alembic1989

This could be a potential bargain for someone....only 20hrs left £375 start price...and no bids...... [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320417326843&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_500wt_977"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...IT#ht_500wt_977[/url]

[quote name='Russ' post='588026' date='Sep 2 2009, 09:43 PM']It's not hard to spec up a new Alembic into five-figure territory. The cost for some of the options is insane. I have to keep reminding myself that five figures is pretty much the starting number for a good quality classical instrument, but when other luthiers are making bass guitars that are 95% as good as Alembics at maybe 25% of the price, I wonder how they get away with it. Stunning bass though. I do amuse myself occasionally by looking through the monthly specials on their website. There's some seriously stunning looking instruments on there.[/quote] Gotta disagree with you there my friend, I've played and owned quite a few boutique type basses and have to play one that is 95% as good for only 25% of the price. I paid £1995 for this ..new in 1989...which was way more than most other basses at the time..but it was and still is a CLASS BASS...it exudes sophistication in terms of design,construction and tone...30 years later £1995 won't get you a bass as good as this..in fact the mind boggles at the prices factory produced instruments are going for. I love the tone of Fender jazzes...but don't tell me that any fender is in this kind of class..yet some mediocre fender with a "70's vibe" will fetch more than my Alembic when it was new...(or even secondhand). There are some wonderful basses around..there probably has never been a better time in terms of choice for boutique basses....but they are not cheap. I do think the price of a new Alembic is astronomical though...but then again so was mine in 1989...but I still own it and cane it...and right now it seems excellent value...

love that Wal...very nice/

[quote name='YouMa' post='584830' date='Aug 29 2009, 11:30 PM']It looks very very well made,whats the guys name? I only know him as Carl...he's kinda kept in touch (even though I bought it off him on ebay ages ago)...he wants first refusal if I decide to sell...he used to love this bass..but circumstances........[/quote]

[quote name='lozbass' post='584816' date='Aug 29 2009, 11:06 PM']That's really nice - the builder/seller clearly has talent - is the shape a bit Warrior-like?[/quote] Yes it is...very warrior like.

Here are some pics of a handmade bass made by the chap I bought it from. It originall came with Artec single coils and preamp. I fitted some Nordstrand big singles and sourced some brass pickup surrounds..and some nicer knobs. The bass looks really cool (to my eyes), has some nice figure in the wood, and sounds nice. It (unusually) has 25 frets...I'm not complaining ( the eqivalent of my amp goes up to 11....!). I have left the Artec preamp in for the time being as it sounds surprisinlgy good...I will probably upgrade when I can afford it. The bass did not cost a lot..I think the poor guy was feeling the pinch a bit..but it sounds really good.

cgordonfreeman traded his bass for mine. The transaction was excellent in spite of the "overseas element". He is a totally honest guy,totally reliable, communication was superb, and he was really easy to do business with. Completel;y recommended. Nice one John... Alembic1989

Kindly leave any feedback here ...especially if you have something really nice to say......

Has anyone tried an Aries bass (5 or 6 string)..they look amazing. There are a few clips on you tube and I love the tone too. But would like to hear from anyone who has actually played one and can maybe comment on build quality etc.

Hi, just eyeing up an active 5 string jazz (squier)...just wondered if anyone had any opinions on them? Do they sound good period...or are they 'good for the money' ????