| Author | Message | ||
| senmen
Intermediate Member Username: senmen Post Number: 200 Registered: 7-2003 |
Jet, thank you. I know they are great but when see all those great basses I would like to have them all. Especially of course JE owned basses. A bass I`m really sad that I had sold it was a 54 Gibson EB1 violin bass. Mint with case and telescopic pin. This is a real collector item; but not playable. This can only be a "collectors piece". But I will go on the hunt for original JE owned pieces. "Everybody calls me the quiet one, you can see but you canīt hear me" This might be true in my normal life, but with my Spyders not, believe me..... Oliver (Spyderman) | ||
| goatfoot
Junior Username: goatfoot Post Number: 11 Registered: 12-2003 |
The first Alembic I ever saw in person was a JE-owned bass. This was at a guitar show in Valley Forge, PA (USA) circa 1996. I don't remember much about the bass (no one was allowed to touch it). It might have been a triple-omega or exploiter, but I'm not sure. Although I was a huge JE fan, I hadn't been biten by the Alembic-bug yet. There was a huge crowd ooo-ing and ahh-ing around it so I didn't get the chance to inspect it up close. At the time I was craving a 6-string F-bass, which I never bought. Funny how our tastes change. I still think F-basses are really nice, but I can't imagine owning anything other than Alembics now. Since the topic of this thread is "how many basses ..." I'll add that my current stable consists of two. A '03 fretless Brown Bass and a '96 Custom 5-string. Kevin (Message edited by goatfoot on January 15, 2004) | ||
| xlrogue6
Junior Username: xlrogue6 Post Number: 41 Registered: 8-2002 |
Currently, my stable is: '00 fretted Rogue 6 (the wenge one in the current catalog) '01 fretless Rogue 6 (Growling Tiger) '03(?) Dean Rhapsody 8 string (the need for an 8 isn't frequent enough to justify the cost of an Alembic) 1880's German flatback upright, maker unknown gone but not forgotten Klira Hofner copy '72 Fender P-bass, which I Frankensteined 6 ways from Sunday 70's Rick 4001, on which I replaced the neck PU with a Hi-A (early Bartolini)humbucker. Enlarged the cavity with spade bit and chisel, sa e method used on the above P bass. I'm still doing penance.... early 80's Ibanez Roadstar, the one with the push-push coil tap switches on the volume pots, from which I learned that basswood has a lovely weight, but sounds like poop. late 70's Guild B301 Steinberger XM-4 (I think) graphite neck and full body Travis Bean '63 P bass Turner Electroline fretless MJ Jazz 5 string Warmoth wide 5, body with "urban camouflage" finish--flourescent pink, green, yellow, and block in a camo pattern--hey, it was the 80's. '77 Music Man StingRay early Clevinger electric upright with enormous rectangular telescoping endpin Ibanez Musician 8 string '95 Epic 5 '98 Orion fretless 5 probably more that I can't remember at the moment. When I got my first Alembic (the Epic 5), I owned 5 or 6 other basses, and for a while I was carrying 3 or 4 basses to all my gigs. Pretty soon I noticed that when I was playing the others I was constantly tweaking knobs trying to find a sound. When I strapped on the Alembic, knob twiddling ceased and the other basses would spend the rest of the night on the stand. When I had the privelege of working at Alembic I got to play LOTS of them (whatta gig, eh Val?) and learned that, as much as I loved my Epic, I would someday have to own neck-throughs. Switching to 6 string was my justification for getting first my fretted and later my fretless Rogue (plus, I *had* to have that 35" scale!). I still check out other basses, but none of them ever comes close as far as I'm concerned. That's why I love the Club--y'all Get It! Kent | ||
| rami
Advanced Member Username: rami Post Number: 279 Registered: 6-2002 |
Kent, that "Growling Tiger" Rogue of yours is really something else. I still enjoy looking at it in the Custom Archive. Did you ever find the strings you were looking for it? I really dig those LaBella nylon flats on my "Evil Twin" Rogue. Despite what it's been through...it's become my all time favorite Bass. Rami | ||
| 811952
Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 59 Registered: 10-2003 |
The original Paul the John one, Oops. My bad. I suppose that makes me "Paul the John one two" or some such. Maybe I can just use "PtJ12" though it doesn't have nearly the class of PtJo... ;-) PtJ12 | ||
| xlrogue6
Junior Username: xlrogue6 Post Number: 42 Registered: 8-2002 |
Oh yeah I got the LaBellas (thx Mica!) a few months back and they are so fabulous on Tiger that I'm tempted to try them on my fretted (never named it--but maybe I should call it "Cat" given its history and the thematic tie-in with the fretless!). I'm happy with the DR HiBeams I've been using and I'd have to replace the low B saddle to accomodate the taper core low B of the LaBellas. BTW, if you ever get up[ Santa Rosa way, my shop is right on the way to Alembic--be glad to arrange a visit with the Tiger if you wish. Kent | ||
| rami
Advanced Member Username: rami Post Number: 281 Registered: 6-2002 |
Thanks Kent! I'd love to. I'll bring my Rogues as well. You're also welcome to try out my current (still under construction) "Black Byrd" Rogue, while it's still there. We're putting the LaBella's on that one too! Cheers, Rami (Message edited by rami on January 15, 2004) | ||
| jet_powers
Intermediate Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 123 Registered: 2-2003 |
PtJ12, LOL!! Perhap using Roman numerals will add a touch of class? PtJoII? Where's Paul TBO to sort this out? JP | ||
| 811952
Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 60 Registered: 10-2003 |
Jet, Then I can be like the fingerboard of Entwistle's bass. Mmmmmmmm... Entwistle's bass.... PtJoII | ||
| bassman10096
Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 64 Registered: 7-2003 |
I'm jealous of all your collections. I'd like to play the basses listed in this thread. Here's my deal: I played a lot in my teens and 20's, then took a loooooong time off, only playing here and there. In the past year I've been playing again and enjoy it more than I ever did! I'm within weeks of ordering my first custom Alembic: 5 string Mark King Dlx Cocobolo with Mahogany core 3/4 "balance omega" (see Kevin's bass in Factory to customer) Medium scale (short fingers) Anniversary electronics/Fatboys Prepped for S2 upgrade Currently: '88 Spoiler 4 string (Bubinga Vector body - In Showcase) - My 1st Alembic - May sell to finance upgrades to my rig (for new Alembic) ?? Black Ibanez Soundgear 5 string - Really nice bass for very low price - I tried 5 string, liked it Till recently: '75 Black Jazz Bass - Owned 25 years ?? Black Epiphone Jack Casady - Fun bass, but wasn't playing it enough Years ago: '73 Rick 4001 Jetglow - I miss it so... ?? VOX Cherry semi-hollow with built-in distortion and tuner! - Wild, fun bass with 1.5 in wide, super fast neck Assorted Japanese semihollow imports Bill | ||
| rami
Advanced Member Username: rami Post Number: 282 Registered: 6-2002 |
Here's a home pic of the "Evil Twin" this was to be the orginal "Dark Prince". I've developed a real attatchement to this Bass - my favorite!   If you ever wondered whether or not a Bass could be described as "Sexy" - here is the answer! (Message edited by rami on January 15, 2004) (Message edited by rami on January 15, 2004) | ||
| mdrdvp
Member Username: mdrdvp Post Number: 88 Registered: 7-2002 |
Rami, That Macassar Ebony is so stunning. Both, this one and the other half of the twins are the most beautiful basses I've ever seen. Thanks for the picture. I wonder how they sound. Manfred | ||
| rami
Advanced Member Username: rami Post Number: 283 Registered: 6-2002 |
Thanks Manfred for the kind words... These Basses sing...and sing, and sing! I'm always happy and proud to offer a try to anyone who asks. Best wishes, Rami | ||
| goatfoot
Junior Username: goatfoot Post Number: 13 Registered: 12-2003 |
Hi Rami, Just curious, what strings are you using on the Evil Twin? The effect of the black strings on the Macassar Ebony is stunning. How do the strings sound? I'm looking for a good set of short-scale flats for my BB. I notice that you have 36" scale on both ET and DP. I play a 36" custom 5 string. Isn't the B just the greatest? Since I'm asking about strings ... what are you using on DP? I'm using DR Highbeams now and I like the way they sound but the B string is a little too short and the windings end just at the nut. Kevin | ||
| rami
Advanced Member Username: rami Post Number: 284 Registered: 6-2002 |
(Message edited by rami on January 16, 2004) | ||
| rami
Advanced Member Username: rami Post Number: 285 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi Kevin, Those black strings on ET are LaBella's (Deep Talkin' Bass) nylon flatwounds. They are the smoothest, clearest, and best singing nylon flats I ever tried. I'm totally in love with them! On "Dark Prince", the strings are Ken Smith "Rock Masters". Part of their visual effect is the purple wrapping that looks awsome with the Purpleheart wood. They sound really clear and brite. At first, I found them a little too aggressive, but I grew to really like them. I call "Dark Prince" the king of sustain! With the Ebony and Purpleheart neck, it rings like a bell....and doesn't seem to want to stop. Awsome Bass! My next project is an all Ebony/Purpleheart Bass like "Dark Prince", but fretless and featuring Series II electronics. Can't wait! Rami | ||
| dela217
Advanced Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 258 Registered: 6-2002 |
I don't have as many basses as I used to. I have been through a lot of them. Mostly Alembic Series 1 instruments. I have had some Alembic Distillates, Spoilers, and Series 2's as well. This is what I am down to, but probably will change as I decide to sell another. 1972 Alembic 72-16 1973 Alembic 73-30 1973 Alembic 73-47 1974 Alembic 74-49 1981 Alembic 81-1814 (Series 2 Graphite neck) 2000 Alembic Custom - Retro Appeal!!! Non Alembics, but have a connection: 1979 Hyak - Medium scale, and was used as the factory demo. I have had 2 other Hyaks that I have sold over the years. 19?? Becvar - No serial number, year unknown, but I suspect it is a 1978 (Stars hardware, 2 truss rods) 1980 Turner Model 1. Some Alembics I used to have (That I can remember anyway) 1972 Guild/Alembic 1973 73-33 1974 74ao13 1974 74-62 1975 75A0492nd 1975 75-229 (very fancy brass pickup trim rings) 1976 76A062 (Small body, Long scale) 1976 76-??? (Omega body, Medium scale) 1976 76-??? (Small body, Long scale) 1977 77-??? (Small Standard in walnut) 1978 78-1058 1978 78-1168 1978 Series II(Don't remember the serial) 1979 79-???? (Small Standard in Birds Eye Maple) 1983 (I think) 5 string Graphite neck Series 1 1989 89-AMpp001 (Anniversary Model) Distillates Spoilers I am sure that there are lots more, but this is what I remember for now. As I remember more and dig up pictures, I will edit my post. Some of these Alembics I had for years, some for just a few days. Here in New Orleans, there are a bunch. It is not that uncommon to see them advertised in the local classifieds. (Message edited by dela217 on January 16, 2004) (Message edited by dela217 on February 23, 2004) | ||
| bigredbass
Advanced Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 236 Registered: 9-2002 |
Kent: I don't get too shook up about wood, but you're right: Basswood (poplar) should be prohibited by federal law! J o e y | ||
| gbarchus
Junior Username: gbarchus Post Number: 30 Registered: 6-2002 |
89 Alembic 20th Anniversary 62 Fender Jazz (re-issue) 66 Fender Precision (fretless w/J bridge PU) 80s Schecter PBass (Telecaster style) 80s Yamaha BB5000 90s Danelectro Longhorn 90s Washburn AB40 (acoustic/electric fretless) 90s Azola Bugbass (EUB) 60s Kay upright (Message edited by gbarchus on February 28, 2004) | ||
| captain_jan
Junior Username: captain_jan Post Number: 15 Registered: 11-2003 |
Hey! Now that's a lot of Alembics you've had! My current basses are: 87-Series II Long scale 4 string Coco Bolo 75-Series I Short scale 4 string (I guess made of walnut) Status Graphite II, headless 4 string Jaydee 4 string SDGR 4 string fretless Aria Pro II 4 string Waiting to get my hands on the brand new 10 string Chapman Stick arriving this spring! All the Bass Jan | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 903 Registered: 9-2002 |
Brother Jan the Boat one, have you read: I was next to your boat a good month ago. So there were your ALembics hiding. There was a Christmas tree and lights on deck so I thought there was someone on board. Didn't get the nerves to knock. BEsides there was a snowstorm goin' on. How is your trip around the world?? Paul the bad one | ||
| son_of_magni
Junior Username: son_of_magni Post Number: 12 Registered: 1-2004 |
http://www.sonofthor.com/images/basses1a.gif http://www.sonofthor.com/images/basses2a.gif Isn't there a way to post a link to an image so it will display??? This doesn't show my other upright, cello, sitar, sarod, tabla, soprano sax, rhodes piano, micro moog, tama drums, what else I forget... (Message edited by Son of Magni on January 18, 2004) (Message edited by Son of Magni on January 18, 2004) | ||
| jet_powers
Intermediate Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 133 Registered: 2-2003 |
I now have one less bass than I had a few days ago thanks to some lowlife thieves who broke into our studio last week. $20k worth of recording gear and microphones and a $6k DW drum set and all they took was my St. Blues Jazz bass and a cheap Peavey Guitar from my guitarist. At least they left the cases. That's why I never left an Alembic there. Thank God. If an Alembic had gone missing I'm certain I would be sick over it. My heart goes out to those who have lost an Alembic in this fashion.... I guess I'll get to know every music store, pawn shop and 2nd hand store in the tri-state area. JP | ||
| dela217
Advanced Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 271 Registered: 6-2002 |
Scumbags. I hope you get all the gear back when they catch the crack heads. | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 966 Registered: 9-2002 |
Gosh ...a horror story. My world would collapse completely if thos happened to me. Okay ...there is insurance but anyway ...it's a (girl)friend for over years you loose. And ...I only have one! Well ...I hope they catch the bassnappers. Paul the bad one | ||
| alembic76407
Advanced Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 239 Registered: 5-2002 |
Back in 1979 my Series 1 got stolen from our studio while we were out having a bite to eat, I took off the next 3 days off to take pictures to all the music stores and three weeks later I get a call from a music store and was told my Bass had just came in for repairs,(the batterys were dead and they didn't steal the power supply) he said he fix it and it would be ready the next day, so it was left there. when I got there 17 mim later(after a 130mph drive) I ID the bass and locked the case. when the person came in the next day to pick up my bass he was met by 4 Policemen and hauled to jail. The Police did keep my bass for 9 months however the case was still locked and nobody could get at the bass they tore up the case,and I still keep my bass in that case. When we were ripped off they took my bass in a new case and another guitar in a new case and left a 1958 strat in a ratty looking case. the moral of this story, Never put Batterys in your bass and Amp rack your power supply,and don't worry about what your case looks like and NEVER leave your Alembic anywhere , I WAS LUCKY, I got mine back David T (the loud one) | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 974 Registered: 9-2002 |
Brother David TT, I never thought of keeping the batteries out of the bass. I thought they were ALWAYS needed for something in the Series?? Well ...you'll never too old to learn!!! Paul the bad one | ||
| willie
New Username: willie Post Number: 10 Registered: 11-2003 |
i had a close call a couple years ago at a studio. went to a recording/rehersal studio to practice with a band a friend knew. turned out to be about 6 guitar players, 2 drummers, a couple of singers & myself. after the "jam" i went packed everything up and was ready to leave, went to the bathroom and when i came back the case sitting next to my speakers was not mine. i flew to the parking lot just in time to catch 1 of the guitar players trying to leave with my europa. i stopped him told him to open the case and it was my bass not his guitar. he of course tried to say it was a mistake. all i can say is he was lucky to leave there alive thanks to my friend pleading for the guys life. moral of the story: never leave an alembic unattended. | ||
| bracheen
Intermediate Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 173 Registered: 11-2003 |
JP, I bet your drummer is sick. DW is like their version of Alembic. How do people live with themselves? | ||
| jet_powers
Intermediate Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 135 Registered: 2-2003 |
Sam, all - We were lucky that none of the recording gear or drums were even touched other than the dust covers removed to reveal what was under them. I was surprised that with all that expensive gear in the room all they chose to take was two relatively cheap guitars while leaving behind the cases. It could have been much worse. The guy who has the room next to ours, an artist, didn't lose anything but his room was totally trashed. The drummer wasted no time getting his DW's out of there and leaving the 'cheap' Ludwigs.... I visited a lot of music stores and pawn shops over the weekend. No luck. Next up are all the second hand shops. That's going to be a pain. How do they live with themselves? Good question. My hope is they get an overdose from the heroin they exchanged the instruments for and choke on their own vomit. Or someone elses' vomit. Doesn't matter as long as they choke to death slowly. Heroin has been a growing problem in this area as of late and the local police departments have been blaming it for the increase in crimes as of late. Personally, I think it's a combination of drugs and economy but that's a thread for an entirely different forum, eh? John Paul |
