White Cloud

It doesn't matter what bass you play - its a tool used for making sounds that express your musical creativity. The name playing the bass is more important that the name on the headstock. A good prog/metal bassist can make good prog/metal on any decent quality bass ....you are the vital component.

[quote name='zawinul' timestamp='1447793621' post='2910516'] maybe its me... I'm just not feeling very innovative right now.... right more pedals.... [/quote] Dear oh dear oh dear....all this from a man who has just received a lovely new ACG. Shocker!

Oh, and forgot to say....great basses for little cash

45-105's

[quote name='Wolverinebass' timestamp='1447526200' post='2908379'] Apologies mate, I missed that! Such a pity it's black as price wise it's not completely horrific. I doubt you'd get that much alembic similarities out of that though aside from the shape. Just a shameless cash in really. On the other hand, you could get something more like it by putting in an ACG filter preamp but that's another £200 or so on top. Just a thought. [/quote] No need to apologise dude, its only rock n roll!

Awesome basses, incredible tone and electrics. My Custom was probably the best bass that I ever owned during 35 yrs of playing.

[quote name='Wolverinebass' timestamp='1447406435' post='2907345'] An Alembic re-issue spyder costs $15500. So, call it £[u]16000[/u]. Even if it were a series 2 Alembic that would be 10 times more than the Dean, not 20 times more. [/quote] Yes, however the cheaper Dean explorer featured in the OP's original post is priced at £775....we aren't discussing the higher priced Dean explorer. 775 x 20 = 1550 Just sayin!

Its an earlier Japanese made variant of the currently available Prestige model, the highest marque that Ibanez offer...the inlay was standard. Cant remember the model number (Sr 3000?) They are very high quality professional instruments...they tend to sell 2nd hand for a fraction of the original price, and are usually an absolute bargain.

[quote name='Wolverinebass' timestamp='1447249046' post='2906099'] the Dean is a 9th rate cousin to the Alembic it has ripped off in the most brazen way. [/quote] Perhaps...but at approximately a 20th of the price it gives those with very little disposable income (most of us) the opportunity to get at least a 9th of the Alembic vibe.

Congratulations, stunning bass! Well done.

I owned a Supernatural bass during the late 80's (swapped my Wal for it)...it was the most beautiful looking bass I have ever owned, but I found the electrics to be weak and after a few weeks the neck developed a terminal back bow which resembled Robin Hoods weapon of choice. I moved it on, and such was my disapointment and grief would never, ever buy another. Just saying!

Great, classic stingray sound. I love it. I personally always think this sound comes very close to [i][b]that [/b][/i]Wal high end tone.

You need to know that there is no objective correct answer to your query as music is art ...and therefore there are no rules. Personally, I think it is absolutely fantastic that you have an inclination towards the type of tone/sound that you wish to achieve - arriving at ones stated destination is always easier when said place has been clearly signposted. How you achieve the sound that you can clearly hear internally is however another matter altogether. I suggest a process of trial and error with all available means within your own budgetary resources to be the best way forward. I personally experienced a similar conundrum regarding the type of woody, low end sustain/growl sound that I could hear internally that I wished to attain...and an electric Warwick fretless bass proved to be my solution - but of course that was just my own individualistic solution. Trial and error. Seek and find.

The Fenders of the same era are generally not quite as good as the Ibanez Roadstars IMO.

Absolute respect to your honesty and courage. Keep moving in the right direction...[i]you [/i]know that [i]health is your prime directive[/i], isn't it?

Another vote for Vigier, I owned a stunning [i]passion [/i]in the 80's and the woven graphite neck was superb. Not sure i would say that graphite necks are better as such...horses for courses.

[quote name='zawinul' timestamp='1445942390' post='2895533'] .... Wal freless i've owned and loved, want something that sounds similar, brighter, lighter, very slim and fast neck.... [/quote] ...ACG....sorry, I'm twisting the knife once more.

Absolutely fabulous work.

Each individual will have their own individual reasons...

Beautiful, congratulations!

[quote name='zawinul' timestamp='1445453504' post='2891651'] I know I will have to succumb at some point :-) [/quote] In fairness I advised you to take this route many months ago in another thread...yet you still continue to resist.