Chris2112

I think we have very similar tastes in basses. You're a lucky man to have owned an Alembic MK model and a brace of Wals too! May your good taste long continue!

Sadly the Fleabass always struck be as a bit naff. I think he should have stuck with Modulus; I can't really understand the falling out he had with them as he was still using their basses live along with that dodgy jazz bass he had! I do recall that he left Musicman when they wouldn't change the name of the Stingray to the Flea bass! Mind you, given the rubbish that comes out of Sterling Ball's mouth sometimes I wouldn't be surprised if that story was somewhat exaggerated!

I'd say the EMG ones could possibly be a bit bright for most tastes. I'd advise you look at Bartolini pickups if at all possible, they sound incredible in fretless basses.

Wow, they're flooding their line with products! I hope it doesn't all become a confusing mess. They've still not got the tone of their products spot on IMO although they seem pretty good.

I'd have loved to take the bass chair in Weather Report after Jaco left. Bug shoes to fill though!

Doesn't everyone just get old, hard of hearing and accidentally buy a P Bass, doggedly sticking to it until the grave?

[quote name='Clarky' post='983712' date='Oct 10 2010, 07:58 PM']Having recently taken ownership of a Wal (a '78 ProIIE) I have to say I think my Alembic is better put together and I prefer the tone of the Alembic. Not saying the Wal isn't a nice bass, just that I prefer my Alembic. I'm sure plenty will disagree with me but the Alembics I have played are just the height of craftsmanship, whereas the Wal is more like a quality step up from Fender with superior electronics. Waits for bricks from the Wal devotees ....[/quote] Couldn't agree more. Wals are amazing, and for what they do, they're unique. However, Alembics are better made and generally feel more "incredible". FWIW, I think the Alembic electronics are generally better too, particularly the "space ship" setups like the Series II Anniversary stuff. However, they're very different basses and suit different things. I wouldn't take the Wal to a Level 42 tribute show, for instance.

As I've said before, I believe the "true" Wal tone is in the fingers. Geddy Lee and Jonas Hellborg got it. When you're playing Wal basses with a pick they lose that wonderfully voiced magic they have. As I've said before, the Bongo is a perfectly acceptable substitute for Wal pick tones, especially if you're playing TOOL songs. Justin smothers his basses in so many layers of effects that the essential tone of the Wal underneath is masked. A Bongo with some fresh strings and the treble backed off slightly with the mids accentuated is a perfect substitute for a Wal in these circumstances. Similarly, the Bongo will be a fantastic second best in terms of fingerstyle playing, but with a pick and notably, with a load of effects pedals most people would certainly struggle to tell it from a Wal.

[quote name='anty' post='981661' date='Oct 8 2010, 03:00 PM']always thought a stringray with a treble boost on it would get you close-ish[/quote] The Bongo is about as close as production basses get but nothing except a Wal sounds like a Wal IMO.

This is just an incredible groove. Great bass playing on an amazing. The arrangement is just fantastic, I love the subtle key lines and the horn parts too. Excellent stuff.

[quote name='the_skezz' post='983259' date='Oct 10 2010, 12:38 PM']Dexys Midnight Runners version of 'Jackie Wilson Said'. Pretty easy to figure out and play, but a nice bit of fun.[/quote] [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DXS4_y6fU0"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DXS4_y6fU0[/url] Check out this performance from [i]The Young Ones[/i] TV show. The bassist is playing an Alembic, those first couple of notes in the first few seconds demonstrate the "Alembic sound" perfectly!

You're sure to become a convert then! There are few things better than a good carbon fibre neck. Expect to have excellent sustain and clarity all over the neck, which is great for getting that aggressive burpy sound that graphite necks love to make!

I'd have love to have played with John McLaughlin and Trilok Gurtu in the McLaughlin trio of the late 1980's.

I'll check it later mate, I'm on a laptop atm so I doubt the speakers would do it justice.

Bubinga, please don't think I'm trying to be rude. I do find Meshell's stuff dire, and her playing quite dull. However, as we've seen there are plenty of people who think Mark King is crap and overplays. Different vinegar strokes for different folks. Of course, I do play for myself. What reason is there to play in bands and situations you don't like when you don't rely on your playing as your sole way of generating income?