (I've had it happen to me more than once) than perhaps an apology is in order. He can comment on my dealer, but then order and have to sell brand new Alembics for a loss since he has a problem giving in to his personal lust for a Series. That is just too funny. The one reason I don't go to Alembic to visit is because I know I won't walk out without ordering a Series. It's that simple. "To use the words of poker champion Mike Matusow, "Vindication, baby!" When ordering an Alembic, money isn't the issue, is it Rory? It's about getting the instrument you want. And I see you have a problem with that for whatever reason. This will keep me laughing for sometime. Thanks for the story." What on earth is the point of this? It really seems bizzare. As this is a public forum, where viewpoints are expressed and responded to -with an expectation, of course, of civility- I respectfully ask for clarification, Tom. Has Rory done something wrong that he should be condmemned for? If so, what? Please spell it out, and make a case. If you're right, I'll publicly agree for whatever it's worth. But if you're gonna call a guy out the way you apparently are, you should make a clear and strong case. As far as I can tell, you're having a bizzare hissy-fit simply cause Rory doesn't see things the way you do. If it's not so please set me (and others who may also be wondering) straight. Maybe I'm getting this all wrong, but I looked at it several times before writing this, and the duck thing, yadda yadda... So... what's up? Mark, the "8 String King." | ||
| the_8_string_king
Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 57 Registered: 9-2005 |
By the way, your Balance K with signature electronics and coco bolo is most awesome. A cool option may other Alembicians (myself included) do -and a relatively cheap yet SIGNIFICANT versatility-increaser- is to upgrade to THREE POSITION Q switches (example 0/6/9 or 0/4/8...) you could get this option/upgrade on your signature bass without having to upgrade to a series one. The signature electronics are extremely versatile, though, even with just the 0/8 switch, though. Anyways, I didn't want to overlook complimenting your most awesome bass, it's quite a beauty, and I'm sure the pictures don't do it justice. (Message edited by the 8 string king on January 10, 2006) | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 72 Registered: 4-2005 |
Thanks King for the comments on the bass, since that is the real show of this case, prior to Rory's addition. I did get the 3-way on my next custom bass. It's coming with 2 FatBoys, so I look forward to swapping those out with these as well. If I like the 3 way's on the custom, I will consider them for this bass. The more I play it, the more I love it. I can't recommend the Balance K with short scale enough for those who might have balance issues with the Standard Small Body. It balances at whatever clock position strikes you, and is very light. AS for the nonsense, first off, if I would have seen moder Dave's post to Adam, I would not have made mine, and would have just emailed Adam with my info. Unfortunately, I was too fast in my response, otherwise Rory would have had no reason to add his experience. I was just trying to help Adam, and for that Rory has to chime in and protect him and all those who might stumble upon this thread from my nefarious posts and praise for my dealer. Rory was unable to see that I was trying to handle the question as tactfully as possible, unlike his post. I told Adam about my dealer, the largest Alembic dealer, an Alembic dealer who will beat any written quote, and an Alembic dealer who has 30% discount web prices listed on his current instruments. Does Adam really need Rory's assistance with these choices? Rory seems to think so. Rory's comments seem, still seem, like a personal vendetta against me and the dealer that made sure I got the bass I wanted and not have to buy a bunch of basses before I got that bass like he's doing now. I take great offense to his comments. It appears his dealer just took his orders. My dealer & Valentino went out of their way to make sure I got the bass I wanted, not the bass I ordered. People will go to whatever ever dealer they want, pay whatever they want. In another post, someone said they want the quality, but doesn't want to pay for it. I don't get that comment. Some people here don't even like seeing Alembic owners get the absolute highest price for their instruments on EBay or when they think someone is paying too much they have to comment. Are they in the right place? We've got members paying 5k for a bass case to make their dreams come true and everyone praises that purchase as they should, yet Rory and these others worry about a few bucks and make a point of saying they are taking a "hit". I tought that was Bill's guitar with the fatty. Makes no sense whatsoever. None. Zip. Zilch. Zero. Luckily that's also what such speech is worth. Just like mine. And zero worth equals free. Free speech. Isn't that great how that works? So the saga is over; Rory finished it by making me laugh. I wish him and all continued good health since that should always come first. Then go buy an Alembic, and get it right the first time. It's easy. And it's going to be a great year. | ||
| the_8_string_king
Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 58 Registered: 9-2005 |
Thanks for responding and I'm glad there aren't any hard feelings. | ||
| crgaston
Junior Username: crgaston Post Number: 45 Registered: 11-2005 |
Tom, is that a satin finish on your bass? | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 73 Registered: 4-2005 |
Hi Charles, No, That's the usual gloss with satin neck. Blame it on my poor photography skills and an older digital camera incapable of capturing the true beauty of the CocoBolo. T | ||
| crgaston
Junior Username: crgaston Post Number: 46 Registered: 11-2005 |
I just checked out the ftc pics. Definitely glossy! Looks cool either way. More velvety smoothness in your pics, more sparkling detail in the others. | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 74 Registered: 4-2005 |
Thanks for the thumbs up on the bass Charles! T (Message edited by lidon2001 on January 11, 2006) | ||
| j_gary
Intermediate Member Username: j_gary Post Number: 171 Registered: 6-2005 |
Tom, just a beautiful piece of work. I think you paid too little for this sweetheart. I used to think of Alembic styling as traditioal or historic. Everytime I see a Balance K, I think futuristic. Well done, congrats! | ||
| pierreyves
New Username: pierreyves Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2006 |
I hope It will be mine one day.... ;o))))))))))))) | ||
| pierreyves
New Username: pierreyves Post Number: 7 Registered: 11-2006 |
what is the "third" central pick-up ? What use ? I had the same with my 80's SC but I never know what to do, for stereo ? please answer slowly and clearly !! ;o) | ||
| lidon2001
Advanced Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 248 Registered: 4-2005 |
The middle pickup is there for cosmetics - produits de beauté, might you say - and is not part of the electronics on this bass. It does nothing but look good. On musical instruments with Alembic's Series pickups and electronics, the middle pickup is used to minimize the hum that is inherent to single coil pickups. T | ||
| pierreyves
New Username: pierreyves Post Number: 8 Registered: 11-2006 |
for cosmetic ??????? Pour l'esthétique ??? I'ts crazy, It's not really nice....I don't understand..... | ||
| dannobasso
Advanced Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 400 Registered: 3-2004 |
For the look, the esthetic, the appearance, it's really cool look at that it looks just like a series instrument thing. A spoiler on a Honda civic looks cool but has no real function kind of thing. |
