| Author | Message | ||
| white_cloud
New Username: white_cloud Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2007 |
Hi folks, Im a new guy and I need help from you Alembic experts/lovers! I am finally, after 25yrs, about to buy an Alembic. Its a 1987 persuader (Walnut face, PJ pickups)in totally pristine condition. The asking price is $2140 set up, new strings and shipped. What do you think, is the price right? | ||
| pas
Intermediate Member Username: pas Post Number: 103 Registered: 3-2003 |
Sounds a little high to me. I'm thinking more in the $1,000 - $1,500 range, depending on the condition of the bass & the top wood. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5696 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi John, welcome to the board. Paul's assessment sounds about right for Persuaders from private owners on Ebay in the US. Dealer prices are generally higher. However, as you are in Scotland, I would think that prices there will be higher as there aren't as many Alembics available. There are quite a few UK members here; hopefully one of them will notice this thread and give their estimate of local prices. | ||
| white_cloud
New Username: white_cloud Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2007 |
Guys, many thanks for your help on this one! The persuader is from a very reputable dealer..and is in an absolute first class condition! I often look at Alembics on ebay but am somewhat nervous about buying such a high quality instrument without actually seeing it, holding it, caressing it (did I just say caressing it!!!!!) Believe me you dont see many Alembics in the UK never mind scotland for that matter so I think that Im just going to bite the bullet and pay for her! The dealer has a really nice EPIC for similar cash also, but I prefer the persuader (have wanted one since 1986). Anyway, just want to say its great to finally join the club and interact with you all! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5697 Registered: 5-2002 |
If you get it, post pictures! | ||
| white_cloud
New Username: white_cloud Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2007 |
Absolutely, thats for sure! It must be great to live in the USA and be able to cherry pick from such a wide variety of Alembics..I am jealous! Believe it or not I have beaten the dealer down a fair bit from the ticket price!! Just imagine that! | ||
| artswork99
Advanced Member Username: artswork99 Post Number: 223 Registered: 7-2007 |
Enjoy that Persuader John and welcome to the club! Play it healthy! Can't wait to see it! | ||
| white_cloud
New Username: white_cloud Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2007 |
Thanks folks, have just bought her. She will be with me next tuesday, cant wait! Will post pics on the showcase in due course! | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 667 Registered: 3-2004 |
Congrats! It is usually a life changing event. The equal of coming of age for bassists. | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1630 Registered: 2-2006 |
Very cool, congrats John. I remember how excited I was when I gotr my first Alembic. Olie | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1471 Registered: 10-2002 |
Welcome to the club from another Scottish Resident John. Although I'm near Edinburgh, my band Big Tuna try to play all over central Scotland. We'll be playing at Glasgow's Walkabout bar on 12th December. If you're able to make it, come up and say Hi. I'll be playing my 5 string balance K signature and my 5 string fretless rogue. I'm aware of 11 Alembics in Scotland although I've only seen 6 of them in the flesh. Graeme. | ||
| white_cloud
New Username: white_cloud Post Number: 5 Registered: 11-2007 |
Thats great Graeme, really appreciate the kind words! I have actually heard of BIG TUNA!! Its excellent to talk to another scottish Alembic fanatic..I am going to try hard to get to the Glasgow gig and hopefully catch you for a chat! I cant believe that there are only 11 Alembics in Scotland, suddenly I feel extra priveliged! I realise that I payed a little too much for my persuader, but it is very clean and has been sold to me by the guy who builds the excellent SEI basses. Hes going to give a her the full treatment before shipping to me from London on monday! Thanks to all the kind words and warm welcome everyone, really enjoying being a member already! | ||
| white_cloud
New Username: white_cloud Post Number: 6 Registered: 11-2007 |
Hi again guys, if anyone out there would like a look at my persuader go to www.thebassgallery.com and click on the Alembic section! Cool web site for bass lovers! | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1472 Registered: 10-2002 |
Nice top and it looks like you may have an LED switch next to the jack. I was in the gallery in february when I was down for the Stanley Clarke gig. It's a pretty cool shop - loads of bass porn on display (the really nice stuff is untouchable). To be honest, £1200 is pretty good for a shop bought Alembic in the UK. You'll occasionally see a used Epic or Orion being sold privately - these don't usually fetch more than £1000 but you don't get the security of buying from the shop. Graeme | ||
| the_mule
Senior Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 695 Registered: 1-2004 |
Very nice bass! I'm 99% sure it's actually a coco bolo top, and not walnut. Also curious about the switch, might be a simple on/off, but if it's got LEDs that's a fine bonus! Wilfred | ||
| white_cloud
New Username: white_cloud Post Number: 8 Registered: 11-2007 |
Thanks guys! I did wonder about the top perhaps being coco bolo and not walnut--would it make any noticeable difference to the sound do you think??? Im sure that it hasnt got leds, I think what appears to be a switch is reflection from the camera but I may be wrong (hope so!!!) I paid £1050 including shipping, set-up, new strings, good quality lead and a nice strap..I think thats an acceptable deal for rip off britain!! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5699 Registered: 5-2002 |
Nice top! Yes, all other things being equal, there should be a noticeable difference between a bass with Coco Bolo and a bass with Walnut. You may want to post a message in the Serial Number Request section of our board. When Mica gets a chance, she can look up the build info and determine what the top wood is. | ||
| white_cloud
New Username: white_cloud Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2007 |
That would be very helpful as no documentation is included unfortunately! No truss rod adjuster comes with the sale either, will I need an Alembic specific tool? If so would I be able to purchase one? I know that Alembic set ups need regular adjusting...this is Scotland folks, the land of rain rain rain  | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1473 Registered: 10-2002 |
John. The trussrods are adjusted with a 1/4 inch spanner which shouldn't be too hard to come by. I've found that I don't need to adjust my necks that often as Scotland has a fairly static 'Humidity'. Georgieboy (who lives near Falkirk) says he's never had to adjust the neck on his series 1. I guess it depends on how low you like your action, mine is roughly 2 16ths at the 12th fret which suits me. I know that roger in blackpool has trouble with his dragonwing neck but he has his action so low you couldn't slip a credit card under the strings. Graeme | ||
| white_cloud
Junior Username: white_cloud Post Number: 11 Registered: 11-2007 |
Hmm, now I think of it humidity is NOT a Scottish problem Graeme! To be honest I dont like a super low action, I just dont like any kind of fret buzz. Your set-up sounds similar to my preference! I havent had any real issues with my basses in the past when it has come to neck problems. The only exception was a jaydee supernatural that had a neck that went badly wrong for reasons beyond my comprehension. I got rid of it (only bought it because it was basically a high end Alembic copy) and never went near them again despite many many people loving them. cest la vie! | ||
| terryc
Advanced Member Username: terryc Post Number: 332 Registered: 11-2004 |
white cloud - welcome to the exclusive club where the application fee is very expensive but worth it. JayDee..nice basses but nothing like the real thing!!! In Teesside Alembics are non existant..I maybe the only one in my area who has one(anyone out there to prove me wrong) I bought my MK signature in New York just coming up ten years ago from Rudy Pensurh's Music Stop and it is used for all gigs. | ||
| white_cloud
Junior Username: white_cloud Post Number: 16 Registered: 11-2007 |
Hi Terry, the fact that there are so few British Alembics certainly adds to the mystique! The MK signature is one of my favourite models (despite not really being a big L42 or MK fan), you are a very lucky man! Im just honoured to finally owning one, its here tomorrow..yipee!! | ||
| the_mule
Senior Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 696 Registered: 1-2004 |
Well, looking at the picture again, I also think the switch is actually some strange reflection. But the top must be coco bolo, a few weeks ago I saw Flip's coco bolo Spoiler (http://www.decoda.net/FCBASS/fcgear.htm) IRL and they could be brothers! Wilfred | ||
| white_cloud
Junior Username: white_cloud Post Number: 19 Registered: 11-2007 |
Thanks Wilfred, I would have loved the bonus of a custom electric feature on my persuader (leds...wow!) but Im sure I will be happy just the same without it! On looking at other coco-bolo Alembics on the site I am now pretty convinced that I have a coco-bolo top..which is Great because I much prefer it to walnut! | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1477 Registered: 10-2002 |
Has it arrived yet? Graeme | ||
| white_cloud
Junior Username: white_cloud Post Number: 21 Registered: 11-2007 |
Hi Graeme, I am sitting anxiously waiting for delivery! I was night shift last night and havent slept a wink all day because I am so excited..I have my amp all set up waiting!!! HURRY UP COURIER!!!! John. | ||
| artswork99
Advanced Member Username: artswork99 Post Number: 225 Registered: 7-2007 |
Have fun today John! Remember to breath! Enjoy the arrival. Art | ||
| white_cloud
Junior Username: white_cloud Post Number: 23 Registered: 11-2007 |
IT IS HERE! Oh my god, it is flawless perfection! I cant believe that I finally have one  Have just had a blast and the tone is INCREDIBLE!!! I cant believe the sounds I am getting from this bass, it only has three pots for goodness sake!!!! I have had it for 15 mins and already is easily the best bass I have ever owned. Thank you god! | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1480 Registered: 10-2002 |
Deep breaths. graeme | ||
| artswork99
Advanced Member Username: artswork99 Post Number: 226 Registered: 7-2007 |
Glad to hear it is what you expected! Have a great time! Art | ||
| white_cloud
Junior Username: white_cloud Post Number: 25 Registered: 11-2007 |
She's a credit to her former owner. For a 20 yr old instrument shes exceptionally clean! Wow! Sorry for acting like a excitable little kid at Xmas folks, this is my 40th birthday present from my wife..what a fantastic woman! If this is what a three pot persuader sounds like then a series 1/2 would probably be to much for me and blow my mind! | ||
| terryc
Advanced Member Username: terryc Post Number: 336 Registered: 11-2004 |
white cloud - take your time with the controls, even after 10 years I still find tones which I didn't know existed, subtley is the key. For most of the time my amp settings are all zeroed(flat) and I just use the filters and Q switches. Wait until your PA engineer plugs it into his desk and has to put a 15dB pad on it as it will overload his channel ha ha! Then you will discover that the mistakes you make on a passive bass suddenly bite your backside as they are magnified so now you, along with the rest of us, have to be very accurate on the fret. But it will inspire you to play stuff you never thought possible..I am sure Alembic install some sort of magic into their instruments to make you do this. Anyway happy 40th and have a great time with your bass AND don't forget to keep in touch with us all. | ||
| white_cloud
Junior Username: white_cloud Post Number: 27 Registered: 11-2007 |
Thanks Terry, are you kidding? You wont be able to get rid of me now! I have been reading the posts on this club for some time-desperate to join in-but felt kind of too humble to do so until I was actually an Alembic owner! Theres no stopping me now! Yes, I am already learning that mistakes dont go unpunished on an Alembic, but that is part of the magic..anything that comes too easily in this life usually is'nt valuable! I will happily go back to school and let this exceptional instrument teach me a thing or two! | ||
| white_cloud
Junior Username: white_cloud Post Number: 29 Registered: 11-2007 |
This is crazy! Have just been looking at the showcase and my persuader is THERE! P873640. The previous owner is no longer registered with the club, but it is the one and same bass!!! Wild! | ||
| terryc
Advanced Member Username: terryc Post Number: 338 Registered: 11-2004 |
Wait until you visit the factory as I did on 25th Sept 2000 and held in my arms Stans new bass. The place is indeed a wonderland, and meeting Ron Wickersham..I felt the Wayne's World "we're not worthy' coming on!!! Humble..we are all humble on here..never to proud to take criticism either and always here to offer advice. | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1482 Registered: 10-2002 |
heres a direct link. Graeme | ||
| artswork99
Advanced Member Username: artswork99 Post Number: 228 Registered: 7-2007 |
and here's your build information. http://alembic.com/club/messages/394/28113.html Art | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 585 Registered: 11-2004 |
Hmmm... the build info says 2 volume- 2 filters. The bass in the pics only has 3 knobs.... | ||
| artswork99
Advanced Member Username: artswork99 Post Number: 229 Registered: 7-2007 |
Yes, I noticed that as well... but according to Mica's last report from file the rest of it looks correct... | ||
| white_cloud
Junior Username: white_cloud Post Number: 30 Registered: 11-2007 |
Thanks guys! Well there you have it from Mica, the top is Bocate and not coco-bolo or Walnut! I had submitted a serial no/history check to the relevant section but now I dont need to wait as you have kndly provided the previous same! Many many thanks to you all for such excellent help and conversation! P.s. the previous owner on Graems link said he loved his Alembic and Aria equally...IS HE NUTS! | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 586 Registered: 11-2004 |
If I remember correctly, he ended up gutting his Aria and installing an incredibly complicated pickup package (Alembic guts with a whole bunch of other stuff). I also vaguely remember seeing that same Aria up for sale on Ebay UK. Take all of that with a grain of salt.... Here it is: http://www.alembic.com/club/messages/393/32947.html?1162800705 | ||
| white_cloud
Junior Username: white_cloud Post Number: 31 Registered: 11-2007 |
Hmm, it is interesting! wonder why he didnt just buy a series one/two and be done with it. Obviously wanted the sound without the total outlay. Strange that hes no longer a club member also, but hey..he took good care of my Persuader so I am thankful for that | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 663 Registered: 5-2006 |
Welll... Aria is ok, but no match for the Alembics :-) Congrats!  Your Persuader:  My Spoiler:  Wilfred is corrct about the "could be brothers" (Though I prefer to call 'em sisters  ) Could mean that my Coco Bolo Spoiler is in fact a Bocate Spoiler. Still hoping Mica will someday match the work order to a serial number. | ||
| white_cloud
Junior Username: white_cloud Post Number: 32 Registered: 11-2007 |
Hey Flip, great looking spoiler..they could be twins judging by the top wood (Bocate, coco-bolo?) Doesnt matter really matter because they look great whatever it is!! Love your pictures, really rockin! | ||
| terryc
Advanced Member Username: terryc Post Number: 339 Registered: 11-2004 |
white cloud - so yours has the p/j pick up set, I have the same set with twin vol, bass & treble controls inmy 83 Squier which now my son thrashes in his emo band | ||
| terryc
Advanced Member Username: terryc Post Number: 340 Registered: 11-2004 |
white cloud - pics of MK standard which I don't think I have ever posted  | ||
| terryc
Advanced Member Username: terryc Post Number: 341 Registered: 11-2004 |
And this one  | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 588 Registered: 11-2004 |
Terry, That is an insane top- is that flamed maple or Koa? It's lovely. | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1483 Registered: 10-2002 |
Wow, that's a sweet top Terry. She deserves her own thread in the showcase section. Graeme | ||
| white_cloud
Junior Username: white_cloud Post Number: 34 Registered: 11-2007 |
Terry, wow..that is simply outstanding! What a beautiful bass..looks almost too good to play! How do you tear yourself away from admiring her to actually play? Heres a question for you all folks: I have owned an Alembic for one day..and Im finding myself worrying about taking her out already. How do you get over being overprotective? A question of pracicallity over worship if you like (I mean after all instruments are built to be played and all that!) | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1485 Registered: 10-2002 |
John. I bought all my instruments to play so I've never got worked up about taking them out. I don't let them out of my sight at venues though. Also, I have them fully insured with musicguard Graeme | ||
| white_cloud
Junior Username: white_cloud Post Number: 36 Registered: 11-2007 |
I think thats a great attitude Graeme, maybe I have become too cynical! Its funny, with my jazz bass I never cared, almost hoped for it to pick up dings and the like, thinking that it would add "character" and "kudos" a-la Pastorious if you like..but I dont want my Alembic going to that place!! Im looking forward to seeing your beautiful trio when Big Tuna do Glasgow walkabout (your MK balance looks too sweet!) Do I need to buy tickets or can I just turn up? | ||
| grateful
Advanced Member Username: grateful Post Number: 247 Registered: 12-2004 |
E(quine) & L(ivestock) is another option: their base cover includes public liability and cover throughout the EU. Mark | ||
| white_cloud
Junior Username: white_cloud Post Number: 38 Registered: 11-2007 |
I guess at the end of the day it boils down to one thing..insurance is money well spent for instruments that dont come cheap | ||
| terryc
Advanced Member Username: terryc Post Number: 345 Registered: 11-2004 |
It is a bubuinga facing..I guess I must have been lucky as it has such a distinct grain pattern. I didn't have any doubts about taking my bass out, it is there to be used and heard, it is insured but that mean nothing as like all Alembics, they are unique and irreplaceable. When I look at the pics it is hard to believe but it a medium scale bass and I can tell you it doesn't sound medium scale. jacko..guess I will stick in the showcase section with a description | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1487 Registered: 10-2002 |
john. I'll not have the epic with me - It's been semi retired since I got the MK. As far as I know you can turn up to walkabout on the night and it should be free. They do have a dress code of sorts - no combats/hats but in general, anything goes. We've not played the Glasgow one before but have played edinburgh several times and the bands start around 9.30 - 9.45. graeme | ||
| white_cloud
Junior Username: white_cloud Post Number: 40 Registered: 11-2007 |
Terry, medium scale? Im very surprised, it really should be shown off in the showcase..enjoy mate! I look forward to the Glasgow gig Graeme, walkabout is a cool joint (the beers good and cheap!)Shame about the Epic but cant wait to see/hear the MK Balance! | ||
| terryc
Advanced Member Username: terryc Post Number: 346 Registered: 11-2004 |
F*** wish I could get up to Glasgow,,when is this gig jacko?? | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1488 Registered: 10-2002 |
12th December - it's a wednesday so i doubt I'll get much work done the day after. Graeme | ||
| terryc
Advanced Member Username: terryc Post Number: 352 Registered: 11-2004 |
damn..have no hols left but I also have a suspicion that I have a gig that night as well Oh yes..have put bass in showcase under Signature series..cheers jacko for the prompt | ||
| white_cloud
Junior Username: white_cloud Post Number: 49 Registered: 11-2007 |
I am still buzzing at the fact that I own an Alembic! The sound-the feel-the look!!! I am so happy! It did take 25 years after all! | ||
| terryc
Advanced Member Username: terryc Post Number: 354 Registered: 11-2004 |
White cloud..I waited 20 years but it was worth it | ||
| white_cloud
Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 61 Registered: 11-2007 |
Sounds familiar Terry! Im going to post pics this week on the showcase..hopefully it will work (Im a techno-phobe!) The tone is just so good on my Alembic that my Fender jazz has gathered dust since it arrived. Im seriously thinking of kissing it goodbye on ebay..just dont see any use for it now! |
