I think we need to call Mica and get a patent on the offical Alembic handshake. BTW, check out the custom of the month it is SICK! 
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Alembic owners ?'s
- Thread starter full_bleed
- Start date
lmoh said:
If the Alembic you purchased did, in fact, not hold its tune then you were justified in :Litcanning it. If, on the other hand, if the Fender you just paid $500 dollars for did the same, you'd be equally justified in :"icanning that bass as well. And you're right - no amount of special woods, inlays, hardware, etc. is going to make it right or worth it.
Bottom line: if it doesn't do for you what you expect, get rid of it. If it's expensive, get rid of it quicker.
Alan
hehe you guys. I never said anyone was scum. In fact I said that I didn't think that anyone was scum for buying an alembic. I did say that I would question if I was worth spending that much money on because well, I would. I never said you were wrong for having a different point of view or opinion. You're right a spoiled kid does receive and doesn't buy for themselves. I was referring rather to the way it was worded and not who purchased it. I also understand that other instruments like the cello are 50 times or more expense than an electric bass so we are very lucky for that. I wouldn't use that as a basis for this discussion though because as stated we don't have to pay a high price for a good quality instrument. The automotive reference I agree with completely. I drive a Toyota Corolla. I bought it used with low mileage because I knew it would be cheaper than a new car plus it would be reliable and get good gas mileage. Even if I could I wouldn't buy a BMW or Escalade for the same reasons I can't bring myself to spend that much on a bass. For those that spent under 2,000 I think you guys got a really good deal. That to me is about where I draw the line but it would also have to be custom to my specs at least to some degree. Call me thrifty if you want I don't care. I have my reasons for not buying and you have yours for buying. Both are valid none the less. No one is wrong in their thinking just different. The Mule I did expect to hear answers like it said when I started seeing the responses of, I have money, I want it, so I bought it. Not much passion towards the instrument shown in that sentence is there? My car cost me 8,000 which is pretty good since I live in America and the car will most likely last me 8-10 years if I take care of it. Had I lived in a poor country I probably would not have bought it you are right. Even people in Sudan and Ethiopia own cars though. I don't own a house at this time and I'm not married yet but I have discussed the cost of rings with my girlfriend of 3 years now. Luckily we both agree that it's not the cost of the ring that counts but the love that it is given with. I do own a 1,000 bass. It's my thumb 4 b.o. G.C. Anniversary Edition. I also own my Hamer Slammer, a $300 Yamaha, and I not to long ago purchased an SX jazz 5. I do give to the make a wish foundation although I might not have given any thought to it if I didn't have a good friend die of cancer and the make a wish help bring him a lot of happiness even though he was in pain that I hope that I will never have to experience. I do 3 secret Santas every year except last year because I was temporarily out of work so I only did one. All Andrew wanted was a ball and glove and I knew I could do that for him so I did. Red cross I'll admit I have never done until just last week but you have to start somewhere right. I don't in anyway thing I am better than anyone for what I have given or not given though. You may be giving somone attention that will keep them off the streets and out of trouble and I would say that's worth much more than 10,000. ALEMBICPLAYER right on! Keep helping them out if thats what you like no matter what bass your playing. I don't want this to turn into a who do you donate to or help type of thread though so let's stay on the real subject. I was only using those things as to give an example of what goes on in my head before I make a purchase like that.
Right so what makes them worth that much for you guys. I might have missed a response like that but I didn't see one. Like I said, indirectly I guess, there is not a 10,000 bass out there for me. I hope this calms the mood a little bit and we all understand where each other is coming from.
That Dire Wolf does look pretty sweetvacman said:I think we need to call Mica and get a patent on the offical Alembic handshake. BTW, check out the custom of the month it is SICK!
- May 30, 2000
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It really all comes down to what you can afford and are willing to pay for an instrument. Some people like their basses brand new, customized and tailored to their specifications and have the money to pay for it. There's nothing at all wrong with it, there are probably things that you, the OP that is, may buy that someone else would say "No way". It's all a personal preference.
In 1997 I paid $1499.00 for my Alembic Europa-4. The dealer had discounted it's selling price because it had been on display for 3 or 4 years. It has a nicely figured koa top and red LED side markers.
I later bought a hardshell case from Alembic for I think $125.00.
When I took a tour of Alembic's shop Alembic's Susan Wickersham told me I paid less than the dealer did for my bass.
I later bought a hardshell case from Alembic for I think $125.00.
When I took a tour of Alembic's shop Alembic's Susan Wickersham told me I paid less than the dealer did for my bass.
First of all, the folks at Alembic are creative and technically sound. But, they aren't any different than any other business. They are building what they believe to be the best non-mass production instruments they can. They sell them for what they can get for them and use the proceeds to pay for salaries and benefits for the staff. The price that they ask is based on what they need to get to maintain a stable business. I could be wrong, but I don't think they are all getting rich like the land developers etc. are. They are practicing a craft and making an honorable living doing it. If you don't want to or can't support their pricing structure, that's OK. It's a free market, and there are a lot of excellent mass production instruments out there.
However, and this is true for any instrument, it is dangerous to make blanket statements; you really have to take each instrument one at a time. Alembic is no different.
As for tone, I can only speak from experience. I generally play Fender J's, but periodically take out one of 2 Series I's I acquired over the years. James is quite correct that you can take them into any dive bar. Hell, no one pays the slightest attention to what the bass guy is playing anyway. Although I love the Fender single coils, the Series I electronics just rule. But, you would have to try them to understand.
IMOH's comments sound like maybe he was using a standard mono cable into the stereo jack and only getting the bridge pup? MANY people made that error, particularly with used instruments missing the power supply and cable. But describing Series I tone as thin, I respectfully submit, is simply not possible. My wife always says that the only bass she can always ID is the Alembic, because it shakes the whole building. No exaggeration.
If you really want to know what an Alembic is about, you would need to play one, then make your own decision. If you do that, try to play a Series instrument. If you don't, then just be happy with what you are playing, and try to be supportive of what your fellow bassists are doing. No one is getting rich doing it, most of us are not self-indulgent to excess, and we're just trying to carry on and extend the traditions.
However, and this is true for any instrument, it is dangerous to make blanket statements; you really have to take each instrument one at a time. Alembic is no different.
As for tone, I can only speak from experience. I generally play Fender J's, but periodically take out one of 2 Series I's I acquired over the years. James is quite correct that you can take them into any dive bar. Hell, no one pays the slightest attention to what the bass guy is playing anyway. Although I love the Fender single coils, the Series I electronics just rule. But, you would have to try them to understand.
IMOH's comments sound like maybe he was using a standard mono cable into the stereo jack and only getting the bridge pup? MANY people made that error, particularly with used instruments missing the power supply and cable. But describing Series I tone as thin, I respectfully submit, is simply not possible. My wife always says that the only bass she can always ID is the Alembic, because it shakes the whole building. No exaggeration.
If you really want to know what an Alembic is about, you would need to play one, then make your own decision. If you do that, try to play a Series instrument. If you don't, then just be happy with what you are playing, and try to be supportive of what your fellow bassists are doing. No one is getting rich doing it, most of us are not self-indulgent to excess, and we're just trying to carry on and extend the traditions.
I bought a used Alembic Orion 4 string manufactured in 1999 about a year and a half ago for $1100. I think for most folks who are interested in Alembics, the used route is the best way to go. If some people want to spend $5k on an Alembic brand new, that's cool, but I would rather spend less for a used one so I can get other things too 
I would love to buy a series I bass, but I don't have the money yet!! sniff sniff
I would love to buy a series I bass, but I don't have the money yet!! sniff sniff
bucephylus said:
+1 to that.. people who think Alembics have "thin" tone probably haven't listened to anyone othe than Stanley Clarke play one. Someone can make a valid argument for "trebly" or that they are typically not forgiving instruments, but "thin" is nonsense.
IME most people with strong negative opinions about Alembics haven't ever played one for themselves. They just repeat what they've heard other people say about them in magazines, on the web and in music stores. It's unbelievable how many times I've read and heard about Alembics being overpriced heavy monsters with too narrow string spacing and a cold, sterile tone without a decent bottom end, sometimes useful in the studio but useless live. And off course every soundman on the planet hates them. Complete nonsense! 
The Mule said:IME most people with strong negative opinions about Alembics haven't ever played one for themselves. They just repeat what they've heard other people say about them in magazines, on the web and in music stores. It's unbelievable how many times I've read and heard about Alembics being overpriced heavy monsters with too narrow string spacing and a cold, sterile tone without a decent bottom end, sometimes useful in the studio but useless live. And off course every soundman on the planet hates them. Complete nonsense!
Well, if you want an unbiased opinion, why don't you send me one of yours and I will try it out at my regular jam session and get back to you with the results.
A man can dream, can't he? Although, I am afraid to try a bass that is so nice because I would want one so bad but never be able to afford on without selling all my gear.
About 3 months ago I bought my first alembic '84 distaillate for $1250 w/case. I saw it, played it and bought it w/in a half hour. I love that way it looks, plays and sounds. I really enjoy its unique tone (the real justification in having more than one bass). The real kicker was that I just bought another bass (I intended to retutn that one after purchasing the alembic). But after a day I decided to keep both.
To me this bass is worth way more than what I paid. All 3 of my basses are. They make awful lots of money, and a lot less basses.
-eric
To me this bass is worth way more than what I paid. All 3 of my basses are. They make awful lots of money, and a lot less basses.
-eric
full_bleed said:
$2k USD for an '87 Spoiler five, used.
full_bleed said:
I'll give you my four reasons, in increasing order of importance (to me, anyway).
1. Conversation piece. When you take out an Alembic, the bass jocks will usually ask you about it at a break. It's different enough from the usual equipment to generate some interest among those you'd probably most like to talk with.
2. Tax angle. My band is legally incorporated. Each year I get a 1099, with a copy to IRS. The band is only a hobby for me---amounts to just a bit over $5k USD/year. But it means I have to file a Schedule C. Since there's no withholding, I try to generate and write off enough related expense against the total so as to clear at most a few hundred bucks profit. Alembics help generate those expenses!
3. Family tradition. One of my sibs ended up with my Mom's violin when she died. I've now collected enough to make sure all my kids (four) get a prime musical heirloom. My wife and I even have this provided for in our wills. My kids have even mentioned which of our grandchildren will end up with the Alembics.
4. Carpe diem. A few weeks ago, I was flying back to Baltimore from my brother-in-law's funeral in Belleville MI. He was the first of my generation of sibs to die, so it affected all of us. I figure (at age 60) that, unless some dread disease strikes, I have five or ten good years left---before I get too tired to care. So, seeing that my brother-in-law, five years younger than I, died before his time, I decided I needed to do a better job of balancing thrift, charity, and personal enjoyment. I contribute max to the 401k; I have my regular charities; and now I'm gonna make sure I have some fun. So I put down $5k USD at Washington Music Center, about half the ultimate price of a custom Rogue five.
Works for me.
That would be my reason NOT to get one! Go away, bass jocks! I just want to sit quietly, drink my water, and conserve my voice so I can sing next set!george wright said:
Well, it would be my pleasure off course, but the @#$%! thing is so heavy that the shipping costs would kill my G.A.S. budget for the next few yearsScottie Johnson said:Well, if you want an unbiased opinion, why don't you send me one of yours and I will try it out at my regular jam session and get back to you with the results.
Scottie Johnson said:
If you buy secondhand - as most of us here seem to have done - you wouldn't have to worry about that. Heck, you could even buy another one like I eventually did!
I love All basses, there is somthing about every bass that is good, I just choose to play Alembic, they do have a sound of their own and it may not be for everyone.
the fact that everyone doesn't play an Alembic is what makes it special for me !!
and I love bass players to come up on break and talk to me about basses and playing, but it's alot of fun to run into another Alembic player
David T
the fact that everyone doesn't play an Alembic is what makes it special for me !!
and I love bass players to come up on break and talk to me about basses and playing, but it's alot of fun to run into another Alembic player
David T
lmoh said:
My mint '90 Essence cost me $895. I just pulled it off of a wall after it hung there for 3 months without it being touched, and it was still 100% in tune. Here in the Middle East, going to a gig means taking it from a house at 76F to a car which is 150F, to a gig where it's 80F or so. Every time, it is in tune and stays that way. Could it be you had bad strings? Damaged tuners?
