Alembic Club at Talk Bass

[UpperBout]

Hello,

I'm thinking of making an offer on a Alembic Epic 4 that is listed on eBay rather close to me. However, I have absolutely zero experience with Alembics whatsoever, as I've never even seen one in person. Is the anything I should be aware of when looking at used Alembics, and Epics in particular?

I'm kinda looking for a warmer/deeper sound than my Modulus Quantum 4, would an Epic be able to achieve a warm sound?

I can't find many clips of Alembics being played, but the one good video I've found of a Epic on YouTube makes me believe that I should be able to get the sound I want out of it.

Thank you for your help,
-BadWithNames

Epics are wonderful instruments. They are set-neck rather than neck-through. I find this brings them a bit closer to "traditional" bass timbre. I have both set-neck and through-neck Alembics (and a Modulus).

Most Epics have a Volume, Blend, Treble +\-, & Bass +/- for controls. Some have the Sweepable Filter control, so be sure to find out which the one you're considering has.

Based on the years these were produced, most Epics have tarnished brass, and many have very slightly discernible ridges where the laminates in the neck have aged slightly differently. Like everything Alembic, they are very, very well built and these laminate ridges do not affect stability, tone, or playability. So don't be put off. Alembic's customer support is just as high-quality as their instruments (keeping in mind that it's still a fairly small, family-run business).

You can definitely achieve a warm tone with an Alembic Epic. Assuming yours had the customary controls, it will be familiar (but not identical) territory to the Modulus.

Basic info on Epics here: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[edwinhurwitz]

I have a fretless Epic 5 that is a tone monster. Very expressive and controllable electronics, wonderful neck. Definitely warm AND deep when you want it! As long as the bridge/endpiece (a total work of art IMHO) and electronics are intact (original) the pre-purchase inspection is just like any other bass. The knobs are mil-spec and don't pull off - you need to pop the top of them and unbolt (search the Alembic club for instructions). Pickup height is set by only 2 screws as I recall.

Here's a couple of samples of my Epic. I have TI flats on it and yes, I'm using a pick (it works for this)!





I hope the bass is what you want it to be - the Alembic journey is a good one!

Hanrahan! Sorry to derail, but I love playing with him.

 

[hieronymous]

I hope it's cool to post this here - my band Stanley Lighthead's album finally came out! Studio & live tracks recorded entirely with my Stanley Clarke Signature Squared 5-string. Check it out if you get a chance and are so inclined!

#getlightheaded, by Stanley Lighthead

And here's an alternate version of the album cover showing the recording session:

 

[jazzyvee]

Here is a review of Alembic I just found on line.

 

[TolerancEJ]

@jazzyvee @4stringer711 I watched Ove's review as well. It's an amazing instrument!

I realized I know very little about Alembic basses. Did I understand correctly, that a model primarily determined by 1) the chosen electronics and 2) the body?

The budget of a Series I or Series II will be way over my head. If this is correct, what would be the most economical way to get an Alembic 6-string with a Balance K-body?

 

[4stringer711]

Here is a review of Alembic I just found on line.

Awesome! Nice to see a Balance K in a real life application. Even more can I say that this is the shape for me. Except maybe heart omega.

 

[adje]

@jazzyvee @4stringer711 I watched Ove's review as well. It's an amazing instrument!

I realized I know very little about Alembic basses. Did I understand correctly, that a model primarily determined by 1) the chosen electronics and 2) the body?

The budget of a Series I or Series II will be way over my head. If this is correct, what would be the most economical way to get an Alembic 6-string with a Balance K-body?

There's a game we sometimes play at the Alembic Club, called "Name that Alembic!" - other than that, an Alembic by any name etc. etc.
The most economical way to get a brand new 6-string in the Balance K shape is to order the lowest priced neck-through model (Essence) and upgrade it with the Balance K body shape. Best way is to go through a dealer, and see what Monthly Special is available when you place your order.

Edited to add that they may have done a set-neck Orion or Excel with a Balance K body. Not sure it will make much of a difference in pricing, but it can't hurt to ask.

 

[TolerancEJ]

There's a game we sometimes play at the Alembic Club, called "Name that Alembic!" - other than that, an Alembic by any name etc. etc.
The most economical way to get a brand new 6-string in the Balance K shape is to order the lowest priced neck-through model (Essence) and upgrade it with the Balance K body shape. Best way is to go through a dealer, and see what Monthly Special is available when you place your order.

Edited to add that they may have done a set-neck Orion or Excel with a Balance K body. Not sure it will make much of a difference in pricing, but it can't hurt to ask.

Thank you very much! This is very helpful. I may try running my questions by Mica on the Alembic forum as well, to gather her suggestions.

 

[s_wood]

@jazzyvee @4stringer711 I watched Ove's review as well. It's an amazing instrument!

I realized I know very little about Alembic basses. Did I understand correctly, that a model primarily determined by 1) the chosen electronics and 2) the body?

It's tough, sometimes, to figure out the model name of any particular Alembic. That's because they are willing to heavenly customize their instruments. In general, though, any bass with Series I or II electronics wil be called a Series I or II bass regardless of the body shape. But not always

 

[adje]

It's tough, sometimes, to figure out the model name of any particular Alembic. That's because they are willing to heavenly customize their instruments. In general, though, any bass with Series I or II electronics wil be called a Series I or II bass regardless of the body shape. But not always

Absolutely. I have a Custom, even if it has Series II electronics.

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

Awesome! Nice to see a Balance K in a real life application. Even more can I say that this is the shape for me. Except maybe heart omega.

Here's a new Balance Body variation called The Wave 6...

Courtesy of Will Gunn Guitars.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[TolerancEJ]

Here's a new Balance Body variation called The Wave 6...

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

He sold it already. I messaged him on Facebook to ask about the Wave.

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

He sold it already. I messaged him on Facebook to ask about the Wave.

aw shoot.

 

[4stringer711]

Here's a new Balance Body variation called The Wave 6...
View attachment 3157250

Courtesy of Will Gunn Guitars.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Cool! I'd sure like to see that Signature Deluxe when the color hits. That is some killer quilt.

 

[TolerancEJ]

Mica replied to me @adje @s_wood . Because of the offset cutaway, the Balance K Heart body will not work as a set-neck, so the Essence neck thru is my most economical option. She also forwarded me a custom quotation. In case anyone was curious, the Balance K Heart body is an $1100 add-on.

Going through a dealer, would you know the approximate % between a dealer's price vs an Alembic quotation?

 

[adje]

Going through a dealer, would you know the approximate % between a dealer's price vs an Alembic quotation?

Probably best just to ask one of the dealers who handle custom orders - their names pop up on this thread. There may not be as much wiggle room as with a high volume item.

BTW, the 1100 is for the heart-omega variation. Zoom in on my profile picture to see what the point variation will look like on a Balance K 6er (albeit a softened point carving) and perhaps check the quote generator again. In any case, it's your dream.

BTW2, there is also a Balance K variation with a smooth bottom. See Alembic - Vintage Guitar Advertisements

 

[TolerancEJ]

Probably best just to ask one of the dealers who handle custom orders - their names pop up on this thread. There may not be as much wiggle room as with a high volume item.

BTW, the 1100 is for the heart-omega variation. Zoom in on my profile picture to see what the point variation will look like on a Balance K 6er (albeit a softened point carving) and perhaps check the quote generator again. In any case, it's your dream.

BTW2, there is also a Balance K variation with a smooth bottom. See Alembic - Vintage Guitar Advertisements

Thanks. I'm in Canada and I understand that Club Bass in Toronto is the exclusive Canadian dealer. Whichever the dealer's discount will be, I still need to add back the USD exchange to know my true cost. In any case, I am just gathering information for now.

I have looked at different Balance K shapes. May I confirm whether the following body shape is a Balance K Heart? If so, this one is my preference.

 

[adje]

Yep, that's the heart omega carving on the Balance K shape, on Karma.

 

[malthumb]

It's tough, sometimes, to figure out the model name of any particular Alembic. That's because they are willing to heavenly customize their instruments. In general, though, any bass with Series I or II electronics wil be called a Series I or II bass regardless of the body shape. But not always

Absolutely. I have a Custom, even if it has Series II electronics.

Naming is always a moving target. My main bass was ordered as a Mark King Deluxe 5-string with Series II electronics added. Saved me a lot of $$ over ordering a Series II and optioning up to Coco Bolo top and back. The serial number starts "00MKC", meaning it is categorized as a 2000 Mark King Customized.

 

[malthumb]

Thanks. I'm in Canada and I understand that Club Bass in Toronto is the exclusive Canadian dealer. Whichever the dealer's discount will be, I still need to add back the USD exchange to know my true cost. In any case, I am just gathering information for now.

I have looked at different Balance K shapes. May I confirm whether the following body shape is a Balance K Heart? If so, this one is my preference.
View attachment 3158132

Yep, that's the heart omega carving on the Balance K shape, on Karma.

That bass with one less string could pry my 2000 MKC SII out of my hands.