Alembic Stanley Clarke Bass Sound

sturmvogel · #1 02-22-2013, 09:46 PM

Hello---

I've been awayfor quite awhile (from the forum that is). I have an opportunity to get an Alembic Stanley Clarke model, but I've never heard one live or by itself. I am hesitant to buy because I would have to sell my 1981 RD Artist in order to buy it. I love the sound of my RD, but it is big, making it difficult for me to play. It has a really tight sound, espcially on the low end It really roars with clarity and can really cut through the mix live. The short scale of the SC is the best scale for me and I think the Alembic sound will be close to my RD. I have a clip of the RD (a sound demo) and would appreciate someone who has an Alembic SC model to give a listen and tell me how the sound compares to the RD Artist. Thanks----

Edit: I forgot to post the link for my RD Artist sound demo. Would appreciate a description of the SC sound compared to the RD Artist from a SC owner. Thanks---
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oL7C3HB48A

darkstorm · #2 02-22-2013, 10:26 PM

Havent you tried the alembic SC to judge its sound yourself? Theyre a bit thin sounding to me, not a fan.

Munjibunga · #3 02-22-2013, 10:32 PM

YouTube is your friend.

sturmvogel · #4 02-23-2013, 07:04 AM

Can't get to hear or try one out, they are all too far away fro me. And I have done a youtube search with no satisfactory results---just people popping and slapping.

coyote1 · #5 02-23-2013, 07:47 AM

Can't we just call Stanley what he really is nowadays - a 4 string tenor guitarist? lol

troy mcclure · #6 02-23-2013, 07:54 AM

I had one and sold it, it is by far the best playing bass you will ever touch. That being said it was a bit heavy and it doesn't sit great in the mix in a rock band. It is agressive and out front and you can't help but sounding like Stanley.

Bass Viking · #7 02-23-2013, 08:13 AM

I have no experience with the Alembic but I just have to say your RD sounds fantastic! Good luck with your search.

bassman10096 · #8 02-23-2013, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Theyre a bit thin sounding to me, not a fan.

They are incredibly versatile. I've played an SC for years and I don't slap or pop and definitely don't sound like Stanley (no offense intended). Alembics are a different animal, with filter-based tone control, superb millwork, etc. I've used my SC for a really wide variety of sounds - modern to vintage. I agree it's hard to find a decent Youtube of a Stanley bass not being played by Stanley or somebody trying to sound like him. I'd say the next best points of reference would be other Alembics. John Mc Vie of Fleetwood Mac played an Alembic in the earlier phases of the Stevie Nicks/Lindsey Buckingham eras. The Rumours album and the record before it (titled just "Fleetwood Mac") are both Alembic albums. Led Zeppelin's "Battle of Evermore" featured an Alembic bass.

sj_bass · #9 02-23-2013, 12:44 PM

I've owned and played both...

I still own the RD.

svlilioukalani · #10 02-23-2013, 01:09 PM

One could sat Stanley sounds thin. But that would be the exact sound he chooses. There in nothing thin about the Alembic sound unless you choose that sound. An Alembic bass is in a class way beyond a fine Gibson. But make sure it is the sound you are after. They can also be neck heavy. Since there is no upper horn. That said, an Alembic bass will take you places a Gibson can't go. Go for it. I love my gibson basses. But prefer to gig with Alembic.

sturmvogel · #11 02-24-2013, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass Viking

I have no experience with the Alembic but I just have to say your RD sounds fantastic! Good luck with your search.

Thanks---It is the best sound I have ever run across---just a bit beastly to play.

sturmvogel · #12 02-24-2013, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassman10096

They are incredibly versatile. I've played an SC for years and I don't slap or pop and definitely don't sound like Stanley (no offense intended). Alembics are a different animal, with filter-based tone control, superb millwork, etc. I've used my SC for a really wide variety of sounds - modern to vintage. I agree it's hard to find a decent Youtube of a Stanley bass not being played by Stanley or somebody trying to sound like him. I'd say the next best points of reference would be other Alembics. John Mc Vie of Fleetwood Mac played an Alembic in the earlier phases of the Stevie Nicks/Lindsey Buckingham eras. The Rumours album and the record before it (titled just "Fleetwood Mac") are both Alembic albums. Led Zeppelin's "Battle of Evermore" featured an Alembic bass.

Thanks for the decent reply. Did you listen to my RD youtube clip? Can I get it to sound like the RD?

sturmvogel · #13 02-24-2013, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sj_bass

I've owned and played both...

I still own the RD.

RD is incredible! What did you not like about the SC?