• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

8 String Alembic

#3
That is why I started building, brother, i couldn't afford what i wanted. I will probably have to make one to try it!
I wanted a thumb and I'm getting pretty close to finishing it (I got super lucky and a member gave me the neck at a super good price)
I also want an Alembic...much more difficult to copy.
they told me a single pot with tiny circut board would cost me $800 when I had one fail on a converted smith. No way I can afford to just get alembic stuff and build a body for any reasonable amount. They are the best IMO.

I don't know if I could play it or not, the 8 string, I feel like I could, but it would suck to build a bass that i would have almost no chance of selling, if i couldn't play it.
 
#6
Titania said:
I got all excited for a minute...I very much would like a paired-4 8 string Alembic. This thing is a monstrosity, albeit a gorgeous monstrosity. The blue is really pretty and different.
Click to expand...

They've made the other kind of 8 string too. At least 25 of this one:

12946_upview.jpg

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
  • Like
Reactions: moonshinegtrs and carsbybigd
#7
flameworker said:
That is why I started building, brother, i couldn't afford what i wanted. I will probably have to make one to try it!
I wanted a thumb and I'm getting pretty close to finishing it (I got super lucky and a member gave me the neck at a super good price)
I also want an Alembic...much more difficult to copy.
they told me a single pot with tiny circut board would cost me $800 when I had one fail on a converted smith. No way I can afford to just get alembic stuff and build a body for any reasonable amount. They are the best IMO.

I don't know if I could play it or not, the 8 string, I feel like I could, but it would suck to build a bass that i would have almost no chance of selling, if i couldn't play it.
Click to expand...

If you're already worried about selling it, you probably don't really want it and/or can't afford it. It's usually best to walk away at that point.

I can safely say that I don't want an 8 string because 7 string basses are a bit much with my small hands. I get a little fatigued on the 7, but 6 string basses feel much easier and I can play those all night.
 
#8
flameworker said:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I really want to try an 8 string, any Idea where I can find one near Philly ? or would i have to go to NYC?
Click to expand...

It's not "next door" close, but I know a guy a little north of Columbus OH with a nice collection of 8-strings; mostly Jaydee but I believe he has one or two Alembics as well.

*edit* NOW I look at your link! A single course 8 string? Nope, no idea.
 
#9
It belongs to Trip Wamsley. Great, great player. Look for his videos on youtube, he plays this small bass with a pick too. And don't pay attention to the 12 in my avatar ;-)
 
#10
Why not buy a cheaper 8 string to see if you even like playing it ?Why spend that much $$$$$$$$$ on something you might hate ! There was a Dean 8 string on here[talkbass classifieds] for about $300.....I was thinking about it but have 3 [ 4 string ,4 string fretless and a 5 string ] now and really have no need for another. Oh and we are talking about 2 sets of 4 strings not 8 single strings right ? >>> II II II II NOT I I I I I I I I CORRECT ? That is a whole other can of worms....

Ok It shows up now .... Go for it .. Sorry .
 
Last edited:
#20
Yep! I made it and made lots of ERBs... 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 strings, single or multiscale. You don't need huge hands to play them but of course they'd help.
Yves Carbonne plays killer music on his 12 and his hands aren't huge.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back