Kiwi

[quote name='dood' post='446013' date='Mar 26 2009, 02:19 PM']Not yet, but doing my utmost to see if I can do Saturday![/quote] Get up there tomorrow, I'll be paying him a visit too.

I've played this same instrument. It's really nice, I think Godin basses are highly under-rated for how they sound. Loads of warm growl in there and they're a very smooooooth sounding instrument. Interesting to see they're using RMC piezo pickups in the bridge - generally considered to better designed than the ones I have from Graphtec. Can't help but wish they'd sort that neck heaviness issue out - how about a headless version? Failing that, I think a bigger body or a single cut design that moves the neck strap pin forwards might be an alternative. I've been talking to Mr Shuker about his take on one of these basses as the headstock heaviness is a show stopper for me.

Thats Rich's neck of the woods....

[quote name='dood' post='391689' date='Jan 26 2009, 01:13 PM']AWESOME pete!! good skills there mate![/quote] Tsk, it looks like a Doodle.

I've deliberately tried to buy reputable brands that other players aspire to own in order to minimise depreciation (unless sound and/or playability were exceptional). The only exception to that has been the Shuker 6. I'd probably lose a load on that if I tried to sell it on (which is why its going back to Jon for further tweaks, if I'm going to live with it, it's got to be right). I think we should be honest though and admit there's a certain amount of prestige that comes from owning an instrument that is coveted by other players. And those owners don't deserve to be singled out for criticism any more than players who deliberately opt for value for money instruments either. If I couldn't afford Smiths or Shukers or whatever (and I can't now, to be completely blunt) then there's always the DIY route or put together from spares. And FWIW there's absolutely nothing wrong with a Fender Jazz for that matter either, very versatile instruments that have stood the test of time. I think we all have the right to feel proud of the instruments we value most.

lol seeing this conjured up conflicting reactions firstly I hated to see any decent instrument being hacked up but [list] [*]it didn't look so bad headless after all [*]its great that a low budget instrument can be reinvented like that - its the equivalent of a former warehouse converted into cheap workspaces and workshops. [*]it may look like a completely new instrument after this work is done [/list] And after all that, I admire your dedication and commitment to this particular tool. The stories it could tell, eh?

[quote name='BeLow' post='443055' date='Mar 23 2009, 08:34 PM']I agree that Bubinga is a relatively recent addition to the luthiers menu so it does look a bit odd for an instrument of that era. However bubinga was being used by cabinet makers in the UK around that sort of time so it is possible someone sourced some facing woods and asked Alembic to incorporate it into their build not sure how likely that is though.[/quote] Again its definitely possible, but the use of bubinga was mainly popularised by Warwick and it started in Europe before spreading out, across the Atlantic as far as I'm aware. [quote name='BeLow' post='443055' date='Mar 23 2009, 08:34 PM']I was intrigued as to why some one would go to the trouble of stripping the original facing wood (not an easy task I would imagine), of course if it is a fake then I this would not apply but that was why I asked why you thought it had been modified.[/quote] I imagine if someone has a bit of cash in their pocket and likes the bass but otherwise wants to sex it up a bit then maybe its possible. Especially if they don't think they'll come across a better example very soon. The Series 1 and 2 basses have chambered bodies so if some care is taken its not too difficult. Alembic themselves have replaced neck laminates in older basses for customers in the past! [quote name='BeLow' post='443055' date='Mar 23 2009, 08:34 PM']I do find these things intriguing and how this rather exotic bass ended up in the West country is another bit of mystery.[/quote] The Series basses tend to look like fairly intimidating instruments I guess with all those knobs and stereo circuitry. So purchase decisions are not made lightly and people who like them tend to hang on to them because its not like there's anything they can trade up to. Consequently when people move about because of other committments, the basses tend to move with them.

Out of genuine interest what are you hoping this will achieve, Buzz?

well yeah, there's about 120kg or more sat on the whole unit. IIRC the top shelf was looking a little bendy...

Possibly, but it looks like bubinga to me. The colour and grain texture is what I'd expect to see. I'm going to move these Ebay related posts to the Ebay links forum, because the discussion is getting a little tangential to the OT.

[quote name='BeLow' post='442170' date='Mar 23 2009, 06:26 AM']Not a particular fan of Alembics although I have no doubt they are fine instruments but this cropped up in my search of local bass items right after I read this thread, I've got to ask why do you think the facing wood has been replaced?[/quote] Well on further consideration, let me modify my statement. I think there's a chance it could have replacement facings for two reasons. Bubinga wasn't widely used as a material in basses until the mid 80's. Having said that, there's always a chance that Global Wood, who supply Alembic with their facing woods, might have flagged it up as a new discovery as Alembic are known for paying top dollar for anything rare or interesting. If it's genuine (and supported by paperwork) it would be the earliest use of bubinga I've ever seen in a bass, by about 5 years. (Fender say they were using it in the sides and back of one model of acoustic guitar, the F55-12, from 1972!) I've also done a quick trawl of the Alembic forum and the are a couple of 80's instruments that claim to have bubinga tops but the facings don't look like bubinga to me. Apart from that, I can't find anything with bubinga until 1993 at the earliest (which would be chonologically consistent to me). Also I'm not certain whether matching front and back facings were a standard or custom option back then. I know of other [url="http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/12815.html?1095904190"]1981 Series 1[/url] basses feature matching front and back facings and my 79 Series 1 does as well. However there's the possibility that they weren't matching on all the early 80's basses as I've found [url="http://www.thewho.net/whotabs/equipment/bass/equip-entwistlegear-74-85.html"]John Entwhistle's 1981 Series 1 bass[/url] didn't have matching facings. By themselves, its possible to give the benefit of the doubt to each point, but together they seem odd.

[quote name='thedonutman' post='442089' date='Mar 22 2009, 10:44 PM']Wouldn't happen to be interested in my Euro 5 would you? [/quote] I did have a look at it but its a little out of my cash sale price range and I'd be inclined to agree with you about the finish. I'd also prefer to trade my Spector if possible. [quote name='BeLow' post='442086' date='Mar 22 2009, 10:38 PM']Not this one then? [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Alembic-Bass-Guitar-Immaculate-Condition-1981_W0QQitemZ260381513152QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV?hash=item260381513152&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A7%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Alembic-Bass-Guitar-...A1%7C240%3A1318[/url][/quote] Run away, 2500 quid is a lot to ask for a butchered bass. Those front facings aren't original.

[quote name='GreeneKing' post='441973' date='Mar 22 2009, 08:03 PM']I don't really know why I have this Alembic thing. When I 1st started with bass about 12 yrs ago there was a 2nd hand one in Mansons in Plymouth. Ralph, who later worked for BGM did his best to ignore my obvious passion for it and sold me a far more sensible TRB4 instead [/quote] Can you recall what model it was? They're great recording instruments but I think a TRB would maybe have been a more versatile first bass - Leland Sklar played them for a long time until he switched to MTD's. Still, the cost of an early 80's Alembic Spoiler might only be the sale of 1-2 of your current basses away. EDIT: The Spector is still available as trade bait if that's of interest to anyone with the right 5?

I have a love hate affair with it to be honest Peter, its an idiosyncratic instrument. But the bloke who I bought it from is one of my best mates now so I'm not selling it unless there's no choice. The curves look a little unorthodox but can be very ergonomic when the strap is adjusted so the bass is at the right height. [quote name='steve-soar' post='441961' date='Mar 22 2009, 07:54 PM']Great stuff Steve, what "workhorse" 5er do you have in mind?[/quote] Basically anything warm sounding and reasonably versatile with an authorative B-string and minimal mid scoop, Steve. A warm sounding Status headless would be good, Spector Euro 5, an late 80's MM Stingray 5, Sandberg Ken Taylor or Basic 5...I was even contemplating a Lakland 99-54 or similar last week. Or even a 5 string P/J like the Celinder for sale (although I can't afford that at the moment).

[quote name='urb' post='441931' date='Mar 22 2009, 07:15 PM']I seriously could never imagine owning so much stuff or being able to fit it in my flat[/quote] Hi Mike, FWIW I've arranged things so that the kit doesn't consume too much floor space. The amps get stuck on a sturdy shelf unit: and the basses are put in a Warwick bass rack that I was lucky enough to win in the raffle at the last SE bass bash: The cabs stack by themselves in a corner too. I think I could get this set up in my old flat in London but it would probably be a bit of a squeeze! [quote name='silverfoxnik' post='441944' date='Mar 22 2009, 07:32 PM']Just love that '78 Ray and the 2 Celinders.. Wouldn't like to be your roadie though if you were going on a long tour![/quote] Thanks Nik, especially shifting that Strategy power amp around. Still, you would probably get to spend more time with the instruments than I would...

Backline - I've got a range of options since bagging a second EBS Neo212. Lightweight Shuttle rig to the left, Burman Pro4000 vintage rig to the right. I was playing with the eq on the Burman this afternoon. The eq frequency centres are perfectly positioned, I dialled back the treble to remove some harshness, boosted the mids to introduce more growl and bumped up the bass to add warmth. This resulted in some gorgeous, chocolatey growl and boosting either bass or treble on the instrument introduced some nice Ampeg type grind. Trace V8 to the left with both Neo212's, slightly mad, stereo MIDI rig to the right. The MIDI rig still needs a 2 channel valve pre (Alembic F-2B), a 2 channel multi effects unit and maaaaaybe a smaller power amp. Having said that, when this thing is working the Strategy 400 and the Roland JV1080 produce some seriously meaty bass synth sounds. This is a work in progress still though.

Right-o, its been a while since I've updated this thread so here goes. Sold 5 instruments this year and whittled the collection back a little. I'm probably happier with it now as its more focussed but I still need a workhorse 5. (L-R) Shuker Headless 6, Spector Euro 6, Pedulla Pentabuzz (with Alembic Activators) (L-R) 'Ol' No. 2' Celinder Update J (94), Celinder Classic P (02), Musicman Stingray (78), Alembic Series 1 graphite (79)

For what its worth, for anyone who is interested in learning an approach influenced by Jeff in the UK feel free to drop a line to Phil Mann on this forum. Phil is a graduate from the school as well and Jeff was so impressed he offered him a job to teach at the school full time. Phil is a lovely chap, extremely modest and almost unknown in the UK. However I can't recommend him highly enough, a truly gifted, sensitive and self depreciating musician. Not that I'm trying to divert from people who would like to learn from Jeff Berlin directly, I'm just making it known that if the cost or committment is too great, there are other options available.

Hmmm...he seems harmless to me.

Are you trying to fix a problem that isn't there? If you don't need the slap switch, can you ignore it?