Chris2112 Posted September 3, 2011 Share Posted September 3, 2011 Great slideshow. That is a stunning bass! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiscoDave Posted October 1, 2011 Share Posted October 1, 2011 (edited) Hello, I have lurked and read loads on these forums so I thought it was a about time i posted something....best way to start is my Custom Alembic Essence... Walnut core, Tulip wood top laminate, 5 piece neck, Signature Electronics, side LED's. Purpleheart and maple laminates around the neck and body. Note cone shaped peghead has a narrow cut to it, front laminate on peghead is mahogany. I love it to bits best bass i have ever had. However atm i'm in love with my fretless Jazz and i don't get to play the Alembic as much as i should. It's going in for a full service so I know im bound to start playing it again. Edited October 1, 2011 by DiscoDave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted October 2, 2011 Share Posted October 2, 2011 [quote name='DiscoDave' timestamp='1317478541' post='1391136'] Hello, I have lurked and read loads on these forums so I thought it was a about time i posted something....best way to start is my Custom Alembic Essence... Walnut core, Tulip wood top laminate, 5 piece neck, Signature Electronics, side LED's. Purpleheart and maple laminates around the neck and body. Note cone shaped peghead has a narrow cut to it, front laminate on peghead is mahogany. I love it to bits best bass i have ever had. However atm i'm in love with my fretless Jazz and i don't get to play the Alembic as much as i should. It's going in for a full service so I know im bound to start playing it again. [/quote] Loving that tulipwood.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Was re-stringing this yesterday (managed to get an hour to myself) and got a couple of shots - Alembic know where to get some nice timbers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaggy Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 [quote name='lozbass' timestamp='1321189428' post='1436205'] Was re-stringing this yesterday (managed to get an hour to myself) and got a couple of shots - Alembic know where to get some nice timbers [/quote] Absolutely stunning, loz, loviest cocobolo top I've seen on any bass. At least 6 control knobs too many for me though....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badass Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 I love the Alembics shown in this thread. I've always wanted one since learning Stanley Clarke had one. I got his album 'Stanley Clarke' back in 1974, and I was sold. Still saving up I envy you guys.... Slightly off topic...Can Someone tell me why these basses often have so many knobs and switches? I think I've read about some unique filters on Alembics. What are they all for ??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Shaggy - thanks very much, it's a lovely bit of wood - the facing isn't really bookmatched, it's a piece that Alembic were saving for a small bodied Series II. Badass, thanks too - the electronics on Alembics are mainly filter based - there's a really good explanation of controls at the link below. Take a look at Threads on Series I and II controls. The electronics are very powerful and provide a great deal of flexibility. The bass with the cocobolo top in my photographs is a SII - it's stereo which adds to the complexity - essentially, there's a volume, filter and continuously variable q for each pickup. Anniversary and signature electronics are similar but not quite so variable. http://alembic.com/club/messages/16271/16308.html?1307664475 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retroman Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 [quote name='lozbass' timestamp='1321189428' post='1436205'] Was re-stringing this yesterday (managed to get an hour to myself) and got a couple of shots - Alembic know where to get some nice timbers [/quote] Hubba Hubba, that's gorgeous Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badass Posted November 14, 2011 Share Posted November 14, 2011 [quote name='lozbass' timestamp='1321209827' post='1436528'] [b]Badass[/b], thanks too - the electronics on Alembics are mainly filter based - there's a really good explanation of controls at the link below. Take a look at Threads on Series I and II controls. The electronics are very powerful and provide a great deal of flexibility. The bass with the cocobolo top in my photographs is a SII - it's stereo which adds to the complexity - essentially, there's a volume, filter and continuously variable q for each pickup. Anniversary and signature electronics are similar but not quite so variable. [url="http://alembic.com/club/messages/16271/16308.html?1307664475"]http://alembic.com/c...html?1307664475[/url] [/quote] [b]lozbass[/b] Massive thanks for the heads up. I'll be checking that link when I get home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retroman Posted November 14, 2011 Share Posted November 14, 2011 Thought it was about time I posted up some pictures of my beloved Orion 5. Gets used for practice, gigs, the works. Lovely shallow neck, which despite having a fret board like an aircraft landing deck, makes it really easy to play. Has a wonderfully growly tone to it, and plays with an uber low action. It's built like a tank, and feels ultra solid, and rigid. The low B string is really focused, and clear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris2112 Posted November 14, 2011 Share Posted November 14, 2011 I knew you'd have to have something pretty special tucked away to sell the Zon! If I'm ever down your way I'll let you know, maybe pop in for a chat about old Escorts (the cars, not bedraggled ladies of the night) and a look at this beautiful Alembic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retroman Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Cheers Chris, you're more than welcome to pop by any time. Kettle's always on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Thanks for the very kind comments all - and Retroman, love that Orion - the purpleheart (?) looks lovely under the zebrawood. I can imagine the B is outstanding too - the clarity and complexity of Alembics is staggering! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retroman Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Cheers Loz. It is indeed purpleheart. The body is a laminate of mahogany, maple, purpleheart, and zebrawood. The mahogany has a weird holographic effect to it, which looks amazing. The neck is a multi laminate of maple and I think walnut. You're right about the clarity, and complexity of Alembic's. The sound is sort of a woody growl, and not really much colouration from the pickups or pre amp at all. Really easy to get a great sound through most amps. Most of the time the Orion is tuned ADADG, and the clarity and punch remains on the low B when dropped to low A. Recently used it for a few spots of double tracking on a recording session, where I wanted some low A. Sounds immense! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Retroman - the Orion looks gorgeous - I don't think there's anything that sounds like an Alembic, the clarity and weight of the notes is a thing of beauty! I'd love to hear yours down-tuned to A - I suspect that's a bit scary. Dave C. you clearly have a very wonderful wife. I'm a massive fan of Persuaders and have wanted one for ages - as you say a bit of simplicity with all the quality of build and most of the tonal variation of the sigs etc. Yours is a particularly beautiful example - love the maple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retroman Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 [b]Thanks again Loz. There really is nothing like an Alembic, which kind of caused me some problems! I wanted another fiver in my arsenal, and tried loads of basses, and kept going away empty handed thinking "that's not a patch on the Alembic". eventually found hapiness with a Vigier Arpege though.[/b] [b]The EP with the Orion tuned drop A is nearly finished. Will let you know [/b] [b]Dave C, that Persuader is lovely mate [/b] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 (edited) Loz, I still have to see yours in the flesh, but it's about as nice as it gets in pictures! Considering the Orion is a low-end Alembic, if you'll excuse the pun, you'd never guess it looking at Retroman's. Really lovely and as Loz says, gorgeous multiple laminates. Edited November 15, 2011 by 4000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retroman Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Thanks 4000 [quote name='dave.c' timestamp='1321381810' post='1438539'] Thanks, it really is a great instrument! I think the Persuaders are a bit underrated but I love it! Mine seems to be much lighter weight than a lot of Alembics. I've also turned to Vigier basses ( a pair of Passions) as I feel they have a similar solid feel and clarity to them and the build quality is also outstanding,. Had my eye on an Arpege but someone got to it just before me. [/quote] Link to the Arpege I just snapped up [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/160340-more-vigier-porn/"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/160340-more-vigier-porn/[/url] Loving the Arpege, been using it at band practice tonight. beautifully built, clear sounding, with plenty of low end, and bite. Still hoping to add another Alembic to my stash at some point though. Really quite taken with the Rogue and Essence models Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzyvee Posted May 12, 2012 Share Posted May 12, 2012 (edited) [quote name='lozbass' timestamp='1279884285' post='903076'] +1 - oh dear me! I feel euphoric and slightly nauseous at the same time...an absolutely staggering bass. I'd love to hear this one. I can see that Jazzyvee's acquisition is going to make me want another Alembic (one I don't need and can't justify). Unusual to have the standby switch - extremely useful on a 'live' bass - I think we should see more of these [/quote] As it happens the standby switch didn't last too long. I use right-angled jacks at the instrument end and when I put it down on the stand the jack must have connected with the switch and broke the lever off. I recently got a replacement from Alembic which has a much shorter lever which is short enough for the right-angled jack to pass over without connecting so this is a much better option. Still loving the bass. The maple gives the bass fast attack and wonderfully big piano like envelope to the note. The other thing is that this is the only bass I have with a narrow string spacing so the feel of it is noticeably different to play on both the fretting and plucking hands, so swapping basses takes a bit of adjustment. Edited May 12, 2012 by jazzyvee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzyvee Posted May 12, 2012 Share Posted May 12, 2012 [quote name='lozbass' timestamp='1321189428' post='1436205'] Was re-stringing this yesterday (managed to get an hour to myself) and got a couple of shots - Alembic know where to get some nice timbers [/quote] Yummy.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris2112 Posted May 14, 2012 Share Posted May 14, 2012 [quote name='dave.c' timestamp='1321361204' post='1438162'] [attachment=93201:70166.jpg] [attachment=93202:70167.jpg] [/quote] This is a bit of a stunner as well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted August 21, 2012 Share Posted August 21, 2012 (edited) Picked this Brown Bass up recently, just a couple of quick shots (iphone) from the polish and set-up until I can get something better. I'm exceptionally pleased - another testament to the craft and vision of the Alembic people Edited August 23, 2012 by lozbass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rimskidog Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 [quote name='lozbass' timestamp='1345538092' post='1778494'] Picked this Brown Bass up recently, just a couple of quick shots (iphone) from the polish and set-up until I can get something better. I'm exceptionally pleased - another testament to the craft and vision of the Alembic people [/quote] Another one Loz? I tried a Brown Bass once and it was incredibly light compared to my SC Deluxe. It also had THE most fabulous neck (but of course you already know about the Stanley taper ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enzo Posted October 8, 2012 Share Posted October 8, 2012 My '88 Alembic Distillate. Love the 32" scale and the very dense birds eye maple top! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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