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Alembic....what more can I say?
- Thread starter lbbc
- Start date
The only thing that has ever kept me from gigging my Alembics in hot stuffy bars is the potential for theft or damage from drunk patrons, certainly no fault or shortcoming on the basses part. I typically save my Squier basses for such venues. But there are plenty of players that'll sport an Alembic anywhere a bass can be played.
As I've owned only the essence, I can't speak for other models, but the TB guy I bought the bass from played it a lot in metal bands in clubs for close to 20 years. It only has a few small bumps and a wear spot in the finish on the back of the neck from his constant playing. I have a light relic Alembic
. Thought about sending it to the factory for a refin, but them I'd have to worry about dinging it all the time.
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Here is my Alembic:
And, here is it's story that covers the last two decades or so:
An Alembic Story
I know a lot of the folks here have read through that thread and put kind and thoughtful remarks there. But, I still like the telling of a good tale.
And, here is it's story that covers the last two decades or so:
An Alembic Story
I know a lot of the folks here have read through that thread and put kind and thoughtful remarks there. But, I still like the telling of a good tale.
I say do it, as you can see in my pic my essence sits write by an MIM classic P that Ive owned since 06 and IMO is just as good as any Any AVRI that I've owned. (an AVRI 74 jazz is in the pic as well for that matter and I've owned several AVRI p basses). I have played that classic P for years and it will never go anywhere. Unless your incredibly bonded to the P. I say do the trade and pic up a classic P on the cheap later for your P bass fix.
I don't see any indication that they are not Alembic pickups. But good question.
I dig the blue. You don't see a ton of Alembics with color applied.
is that your alembic in your avatar picture box? I think that has to be one of the best looking alembic basses I can ever recall seeing. Is that top wood madagascar Ebony?I like both of mine
I love alembic basses and have been playing them exclusively since 2002. I haven't played many other basses to be honest and not really interested owning anything else. I have read a lot of criticisms about them from many people I expect have never laid their hands on one.
They are not for everyone but when you find the right one..... YEAH the wait is worth it.
Here is mine a former custom of the month:[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Sounds like nothing I've ever heard before.
That is a good point and I do worry about that also but I have no choice I only use alembic basses and I have good insurance that I hope never to need to claim.
Well, that's one thing. My gigging complaints with the Series I were:
1) Didn't keep the tuning. This is a killer. The long, laminated neck seemed to loosen up under hot lights. I was getting the evil eye from band members in the middle of songs, and having to retune between every number. It was OK in air-conditioned studios, and staying at home in the den.
2) Too many controls. While they all did what they should, it was not practical to "dial in" everything in the heat of a fast-paced set.
3) Logistically, on a personal level, the oversize case (with the transformer in it) was a pain to schlep around.
4) As you say, having to keep an eye on it during tours because of how expensive it was anyway.
Well,we'll see,i'm much more of a passive electronics fan in general,but i do think Alembic makes THE Best sounding active basses. And the P bass is a relatively new addition to my stable,but i'm in love with the neck on it.
I never seriously shopped for an Alembic, but I'd be interested in one. I might have to move a couple of other basses to maje it happen, but I'd do it if I found the right one
Nothing really but I think most Alembic owners would tell say the whole point is the proprietary electronics so it sort of defeats the purpose to replace them with barts. You can get barts in virtually anything...
