NBD - My most Epic bass yet!

[Rdore2000]

Hailing from Mumbai in India, I never thought I'd be in the same room as an Alembic bass, much less own one. I don't know of any other Alembic in India before or since although I could be wrong.

I am the proud owner of an Alembic Epic IV Limited Edition bass.

It's only minutes since the bass arrived from a seller in Portland Oregon, after being stuck at customs for days on end. It's much lighter than my Music Mans but this could be attributed to the Mono Betty strap I'm using. The tone is as clear as advertised and the bass really holds up for something this old. I love everything about it so far.

I plugged it in and the clarity is as advertised. I know people say that an Alembic highlights your mistakes, and I suppose I know why they may feel that way. Excited to jam with it at some point with my band and see if it holds up as compared to the modern Elrick and Sadowskys I've been playing recently. Should I take the rust off, or let it show the wear and tear?

 

[Neon Blues]

Outstanding. I wanted one from the first time I heard the Dead.

 

[Polfuste]

Awesome. Would let wear and tears, as part of this bass history. Congrats !

 

[lomo]

Nice!!! Polish the rust off if you like, and don't if you don't !
And definitely listen to some Phil Lesh and Grateful dead

 

[Wyrdlow]

Awesome! Congratulations, mate. The only thing I still GAS for.

 

[Nolan Tremblay]

Congrats! That's a very nice looking Alembic and it's great to hear that it's meeting your expectations for the bass. It's certainly a wonderful addition to any stable of basses.

Concerning the rust... I'd personally leave it alone if it wasn't affecting anything with the bass such as making adjustments, etc. I'd call it patina, probably apply some sort of protectant spray just to make sure nothing seizes up, and call it a day.

 

[Rdore2000]

Thanks all. Got it at a spectacular price from a seller on Reverb. It's my first old bass as such, but it's been well cared for.

 

[franklindayala]

Wow. Congrats.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Nice Bass! Nothing quite like the level of craftmanship and detail that Alembic is famous for. Looks like a fairly straightforward electronics setup too, which is a plus in my mind. Some of the Alembics are borderline nuts on the number of knobs and switches. Polish it up, the hardware is like jewelry, and deserves to look that way.

 

[Geepers]

Lucky you! Nice pick up . Re the hardware, I’m a “polish it up” guy like the above poster but I do get the patina thing. You gotta do you on this one.

 

[rickdog]

It's unusual to see an Epic with the classic Alembic oval fret markers. I guess that must be part of the "limited edition"? It's a really nice touch.

The only thing wrong with getting an Alembic is... you'll want to get another

 

[mellowgerman]

Alembics are really a next-level experience. I think the idea that they highlight a player's mistakes or sloppy technique is somewhat overstated, unless you constantly have the filters or EQ maxed and set super bright, with a heavy emphasis on treble and high mids... The truth is that you can dial in all sorts of tones on them, so I really think they can bring out the best in any player's approach and technique. Also, if they are properly maintained, they play so unbelievably effortlessly, that you could actually argue they will make it easier to sound good

 

[Manticore]

Congratulations!

 

[Rdore2000]

It's unusual to see an Epic with the classic Alembic oval fret markers. I guess that must be part of the "limited edition"? It's a really nice touch.

The only thing wrong with getting an Alembic is... you'll want to get another

That's really what sold me on it!

 

[bassyogi]

Awesome Alembic and welcome to the family! Have you jumped on the Alembic website and registered your Epic yet? Mica is really good at providing info on your Epic as well.

 

[Rdore2000]

Awesome Alembic and welcome to the family! Have you jumped on the Alembic website and registered your Epic yet? Mica is really good at providing info on your Epic as well.

Indeed I have but I haven't yet received a response. What kind of information would this be?

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

I would remove the rust on the hardware with ballistol or maybe brasso? Best to do this with the hardware removed. Lovely top on that Alembic, lovely grain.

 

[Clark W]

Hailing from Mumbai in India, I never thought I'd be in the same room as an Alembic bass, much less own one. I don't know of any other Alembic in India before or since although I could be wrong.

I am the proud owner of an Alembic Epic IV Limited Edition bass.

It's only minutes since the bass arrived from a seller in Portland Oregon, after being stuck at customs for days on end. It's much lighter than my Music Mans but this could be attributed to the Mono Betty strap I'm using. The tone is as clear as advertised and the bass really holds up for something this old. I love everything about it so far.

I plugged it in and the clarity is as advertised. I know people say that an Alembic highlights your mistakes, and I suppose I know why they may feel that way. Excited to jam with it at some point with my band and see if it holds up as compared to the modern Elrick and Sadowskys I've been playing recently. Should I take the rust off, or let it show the wear and tear?


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Congrats! I bet it's one awesome bass. Other than just wiping it down, I'd leave it be.

 

[Hot Rats]

Nice bass. Congratulations. I had one of the other ones like this. They are a Guitar Center edition. 1996 If I remember correctly. I sold mine like a dummy many years ago.

 

[Rdore2000]

Nice bass. Congratulations. I had one of the other ones like this. They are a Guitar Center edition. 1996 If I remember correctly. I sold mine like a dummy many years ago.

Maybe I got yours?