Alembic price list: HOLY $#%*!!!!!

[wideload]

My used Alembic is a great bass, and it has held up far better than a used Lexus or Mercedes would have( to continue the illogical bass vs. automobile comparo). I got mine used for what I would have spent for a new Stingray or Cirrus at the time, and I got a better sounding and playing instrument.
I'm only 6 Lotto numbers away from a custom build!

 

[Jean Baudin]

How did you manage that??

One of the guys that worked in the shop was a huge fan, and sacrificed his personal instrument (don't know if it's the same now, but at the time - employees were allowed to make one instrument for themselves per year) to make me "anything I wanted". It was made in the shop, after hours (not company time) with all of the wood for it taken from scraps in the dumpster or deemed not up to Alembic standards. For example, the tuners were all junked ones with scratches, etc.

I did buy a hunk of burl for the top and back from a nearby lumberyard ($35) as my 2 choices for woods the top (crotch walnut and flamed redwood) were not exactly crazy enough for the bass.

 

[cnltb]

I find the prices quite alright.
Alembics seem very 'involved' to make(finish, inlays,intricate shaping etc).
Paying people well might also make them work well( hoping that they are indeed getting a decent wage). My guess is that this makes for some of the money one has to spend on a new instrument built by them.
Justifying the rices somewhat.
Just lucky that alembics are as far removed from what I like and need in a bass as possible and for that reason I am not in danger .

 

[cnltb]

One of the guys that worked in the shop was a huge fan, and sacrificed his personal instrument (don't know if it's the same now, but at the time - employees were allowed to make one instrument for themselves per year) to make me "anything I wanted". It was made in the shop, after hours (not company time) with all of the wood for it taken from scraps in the dumpster or deemed not up to Alembic standards. For example, the tuners were all junked ones with scratches, etc.

I did buy a hunk of burl for the top and back from a nearby lumberyard ($35) as my 2 choices for woods the top (crotch walnut and flamed redwood) were not exactly crazy enough for the bass.

Now that's cool!
Thanks for sharing!

 

[Joe Louvar]

One of the guys that worked in the shop was a huge fan, and sacrificed his personal instrument (don't know if it's the same now, but at the time - employees were allowed to make one instrument for themselves per year) to make me "anything I wanted". It was made in the shop, after hours (not company time) with all of the wood for it taken from scraps in the dumpster or deemed not up to Alembic standards. For example, the tuners were all junked ones with scratches, etc.

I did buy a hunk of burl for the top and back from a nearby lumberyard ($35) as my 2 choices for woods the top (crotch walnut and flamed redwood) were not exactly crazy enough for the bass.

Hmm, was his first name Michael?

 

[Jean Baudin]

Oh, it does have a logo. Well, kinda.

 

[Kaa]

I got to play my "dream" Alembic once. (I dream small, it was a stock model.) It was an Essence, and thew neck was wrong for my hands. Thus is the GAS quenched.

 

[Fuzzbass]

The economics are fairly simple: supply and demand. Alembic buyers appreciate the high quality construction and materials, and are willing to pay. They aren't my thing (too fancy), but if they were I would have no problem with the pricing. Same's true for Ritter, Fodera, etc.

Alembics have such a unique sound. It is not for everyone, I know. Here is a clip of my MK5 played by the artist, Victor Little, who I purchased it from. I have a long way to go to play it like him, but I think you get the picture of what I am saying about the unique sound.

That would be my choice of Alembic were I ever to get one: I love the omega cut and relatively long upper horn.

And yes, the sound is unique. Victor Little's tone is not that far from Stanley Clarke's.

 

[spade2you]

I'd probably just want a Rogue 5-6 string with Series II electronics.

 

[wideload]

I'd probably just want a Rogue 5-6 string with Series II electronics.

Me. too! Let's see... selling a kidney gets me halfway there, so if I sold BOTH kidneys...

 

[Got2SadowskyNYC]

I have 2 Sadowskys and a Curbow and I'm still surprised.

 

[spade2you]

Me. too! Let's see... selling a kidney gets me halfway there, so if I sold BOTH kidneys...

LOL, interesting. I didn't figure there would be anyone else who wanted something like that. The Rogue's ergonomics look better than a few models.

I figure I'd have to win the lottery since something like that probably wouldn't show up used. There was a REALLY nice Rogue a few months ago, but I had to pass and see if I'd survive round 1 of layoffs.

 

[Vince Klortho]

I saw a used Rogue on-line for 1500 recently. I was shocked.

 

[spade2you]

I saw a used Rogue on-line for 1500 recently. I was shocked.

Naturally, that's the kind of deal that only happens when you're not allowed to buy or broke as hell.

 

[jbybj]

It's kind of funny that Alembic was a company started by idealistic acid chomping hippies and ended up as narcissistic, overpriced and elitist bourgeoisie. Oh wait that's exactly the same thing that happened to the whole god damn baby boomer generation!

This sounds very much like someone who has never dealt with the people who are Alembic, never experienced their customer service, never associated with the brotherhood of Alembic owners. From all I've seen and experienced, they simply strive for excellence. And in doing so, they spread nothing but joy, love, wonder, and music.

This thread was about the high price of Alembic instruments, yep, that's true. Don't start rudely attacking folks you don't know. That's just mean and uncalled for. I think you should apologize.

 

[Arnie]

I had this bass back in college..

Believe it or not this is their "Ghetto" line... and I paid way less for it ($1200.00 back in 1983)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1981-Alembic-Distillate-Custom-Birdseye-4-String-Bass-Guitar-55-HD-Images-/160971149618?pt=Guitar&hash=item257aa0d132

The Treble control was so delicate if you spun it back and forth it produced a "wah wah" sound.

 

[Arnie]

Couldn't they afford a web site update, after all!

 

[awilkie84]

I imagine anyone buying a new Alembic can afford both a $20k bass and a $50k car.

This isn't always the case. A lot of it comes down to justification within their income. Some people can't justify having a $50k car...some can't justify having a $20k bass. Not everyone that can afford either of these is going to be able to afford both.

 

[wideload]

LOL, interesting. I didn't figure there would be anyone else who wanted something like that. The Rogue's ergonomics look better than a few models.

I have a Rogue 5 now, and it balances well, doesn't weigh too much, and plays better than I do. Series electronics would be the schnitz - nothing else comes close, IMO. However, the Rogue electronics are good, and I am able to quickly change when I switch from fingers t pick, so I'm generally happy with it. Buying used means you don't get just what you want, but you get what you need (or you pass).

 

[millsbass5]

Actually, I used to know a guy who owned several, and never had a gig in his life.

I just don't see the point in that. But, it's his money. I've got a car that handles like it's on rails, and it runs like a scalded dog. But, I'm no race car driver.