| Author | Message | ||
| smokin_dave
Junior Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 43 Registered: 10-2002 |
I don't know about the rest of you but since 94' when I bought my first Alembic(Epic 4),probably 90% of all gigs I have done,somebody comes up to me and say's,"What kind of bass is that?". And I say,"It's an Alembic". And then,always the response is, "Huh?" And alway's I have to repeat, "IT'S AN ALEMBIC". Somebody needs to issue bumperstickers or T-shirts or something with that slogan. Especially now since the arrival of my 03'Rogue 5. People are real curious about that one. Everybody digs the Alembic sound. (Message edited by Smokin Dave on September 15, 2003) (Message edited by Smokin Dave on September 15, 2003) | ||
| rami
Advanced Member Username: rami Post Number: 229 Registered: 6-2002 |
It's really funny but whenever I pull any of my Alembics out of their cases, all conversation in the room stops. The question I always get is, "What the heck is that?". Once I start going into the details, then begin the Oooohs and Aaaahs. Just like beholding a work of art - which is what they are after all. Rami | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 598 Registered: 9-2002 |
Well ...2 possible reactions I got 1. The "Huh" + admiring one: similar to the Brother Rami and Dave story. People surprised by the tone, by the looks. I go to the bar, we have some beers and talk bass and craftmanship, and soundaholic wabble. 2. (In the time I got still my Fender JB as a back-up on the side of the stage) The "huh" + why-don't-you-play-that-fender-it-will-sure-be-better reaction. I go to the bar alone and have a couple of lonely drinks with a big ***sigh***. Paul the bad one PS: about a year ago there was a Brother (I think it was Stoney) who told another reaction: "huh ...what ....oh ...oh yeah ...'Olympic' ..yeah I heard about these". Suuuuuuu-ure they did!!! (Message edited by palembic on September 16, 2003) | ||
| thebass
Member Username: thebass Post Number: 61 Registered: 3-2003 |
Hi Paul, in the second case your lonely beers will taste better if you answer them with an arrogant smile "because I'm worth it, guys". | ||
| stoney
Advanced Member Username: stoney Post Number: 212 Registered: 7-2002 |
Yep Paul, it was I who posted the "Olympic" remark. It's still my favorite! Stoney | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 599 Registered: 9-2002 |
"An elephant never forgets" Paul the bad one I think I should stop these running gags, in the end nobody knows what the hell is goin'on | ||
| jet_powers
Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 63 Registered: 2-2003 |
I've found that maybe 1 in 10 who approach me about my bass will ask "Is that an Alembic?" Of course it is always another bass player. The other 9 have to have it patiently explained to them. And most of those are bass players too..... so they say. Paul the John one | ||
| smokin_dave
Junior Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 44 Registered: 10-2002 |
I've had people come up to me and ask about the "5" string even though it was the Epic 4.Funny thing about the Epic,after playing the Rogue for a couple of weeks now,I pulled out the Epic and it was as much a thrill to play it as always. And,after poking around a European web site with a HUGE Alembic inventory,I'm on a new quest to own a Series 2 with a Rogue body style. May God help me as well as my bank account. I am now a helpless addict. | ||
| groovelines
Intermediate Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 111 Registered: 4-2003 |
This may be a hapless attempt to balance the "not everyone lives in cave" scale...last year after buying my mine, I was talking to my former guitar player over the phone. With as much casual bravado as I could muster I told him I "picked up" an Alembic; he answers, "Yeah?! Which one?" Ah, there is hope.... | ||
| alembic76407
Intermediate Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 181 Registered: 5-2002 |
I have been playing Alembic's for almost 30 years, and I bet no more than 10 people have ask me about my bass, then I bought a Westone Rail as a joke and a line formed on every break to ask me about that piece of crap, that pissed me off and I sold it and got another Alembic | ||
| groovelines
Intermediate Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 112 Registered: 4-2003 |
Ya know, Dave, I can almost taste your displeasure all the way down here in Texas. LOL. I have to admit that when I bought mine, I didn't think I was really good enough to own it. In fact, I can say that for the past year it has owned me, and for the better. Mike | ||
| dela217
Intermediate Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 196 Registered: 6-2002 |
Yep. I have had the Olympic comments before too, but most people have no clue. BUT, one gig I had a guy that actually knew what my bass was. He nailed it good. He said "Oh my god! A series II Alembic bass with a graphite neck!" He made his wife take a picture of him holding it too. | ||
| davehouck
Intermediate Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 142 Registered: 5-2002 |
Great story, Michael! | ||
| jazzyvee
Junior Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 43 Registered: 6-2002 |
well we do have the finest bass instruments that look as wonderful and unique as they sound. I too am always being complemented on the sound of my bass and on my bass playing too on occasions.... the most insulting thing was when someone (jealously i'm sure) dared to suggest it was an Ibanez copy....!!!!!! If it wasn't so expensive I would have shoved the 2 octave neck where the sun don't shine... tuning pegs included........ What is the must insulting thing an ignoramus has said about your bass? | ||
| stoney
Advanced Member Username: stoney Post Number: 213 Registered: 7-2002 |
Q: Why can't you play a Fender like everyone else? A: Because I don't want to sound like everyone else. (moron) | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 600 Registered: 9-2002 |
Love your story Michael! Most insulting thing? Who was the brother (or sister) here to whom was said "...with a bass like a coffeetable???" Paul the bad one | ||
| bassplaynmatt
Junior Username: bassplaynmatt Post Number: 15 Registered: 9-2003 |
I have to say out of all the people who ever asked about my Epic 6 the most insulting one was a sound man, and he got me twice in one shot. He asked about the Alembic and then made that same Ibanez comparison "man you shuda got one of them Ibanez basses my buddy's got one" and after that he asked if my Roscoe Fretless 6 was made by Fender or Gibson!! May his gear explode and take him with it! Matt | ||
| mdrdvp
Member Username: mdrdvp Post Number: 66 Registered: 7-2002 |
I once had a studio gig. They told me not to take the Alembic because it was much to clean for their type of music. So I said, Ok, I will record some basslines for you, you can listen to it and you pick the bass sound that you like most and I will take that bass with me. A couple of days later I presented the cd with seven basslines on it. He made his choice. Ok Manfred, take bass number three and bass number 5 with you for the session. I smiled and said ok, I will. One week later I walked into the studio with my Alembic. Hey, he said, I told you not to take the Alembic. I just smiled and said, all seven basslines were recorded with this bass. Or, hey, can I borrow your bass with x-mass. With all these leds I can use it as a x-mass tree this year. I will decorate it myself. Manfred | ||
| dela217
Intermediate Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 197 Registered: 6-2002 |
Playing every weekend to tourist from all over the world, it gets tiring to hear people ask about my Ibanez, or what ever they want to call it. You know, if you got to explain it, they won't get it anyway. Depending on my mood, but usually when someone says something like "Is that an Ibanez?" I just smile and say "Yes". | ||
| malthumb
Intermediate Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 104 Registered: 5-2002 |
I was in a pawn shop once and the "sales" person was trying to convince me that a "P-Bass" with a generic fretless neck installed was the best bass I could find. I explained to him that I didn't really NEED any of his basses, 'cause I had three Alembics at home. He said "Olympic. Yeah I used to be sponsored by Olympic. They gave me prototypes of their Burner model when I was still touring." Riiiiiiggggghhhhhttttt. The thought that was running through my mind was "Dude, that flushing sound you hear is your credibility going bye-bye" Peace, James | ||
| mattheus
Junior Username: mattheus Post Number: 49 Registered: 5-2003 |
I remember playing at a festival. We shared our 'dressing-room' with another band. The bassplayer from that band came up to me, and asked me if I had a 'real Alembic'. He stared at it, and sad; 'Man, that is a bass I would kill for.' I must say, I had a very, very long night. I never let the bass out of my sight. Later on, when he asked me my adress, so we could stay in touch. I gave him a false adress. I said I lived in Sint Joris Weert in Belgium. The latest thing I've heard from him, is that he still driving around in that area, looking for a Series 2. Anyway, this was a rare occasion. Someone actually recognised an Alembic. Mostly I see people in front of the stage, with their eyes fixed on the headstock; trying to read the name of the bass. It always ends up, with them asking me what kinda bass I'm playing. Mattheus | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 604 Registered: 9-2002 |
Huh ...I noticed that dude, he is camping in the bus shelter at our front door. About people satnding in front of the podium: th ething start when you see them slowly bend treir head upon their right shoulder and trying to focus their eyes well. HA Paul the bad one | ||
| alemboid
Junior Username: alemboid Post Number: 15 Registered: 5-2003 |
People freak on the tone of my basses at sessions here in New York. Funny thing is, so many are so picky about basses. If its not a "Fender", they react with reservation. Once I plug in, the sound engineer laughs with joy because he doesn't have to spend 10 minutes trying to get a "sound". They love the tone. About 40% realize its an Alembic when they see it. Once I was performing at a concert in Seattle Washington on an outdoor stage. During the sound check, I layed out some nasty grooves with the SC Deluxe. About 2 minutes later, this guy comes running up to the stage and asks for the bass player. I asked why and he said it was because he was a block or two away and he heard what he thought was an Alembic bass! I laughed and said it was. Funny thing is, even my wife points out Alembic basses being played on songs on the radio when she hears them. Most spectators remark about the tone and the look. I think almost all of them ask what kind of bass it is. I say "Alembic", they say "Olympic?" and I say "no, A-l-e-m-b-i-c". After writing this, I have the urge to go and play! See y'all! Bryant | ||
| jorge_s
Junior Username: jorge_s Post Number: 15 Registered: 8-2002 |
Yes, yes, I've had my share of olympics and what the heck is that? comments as well. My favorite comment was from a salesman at one of these very large music stores who sell primarily entry-level gear. He told me that I should really just have a Fender like Jaco. Good bass players shouldn't rely on all those "gimmics". I politely smiled and didn't say anything else. I agree with all of you that the moment somebody (hears) an alembic it really adjusts their perception of what a good bass is. | ||
| adriaan
Junior Username: adriaan Post Number: 41 Registered: 6-2002 |
So here I am tweaking the knobs on my Epic and on the big SWR rig, on the amateur stage of the North Sea Jazz Festival, when one of the sound guys pats me on the back. What bass are you playing? I turn around a bit to show him the headstock, he justs looks and smiles. He must have guessed by ear. (Message edited by adriaan on September 22, 2003) | ||
| dannobasso
Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 90 Registered: 7-2002 |
In answer to those who mentioned shirts etc. I put the logo on the back of a talent show contest here in NJ. Some found their way to the south and the midwest. So about 50 shirts are running around with my band's logo and The Wickersham's! Just doing my part. (my preamps and rigs were used and some strings were donated) Represent! I also heard that there are new Tshirts in the works. Be patient. For those of us who are not tye dye friendly, black will do nicely. | ||
| valvil
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 179 Registered: 7-2002 |
No need to be patient, Danno unless you need a Large size. T-shirts are avaialble now in 5 different colors, however most ( if not all) large sizes are sold out currently. Plenty of XLs in stock though. You can see pictures here: http://alembic.com/club/messages/403/5475.html?1059177148 Valentino | ||
| jazzyvee
Junior Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 45 Registered: 6-2002 |
Mica, do any of your importers over here in the UK have the Tshirts? Getting one sent in the mail would be a bit costly i imagine with handling and shipping charges. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1132 Registered: 6-2000 |
I don't think they've ordered any yet, jazzyvee. However, Graham will be visiting us again in mid October, I'm sure he wouldn't mind carrying a few back. I've got the shirts on the online store now. Postage to the UK isn't incredibly high, 1 pound by airmail letter post is $8.70 to arrive in 4-7 days. Airmail isn't a shipping option on the store, will just be added to the invoice. | ||
| jazzyvee
Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 62 Registered: 6-2002 |
I spoke to Graham last week and he's placed my order for the SF-2 and............. a "T shirt". Hope they arrive soon... Cheers Jazzyvee | ||
| tubasisten
New Username: tubasisten Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2003 |
I know of a guy here in Sweden who has got, what Iīve heard, an Alembic Prototype with graphiteneck. It looks like a Series II with leds and all. A pianoplayer that I know use to gig with him, and eventhough he doesnīt know anything about bassguitars, he always talks about "that Alembicbass" with the incredible sound. He also told me about a rehearsal they had. They had a 20 minute break and went for a cup of coffee. When they came back, someone had moved the Alembic slightly out of where it used to lie. When the bassplayer noticed that he became quite mad and the room became all quiet. Then he said "Thereīs two things I donīt let anyone borrow. The first thing is my wife. The other is my BASS" As far as i know nobody dared to confess that they had touched tha bassguitar. /Mattias | ||
| bigredbass
Intermediate Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 186 Registered: 9-2002 |
Here in Nashville, bass is very 'tradtional' in the session end of things, despite Vic Wooten, Roy Vogt, and other terrifyingly talented players who live here and play non-traditional axes. I was subbing one night, and a very busy session guitarist who doubles occasionally on bass was the guitar on the gig. Once we started playing (and I was playing thru the regular guy's rig), his head WHIPPED around to eyeball my bass. I had a simple, round sound dialed up. But the difference was striking to his trained ears: The compressed, firm fundamental, the uncolored string tone, all of the usual ALEMBIC sonic signature was present even in a smooth setting. Without the usual rack full of processors to get that sound out of a Fender or MM. I can't imagine his surprise to see a long-scale, Series-shaped, see-thru fire engine red, quilt-topped monster staring back at him. Later that night, as another guitar player sat in for a few, he asked if he could sit in on my bass and try it for a few tunes. I made the rare exception and let him play it, but I knew him to be a conscientious person with regard to his instruments. He looked just like Will Smith in 'Independence Day'! I just knew he was gonna whoop and say "Man, I gotta have me one of these !" Afterward, I had to give him the tour, tell him about ALEMBIC, the usual. I'm sure his StringRay Five will have LOTS of questions to answer when he gets home . . . J o e y | ||
| alemboid
Junior Username: alemboid Post Number: 20 Registered: 5-2003 |
Hey Joey, Righteous! New York seems to be loosening up about basses. The old guys still feel "comfortable" when they see a P-Bass or J, but they can't deny the results of an Alembic. Bryant-Alemboid |
