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Alembic fever

S

sanderic

Jun 3, 2011
506
16
#1
Got my eye on an Alembic Mark King model, used, $4000.00; perhaps the most beautiful bass I've ever seen.
I did own a Series One back in the mid 80s, do I am familiar with them. This one, the MK, has the Series One body, only without the selector switch, and the five pin cable.
Here's the dilemma: I would have to part with my American Standard Jazz, my 78 Rick 4001, and possibly my American Standard Precision, although I'm really leaning toward keeping the Precision just because I love it with Chromes ( think early Chicago albums).
For those who one Alembics, what is your opinion?
 
#2
I have a couple of Alembic Epics, a 4 and 5 string. I really like them but find myself playing my Fenders more. I find the Mark King models to be big, bulky and uncomfortable but they do play and sound great.
 
#3
Get it.You won't regret it.I bought my Rogue 5 ten years ago and I'm still amazed by the ease of playability,tone and sheer balls it has.I paid 4K for mine new and don't regret spending all that scratch for such an amazing instrument.
 
#4
I too was smittened by this MK alembic currently in the classifieds, Love the look but then remembered the couple alembics I've tried were boat anchors and the electronics were a bit too High Fi for my liking, Currently considering building something similar, just lighter and Bart pickups and pre, Its a beautiful bass though, you should probably get it
 
#5
I have been through many basses. Gibson, Fender, Music Man, Rickenbacker, Sadowsky, Smith, Carvin, etc. I got my first Alembic a little over 2 years ago. My collection now consists of 3 Alembics and a Fender P. I don't really miss all the other basses. Had to keep a P though for some occasions. However, I haven't played it much!

Yes, some of them are heavy and can be awkward, but I love those Alembics.
 
#8
I just sold a Series 1 4-string because I need 5s for nearly everything I do.

I'd love to have an Alembic sitting my collection of 2 Fenders and my go-to bass, my Music Man Ray.

I'd say get the Alembic and then pick up another Jazz or Precision later.
 
#11
All bass players should have the opportunity to own/play an Alembic.

Just like all people who drive should have the opportunity to own/drive a Ferrari.

I've owned a couple of them. Loved 'em, but my musical needs and tastes drifted to simple, passive, vintage tones, so I sold them.
 
#12
kesslari said:
If you've got the fever, get the Alembic. That's the only cure. Either that, or more cowbell.
Keep the P if you can swing it. That's a nice balance to the A.
Click to expand...

I agree. When I fell in love with my Alembic I just HAD to have it. And I've never been sorry. However, having owned it for quite a few years now I have to say the following. These days I don't play it much. It has to do with the music. I find the Alembic fits a sort of narrow range of music. (It's a fretless 6er) Now when it fits it positively KILLS it ! But these days mostly my G&Ls get the action. But the Alembic isn't going away. Like I said, when it fits it fits!
 
#14
I've had three and won't ever let go of my current Brown Bass. Nobody can say if this is a match made in heaven, but the price on your bass is excellent, so the risk is low...
If I were in your position, I'd go for it.:hyper:
 
#16
bassman10096 said:
I've had three and won't ever let go of my current Brown Bass. Nobody can say if this is a match made in heaven, but the price on your bass is excellent, so the risk is low...
If I were in your position, I'd go for it.:hyper:
Click to expand...

I've had 6 and still have #5 and #6. I doubt very seriously that I'll ever part with either.

#2 (in case) and #4

AllThreePic1.jpg


#6, #3, & #5....still have #5 & 6...shoulda kept #3

ThreeSeriesBasses.jpg
 
#18
Watch ebay, many sold between $3500/$4500 in the last years. ;)
Edit: There's an extremely nice Series I 5 string in the classifieds here for $4250

With used Alembics here are many factors that determine the price:
When it was build, condition, woods used, electronics, side leds etc.

There's no way of telling what a good price is for the bass in the first post without more info (unless its less than 2000 and you can assume it isn't wrecked)

Don't get me wrong, I think they are worth a lot more and that most used Alembics sell for crazy low $$$ (compared to the rest of the highend/vintage market)
 

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