| Author | Message | ||
| Rami Sourour (rami)
Junior Username: rami Post Number: 14 Registered: 6-2002 |
Yeah, I'm the one who bought it. My first Series II. Playing it is such an amazing experience that somehow makes my 2 custom Rogues an anti-climax. I never played another bass in my life that remotely compares. Truly, the KING of all basses! This is an Alembic Factory picture. Doesn't do it justice - but it's the best picture so far. I've gotta get a digital camera! s/n 01 12514  | ||
| Charles "David" Tichenor (alembic76407)
Junior Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 26 Registered: 5-2002 |
Rami.... Is there any chance you will put me in your WILL, and pass it along to me when your done !!!!!!!!! the only thing about this bass I would like to change is it address (TO MINE) I hope it sound's half as good as it looks, What a beautiful Bass David T | ||
| Rami Sourour (rami)
Junior Username: rami Post Number: 15 Registered: 6-2002 |
Thanks David. NO!!!! I must say that the picture REALLY doesn't do it justice. It is without a doubt the MOST magnificent work of art that I have ever seen and heard. In fact, I'm still in complete awe of this instrument. I still spend more time just staring at it than actually playing it. This is really the "Stradivarius" or "Rolls Royce" of all basses. To be in its presence is to be in the presence of royalty. I'll never truly find the words to express my impression of this bass, but I hope that this description gives you some idea! | ||
| Rami Sourour (rami)
Junior Username: rami Post Number: 16 Registered: 6-2002 |
Gotta go stare at it some more now.... (Message edited by rami on April 09, 2004) | ||
| Reid Raymond (rraymond)
Junior Username: rraymond Post Number: 12 Registered: 6-2002 |
It was mentioned to me in another thread that, "You haven't lived until you've played a Series bass." I absolutely believe it. I haven't played a Series bass and am not sure I want to. I mean, I'm still in awe of the tone of my Epic and Orion basses, they sound like the "sound" I've heard in my head for twenty-odd years. (Actually, the years weren't odd, it's just been more than twenty.) Enjoy that amazing instrument! | ||
| Rami Sourour (rami)
Junior Username: rami Post Number: 17 Registered: 6-2002 |
My first Alembic was an Excel 4(Walnut). I still have it today and absolutely love it. Now my Alembic collection has gone completely out of control - I have Excels 4 string, 5 string, and fretless in different woods - same with my Essence basses, A Rogue, then there's the Magnificent, Majestic Series II. Each bass has it's own unique sound and feel. I would be perfectly content with any one of my Alembics as my only bass. But the Series II is REALLY something special. To hold and play it is to experience the culmination of everything that is Alembic. It can sound like any of my other basses or like something completely out of this world. The stereo feature lets me (if I choose) run each pickup through it's own amplifier - effect - setup. Of course, it's VERY expensive, but it's a "Rolls Royce" with all it's perfection and no compromise approach in design and detail. It is a true testament to art and science. I have no doubt that history will remember it like the Stradivarius Violin...as desirable and admired. | ||
| Rami Sourour (rami)
Junior Username: rami Post Number: 50 Registered: 6-2002 |
Another picture  | ||
| Rami Sourour (rami)
Member Username: rami Post Number: 51 Registered: 6-2002 |
Check out that beautiful wood grain...  Alembic basses truly are works of art!!! | ||
| elzie
Advanced Member Username: elzie Post Number: 293 Registered: 8-2002 |
Holy %$@#@! That is one gorgeous bass! I can't believe I missed this thread. Rami, you are one lucky guy to have added this to your collection. I'd bet it has a monster sound too  Paul II | ||
| jorge_s
Junior Username: jorge_s Post Number: 27 Registered: 8-2002 |
Yes, this bass is absolutely stunning. Congratulations! Walnut is such a nice wood. I was recently at the dudepit site on ezboard. There is a thread there where a luthier compares the sonic properties of walnut to cardboard. I was wondering what you think Rami comparing all the basses that you have. Knowing how the Dark Prince sounds, is walnut something you would consider putting on another one of your basses? I am considering walnut for my next Alembic. | ||
| lembic76450
Junior Username: lembic76450 Post Number: 36 Registered: 5-2002 |
Rami, Like Elzie, I don't know how I missed this. Quite nice. Thanks for the directions. Kenn Comparing walnut to cardboard?? | ||
| the_mule
Junior Username: the_mule Post Number: 26 Registered: 1-2004 |
Wow, what a brilliant bass. Comparing walnut to cardboard is a bloody blasphemy as far as I'm concerned. My walnut Orion looks and sounds absolutely amazing and if I'm ever in the position (financially) to order a custom Alembic, walnut (superb, burl or flame) will be without a doubt my first choice! | ||
| jorge_s
Junior Username: jorge_s Post Number: 28 Registered: 8-2002 |
I've never played a bass with walnut in it. I think that it is the most attractive wood. I don't think Alembic would make so many basses with walnut if it was a substandard wood. I would just like some opinions from those of you fortunate enough to own several Alembics. Does the posting that I refer to have any merit? How does walnut perform sonically next to other woods. I certainly don't mean any disrespect. Quite the contrary. The bass on this thread is among the most beautiful I've seen. | ||
| goatfoot
Junior Username: goatfoot Post Number: 16 Registered: 12-2003 |
I am fortunate enough to own two Alembics. They're both walnut but they sound completely different (but neither of them sound like cardboard!). My Custom 5 is 36" scale, Rogue body, Maple neck (w/ walnut stringers), Epic/Orion elecs, Mahoghany body and a gorgeous Burl Walnut top. My Brown Bass is 30.75" scale, fretless, small standard body, Mahogany/Birch/Walnut neck, Anniversary elecs, Myrtle body and a gorgeous Walnut (maybe flamed?) top/back. The custom has a "bell-like" tone. Both the high's and the low's just ring out and sustain for days. I can make this bass super bright by backing off all of the bass and boosting the treble and it doesn't sound harsh. OTOH, I can boost the bass and cut the treb and really get down in the basement w/o turning the tone to mush. The BB has a very warm and mellow tone - but the highs can be a bit harsh if I don't back off on the tone filters. This bass is very good at getting an upright-type sound but it doesn't do a Jaco-esque tone real well. (That's alright, I'm not out to be a Jaco-clone.) Everything about these basses is different EXCEPT the Walnut top laminate. Still, IMO, the main difference between the two basses is the sound of the neck wood. I don't think I "hear" the walnut in either of these two basses. But I'm certain that I hear the maple and mahoghany in the necks. Kevin | ||
| wayne
Member Username: wayne Post Number: 94 Registered: 5-2002 |
Jorge- If you're curious about the sonic performance of Walnut, just listen to anything with Jimmy Johnson. He plays (and has for 30 years) a Burl Walnut Series II. I've always heard that Walnut is a little on the dark side of neutral (Maple being very bright) - but I've never played one. And remember that with Alembic, it's the neck woods that have the most impact. C-Ya............wayne | ||
| rami
Advanced Member Username: rami Post Number: 318 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hey Jorge, As you can imagine, an Alembic Series II is by definition the "King" of all Basses. How much of that perfection is contributed by the top (and back) woods is difficult to say. Mica once told me that Burl Walnut is a low density and relatively light wood. I'll have to agree with Wayne that the neck plays a bigger role in the sound than the body woods. In any case, the Series Basses are hollow, so the woods can't really play a significant role. For the "Dark Prince" we were looking for specific ingredients for the ultimate fundamental and sustain. The combination of Ebony and Purpleheart as well as the 36" scale (and of course the solidbody construction with the top and back bookmatched to the center over the neck) results in exactly what I was hoping for; the ultimate sustain. The "Black Byrd" will feature this construction as well as Series II electronics for what I hope will become the ultimate Alembic Bass. I guess this is what can be described as wanting the best of both worlds! Rami (Message edited by rami on March 11, 2004) | ||
| jorge_s
Junior Username: jorge_s Post Number: 29 Registered: 8-2002 |
Thanks to all you folks for your advice. I am always impressed with the wealth of knowledge in this group. Rami congratulations again, it is a beautiful Bad Boy. | ||
| jeff
New Username: jeff Post Number: 10 Registered: 12-2003 |
Rami, I'm obviously not the only one to admire a few of your Alembics that have graced these web pages, and this walnut bass is no exception. I was very interested in your above response to Jorge about the elements of a bass that contribute to its sound. I am most interested in how the Dark Prince sounds in relation to your other instruments. Other than having great sustain, does the B string sound deeper and/or more solid that your other basses? If so, is that due more to the wood combination, the solid contruction of the body, or the 36" scale, or is it impossible to tell? Thanks Rami. Envious Jeff. | ||
| rami
Advanced Member Username: rami Post Number: 320 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi Jeff, In response to your question... All of the above! The heavy, dense woods, the super long scale, and the solid construction. All the ingredients for amazing sustain and brilliantly clear sound. The low 'B' is as tight and punchy as anything you can imagine. Obviously, every Alembic sounds great, but the "Dark Prince" is clearly a step (or several steps) above the rest for true natural sound quality. It is also quite easy to play. The neck, although super long, is slim and very fast. The beauty of a custom Alembic is that you can ask for something that's really beyond everything else, and then watch it come to life. Cheers, Rami | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 534 Registered: 6-2002 |
I recently got into playing works by Bach. Playing Bach on a Series II is nothing short of a religeous experience! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 663 Registered: 10-2003 |
Rami, I would love to hear it! John | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 2280 Registered: 9-2002 |
Mmmm ...tempting idea Rami! Est-ce que tu as une idée ou trouver des transcription tout près de Bach pour basse électrique?? ( 5 cordes??? 4 cordes) Il y'avait dix ans j'en avait un bouquin mais j'ai dû le rendre donc ...si tu as une idée ?? T'as mon mail non?? Salut! Paul 'le mauvais' (Message edited by palembic on February 13, 2006) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 3211 Registered: 5-2002 |
Paul, there was a prior thread on this topic. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 3212 Registered: 5-2002 |
Here is one. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 3213 Registered: 5-2002 |
And another. | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 2281 Registered: 9-2002 |
Oooops ... | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 2282 Registered: 9-2002 |
Thanks Moder. I think I better go for "easy" Bach for electric bass. I just downloaded a PDF with sheet music of the cello concerts and ...well ...it's soooo depressing. I can't even make it through the first bar. ***sigh*** maybe I should stick with tah I-V, I-V thing. Or catch that Blues in F. Oh no ... wasn't that the forbidden Key??? Paul the bad one | ||
| george_wright
Member Username: george_wright Post Number: 70 Registered: 3-2005 |
Hoping for a bonanza of free scores, I followed up on the threads Dave posted. Came across the motherlode at mutopia. | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 535 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hey Paul, I started with the book "J.S. Bach for Bass" by Josquin des Pres, then I found the book "J.S. Bach Invenzioni" by Marco Di Natale, "J.S. Bach for Electric Bass" by Bob Gallway, PH.D. Also the site www.free-scores.com is an excellent source for FREE Bach scores and more. By the way, it was thanks to Jaco that I was first exposed to this style. He really influenced us all in so many ways. Enjoy, Rami | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 2283 Registered: 9-2002 |
Merci mon ami Rami, thanks a lot! I will go back to that bar (nono ...that bar in sheet music) and try harder. We'll see what happened! BTW ...last summer holiday I spent some days in France with a professor Ancient French literature who is from Québec. He is still giving course inb Quebec and also in Limoges France. He explained me a lot about that french speaking part of Canada, about habits, language, ...very interesting! Paul TBO | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 3217 Registered: 5-2002 |
Paul; after reading your post, I pulled out my copy of the Prelude from Bach's Cello Suite I. I had pretty much crashed and burned by the time I reached bar eleven. | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 536 Registered: 6-2002 |
George is right, Mutopia is the best. In fact it's where Free-scores get their material. | ||
| byoung
Advanced Member Username: byoung Post Number: 211 Registered: 12-2004 |
Dave, You made it about 9 bars further than I did. My wrist feels all tingly, too. I'm with Paul the Bad One. I'll keep trying, I guess. Brad | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 2285 Registered: 9-2002 |
Yep ...dived into that Mutopia thing to and Bookmarked the site! I dived into that cello stuff again and ...well ...it IS good for excercicing sight reading. I am not on a point where I catch the rhythm and decent tune but ...hey ...I AM working on it. This afternoon I will make a phone-call to the Music-book dealer in Antwerp and see if I can get a copy of what you are suggesting Rami! Bach rules! Well ...sort of Paul the bad one |
