Strange beast spotted in the wild!

[stigbeve]

So you can't adjust anything while playing, then? That's a bit unusual.

Definitely for the "set it and forget it" type.

 

[micguy]

Make sure you play that for a while before buying it - with the upper horn strap location on that thing at the 18th fret(!!!!!), the potential for neck dive and an un-ergonomic reach to the first fret could be big issues. The only real way out of neck dive with that strap button position is a body that's very heavy. I know I wouldn't buy it.

Yes, it looks cool, but it's just not well designed, regardless of who made it.

 

[TOOL460002]

Really interesting look. How much are you paying for the design and craftsmanship it takes to achieve said look, and how much is just because it sounds good (components etc). Can you get the same sound from something cheaper that doesn't look so, eh, dramatic?

 

[scuzzy]

I dig it.

If I sold my truck, car, and all my basses, I might be able to pay for that one.

 

[jd56hawk]

I'm not buying it, already own what I consider some of the best basses made...probably wouldn't even buy it if I won Mega Millions...but it sure looks good.

 

[Manticore]

Really interesting look. How much are you paying for the design and craftsmanship it takes to achieve said look, and how much is just because it sounds good (components etc). Can you get the same sound from something cheaper that doesn't look so, eh, dramatic?

Alembic has a number of body styles from mild to wild; they've also been known to customize to the clients wishes. The signature electronics is one of several standard electronic packages, but are definitely an option costing more as are the LEDs. The Dragon Wing is fairly rare, so I would expect to have to pay dearly for one. Personally, I'm a fan of the Elan/Europa body style, which is less "dramatic" by a wide margin and very comfortable to play; given they are more common, they tend to be considerably less expensive than the more exotic-shaped basses with the same electronics.

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

Susan Wickersham (President of Alembic Inc.) has a fondness for Dragons, and Authurian Legend at large. That's a pretty sweet bass. I think it's been for sale a couple times.

 

[B-Mac]

Looking at that, I just feel like the Duracell isn't good enough.

I mean, "copper-top", y'know?

I feel like ya need a battery that is 18k gold-top, or platinum ...

they're all made by deka anyway except ray-o-vac

 

[Steadfast]

Speaking of the Pine Barrens.... in 1986 I ran over a monkey heading back from a gig at the air base going back to Monmouth Junction.

 

[Jeff Scott]

So you can't adjust anything while playing, then? That's a bit unusual.

Okay, I'll show my ignorance and ask the question; do you need a magic wand to adjust the tone while playing live? All joking aside, I'm really curious as to how it works. TIA

Definitely for the "set it and forget it" type.

 

[Jeff Scott]

I visited Alembic in '07 to see this Dragon hanging in the paint booth awaiting final assembly. I knew it was at the shop.

Not in this photo, but on that day.

Here is a guitar that was on the table for assembly.

 

[Pings Bass]

Make sure you play that for a while before buying it - with the upper horn strap location on that thing at the 18th fret(!!!!!), the potential for neck dive and an un-ergonomic reach to the first fret could be big issues. The only real way out of neck dive with that strap button position is a body that's very heavy. I know I wouldn't buy it.

Yes, it looks cool, but it's just not well designed, regardless of who made it.

Seems like two common hallmarks of Alembic basses are 1) heavy af and 2) neck dive potential from short upper horns.

But for people who like that kind of thing, that's the kind of thing they like.

 

[Guild B301]

I’ve never needed the Alembic type sound, for the metal I play. But, I’ve always really liked the look and design of their bridges & tailpieces.

 

[Fender_Bender]

Make sure you play that for a while before buying it - with the upper horn strap location on that thing at the 18th fret(!!!!!), the potential for neck dive and an un-ergonomic reach to the first fret could be big issues. The only real way out of neck dive with that strap button position is a body that's very heavy. I know I wouldn't buy it.

Yes, it looks cool, but it's just not well designed, regardless of who made it.

Yes, there is a point where function has to trump Bad ergonomics. I’m not sure you could pay me to rock that thing, much less pay 5 figures for it.

 

[David Jayne]

What's in the two non-standard looking pick up positions? The ones that don't have "Alembic" printed on them.

You mean the one Jeff posted? There's just one-it's a dummy coil to buck hum.

 

[trevcda]

You mean the one Jeff posted? There's just one-it's a dummy coil to buck hum.

Yeah, that one. There's something between the pickups and another thing right at the neck. Oversized truss rod cover?

 

[Jeff Scott]

Yeah, that one. There's something between the pickups and another thing right at the neck. Oversized truss rod cover?

The black thingy is the dummy coil for the S1 (don't think, 7ender ) electronics. The brass thingy is the cover for the dual truss rods adjustment nuts.

 

[BioWeapon]

Not sure if it's right at $10,999. but it sure looks good, and I'm not even a fan of unusual-shaped basses.

You say that, but new ones start at 15.5k USD...

 

[jd56hawk]

You say that, but new ones start at 15.5k USD...

Yes, that's why I said I'm not sure.

 

[A9X]

Can you get the same sound from something cheaper that doesn't look so, eh, dramatic?

Nope. The pickups and electronics package is quite unique.