Who plays Alembic, and why

[Gorn]

To some this will sound completely crazy but to Alembic custom owners you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. There's a famous scene in the Spinal Tap movie where Rob Reiner asks about the sustain on a Gibson LP 1957 3 pickup. The spinal tap guy says, "please don't even look at that guitar." Reiner replies, "Well I wasn't going to touch it" and the guitarist says "I know you weren't going to touch it but don't even look at it." This pretty much says it all about an Alembic. On a recent trip to CA I saw a used BMW dealer who had several 2006-2010 be embers for sale -- each of them cost less than my Alembic. And you know what, I would not trade it for a Maserati for that matter. The idea of a "second hand" Alembic I simply don't understand. Like Dirk in Spinal Tap I don't want anyone's energy however intangible near this bass. Mine has never been played. I simply look at it from time to time and go back to practicing on a FMIC select active j bass. However here's the change in approach: knowing that I have that bass sitting there is like a catalyst to practice more. Which come to think about it is precisely what Jamey Aebersold said would happen, "Obtain the best instrument that you can possibly afford." There is absolutely no substitute to these instruments. Buy one now because the Wickershsams are not getting any younger.

For the sake of clarity, Rob Reiner didn't ask about the sustain, he was going to ask how much Nigel paid for it, or perhaps how much it's worth. And it wasn't the three pickup guitar, it was the 59 two pickup that apparently had enough sustain to continue ringing out while one could go grab a bite and come back to it still sustaining. The guitar that mustn't be touched or even looked at was a sea foam green bass IV.

 

[esa372]

Alembic (IMHO) is simply the best a bass guitar can be... and they always have been. They have an entirely unique tone and feel, and they suit me perfectly.

I'm looking at getting a custom made alembic bass made for me...

I have one in mint (no really, it's pristine) condition in the classifieds (see my sig); if it's close to what you're looking to have made, maybe we can cut a deal. You could save a lot of money, compared to a new one.

 

[bassbenj]

I have 3 Alembics and another on the way. They are clean, clear and record like champs. All the appointments and electronics are top-notch even on the entry level models. They are dead quiet and have tons of headroom. I love mine!

I have an entry level Alembic (Epic) and the myth that these basses are all QC'd by God is simply wrong. I had to do nearly as much after work on the Epic as I did on my SX basses to get them where I want them. Appointments were amateur (gold and chrome hardware mixed) and electronics had parasitic oscillations that came and went when you adjusted the tone controls. (They replaced the electronics and it was fine). So am I unhappy? No. To coin a phrase they are clean, clear and record like champs. They play like dreams. And hey, a 6 string unlined fretless is one Hell of an "entry level" bass for a 6 string and fretless Noob! (which I was when I bought it) Took me a about a year for me to get in charge of that bass.

Bottom line, I"m not exactly an "Alembic player", though when I was in 6 string mode I played it a lot. Now I'm in 5 string mode and my current main axes are a fretted-fretless pair of USA blueburst G&L L2500 basses. I will say, however that were I to go back into 6 string mode again, this time I'd seriously start looking around for a used fretted 6 string Epic to give me a nice fretted-fretless pair. Yeah! That would work!

 

[alembicguy]

I am an Alembic player because when I hear a bass in my head I (usually) hear an Alembic. Although they are capable of a very wide range of tones, when it comes to a clear and full ranged piano-like tone they are second to none. Plus, every Alembic I've ever played (and I've owned or played more than 50 of them), from the less-expensive Epics, Orions or Elans, to the most expensive Series basses, is capable of playing like butter when set up properly. A nice bonus is that the folks at Alembic are the coolest and most helpful folks you could ever hope to meet.

This

 

[UpperBout]

I would strongly recommend playing as many Alembics as you can before investing in a custom build. I've never done a custom Alembic build myself, but I hope to one day. I've owned 3 Alembics, and still own 2 (the only reason I sold one is it was a 6-string and pretty heavy. I've moved to playing 5s. I also own a bunch of Fenders and have owned Carvins and Sadowskys.)

There are occasional [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]at which you hypothetically could check out quite a few models. Even if you can't do that, I'd suggest acquiring a used Alembic to help you navigate what you are looking for. Even the most entry-level models carry the Alembic DNA, and I'd also recommend playing an Alembic in whatever your most common playing situation is.

There are a dizzying array of choices, but the two main over-arching considerations are

1. Electronics
   1. Series - these feature true single coil tone and come in two variations, Series I and Series II
   2. "Activator" Filter - Also use the Filter type control described above, with two stacked hum cancelling pickups.
   3. "Activator" Bass and Treble - Controls are Volume, Pan, Bass+/-, Treble +/-
2. Neck Construction
   1. Set Neck (Epic, Orion)
   2. Neck Through (almost everything else)

The neck-through and filter electronics are truly spectacular and unique, but might not be everyone's cup of tea. The set-neck Bass and Treble models fall a little closer to the mainstream if you're used to other maker's basses. They're still spectacular and unique, but perhaps more familiar. My personal opinion is that the set neck have a mid-freq bump that is similar to other (e.g. bolt on) basses, so if you're used to that, those might be a better choice. The neck-through is more hi-fi and therefore the technique, neck-woods, electronics, and string-type used tend to comprise the sound.

 

[echo008]

Long time Alembic fan here. I agree. Play at least one with a filter like an essence so you know what you are getting yourself into. I love them but agree these are not for everyone. The filters are so sensitive if you are not willing to spend time seeking your sound and maybe get a little frustrated in the process ...don't buy one.

Other than that they are heirloom quality, and totally stand the test of time.

 

[carsbybigd]

James, I have a Rogue 5 string, and I am curious about the sound of series 1 or II vs the Rogue, I have never played a series I or II, what are they giving that the Rogue is not??

The Series basses have better electronics, not to say the Rogue has bad ones , the Series basses I have had ( and currently own) I play "stereo" ( pups into 2 different amps/ cabinets) kinda like a Ric into 2 different amps . Q switches and tonal controls are excellent too . I had an Élan that sounded phenomenal on its own also , but not as good as my series 1.
To the OP , see if you can find someone who owns a model you are looking at , tell them your intentions to get 1 , ask very nicely and they might let you try theirs . They are not for everyone . But if you get 1 .... Welcome to the club .

 

[bucephylus]

Ummm, so, this is a resurrection of a 2004 thread. I think there are some more useful Alembic threads with more current discussion around. Just sayin.

 

[Bob_Ross]

I have an entry level Alembic (Epic) and the myth that these basses are all QC'd by God is simply wrong.

My one data point on this issue seems to confirm that contention, at least as far as the "entry level" [sic] instruments are concerned: In the mid-1980s I worked for a musical instrument retailer just outside of Boston who was an Alembic dealer. They had one Distillate bass (in the Exploiter body style) hanging on the wall when I got hired there. Two years later when I left the company that same bass was still in stock still hanging on the wall. Why? According to the staff guitar tech, it was because it required a neck adjustment every ~2 weeks, and if you happened to test-drive that bass after it hadn't been setup for a few days it played "like an archer's bow" in his words. It was a gorgeous bass, with beautiful wood (quilted maple top) and super-clean electronics. But it played like crap, with relief measured in centimeters rather than millimeters.

 

[bbh]

If you haven't had a chance to play one, you REALLY want to do that BEFORE you place an order. I'm as big a proponent of Alembic as anybody, but I recognize, they're not for everyone. I have 2 and had 4 others before these two. It took a while to get a clear picture of what I really wanted. You need to know that before you order a custom.

I also suggest you spend a little time browsing the threads at [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. You'll get lots of input on who owns which types of Alembics and why

James

Fully agree, get educated. I had one I didn’t like that traded for.
Check for tone and playability.

 

[BuddhaofBass]

If you haven't had a chance to play one, you REALLY want to do that BEFORE you place an order. I'm as big a proponent of Alembic as anybody, but I recognize, they're not for everyone. I have 2 and had 4 others before these two. It took a while to get a clear picture of what I really wanted. You need to know that before you order a custom.

I also suggest you spend a little time browsing the threads at [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. You'll get lots of input on who owns which types of Alembics and why.

Now, to specifically answer your question....The basses I have are simply the best sounding, best playing basses I've ever put my hands on. And they look damn good too, but that's sort of secondary to the tone(s) and playability.

Hope you get a chance to play some before you make decisions on specs for your custom.

Peace,

James

James~
You are so right in what you are telling this brother. I have a custom. It's all passive. I'm old school I like passive, old school basses and tones. I'd like to get an active Alembic just to have one.

 

[jazzyvee]

I play alembic because since hearing them on records I loved the fact that in the hands of Stanley Clarke, I could hear that they had a completely different sound to other basses I was hearing on records. That diversity and uniqueness appealed to me and hence influenced where I wanted to get my own sound from. So when I decided to take up the bass properly, I knew the only choice for me was going to be an alembic. Now I have alembics in single, double filter and series configurations and it is giving me access to the sounds I hear in my head and from that group of instruments I can get any sound I want. I don't have any desire to gig with any other make of bass and whilst most of the music I play at gigs are covers that were never played with alembics, I don't try to make my bass sound like the basses on the original recordings, I just find a sound from my bass that works. So far so good. From what I have read on this forum and basschat UK, they are not everyone's cup of tea but if they are yours it's a great feeling.

 

[Samatza]

I own two, a new Orion with Essence electronics and a 31 year old Stanley Clarke.

They have a wide range of frequencies so between the filter and your amp EQ you can get a lot of tones.

A lot of people complain that they are too bright because they tend to use the filter wide open like on a passive bass but the amp tone controls do a lot more with Alembic because all the frequencies are there and can be boosted or cut to taste.

They are accurate and will show up any flaws in your technique. It’s try before you buy but in 30 years of playing it’s the one bass that often has the sound guy walking up to the stage to check it out. “It sounds awesome” is usually the comment you get.

 

[TrevorG]

Had a Stanley Clarke signature Alembic. Got stolen. Threads like this make me cry.

 

[bassclef112]

Back in 2000 my band was working heavy so I decided I had to see what these Alembics were all about. I decided to get a Mark King Sig Std. because I loved the look. Here in NYC there were none to be seen, never mind tried. I shopped on line and ultimately went with Evan at Bass Northwest, put in my order and 3 months later it was home.

Cons: this is a serious piece of wood made prior to the weight relief measures incorporated later. I still won't do 2 gigs in a row with it. My back won't let me. It took me a while to find an effective way to wear it as well - that short upper bout makes it tricky.

Pros: It's 32" scale. Nothing sounds like it. Still have it and love what it does. No plans to let go.
P.S. The free upgrade the month I ordered was side LED's - they helped me push the button.

Had a Distillate, which was relatively just okay. Traded.

Had a Rogue Custom. This bass fit me like a glove. The seller put in 2 full sets of Sig electronics, Coco Bolo top. Gorgeous, and I would still have it if it wasn't for a total dead spot right in the middle of the neck.
What a shame. Had to go.

I couldn't get another Alembic now ($$$$), and I'm glad I got the MK when I did ($2850 in OHSC shipped to my door). It keeps me happy!!

 

[blacktocomm]

I have a Spoiler. It goes from the deepest of dub to crystal clear hifi with a turn of the filter. Beautiful sounding and playing with exceptional quality in the materials and the build. The nut width is a little wide for my taste, but the 32” scale compensates.
If I ever got hit lottery the first bass I would order would be a Stanley Clarke retro. Or this concept single cut...

 

[echo008]

Long time Alembic player, have had more than a handful come through. It took me awhile to get used to them, the filters can be a bit daunting at first take, you have to be willing to spend some time getting to know them. The balance and ergonomics as well can take some getting used to on certain models but they are the only ones that do what they do. Truly unique, heirloom, creations that have stood the test of time. The history behind the company is amazing as well. The Distillate below is my current one.
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