Alembic or other exotic basses

marc61 · Post by **marc61** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 1:50 am

I've been thinking of getting an Alembic or some other type of exotic bass.

Any thoughts here on what to look for, or if you know of any local to the NY area...

phlemmy · Post by **phlemmy** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 4:31 am

I played a Conklin 6er once. It was actually quite pleasant.

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 4:34 am

Not really exotic but I had a chance to play one of these recently.

http://www.bassnw.com/New%20Exotic%20%20Basses/sadowsky_UV70MB4_Black_MPL.htm

I've played alot of Jazz basses in my days, and these are incredible. Great feel, tone, and it even looks like Geddy's bass.

Pricey though, $2K.

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 4:40 am

Heres a page if you like exotic Alembics:

http://www.basscentral.com/alembicbass/ltd.shtml

jps · Post by **jps** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 4:40 am

Check out a Zon, you will love the necks on them. Joe has always made great basses with quality being No.1 to him. I have had three different Sonus five string basses and the necks are as thin as the one on my 4005WB, but of course it is wider to accomodate the fifth string. The finishes on Zons are mirror-like in addition to the woods he uses are always beautiful.

marc61 · Post by **marc61** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 5:45 am

I love that dragonwing Alembic... I wonder what he wants for it? What's the % of list they sell for?

Jeff, thansk for the tip, I will check into Zon

marc61 · Post by **marc61** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 5:49 am

How about this....

http://www.basspalace.com/dynamic/displaybass/4StringBass/4006

mgauction · Post by **mgauction** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 5:59 am

That's a short scale one, Marc. I prefer the longer scales. I have an early 1974 Series 1. In January I went to Alembic and was fortunate to play this Dragon bass just completed for bass central. Super low action and one of the best playing and sounding new basses I ever heard. Playing above the 12th fret is a sinch. It made me think of moving a few pieces to get this:

marc61 · Post by **marc61** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 6:05 am

Maybe I should go for it...Whadda you think it'd run me?

mgauction · Post by **mgauction** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 6:28 am

Here's what they say:
"Retail $8770/Call or Email For Price."
You'd have to call to find out. I have been very tempted. They have also noted on their site that there has been a 15% increase with Alembic this year. My guess -- $7500.

marc61 · Post by **marc61** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 7:47 am

I'd like to know where this guy got his then:

http://www.talkbass.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/581/sort/7/cat/13/page/1

My other problem is that, unless I'm mistaken, these basses seem to have a low resale value, so if I ended up not liking it,I'd have to take a bath to resell.

86kubicki · Post by **86kubicki** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 8:50 am

Jeff - how do you find the Zons for dead spots? Much of my work is musicals with a wide range of dynamics. In this setting the traditional dead spots on the G string (around the 3rd-5th frets on Ricks, 5th-7th frets on Fenders), are very noticable.
As far as Alembics go, I used to have a '75 Series I that was a great bass! It had a non-original fingerboard and EMG pickups, but it was still great sounding. Not really sure why I got rid of it....

mgauction · Post by **mgauction** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 9:09 am

Marc - Good point there. I never see these selling on ebay or anywhere else for a decent amount of what they cost. Think of it as a car...

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 12:09 pm

Zon's design features a graphite neck. I wouldnt think dead spots would be an issue.

86kubicki · Post by **86kubicki** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 1:55 pm

Graphite necks can still have dead spots. I had a Modulus 6 string years ago that had a mild dead spot on the G string around the ninth fret. I'm curious as what Jeff has to say about his Zons.
(My apologies for hijacking the thread a bit).