moonbass Posted June 27, 2009 Share Posted June 27, 2009 (edited) Hi, I've had this beautiful birdseye maple Alembic since new in 1995. It's served me very well but after 14 years it's time for a change. As you know Alembic's are handmade in California with amazing attention to detail. The Epic is their lower priced option but are still listed at £2900 which reflects their craftmanship. The tone is modern but not harsh (Flea used an Epic for most of RHCP's 'One Hot Minute'.) It has the best sustain I've ever heard on a bass. It can really turn it's hand to any style, and finger, plectrum or slap all sound great. It's 9v active and the battery lasts over a year with moderate usage. It feels incredibly solid and keeps it's tuning exceptionally well. Intonation is perfect all the way up the neck with no dead spots. The finish was originally matt, but with use and cleaning it turns to gloss around the edges in a very nice way. I've been gigging it for quite a while and so there are a few marks. There is some buckle rash as shown on the pictures (actually belts have no impact on the mahogany body... the rash on mine is sadly due to a friends sporan!) The brass nut and bridge are tarnished, but will come up as new after polishing with Brasso. There are slight scratches on the gold hardware, but not severe. There are a few wood scratches which I've tried to show in the pictures. Controls are volume, pickup pan, treble and bass. There is really no hiss even with treble up high. The nut and bridge are fully adjustable. The neck has an ebony fingerboard and has a 34" scale (although feels longer than that with quite high string tension.) There is a dual truss rod which I've hardly ever needed to touch. I'll throw in the gigbag free. Going for £950, but would swap for a Fender '75 reissue Jazz. Bass is for pickup only, or I will deliver within reason in the southeast/midlands. Happy for people to come and try it out (PM me, I'm based in Cambridge.) I'll really miss the old girl... Cheers and good luck, Andy Edited June 27, 2009 by moonbass Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdy Posted June 27, 2009 Share Posted June 27, 2009 I will have this for £950.00 If you PM me your eMail address I will send you a mail and we can sort out payment and collection etc. Thanks Steve PS if you fancy a stingray as part ex let me know. [quote name='moonbass' post='525905' date='Jun 27 2009, 01:21 PM']Hi, I've had this beautiful birdseye maple Alembic since new in 1995. It's served me very well but after 14 years it's time for a change. As you know Alembic's are handmade in California with amazing attention to detail. The Epic is their lower priced option but are still listed at £2900 which reflects their craftmanship. The tone is modern but not harsh (Flea used an Epic for most of RHCP's 'One Hot Minute'.) It has the best sustain I've ever heard on a bass. It can really turn it's hand to any style, and finger, plectrum or slap all sound great. It's 9v active and the battery lasts over a year with moderate usage. It feels incredibly solid and keeps it's tuning exceptionally well. Intonation is perfect all the way up the neck with no dead spots. The finish was originally matt, but with use and cleaning it turns to gloss around the edges in a very nice way. I've been gigging it for quite a while and so there are a few marks. There is some buckle rash as shown on the pictures (actually belts have no impact on the mahogany body... the rash on mine is sadly due to a friends sporan!) The brass nut and bridge are tarnished, but will come up as new after polishing with Brasso. There are slight scratches on the gold hardware, but not severe. There are a few wood scratches which I've tried to show in the pictures. Controls are volume, pickup pan, treble and bass. There is really no hiss even with treble up high. The nut and bridge are fully adjustable. The neck has an ebony fingerboard and has a 34" scale (although feels longer than that with quite high string tension.) There is a dual truss rod which I've hardly ever needed to touch. I'll throw in the gigbag free. Going for £950, but would swap for a Fender '75 reissue Jazz. Bass is for pickup only, or I will deliver within reason in the southeast/midlands. Happy for people to come and try it out (PM me, I'm based in Cambridge.) I'll really miss the old girl... Cheers and good luck, Andy[/quote] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garethox Posted June 27, 2009 Share Posted June 27, 2009 Beautiful bass. I have an Alembic Exploiter and I have never looked back. Are you sure you wanna sell this!!!?!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted June 27, 2009 Share Posted June 27, 2009 Hmm...interesting to see an Alleva/Alembic comparison... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdy Posted June 27, 2009 Share Posted June 27, 2009 Alembic's are one brand I have never owned and this seems like a decent deal. Read a lot of good things about them. If I sell my ray and MIJ Jazz that will almost cover the cost as well and neither are getting much use! Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozbass Posted June 27, 2009 Share Posted June 27, 2009 [quote name='birdy' post='525979' date='Jun 27 2009, 02:59 PM']Alembic's are one brand I have never owned and this seems like a decent deal. Read a lot of good things about them. If I sell my ray and MIJ Jazz that will almost cover the cost as well and neither are getting much use! Steve[/quote] I hope (and think!) you'll be impressed - however, I think Alembics take a bit of getting used to, they're fairly idiosyncratic instruments and sometimes need a bit of time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonbass Posted June 27, 2009 Author Share Posted June 27, 2009 Thanks All, That was quick. Am I sure I want to sell it? Well, just been to rehearsal with my band and I have to say after all these years it's still difficult to imagine using a different bass, it really is lovely. But it's time to move on and I'm sure it's going to a good home - thanks Steve; I've PM'd you so look forward to hearing from you soon. I think loz is right, Alembics do take a bit of getting used to, but they definately pay it back in spades! I'd have to liken it to a Wal in that respect (but soo much lighter!) The Epic has such a solid piano-like undertone when you're accompanying, but dig in and it cuts through in a very natural and even way without any compression or effects. Thanks to the others that PM'd me - if the sale falls through I'll let you know. Cheers, Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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