Alembics info

[jphilauren]

In the market for an Alembic, wondering if the lower priced models worth the price or not, such as Essence, Epic ,Orion. How do they compare to a Pedulla Thunderbass

 

[bassman10096]

Not familiar with Pedullas (first hand, that is), but I can tell you that the "low end" Alembics aren't like anybody else's low end. All are built in the same workshop by the same people, using the same tools and processes as the most expensive Alembics. Build quality is great, because the basic build specs are very similar for all Alembics. For things like brass bridge blocks and expensive neck laminates, you would mostly look at the more expensive models, but the quality of the millwork, fretwork, finishes, etc is fantastic on all Alembics. Electronics for all models are all built to military spec (e.g. like a brick sh$%house) and differ between models based mostly on how elaborate the preamp and filter layouts are.

A lot of folks buy an Orion or Epic and are blown away by how much quality Alembic put into its "entry level" instruments. I started with a Spoiler a few years back and have owned two high end Alembics since. The principal differences between the Spoiler and the customs have been in "fanciness" rather than quality. All the things I would evaluate in looking at any high end bass (for workmanship, etc) are present in the less expensive Alembic models. Also - If you are buying new, Alembic will build any of its models to your exact specs (neck dimensions, fret size, woods, electronics).

 

[neurotictim]

My Epic 5 is by far my "tone monster." Despite the fact that I've either owned or played virtually everything (I like to shop around) short of Fodera/Ritter, I've never found a bass I liked more. The only drawback to mine is the weight. Build quality is as good or better than anything else I've played (with the exception of Roscoe, and it's still very very close) and it's far more solid-feeling.

I've gotten a couple of comments/snickers about my "entry-level" Alembic - and the snickers laugh until I plug in and play.

It's a looker, too, with Zebrawood top over maple laminate and mahogany body.

 

[bassmacguffin]

I have a Series 1 and an Epic and both are Fine basses, they both have that great Alembic tone and are a dream to play
best of luck in your search

the alembic club is also a good place for some info
David T

 

[p0k]

i think the epics are the best looking of the alembics...although sadly i've never played one. if money is a concern though you can definitely get a used pedulla for cheaper...

 

[a.green.martian]

I've A/B'd my Orion with one of the COTM basses, and a couple of other Alembics, and where the differences really lie are the woods, electronics, and price tag. Build quality was equally top notch on every one I've seen and played.
As with any brand basses, every one is going to sound a bit different, but they're all going to have a similar timbre to them.
So if you think you might like an Alembic, go for one of the "lower end" models first, they're worth the price and will definitely give you an indication of whether or not the Alembic sound is for you.

 

[Hoover]

Just to offer a slightly less favorable perspective -- and I'll mention out front that this is 20 year old information, so Alembic may very well have improved since then -- but fwiw in 1985 I worked in music retail for an Alembic dealer, and our staff guitar setup guy said that the biggest difference between the Distillate (which at that time was really the only "low end" Alembic) and a Series I or II instrument was the thoroughness of the setup when it left the shop: he said the Series basses were ready to play right out of the box, whereas the Distillates almost always showed up in dire need of a major neck adjustment & intonation tweak.

 

[bassjigga]

Well I have a Europa 5 fretless and a 4 string fretted Essence. Both are awesome. The only thing I would say about the lower end models is that my Europa has a much stronger fundamental due to the ebony and vermillion neck lams vs. the pure maple neck of my Essence. It is expensive, but neck laminates are definitely worth it. And you can save money by doing 1 ebony and some purpleheart or other material.

 

[Fealach]

Pedulla makes a darn fine instrument. That said, there are plenty of darn fine instruments made using nice woods, Bartolini pickups, and hardware from one of a few of the standard high quality manufacturers. An Alembic is pretty unique in that most of the hardware, plus the pickups and electronics, are Alembic.

As far as quality goes, IMO a "low end" Alembic compares favorably with many other high quality, high priced makers' "high end" basses. The same attention to detail and workmanship went into an Epic as a Series II. Alembic's filter based preamps are quite different than Pedulla's 2 or 3 band EQ, it may take a while to get used to but they are pretty versatile; the one tone that's tough to get is a mid-scooped sound, but in the real world that sound almost always = being unable to hear the bass player. The Epic is a bit different, it has a more normal treble/bass control arrangement. They're out of production, but are regularly on Ebay.

 

[bassjigga]

Epics are not out of production. And even models that are can be custom ordered. Nothing Alembic is ever really out of production.

I also found it is not hard at all to get a mid-scooped sound. In fact the neck-through models tend to have a smile EQ built in. If mids are your thing I would recommend one of the set-neck models with an ash body (doesn't have to be an Excel either you can change woods on any model).

 

[steve4765630]

I had an Alembic Epic 6 string for about a year. It was a great bass with excellent sound and woods. I play Pedulla now because they sound more "open" to me, but an Alembic is an amazing investment.

 

[bassman10096]

Here's an example of Alembic building their lower priced models with upgraded features (in this case, incredible burl maple): [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].

 

[neurotictim]

This bass is by far my favorite from Alembic. It's no Series II or anything, either.

The whole thread can be found [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] .

 

[Baryonyx]

Even the "low end" Alembics will compare favourably with other boutique basses. It all comes down to what you prefer. With both Pedulla and Alembic, you can be assured of a well made bass that sounds great. What it comes down to is what you prefer. Each has it's pros and cons, and that is what you should base your purchase off and how they relate to you.

For me, I prefer Alembics, but Pedullas are very nice too. I'm just more into Alembics!