| Author | Message | ||
| bobbo_77
New Username: bobbo_77 Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2006 |
Hola, Question. I've had Alembics in the past. But, never tried those Kawai FIIB basses. If anyone out there has one, or played one, can you get a decent "Alembic" tone? How's the craftsmanship? As of now, can't afford the real thing, but this can get me sort of close! Bobbo 77" | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 652 Registered: 10-2003 |
From what I recall has been posted to this site, they seem to be pretty close to the real thing until you actually play one, at which point they sound hollow and utterly without balls or sustain. I remember seeing them years ago at a show, but I don't recall what it was like to play one. I think you'd be far better off saving your loose change for a couple of years and buying an actual Alembic off of ebay... John | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 958 Registered: 4-2004 |
the neck was super wide also adn i think its 35 scale i had one but couldnt play it... teeny fingas.... alembic tone- naaah only alembic sound like alembic even my variax 705 series setting doesnt sound like an alembic- close no cigar | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 845 Registered: 7-2003 |
Those who have reviewed them seem to like them - but I don't think any of them had ever played an Alembic. Ironically, I started out thinking the same general thing you describe: "I can't afford an Alembic. Is a Kawai the next best thing?" What I found, much to my surprise and delight is that used Alembics can be found for much less than you'd think. I picked up a very nice Spoiler for under $1,000 and there are certainly prices on worthwhile Alembics closer to $750 on occasion. Ask yourself this: "Would I rather spend $350 to $500 to settle for a knockoff that won't deliver like the real thing (not even close, from what I think I hear)? Or do I live with my GAS pains long enough to save a couple hundred more for an Alembic (which will hold its price, by the way)? Judge for yourself, but I was very glad I held out for an Alembic. Good luck. Bill (Message edited by bassman10096 on February 03, 2006) | ||
| bobbo_77
New Username: bobbo_77 Post Number: 2 Registered: 1-2006 |
Thank's for all the replies Cat's! Guess I better start saving! Bobbo 77" | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 3130 Registered: 5-2002 |
Bob; I don't know what your economic situation is, but used Alembics can be had for fairly reasonable amounts. Epics are the least expensive models and there are a lot of them out there; a used Epic can generally be purchased for less than a grand. Also, used Alembics generally hold their value or even increase in value over time; unless you pay significantly more than current market value. So for instance if your budget was $800, you could probably pick up a nice Epic; then later on when you've saved some more funds, you could probably sell the Epic for what you paid and get a more expensive model. | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 617 Registered: 9-2002 |
They're like most cheap basses . . . the woodwork's OK till you get right up close when you find out where they really saved money was on the electronics. If you simply must have one, steal it CHEAP . . . because you're never gonna get more than that out of it. The other big problem with cheap basses with pickup sizes OTHER than the standard P,J, MusicMan, or the various soapbar sizes that EMG or Bart use: If you really like the bass but hate the pickups, UNLESS you're willing to do major surgery, you're stuck with what's in there now. I learned THAT one the hard way . . . and even in a turkey, without first-class pickups you're just DEAD. Like I said a few days ago, I'd MUCH rather have a Jazz Bass copy with ALEMBIC Activators and circuits than the 'East Meets West' Featured Custom re-done with Fender pickups! J o e y | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 960 Registered: 4-2004 |
anyone look for reviews in harmnony central? | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 987 Registered: 3-2004 |
Lot of uncharitable comments here, I think. Kawai is a company that makes some very high end pianos. While their basses certainly aren't Alembics, their 80s FIIB models weren't exactly cheap either. With regard to the investment, the FIIB models have been pretty stable in the $500 price range for several years. If you can get one for that price or less, then you should be able to get at least 90% of your money back very easily. If I were looking for a bass with $500 to spend, I would consider one of these. Just know that it's a nice instrument and not an Alembic. Nothing else is. | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 846 Registered: 7-2003 |
All those positive reviews of the Kawai's must mean something. Kawai is a top flight instrument maker. It's not a crime for an ax not to be an Alembic, after all. It's probably too bad the Alembic knockoff styling prevents these basses from being evaluated strictly on their own merits. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 653 Registered: 10-2003 |
Timing is everything, I suppose. Last night a guy approached me as we went on break and asked if I was playing an Alembic (shocking in itself, especially at a corporate awards shindig). We chatted for a bit and he told me that he was a guitar player but owned a Kawai bass and really loved it, even though he knew it wasn't nearly as nice as an Alembic. He was a Stanley fan. John | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 848 Registered: 7-2003 |
Too bad Kawai's can't be viewed on their own merits. People do seem to like them: http://www.harmony-central.com/Bass/Data4/Kawai/F2_B-01.html. In fact the comments sound like some of the good things you hear about Alembics. Sounds like a pretty good bass for half a grand. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 654 Registered: 10-2003 |
We are a jaded lot. ;) | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 849 Registered: 7-2003 |
I guess... | ||
| jalevinemd
Advanced Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 325 Registered: 12-2003 |
Sometimes I think "jaded" is an understatement. But, then, my wife never told me I was the easiest person to live with. | ||
| ampeglb100
Member Username: ampeglb100 Post Number: 56 Registered: 11-2004 |
I used to have a nice FIIB and had several of the KRB basses as well. Kawai used to make great basses, based on my experience. I thought the KRB passive basses sounded really great, but their active models weren't as great. The FIIB was built very well, I thought, and it had some great tones to offer, but I would not say that it sounded like any Alembic that I have heard or played. It looked and felt very Alembic-like (or, OK, more Alembic-like than Fender-like...) but it didn't really compare in terms of tone, quality, detail, playability, etc. But then, for $400 - $600 that is what you get: a somewhat rare, made in Japan bass that looks pretty cool. I have had a S.C. Signiture Deluxe, an Essence w/Europa Electronics, and Elan, currently own a Europa and I am having a new Europa built for me. I no longer own any of the Kawai's... I guess that says it all... but then I have dropped thousands or dollars for these basses - every one of which was 100% worth it. You get what you pay for, by and large, in my opinion. Andy | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 708 Registered: 9-2002 |
Kawai f1 pics: http.//www.guitarsjapan.com/kawai_f1_alembic_bass_replica.html J o e y |
