• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Did Alembic discontinue the Epic body style?

#61
Yeah, that makes more sense. It's beneficial and detrimental that it's their low end model. The former, since it's my favorite and that means I can afford one, and the latter, because it's my favorite and no one has any of the fun options on it.

Alas, I will have to order one myself (NT Epic post haste)
 
#65
Many a moon ago ('84-'85),I once owned an Alembic Spoiler. Of all the basses that I've owned,that's the one bass that I just could not "bond" with,for the life of me. And the reason was the electronics. Now let's not forget,this was the early/mid-80's,and I was around 17 yrs. old at the time,and NO INTERNET :eek:. As I recall,I could never get ANY tone that I was satisfied with. Seriously,every time I took it to a gig,the tone just "had to do". It was like wrestling a bear..... I was never gonna win.
The reason? I didn't understand the electronics. I was just twistin' away at those damn knobs like it was my Jazz Bass! So,sure they're great basses. Excellent craftsmanship,and built like a tank. I just wish I had that bass back now,so I could really give it a fair shake.
 
#66
The FAQ specifically says the way they're built, he can't reverse the electronics to put the battery on the body. That makes no sense to me, since you don't have to reverse the electronics, but instead the different in fret locations. But maybe he knows something I don't. It might just be too hard for him to change the mechanical setup he has, and can adjust to fit different spacings, but not a completely different layout.

I think I'm ready to take on a bear, musically. I'm at that point now in my bassing. I really want to string it up in piccolo tuning, and see what fun starts there. That's the end game, here.

Wish me luck.
 
#68
neurotictim said:
FWIW, the FretFX guy is a local - based out of Suffolk - and I'm sure you can email him and work out something on a headless-ready set - since he makes them to order, he can just re-orient the LEDs so they're correct with the battery holder attaching to the body.

Just something to think about.
Click to expand...

He's done that for me plus other experiments, e.g how to fit the battery pack to a FLY style headstock. Roz is a bit testy if you ask him to do things other than standard but he did do a lot of custom options for me. My main bass has reverse fret fx, or what it was known as at the time 'hotdotz'

BTW, I am in the UK no even anywhere local to him, but ask him nicely and I suppose he might do the reverse.
 
#69
Popps said:
The back is badly scratched, I would guess from a belt buckle. The finish on the front is worn through in multiple places. But, the sound is great. Chrome flats and it becomes a P-Bass on steroids. It was not well cared for by whoever had it. The funny thing though is that it is a first year Epic, 1993. I have only found one that is older on the Alembic Club site.
Click to expand...

This statement is not to argue with Popps at all. I think his Alembic is SWEET just the way it is. That being said...

In all fairness to all bass players, I don't consider "buckle rash" as poor condition. Sure, I'd love to buy all my basses in near pristine condition, so if there were any battle scars on it, I could say, "Oh that was from that crazy show in XYZ.., etc."

Basses are meant to be played, so buckle rash is almost expected. The top is a different story.

I guess I am just tired of the new generation of "musicians" who just want museum pieces and bragging rights.

I do NOT mean to sound snobby, or pretentious. I like neat and clean basses, but I also like a bass to show some character. The ghost in the machine would appreciate it, too, I'm sure.

PS - I just picked up my third (i only own this one though. Sold the other two) Epic and I LOVE it. It's a 1997 and sounds like Jimmy Johnson and John Entwistle tone. I've all the models and I like this particular Epic best of all...
 
#70
I've had the one Epic, and have been just astounded by it. Little wear on the top and a fair amount of buckle rash (which honestly seems like it's from plastic buttons, it's so light), but she knocks me on my butt every time I turn on the amp.

Still looking to trade her, because as beautiful as she is, she's still got a maple top, and I wont rest until I get a dark wood. /sigh
 
#71
calmb4tehpwn said:
Which would explain why so many seem to be replacing Cirrus guts with Alembic 'tronics. Considering I found that I liked Alembic after following my joy of Cirrus, I think a Cirralembic would be a good option for me. (still want those LEDs, though, and that Epic body style. Damnit. I love Alembic.)
Click to expand...

No question, the Epic body shape is not only the most beautiful bass Alembic makes but I think is the most beautiful shape EVER. And ergonomic too! Unlike the horn-less SG-like other Alembic designs this one not only looks gorgeous but actually balances correctly without neck-dive as well.

Not ordering the factory LEDs on my fretless was without a doubt my biggest mistake ever. There is some promise with FretFX, but only some. The company is most difficult to try to work with. They tell you right off they won't change the wire from the headstock end to the body end. And my emails with them attempting to get one with one color octave markers with the rest a different color only ended up with another refusal.

Actually the things aren't half bad. (I have one on a wishbass) And looking at them it seems to me that it might not be too big a deal to pare down through the plastic on the body end to wires running the LEDS to get a cord out the other end. (Mind you I've only LOOKed that the thing and haven't tried it so I can't be sure it will work). My idea is to reverse the wires on a FretFX run them to the body and then power the LEDs from the phantom power rig I use to power the active electronics. No batteries at all!

I recall that I talked to Alembic about installing LEDS after the bass was built and they can do it but it's VERY expensive! I'd try to do it myself first! I'd route a thin groove in the side of the neck and built wires with LEDS across them like FretFX does and then drop it in the groove and fill it with clear epoxy. In any case the factory FretFX is clearly the no hassle way to get LED markers. They do work just great.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back