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Dream Alembics

Stickk

Stickk

Sep 2, 2008
1,952
11
Jambi
#1
If you could have a custom Alembic, what would it be? For me:

-Body: Stanley Clarke/ Mark King
Wood: Zebrawood w/ Zebrawood laminate (so the wood wouldn't splinter)
-Neck: Maple w/ an ebony fretboard, 25 frets, 8-string
-Bridge: Kahler Tremolo
-Electronics: 9-way control
-Inlay: Dragon
-LEDS: Red side dots
-Scale: 32"
 
#2
One that was light weight, and didnt neck dive. Possibly 33 inch scale. Mahog body with flame maple top and flame maple neck with bubinga stringers, ebony board, Hipshot Ultralite tuners, Series 2 electronics, and a flight case with built in humidifier. Ive actually got such a bass on hold right now, until I can pick it up. Well, minus the 33 inch scale, this one is a 32, but that is cool. I will have to replace the stock tuners for the Hipshots, and build a flight case. But the dream is within reach! : )
 
#9
This one:

CIMG7946.jpg
 
#11
rodneyat said:
You will have a hard time finding a light Alembic. But, every Rogue I have tried has been balanced...Even at 10.5 pounds, it does not really feel heavy. Even after playing it for a few hours.
Click to expand...

I'd LOVE it if they offered a new updated design. After playing my CB and Rob Allens, I simply don't see the need for something heavy. Move the bridge back closer to the edge of the body, smaller headstock, lighter woods, etc.
 
#14
rodneyat said:
You will have a hard time finding a light Alembic. But, every Rogue I have tried has been balanced...Even at 10.5 pounds, it does not really feel heavy. Even after playing it for a few hours.
Click to expand...

Not necessarily true. The Alembic 4 string at the top in this picture weighs about 9, maybe 9.5 pounds and balances perfectly. Now the 5 string (which pretty much answers the op question for me) weighs about 13.5 and balances perfectly. It's a question of wood and other construction choices.

The 4 string has the Omega cutout (mass removed) and has a mahogany core and walnut top and back. It is SIGNIFICANTLY lighter than the 5 string that has coco bolo top and back (coco bolo is a very heavy wood) and has the extra hardware and larger headstock of a 5 string. The Point Body design adds mass on the tail end which helps counterbalance the extra mass of the headstock. I doubt it was intended for that, but in this case it works out that way.


HPIM2671.jpg


Peace,

James
 
#15
malthumb said:
Not necessarily true. The Alembic 4 string at the top in this picture weighs about 9, maybe 9.5 pounds and balances perfectly. Now the 5 string (which pretty much answer the op question for me) weighs about 13.5 and balances perfectly. It's a question of wood and other construction choices.

The 4 string has the Omega cutout (mass removed) and has a mahogany core and walnut top and back. It is SIGNIFICANTLY lighter than the 5 string that has coco bolo top and back (coco bolo is a very heavy wood) and has the extra hardware and larger headstock of a 5 string. The Point Body design adds mass on the tail end which helps counterbalance the extra mass of the headstock. I doubt it was intended for that, but in this case it works out that way.


HPIM2671.jpg


Peace,

James
Click to expand...

God, I effin' love Cocobolo
 
#17
malthumb said:
Have you seen the Balance K designs? The one pmaraziti posted is an excellent example. Smaller, lighter, more contoured body than the classic Alembic shapes.
Click to expand...

I never saw one on their site like that, although stuff like the omega cut kinda add the opposite of what I need. Great looking, but shorter horns make it tough for me to reach the first position. Something like my MB2s have a 12th position top horn and the bridge is pretty far back, which makes for something pretty light and balanced. From a left hand perspective, my 35" scale reach feels a lot less than most 34" scale basses and was about the same as my old 32" scale Fender Urge.
 
#18
spade2you said:
I'd LOVE it if they offered a new updated design. After playing my CB and Rob Allens, I simply don't see the need for something heavy. Move the bridge back closer to the edge of the body, smaller headstock, lighter woods, etc.
Click to expand...

All of these things are available from them. You just have to choose the model you want with the options you like. Something like the Orion has a smaller body, headstock etc. Then choose lighter woods and away you go. If you choose something like a Series 1 with a mahogany body and cocobolo top..yes, it is going to be VERY heavy. My Rogue is a little over 10lbs. Which considering it has a mahogany body and zirocote top..it is not too heavy. Long story short, you can get just about anything from them...for a price. ;)
 
#20
Jjango said:
I did a Google search, because I'm not really familiar with the Alembic models. Of all the ones I found, I like this one the best:
Click to expand...

Well, the body shape is the Balanced K that was referred to earlier in this thread. I am not sure what electronics setup that is.. Way too many knobs for me! I took me long enough to get used to the ones on mine..it is here:

CIMG3231.gif
 

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