| Author |
Message |
5stringho
Intermediate Member
Username: 5stringho
Post Number: 123
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 11:33 am: |  |
Jim,
That is tooo awesome the way things worked out!!
Man, what a bass! I can't say anything that the other guys havn't said, Xcept for DITTO!! You made an awesome choice, and it really paid off well!
Enjoy, TTY, Mike....... |
jtussing
Intermediate Member
Username: jtussing
Post Number: 115
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 11:38 am: | |
A word on feel and sound of the new bass:
Well, I've played it for a day and a half now and have some observations to share if anyone is interested.
Basses I have played in the past include a 5-string American Deluxe Ash Fender Jazz and several Yamaha TRB series, primarily TRB5II. The neck of the Alembic was an amalgam of the two basses actually, using the front-back depth of the Yamaha neck (didn't have to change anything but it is thinner than the Fender), the nut width of the Fender Jazz bass and something approximating the Alembic classic taper (narrower bridge). I thought because of the narrow strings at the bridge that my right hand would have the most new learning to do, but my left hand would be basically comfortable.
What actually happened is that the left hand is didn't even have to adapt to anything and the right hand adapted almost instantly to the narrower strings. Biased of course, but this is by far and away the most comfortable instrument I've ever played. After the first 30 seconds I knew there would be no trouble with playing the show with it.
The action is very low which I requested. It needs a slight truss rod adjustment to eradicate some buzz on the low B from the 5th fret down, but the buzz is so slight I'm not really messing with it right now. We'll let it get used to Ohio before we decide to monkey with anything. The action is really soft - the Alembic strings have plenty of movement in them and they bend easily for vibrato and expressiveness. The top of the neck is the perfect width for me and I play it much easier than my Fender. All 24 frets are easily reachable with a comfortable grip.
The feel of the bass is hard to describe. It is completely solid and firm - like it's carved from a single piece of wood and like that wood is very dense. Dead spots on the fretboard seem basically nonexistent. There is a slight reduction of sustain in the normal spot (G-string 5th / 6th frets) but nothing like most other basses I've played. Besides, the general sustain on this bass is so much greater than anything I've played that I imagine even the 5th fretted G would probably out-sustain an open A on some basses.
The sound produced by this instrument should be registered as a weapon. The lows are unbelievably full and the highs are absolutely crystal. I play through a GK biamped set of cabs with horns, 1x18" and 2x12". The EQ is completely flat but I do add a touch of contour which very slightly hypes the lows and highs. When you open the filters all the way I imagine you could break glass with the harmonics. I have a home recording setup and will put some sounds down for you all to hear. The output level is HUGE on this thing. You must hit the -10db input pad on the GK or it will easily distort.
The control layout is a little tighter than I'm used to but I absolutely love the four-way pickup selector switch. Getting the separate volumes to the right levels for balance is a little tough because of the huge effect it has on the sound. A tiny adjustment can make a huge change to the character of the tone, so you want to get it set properly for what you're trying to do and leave it. The pickup selector switch lets you do that by having the "off" position.
The pickup setup is something I haven't seen before. The bridge pickup is much closer to the strings than the neck one. I suppose this is in order to get equalized volume from both when in stereo mode but don't know yet (don't have the cables to play it in stereo yet).
The side LEDs are very bright. Easily visible in all lighting conditions. I could imagine a dimmer switch feature in Alembic's future!
Overall craftsmanship is outrageous. Everything looks like it was melted together. The bridge looks like something you could use for surgery. The one complaint I have here is that there is a very slight rough spot on the side of the fingerboard above the first fret. You can't really see it unless you put it in the right light but if you slide your hand across it you can definitely feel it. It is probably not something I will seek to correct as it is so minor.
Also, the tailpiece has a brushed look that I didn't expect. I decided against the gold dip on the remaining hardware but did expect a polished brass instead of the brushed look. I don't know but it looks like it will tarnish easily. If it does I will probably have it plated if possible.
Anyway, those are my immediate thoughts. Lest there be any doubt I love my new bass!
Regards to all,
Jim
P.S. Anyone have news on Mica is everything ok there? |
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq
Post Number: 2544
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 12:10 pm: | |
Jim:
Enjoy getting to know you new bass, it's a beauty! I spoke with Susan yesterday. Everyone is well and, as they say in Yiddish, kvelling over baby Erik.
Bill, tgo |
olieoliver
Senior Member
Username: olieoliver
Post Number: 1477
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 2:50 pm: | |
Very cool Jim, sound like your one proud new papa!
Very nice bass man! |
mele_aloha
Advanced Member
Username: mele_aloha
Post Number: 202
Registered: 1-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 5:46 pm: | |
Well Jim,
You have just excited me to another level and implanted somemore patience in me as I wait for my Series II custom. And on top of your beautiful and articulate discription, I take into consideration that you have played way more, way nicer basses than me to boot.
So I am ecstatic. You have a great way with words that make it almost like I am playing it myself.
I didn't understand your explanation of the 4 way switch making things easier because of the "off" position. Could you please elaborate on that when you have time.
Also you mentioned the need for a dimmer switch in the future for Led's when in fact that is what I have ordered on mine so which was an option that they offered me as I have the blue side's and front Led's coming. So unless you mean something else they are available.
Regarding the brushed brass bridge, I have one on my Excel. I was taken back when I first saw your nice bass in the pictures and had to keep looking over and over again because I thought that it looked like what you had there and was hoping that you didn't. But in any case, as I said I do have one and considering that I am in one of the most humid city's in the world, mine has held up surprisingly well. It does have a few tarnished almost like rust looking streaks but I think it was coated as it still looks pretty good considering how much I leave my bass out of the case in this humid climate. But this is something that I often notice on new basses coming out of this thread is that there are alot of these going out surprisingly to me because they would look so much better with the polished or gold plated and as Mica has said in threads alot easier to clean in the future. So I would definitely like to stress to Alembic to make the polished a standard item and brushed a requested item.
Another thing I would like to ask you is what you meant by not having the right cord to play stereo. Is it because you have a Series I that you didn't receive a stereo setup? I thought that it would be a stereo bass and that you would receive the cord and splitter box with your bass.
Lastly since I am here in Hawaii, the constant dread that I have is getting the bass home. Even if I were to buy it a airline seat with me they wouldn't let it ride in a seat on the plane would they? I am stressing about the transportation after so many threads lately. How did your box fare with UPS? Did you have the extra costing wood box that Alembic offers these days? How did the outside of the package look?
I think that is about enough out of me for now and I know it's getting late over there so I don't expect you to answer this long post right away.
Thanks again for such an uplifting post and more power to you as you enjoy your new Love.
Aloha and Mahalo, Paul da Plumma |
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq
Post Number: 2545
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 6:03 pm: | |
Jim:
A dimmer can be added to LEDs very easily. I found the side LEDs on my Further were too bright for my tastes. I brought it back to Santa Rosa and they wired in a pot and mounted it in the electronics cavity in less than 30 minutes. If I wanted to drill another hole, it could easily be added to the other pots on top so you could adjust on the fly. I tend to find a setting I like and leave it there, so I don't mind having to take off the back plate to adjust the LEDs. You should look, there might even be such a pot in there now. When I had mine added, Susan was talking about making it standard on all LED equipped instruments.
Bill, tgo |
mele_aloha
Advanced Member
Username: mele_aloha
Post Number: 203
Registered: 1-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 6:04 pm: | |
Sorry Jim,
One other thing, I love real low action also. Do you find that for slap and pop style of playing that lower is better for you? I've heard so say that they like the action higher for slapping. Could you also help me with that? If you'd like we can talk over the phone when you have time as I am sure you are very busy.
Could I also ask your opinion on whether or not you would find it helpful to have bass and treble knobs on this bass? When you say you set your setting farely flat on the amp does that mean that the amplification of the preamp in these basses is enough without having added knobs on board?
Last but not least, what color Led's did you get? They have told me that I would need the dimmer because I have the blue's and they are the brightest. That is the reason that I have one coming on mine.
Sorry for so much, take your time to answer if you have time.
Thanks again, Paul |
bassjigga
Advanced Member
Username: bassjigga
Post Number: 225
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 6:23 pm: | |
Hey Jim, just a quick note about the tailpiece concern. It should not tarnish as it is finished in a clear coat. That might be why they have the brushed look. The finish might stick better that way. The bridge itself is unfinished and will tarnish but it takes some time and you can always clean it. But yeah plated hardware is less hassle. |
jtussing
Intermediate Member
Username: jtussing
Post Number: 116
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 8:02 pm: | |
Thanks for all the comments & glad you seemed to enjoy my rambling. This attempts to answer all the questions between this post and my last. If I miss one just let me know.
- I'm THRILLED to hear that Mica and the little one are well!
- Thanks for the info on the LED dimmer! Wasn't aware of that. If I decide that I really need one I will have it done!
- Thanks for the info on the brushed bridge being clearcoated! That makes me feel better.
- My LEDs are red.
- The four-way switch makes it easier because it has four settings: Neck pickup only, bridge pickup only, both pickups and no pickups (off). The "no pickups" setting is great for the stage because you can set the volume knobs exactly where you want them and then simply switch the pickups off until you want to play. Then when you switch them on the sound is exactly what you expect. The alternative is to turn both volume knobs down when you set the bass down and back up when you pick it up. Unless you play them all the way open this is hard to do for me in the heat of the moment.
- I do have a switched stereo jack which is part of the anniversary package, but don't have a stereo quarter-inch cable. I need to get one in order to split the signal to two different channels when the stereo switch is set to "stereo".
- UPS handled the package very well. The outside of the box was undamaged. I didn't get the wood one - just cardboard. Inside it was the bass case surrounded by styrofoam peas to keep it still within the cardboard box. It was a very cosy fit. Inside the case the bass was extremely well protected. I've only had one experience but wouldn't hesitate to use UPS.
- I prefer low action for all types of play, including slap and thump. I have heard people play with much higher action and they do get a very clear sound, but they also work harder. I can keep the sound clear with low action by simply using very light touch. It takes some time to control the volume of the pops with lower action, but it can definitely be done. Everyone's different though.
I think that's it!
Take care!
- Jim |
mele_aloha
Advanced Member
Username: mele_aloha
Post Number: 205
Registered: 1-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 9:37 pm: | |
Thanks Jim, and all good answers.
I see what you are saying about the 4 way switch so you don't even have to change the original volume you are set at when going on break or just setting the instrument down for a bit.
Now I understand that you have a stereo 1/4" jack as I was thinking of the 5 point jack.
Great to here about UPS as that is all I have ever even had over here in Hawaii. I've never had anything damaged and I order alot of things from the mainland.
I'm still working on slap style and so I like to get opinions on what the majority of people use and low seems to work the best for me since I can work better with different volumes or intonations. I can imagine that I will be able to set or split my lows and highs much easier with the Series having seperate volumes for each pick-up.
So thanks for the responses, it's so cool to communicate with my fellow bass players from abroad and really helps me alot.
Now, can I borrow your bass for a gig tomorrow?haha
Take it easy, and I bet your red Led's look nice with your beautiful quilts. WOOOOOH!
Goodnight, Paul |
jtussing
Intermediate Member
Username: jtussing
Post Number: 117
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, July 22, 2007 - 3:31 am: | |
Hey Paul! My pleasure dude. I hope the storm is treating you to a good light show but leaving you alone otherwise! I can still close my eyes and see the beautiful place where you live. So you keep those eyes open for the rest of us and enjoy it!
Slap is great and there are tons of styles within it. One thing I'm really into is the judicious use of speed with slapping. So in the middle of a funky line that is slow enough for everyone to really groove on, you throw some 16th or even 32nd note triplets in the at the end or in the middle of the line and it gets people eyes blinking a little. For that I think low action really helps.
Another quick thought. It seems to me like low action gives you more range of sounds to get from pop & slap. For instance (and this will be hard to make sense of so I'll include an example in the sounds I'll send around), there's a peculiar sound that I can get by dropping my thumb on a string and being lazy about the rebound. Normally the thumb just bounces off the string after the string hits the frets and you get a very full note. But if you kind of force the thumb to wait a millisecond before rebounding you can get a really clean harmonic sound to the note. It's like the main note is weak but all the harmonics are still strong. I liken it to the whistle that a lead guitar player in a rock or metal band can get by picking the string with the pick and then letting his thumb hit the string right behind it. That's a surprising sound coming from a bass and it seems people enjoy it.
Anyway, gotta run. Just more thoughts.
Dude, you are gonna LOVE your series ii! |
mele_aloha
Advanced Member
Username: mele_aloha
Post Number: 206
Registered: 1-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, July 22, 2007 - 9:27 am: | |
Jim, If you were here I'd ask to hire you to be my teacher. By the way, a couple of things-the storm is gone and it's a nice clear dawn this morn as I have been getting up at 2 a.m. the last three mornings to watch the British open and this morning I can actually hear it compared to the last two days where the rain was so loud on my metal roof that I just had to watch it.
It's funny how just as you were starting to explain about slap in the second paragraph I was going d-d-d d-d-d in my mind like 32nd notes and then you said it! I understand what you are talking about and that is why I like the low action also. The problem is I am not quite there yet. Still working on those and playing/timing overall as I don't play as much as I should.
I would love to here your samples when you get a chance so that I can see what you are talking about. I think I understand what you are describing though.
When you talked about your bass feeling like one piece of solid wood I think that really says something for just one of their key players in Alembic and that is the man in the spray booth. I think this guy puts on some real magic of several coats that really lock these things together. And the guy has to be good to get that much on these babies and be so clear. Of course there is much more to it than just him but it's all those keys together that make such Works of Art.
Ya, I am definitely on the edge of my life long seat awaiting the most awesome thing in my life besides my beautiful son and wife, and I must say it's close between the three. Did I say that? Yes, Alembic definitely has the edge in our lives.
Thanks Jim, I'll await your sound bytes. Paul |
jtussing
Intermediate Member
Username: jtussing
Post Number: 118
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, July 28, 2007 - 1:28 pm: | |
Hey all, finally got some time to record a few minutes of sounds from my MK5. Used a few different settings but didn't get elaborate and it's a bit messy, but whatever. :-)
It is recorded directly into my PC, so it is very dry and there's no amp involved. Live through an amp in a room it has a lot more body.
It's song #1 at my jam bands myspace site, so open this link and select it on the right side of the screen:
http://www.myspace.com/freshbuzzuppercut
Anyway, enjoy! |
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck
Post Number: 5365
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, July 28, 2007 - 4:33 pm: | |
That sounds nice! I like your slap, especially the triplets, and your harmonic licks. That little harmonic riff near the beginning reminded me of String Cheese for some reason; I really liked that.
Now I'm listening to some of the other cuts; great keyboard work!
And nice vocals too!
(Message edited by davehouck on July 28, 2007) |
jtussing
Intermediate Member
Username: jtussing
Post Number: 119
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, July 28, 2007 - 6:03 pm: | |
Hey thx Dave! 'preciate the kind words! |
mele_aloha
Advanced Member
Username: mele_aloha
Post Number: 212
Registered: 1-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, July 28, 2007 - 11:22 pm: | |
You must have been hungry Dave! That kind of playing makes me hungry too!
Awesome and ditto's of Dave, Jim.
Whoa!!! GReat riffs all over the place. The tones are just unbelievable! Man I can't wait for mine now. It's those kind of posts that help keep us patient.
Thank you very much, Paul |
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck
Post Number: 5370
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, July 29, 2007 - 8:34 am: | |
In case clarification is necessary, I was refering to the band and not the food! |
crgaston
Senior Member
Username: crgaston
Post Number: 406
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Monday, July 30, 2007 - 10:06 pm: | |
Congrats, Jim. That is one gorgeous instrument. The wood is amazing, and the abalone is just delicious! Enjoy! |
hifiguy
Intermediate Member
Username: hifiguy
Post Number: 108
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, August 18, 2007 - 4:29 pm: | |
Lordy Lu, that is even more stunning that I'd imagined it would turn out. You, Jim, are one very lucky dude and I am jealous!  |
mele_aloha
Advanced Member
Username: mele_aloha
Post Number: 280
Registered: 1-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 09, 2007 - 1:40 am: | |
Hey Jim, you out there?
I just had to go to your sound bites again and get some skunk funk back in my blood to thin it out for the future arrival. I also read through alot of your thread again and enjoyed the process of changes and additions as well as all of the nice and helpful comments that came out of all the members. It is sure awesome having this site to learn and exchange from.
Hopefully I'll be seeing my beauty by end of the month if the flu didn't completely wipe out the whole shop Did you see it with the first coat on in Spray? It's looking good!!!
How are things going? Hope all is well. You sure make that bass sing in your sound bites. and the pictures are great also. You have an awesome band!
Take it easy, Aloha, Paul |
jtussing
Intermediate Member
Username: jtussing
Post Number: 131
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 6:42 pm: | |
Hey there Paul!
So sorry I've been away. Have been working and playing and playing and working and way too much playing and working, etc.
Glad you have enjoyed the funk. This thing is a little monster. I still can't get over how small it feels. All this weight but all this littleness is really amazing. It give it such a feel of mass that you just feel like you're playing a rock. Funking on a friggin rock. It's so massive.
There will be some more sounds coming soon so stay tuned. In the mean time can't wait to hear what yours sounds like dude!
Mahalo,
Jim |
mele_aloha
Advanced Member
Username: mele_aloha
Post Number: 284
Registered: 1-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, October 27, 2007 - 8:18 pm: | |
Hi Jim,
Thanks for the reply, and I am glad you are doing great.
May I ask you, are you using the Alembic strings?, or what strings do you use?
My friend said he was enjoying thinner strings and with his new lazer pick-up guitar and he was still getting nice low bottom with them.
What do you say? I'll get more specific about his new guitar in a minute.
OK, it's an infrared bridge bass. I'll post the name tomorrow. But anyway I just want to get your opinion on strings.
Thanks again, and I sure am impressed with your sound bytes.
Aloha, Paul |
jtussing
Intermediate Member
Username: jtussing
Post Number: 144
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 - 4:07 pm: | |
Mica or whoever is doing these pages these days, I'm considering ordering a fretless version of this same bass which was built in 2007.
Do you keep complete details on the basses you build such that it could match in every detail (with allowance for wood grain variation of course)?
Thanks! |
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