"Entry-level" Alembics, how are they?

[Wandering Bastard]

I currently am in the market looking for a sub-$2000 bass, and as someone who has always LOVED the looks of Alembics, I'm starting to consider the Spoiler and Orion 4 (or 5) models, used, of course, as it seems there are always a lot in the Classifieds, the bay or the Alembic forums, for decent prices.

However, how do they do sound-wise (do they even have a chance when compared to their bigger and costlier brothers)? How are the electronics? Also, I would like to know how the necks feel. So if you own, or owned, one of these beautiful basses, what is your opinion on them? If you sold it, why? Any problems, or do you recommend them?

Also, if you own a Stanley Clarke or a Mark King, you don't need to tell me how amazing they are, because I already know.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I had a five string Essence and a four strong Spoiler back in the very early 1990s. If I knew then what know now, I would have never let them go. They were as good or better than anything I have had since.

 

[Doctor J]

I have an Orion. It's work of art. It's got the 2-band EQ but still has a huge range of tones. Great bass. My friends call it "El Presidente"

 

[UpperBout]

I have both a Series I and an Epic 5. I love them both. The Epic was a very pleasant surprise. Construction and appointments clearly have the same DNA and craftsmanship as the more exotic Series I. I also owned an Essence 6. All great basses. I sold my Essence because it was a 6 string and I really moved away from playing the high string over the past years. It was also 12 pounds. Great bass though.

The one main aspect I would mention is that Orions and Epics have Volume/Pan/Bass/Treble controls. Spoilers have filter controls. You should really decide which type of tone you are after.

Also Orions and Epics are set-neck, and Spoilers are neck-through. Personally I think the set-neck Alembics run a bit closer to other basses in overall tone/timbre/attack. (But still have very Alembic-y tone and sustain) The neck throughs are more high-fidelity.

Some people feel the filter electronics is the only way to get "that Alembic sound". For me, I think the V/P/T/B is a great alternative and my Epic betters the other basses I have had with similar controls (a Carvin SB5001F and a couple of Sadowskys - and these were all great instruments too).

The necks on both of mine are fairly substantial, but not super-chunky. Which is how I like them.

Only caution is that Alembics tend to run on the heavy side - just a function of the construction and woods used.

Although there is much discussion and focus on the high-end 5-figure Series Instruments, and rightfully so, I find this "entry level" Epic every bit as delightful to play as my other Alembics. I am currently in the market myself for a 5-string fretted in the Orion/Epic family because the fretless 5 has been such a great addition.

I say go for it.

 

[Funk³]

Orions are very popular, however they will never compare to Series II Omegas. They are nice and LOOK fantastic, but their sound is very average. They are hailed for their pickups because when they were released, they were so much better than anything else and were extremely innovative. However, now most companies will have similar or even better electronics than you'll find on a low range Alembic.

 

[Wandering Bastard]

Thanks for all the info! Personally, I do prefer the Spoiler over the Orion (although I like both), it seems to be the most "Alembic" of the two, with it having the filter, and also the style that is reminiscent of the Series 1 and 2, essentially being a little brother to those ones, and I love their tones. However, how is the neck? Are we looking at a chunky p-bass one or a faster and smaller neck? I've gone trough the Alembic forums to no avail about that information.

 

[Funk³]

If you're looking for a cheap Alembic to try and feel like you've got a Stanley Clarke, you should probably just start looking at other luthiers. A starter Squire bass will never be the same as a Custom Shop. Why? Because so many things are different about them. There are quite a few VERY good luthiers who will do their own, very similar twist on an existing bass. Just find one with prices within your range and ask, rather than trying to buy a bass to imitate one nearly five times more expensive than it, because it wont fulfil your desire.

 

[Wandering Bastard]

If you're looking for a cheap Alembic to try and feel like you've got a Stanley Clarke, you should probably just start looking at other luthiers. A starter Squire bass will never be the same as a Custom Shop. Why? Because so many things are different about them. There are quite a few VERY good luthiers who will do their own, very similar twist on an existing bass. Just find one with prices within your range and ask, rather than trying to buy a bass to imitate one nearly five times more expensive than it, because it wont fulfil your desire.

Well, maybe my comment was a bit ambiguous, but my objective by buying a Spoiler is not to feel like I own a MK or SL, but simply to get a great bass that I think looks killer, and honestly, being a bit of purist, I really am not a fan of getting a luthier to build me a similar one, hence why I will never own something similar to a Wal, even though I think they are to die for! I'm not a master of English, at all, being a French Canadian and all, but the point of my comment was mostly that I thought that they looked really good, and were reminiscent of its much, much expensive brothers. Plus, some of my favorites bass players played Spoilers, and I've always loved their sound.

I'm not the guy that will buy a V6 Camaro to put a fake ZL1 badge on it! I'm the one that is gonna buy that V6 Camaro and love it for what it is.

Honestly, I'm really considering a luthier build, but I will do it for a 5 or 6 strings fretless, for now I'm looking for a killer fretted, and a Spoiler or Orion would do the trick!

I hoped my comment did not sound arrogant or whatever, because it is not my intention.

 

[zortation]

If you don't mind the small body, try searching for a used Essence....they can go for under two grand.

 

[Wandering Bastard]

If you don't mind the small body, try searching for a used Essence....they can go for under two grand.

Thanks, I actually had no idea! I saw one for around $3600, so I assumed they all were at that price mark, but I just rechecked it, it has tons of custom features! So that's another bass to add on my hunt list.

 

[hdfixer]

My Epic Fretless 5 is an amazing instrument. The craftsmanship and engineering is absolutely top notch and it has mwah for days. A little heavy but a thick strap helps. Used, I can't think of a better fretless for the money, and I have played a lot of them! Plus since they don't cost as much as a car (like Series I or II), you don't mind gigging them ; )

 

[Funk³]

Well with all this said, you probably shouldn't spend $2000 on a bass because it 'looks nice.'

My friend spent a few grand on a custom build and choose extremely beautiful woods and body design but then scrimped on the pups and bridge. Now it just sound average at best.

If you're gonna hang this on the wall, then fine, but if you're gonna play it, find a bass that sounds nice as well as looks killer. I remember when I went through an Alembic phase and I watched a bass shootout video. I was about halfway through when I heard this flat, non-vibrant 'tone', and I prayed to god that it wasn't an Alembic, but it was.

 

[Funk³]

With all that said, Orions are extremely sexy. I'd go with them over anything else, assuming you cant get an Omega or Heart Omega for $2000.

 

[smeet]

I had a spoiler in the early 80's. Great bass. I'd still have it if it hadn't been stolen.

 

[FC Bass]

Spoiler will be closest to the signature models, neck profile is most likely the same (Classic taper) and they have the filter based electronics (with double preamp so you can set the gain for each pickup)
Most Spoilers are medium scale (32 inch), price wise they are at the same level as the current Rogue.

Orions are set neck and have the comfort taper (Fender neck dimensions) they feel quite different and don't have the filter (though the electronics can easily be upgraded by adding a filter module)
The bass and treble setup gives you powerful control and Alembic electronics are some of the quietest active electronics around
I did miss the filter on my Orion, so I did the above upgrade thingy (EMW electronics)
Epic/Orion/Excel also have a satin finish, not the high gloss polyester finish that's on neck through Alembics.

Build quality is the same across the entire range of Alembic

The (almost) most expensive next to the least expensive and a Spoiler:

 

[daltontomlinson]

Had a Spoiler (Zebrawood top) that I loved. It was stolen but wish I still had it. I thought the 32 inch scale was perfect.

 

[ChefKen]

Find an Essence. Light...perfectly balanced. My Essence weighs just about 9lbs. It has the high end filter (although no Q switch stock) With custom intruments you will find much variety! A new Essence can cost anywhere from 6K to 12K depending on options!!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I did a a little research, and I had a five string Essence and a a four string Spoiler between 1990 and 1992.

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

Build quality is the same across the entire range of Alembic...

^right there^

My 1989 Persuader was the "entry-level" model of it's time, (along with Spoiler) and it's right on par with what's being built today. While compiling the build sheet for a custom fretless model, I borrowed most of the critical specs straight from my old bass with every confidence that Alembic will duplicate the quality.

 

[daltontomlinson]

Here is a picture of that stolen Spoiler.