| Author | Message | ||
| glocke
Senior Member Username: glocke Post Number: 840 Registered: 9-2002 |
Just curious if anyone has ever gotten hassled for playing Alembic basses/guitars? Had an "encounter" last night at a rehearsal with someone who is a friend of the people I am playing with. Short of it is this individual was drunk/stoned/angry at the world and proceeded to rip me a new one because I play what he thinks is a "$25,000" dollar bass....Now we all know what the cost of used Alembic series basses are, and they are far short of that, but they are still alot of money. Not the first time this has happened with this group of people, as I have had some snarky comments thrown at me in the past regarding my basses, and the fact that I have more than one, and I have had other comments thrown at me when showing up at open mics and jam sessions with my signature deluxe. Previously I just ignored the comments, but last nights encounter was downright hostile. Im normally pretty laid back, so it takes alot to piss me off, but the one thing I do not tolerate are people who act like downright assholes. I listened to about ten minutes of this guys insults, (ten minutes too long), debated whether or not it was worth it trying to tell the guy what people do with their money is not any of his business, but instead packed up my shit up and left telling the other guys in the band to give me a call when they want to play music and not hang out with drunken idiots. Now this guy, and one other guy in the band have been unemployed for going on at least two years now, they don't have much money, and I suppose are pretty angry about it but I don't see that as an excuse for being an ignorant ass. I've also been at the other end, only being able to afford very inexpensive gear, yet being in bands with guys that were playing expensive instruments and I never felt jealousy or anger because I could not afford the type of gear they had. | ||
| pace
Senior Member Username: pace Post Number: 682 Registered: 4-2004 |
" debated whether or not it was worth it trying to tell the guy what people do with their money is not any of his business," jeez Greg, haven't you heard? Capitalism is dead. We've entered a new era where the playing field is going to be level, and the wealth spread around.... Even if that means chopping your Series II into little pieces!!!!!  | ||
| crobbins
Senior Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 814 Registered: 6-2004 |
I've had the same encounters with people when I ride my highend Cannondale mountain bike around. It aint no Huffy......Oh yeah, check your email... | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1657 Registered: 5-2009 |
glocke, I think you took the " high road" and did not give a rebuttal at the indignant fellows level. I would think that the folks that you have your musical association with will straighten out the insecure drunk's attitude . In situations such as this it is envy and insecurity that motivates such negative behavior ,the alcohol of course can remove the inhibitions and can open feelings of inadequacy where they have been suppressed from the past and present. When I personally encounter such behavior I TRY to consider the source and walk away such as you did . This I have learned is the best thing to do, FINALLY in my advancing years in this life. Don't let the music stop! Sonic Regards, Wolf AKA Sonicus | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 1519 Registered: 11-2004 |
The ex wife's boyfriend who is a bass player calls my MK 'the coffee table' but he is just jealous 'cos he just has a Fender J and not an Alembic haha | ||
| thumbsup
Advanced Member Username: thumbsup Post Number: 272 Registered: 7-2008 |
I've only been palying Alembics for a few years and have yet to experience any negative comments or jerks. I just have a hard time keeping other bass players paws off my Alembics! And then I'm the jerk! Go Figure. Glocke probably did the smart thing by leaving. You would like to tell those types a thing or two but it would'nt do any good but start a fight which is probably what the fool was looking for. Funny...no job no money but had enough to buy a couple of six packs! Sounds like Glocke has his priorities right! He does own some realy nice Alembic Basses! You don't get there by spending your last couple of bucks on booze or drugs. (as Charley Sheen would say) Glocke is winning! | ||
| hydrargyrum
Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 918 Registered: 3-2004 |
I only own one main guitar, but I worked damned hard to get it. Anyone who cares to give me grief about that will find my company scarce. Some of us care enough about what we are doing to seek out the best. It has nothing to do with politics, personal behavior, or social strata. It's all about the love of music, and choosing to put your priorities there. | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 1353 Registered: 3-2004 |
Been dealing with haters almost as long as I've been playing. First with my Ripper in 1978 by Fenderheads. Then when I had a hybrid fretless. Then when I got my Spoiler in 83. It continues to the present day. But one must endure and after a while folk will give up. I'm happy with my axes and get far more joy than the haters. I'm single and no kids so I spend on what I love. Others chose fluids and substances and can'y look at what they worked for. Perhaps thats why they hate. Be Zen, walk away and enjoy the fruits of your labors. | ||
| tmoney61092
Senior Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 678 Registered: 9-2008 |
don't exactly own an "Alembic" but do have some Alembic guts in a bass i made. going off of what Danno said about working to get an instrument, i recently purchased a Fender American Jazz that had been in this shop for a month and every week I'd come in and play it and just dream about owning it because it played like butter(in a good way of course). found out the store had layaway which had never ever crossed my mind and i instantly put some money down, then after a couple weeks of setting money aside i finally brought her home. I've played her in my church's worship band a couple times along with my Gibson Victory Artist bass and have had people come up and look at them and then they would look at me as if saying "wow, your parents must be rich for an 18 year old to own these 2 basses" and I would just casually throw in there a good ol' "yea took me a good while to save up to buy these basses" and the surprising look on their face made it all worth it. so that being said, let the haters hate Greg and be proud of what you've acquired ~Taylor | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 939 Registered: 11-2003 |
The only time I've had a negative reaction as regards playing Alembics was when I was in Iraq with one. Other than that, I've had nothing but compliments. Today, I went to a Talk Bass gathering in Raleigh, and my Series II Entwistle Replica garnered a lot of compliments as well as requests to play it. Alan | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1623 Registered: 9-2002 |
I'm about to turn 56 next month (for which I'm starting the '56 is the new 17' campaign), and I've learned life is too short to tolerate drunk/stoned/angry at the world nitwits for more than 30 seconds at any one sitting. It would tell ME a lot that anybody who was without a job for two years is having a drunken pity party at a rehearsal instead of mopping floors at WalMart if necessary to keep food on the table and the lights on. Damn sure came up with some money for some bud and a few Buds, eh? I can always find lots of reasons NOT to get my Carry Permit . . . . Ever notice it's always cats with cheap basses that always start the 'Coffee Table Bass Rag'? Never hear that from someone with another higher quality axe. I tell them my other favorite bass is Squier, that REALLY twists their head up ! J o e y | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4771 Registered: 7-2004 |
Joey: Are we long-lost twins? I, too, am celebrating completing my 56th year on the planet next month. However, I thought 56 is the new 22. There are a couple of things I might like to indulge in that 17 year olds have to wait to do! lol Back to this thread, the only time I've ever heard anything negative about my Alembics, the source was clearly jealous. It is what it is. Sour grapes is sour grapes! Bill, tgo (Message edited by lbpesq on March 07, 2011) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1658 Registered: 5-2009 |
Well ____Bill and Joey , I am right behind you . I will be 55 on the 14th of March. "Such A Long Strange Trip It's Been " but I like it ! Sonic Regards ! , Wolf AKA Sonicus_____ | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1918 Registered: 10-2003 |
50 in October. For the most part I've gotten only envy for my instruments. Occasionally I get the "all hat, no cattle" look from some musicians until I start playing, but I've only ever had one person (a bluegrass guy) refer to the Alembic as "fancy plywood." Of course, I was a lowly college student (soon to be dropout) who gigged and gave lessons at minimum wage to pay for it.. John | ||
| darkstar01
Advanced Member Username: darkstar01 Post Number: 313 Registered: 6-2005 |
i used to get hassled about playing my custom (dark star) out when i first got it, because i was like 17 at the time... which just kind of annoyed people, i'm sure. but, once they saw that i could actually play it, they'd usually shut up. people asking me how much things cost has always really, really annoyed me though... so i didn't really put up with that too well. odd thing is, when i play my upright out.. no one asks what it costs. and let's just say it's way more than any alembic i've owned. | ||
| cje
Member Username: cje Post Number: 70 Registered: 5-2009 |
So not to hijack the thread, but how do you all handle the "how much did that thing cost?" question? | ||
| benson_murrensun
Senior Member Username: benson_murrensun Post Number: 419 Registered: 5-2007 |
"So not to hijack the thread, but how do you all handle the "how much did that thing cost?" question?" 1 - don't tell. Or, 2 - lie. Or, 3 - ask them how much money they have. Or, 4 - get a really good deal on an Alembic and then proudly state the actual price you paid. | ||
| briant
Senior Member Username: briant Post Number: 554 Registered: 12-2004 |
@benson: It depends on who is asking. My normal answer is "a lot". | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 1279 Registered: 12-2004 |
I also like, "well it started out expensive, and just sorta got out of control". I usually tell them the story of how the bass came to be too. | ||
| terrace
Junior Username: terrace Post Number: 28 Registered: 3-2008 |
Up here in Canada most people have never heard of Alembic let alone seen one.However once they've heard it they usually come up to me and remark on the great sound which leads me into explaining about the mothership,Dead,Airplane and believe it or not the bass player from Nazareth who are "HUGH" up here.Oh yeah 56 in June. | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 878 Registered: 5-2002 |
I've only gotten grief once about a bass. My old band was opening for Government Mule and when Allen Woody saw my Starfire with mods, he asked me what the hell I screwed up a perfectly good bass for (in somewhat spicier language). When he heard it, he changed his tune! Actually, he was a hell of nice guy. | ||
| thumbsup
Advanced Member Username: thumbsup Post Number: 278 Registered: 7-2008 |
I already turned 56 which I thought was the new 35? 17 or 22..nope wouldn't go there again Most of the time when people see my Alembic the comment is either "man how much did that cost" in which I will answer "well they're not cheap but it's not about the money" OR "Man that thing cost $20,000 in which I'll answer " Some new maybe but if you can find a used one they're much more affordable, sometimes I'll tell them actual paid..depends on my mood and who's asking... OR the best one all...."Cool,an "Olympic Bass"....I 'll laugh and correct them. Steve | ||
| stab
New Username: stab Post Number: 8 Registered: 2-2003 |
When anybody asks, "Wow, how much did THAT baby cost?" I just say, "I don't know... I STOLE IT!" (Of course I didn't, though) | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 879 Registered: 5-2002 |
This is the reaction I mostly get:  | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 2354 Registered: 6-2002 |
Most of the bass players I've met on gigs know of Alembics and have a lot of respect for them and know they are expensive. Usually they don't know the specific model so I usually get the phrase " Wow that's a Stanley Clarke bass, that must have cost you a fortune". I just say yes it is and it did. If it's not my Clarkee bass and someone asks me about it I tell them it's a hand made bass by the same company who made basses for Stanley Clarke, John Entwhistle, John Paul Jones etc so they get an idea of the pedigree. Of course I've had some players who have told me that they are over priced, old fashioned and not worth the money. I'm pretty laid back and usually just tell them that it's a good that there are different brands out there so that we can all find what suits our taste and budget. The punters usually know straight away that it's different and looks expensive but not what brand. Which i guess is immaterial if it sounds good. On one of my first gigs with my Clarkee bass, one of the guys in the audience recognised the bass and told me, in the interval, that he has a good friend in the USA who is Clarkee's studio engineer. He's now on my gig email list and tries to get to my gigs and if I have a different alembic he notices straight away and usually asks to take a photograph. I don't recall anyone ever being offensively negative and I don't waste my time talking to drunks at gigs or anywhere else. Some of the messages I've read in this thread and others in the past about other musicians responses to Alembics, It seems like we have to justify our purchase and almost play down the very reasons we have bought it to avoid belittling other basses and hence the people who do not have alembics. Jazzvee "Buy Alembic, dare to be different" | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1627 Registered: 9-2002 |
"It's an Olympic." "I got it for 50 bucks at the Police Auction." "Wasn't that expensive, sold the Porsche Turbo, put a little money with it, no problem." "I only play this cause I don't want to take my '54 Precision or stack-knob '60 Jazz out in public anymore." "Yeah, I bought it just before they busted my Colombian business partners." "Actually, it IS made from a Herman Miller coffee table. . . ." "Stanley left it at the house last time he was in town. Called me later and said just wail on it 'till Vic or Marcus come through town, and send it home with them. Wants his little Spellbinder amp back too, the nerve of the guy . . ." "It was in the dumpster behind Newsted's house . . . . " " . . . well, I LIKE green." "Actually, it's was built for me by people I've never met face-to-face who have included me as family. From that standpoint alone, it's priceless to me." Nuff said. J o e y | ||
| hifiguy
Advanced Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 260 Registered: 10-2006 |
The (excellent) sound man at the club my band plays at quite regularly immediately noticed my Clarke Sig Std and had nothing but complements. Turns out he'd owned an Alembic in his bass-playing past. Recording engineers have given me the occasional cross-eyed "but it's not a _Fender_ dude" look. They get quiet after hearing it. Always happy to say how much I paid to show how smart (actually lucky) I was. $1500 brand new at the GC Memorial Day sale, 1999, case extra. The bass had been there a year and they wanted it gone. I just happened to walk in to GC that day and was more than happy to oblige. And just my $.02, 54 last fall. | ||
| murray
Junior Username: murray Post Number: 40 Registered: 7-2007 |
A good bass playing mate of mine used to say my Alembic (and also my JD) were like coffee tables! - mind you, I played his really old filthy Precision once and needed a shower after touching it. He used WD40 whenever he could on it. I think I'll stick (not literally thank goodness) to my nice clean Orion. Glynn | ||
| gtrguy
Advanced Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 350 Registered: 9-2004 |
Good comments! I have had it happen a couple of times with the 'Barbie Bass'. I would have an understanding with the band that whenever anyone is hassled over anything they all gather around and look ready to kick some ass! I would discuss it at practice before it happens, because it may happen over a girl, a song, a drunk ahole, or anything at a club. And, beware later outside the club and play it smart. I have friends who were beaten up this way so it's no joke. It's rare but be prepared. Your instrument may represent something insulting to folks. I drive an old 1981 Porsche in the Summer and believe me, people are not very friendly when I just drive it around either. Guys in $25K SUV's worth more than my car will act like it's a new Turbo or something and try to muscle you out of the way. Dave | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4776 Registered: 7-2004 |
I couldn't help noticing many of the situations described above happened when people were drinking. As many of you are aware, my band routinely plays cannabis events. These types of problems just don't seem to arise when the audience is stoned instead of drunk. O.K., now I'll get down from my soapbox! Bill, tgo | ||
| murray
Junior Username: murray Post Number: 42 Registered: 7-2007 |
I mentioned a while ago that a lot of people over in UK don't know the name. They think an Alembic is A...Lembic and are polite but unknowing. Point I would pick up on from earlier is that I also had a studio guy comment very favourably on what a perfect instrument my Orion was to record direct. He didn't say anything about my playing but thankfully I know him as a master of winding folks up by adopting a sarcastic put-down approach. Keeps us alive to the humour of life and our feet on the ground, I guess. He was no stranger to the cannabis medication,'tis rumoured, Bill. | ||
| murray
Junior Username: murray Post Number: 43 Registered: 7-2007 |
Just to ask, Bill - does your soapbox stand on an Auralex Gramma ? (my other latest post). | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 1280 Registered: 12-2004 |
Bill, The only response I've ever gotten from a stoner about my bass was: ...are you going to eat that? And I'm sure you can name the movie. Bradley | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4778 Registered: 7-2004 |
Dumb & Dumber? | ||
| afrobeat_fool
Advanced Member Username: afrobeat_fool Post Number: 294 Registered: 7-2009 |
Motorcycle cop from "up in smoke" | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4779 Registered: 7-2004 |
Far out, man! | ||
| davr35
Member Username: davr35 Post Number: 82 Registered: 12-2004 |
I would never be negative about someone's choice of bass or strings or amp...etc. It's all a personal choice and if you can afford it cool. I can't afford it but I have my beloved Stingray.And when I can afford it I will have an Alembic | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1669 Registered: 5-2009 |
davr35, I hope that good fortune will be with you soon that you may have the Alembic of your choice ! | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 1144 Registered: 11-2004 |
I rarely have anyone give a snarky look or remark about my basses. Most of them probably don't know much about Alembic. Generally, people around this town are pretty cool to play and hang with. If someone asks to play them and I know the person will be careful, I usually say yes. About price, they usually don't ask. If they do, I say that they aren't cheap but I'm really happy with them. If they are really interested, I guess they can go online and look. STAB's response: "Wow, how much did THAT baby cost?" I just say, "I don't know... I STOLE IT!" I love it -- gotta use that one -- sure to get a laugh. If people want to be confrontational about the price, they will probably think I'm bragging or lying; you lose that one either way. Jerks are like stray dogs. Don't feed them and they will go away. Joey and Bill, triplets maybe? I'll be 56 early next month. The last 6 months have made me think that 56 is the new 70. I hope it all turns around; we'll see. I'll stop talking about what ails me. I'm sounding like an old man. Rich | ||
| murray
Junior Username: murray Post Number: 44 Registered: 7-2007 |
I think the Zebrawood of my Orion attracts comments and I see people looking at the make and most don't know it. It is strange that a well-kept guitar (something I have always done) very often doesn't bring comments out as much as some beaten up Precision or Telecaster with hardly any paint. People sometimes think it therefore must be a great instrument...NO...it just hasn't been looked after. As for letting people play or touch my Orion, I have to admit I rarely do - especially my mate I mentioned above who used WD40 on his bass ! and anyone else who wants a look and I have spotted them just eating a load of chicken drumsticks at the interval buffet! Guess I am too fussy, perhaps. Glynn | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 897 Registered: 10-2006 |
But Glynn, chicken grease works better than FingerEase, and smells a lot better, too! Peter | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 443 Registered: 5-2004 |
At one time I played 3 different Alembics. Most of the comments I got were either "Alembic .. looks nice but I never heard of it!" OR more often ... they're nice but I'd take an American Fender over it any day. Some players are religiously pro Fender. And if I told them what the basses listed for I would get the universal "You're FN crazy for spending that much for any bass." | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1671 Registered: 5-2009 |
Beware the "Chicken Grease" on the Bass; Feral Cats might show up and try to drag the Bass away! | ||
| murray
Junior Username: murray Post Number: 45 Registered: 7-2007 |
Is that how Jaco played 'The Chicken' then? Mmmmmm.....no wonder he was so finger-licken good! Glynn | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1672 Registered: 5-2009 |
Here you go . The Chicken.  | ||
| tubeperson
Intermediate Member Username: tubeperson Post Number: 150 Registered: 5-2005 |
Isn't it amazing that acoustic bass players think nothing of the large sums they feel necessary to find an instrument that gives their playing their voice, but many electric bass players are quick to criticise those of us that see it as a wise "tone" investment for our electric basses. Until a couple of years ago, I did not own a Fender, and quite frankly, most of them do not have that magical old school tone, nor do they feel right to me. For many years, I questioned why so many electric players raved about Fenders. The new stuff, especially from the custom shop, is not well made, at least from my purchases of a 50th anniversary jazz, and a 1959 NOS Precision. So many bass players do have that Fender bias, but if they could just play an Alembic, for a goodly amount of time, they would have to open their eyes, and hear the clarity without so much bloat in their tone. BTW, hassled does not have a "T" in it (see topic listing). For what its worth I am 56. | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 1281 Registered: 12-2004 |
Nick, You got it. The motorcycle cop. | ||
| rjmsteel
Intermediate Member Username: rjmsteel Post Number: 153 Registered: 7-2008 |
Ditto on the Cost of String basses, (and their cousins). Here in Chicago we have downtown on Michigan Ave.: The Fine Arts Building, where they actually make/build cello`s and violins. My wife and I went there once a number of years ago and the guy at one of the shops Wanted me to play one of his cello`s, (BTW a really cool thing to insist on). Needless to say the price tag was VERY high and I was pretty nervous about playing his instrument. Kagan & Gaines on Wabash Ave. back in 1978 had a 100 year old instrument, (all Maple string bass), in their "room" and need I tell you all how much that was! These are instruments that Are probably worth the price as are Alembics. Also for what its worth I`m 51. | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 898 Registered: 10-2006 |
A few years ago I was doing a live recording for a string quartet. The violinist was having technical difficulties, and remarked "You spend a million bucks on a fiddle, and 3 dollar rosin bag won't work." He was perfectly serious. It was a nice-sounding fiddle. Double nickels 4/1/11 Peter | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4780 Registered: 7-2004 |
It always amazes me how inexpensive our rock 'n roll instruments are in comparison to classical instruments. One group regularly spends tens, if not hundreds, of thousands on pro quality instruments, while the other bitches if it costs more than $1500. Compared to top-of-the-line orchestral instruments, Alembics are really dirt cheap! Bill, tgo | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1674 Registered: 5-2009 |
And there we have it ; http://able2know.org/topic/94136-1 (it is fun for me to be a purveyor of links OR linker-upper) | ||
| murray
Junior Username: murray Post Number: 47 Registered: 7-2007 |
Thanks, Sonicus, for the Chicken notation - I am tempted to make a separate case for the club about using the actual notes instead of TAB as I am a reader. I use, and rely on, chord charts and notes but find TAB a bit limiting - I know it tells you where to put your fingers but not what rhythm to play. I do acknowledge that it is right for a lot of players when learning songs, especially guitarists, so am not knocking it - it just doesn't work for me. At the end, as long as people get where they want to then it doesn't really matter a great deal. Glynn | ||
| afrobeat_fool
Advanced Member Username: afrobeat_fool Post Number: 295 Registered: 7-2009 |
I hear that! My string bass is a German 5/8th made in 1870's and I spent twice as much on it as my Series 1. I felt it was worth it. The sound is soooo rich and thick it's palpable. Plus it is the last one Don Kinch reassembled and he did a wonderful job. For those who did not know of Don, he was the bassist for Disney from 38' thru 64'. We have all heard him and never knew it! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1675 Registered: 5-2009 |
Murray , I do not use tab at all. Just staff notation and by "ear" You can see the staff notation on the upper line, right ? The Tab was included in the file that I had. I don't really like tab either. | ||
| murray
Junior Username: murray Post Number: 49 Registered: 7-2007 |
Thanks, Sonicus ....I hope it didn't sound as if I was being critical of what you attached. It was just a separate thought. Glynn | ||
| darkstar01
Advanced Member Username: darkstar01 Post Number: 317 Registered: 6-2005 |
hey, speaking of expensive string instruments... anybody in the new york area want to buy my Wilfer? needs some work, but it's pretty sweet. i'm supposed to be getting my new bass from Upton soon.. getting restless... | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1676 Registered: 5-2009 |
Oh no problem murray. I agree it would be nice to post a transcription in just staff notation. The Chicken is one of my favorite tunes to jam on . I like to pull it out of my "Hat "at jams . As far as getting hassled about playing an Alembic, I remember once when Jaco walked into a place that I was playing at I just happened to be playing a 71 Fender P Bass. No lie that really happened and we talked ! I often wonder that if Jaco were still with us , if he would have gotten to love an Alembic , which model /style would he choose ? Elan /Europa/ Essence. Maybe a Series I Custom Fretless Jazz Bass with epoxy type finger board treatment ! YES______ LOL ! Thats it ! (Message edited by sonicus on March 10, 2011) | ||
| hankster
Advanced Member Username: hankster Post Number: 254 Registered: 6-2004 |
I agree about the relative cost of basses (electric) as compared to other instruments. Every time I play in a horn band with a sax player who doubles a bari and anything else, and has good horns, I know he or she is packing at least 15 grand worth of brass. the reverse snobbery of people who think our instruments are too precious really just reveals their own lack of experience. But really, we are lucky. As noted above, the cost of a decent upright can be prohibitive, and many horn players face real cost issues that we rarely do, even with our alembics. Whenever I get a "how much does it cost" question, I defer it, but I often comment that it could be worse - I could play fiddle or bari sax. | ||
| thumbsup
Advanced Member Username: thumbsup Post Number: 281 Registered: 7-2008 |
I've played and owned many different basses over the years as most in this club has..ricks, sting rays, ibenez, g&l etc... but always considered myself a Fender man because a P bass was the first quality bass I owned, played and kept! At some point (maybe ten years ago) I bought a Tobias w/barts because the dance band w/three piece horn section I was playing with said the bass wasn't cuttin. Honestly the Tobias opened up another world! The Tobias was a little pricey compared to what I was used to at the time but I was so happy with this new sound it didn't matter. Where I live the local music stores only stock Fenders and other mass production basses and thats pretty much it. Then just approx 3 years ago I joined this club and (with club input & guidance) bought an Alembic sight unseen having never played one before! Now this really was a whole new world! Now I understand to an Alembian it's not about how much it cost. Truth be known previous owned basses are very affordable! I rarely pick up the P bass any more or any of the others. I play my Alembics almost exclusively! I was a originaly a Fender man but now I would have to say I'm am Alembic man but still have a soft spot in my heart for my Fender..kinda like my (first) ex wife I'm gonna play and I'm gonna fish..gee I'm gonna miss her! | ||
| murray
Junior Username: murray Post Number: 50 Registered: 7-2007 |
An interesting item of news was the staggering and very worthwhile amount ($1.7m) that was raised at auction, selling Eric Clapton's guitars. Good for him. One slight thought....a 1948 (year before I was born) Gibson raised $83,000, which is good, but was estimated to be worth $30,000. Even at $30,000 that is a lot of money for a guitar. Glynn | ||
| billostech
Member Username: billostech Post Number: 97 Registered: 1-2011 |
I know the feeling Steve. I am a brand new Alembic player and am sad to say that all my other basses are now collecting dust... | ||
| sjhoffma
Intermediate Member Username: sjhoffma Post Number: 173 Registered: 5-2008 |
I've not been hassled. I've had many jealous people give me crap, but in the end it was only because they wish they had the musical ability to warrant having such a nice guitar themselves. |
