I am looking at this one...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=006&item=160021713814&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1
I do want a 4-string, and I'd like to get an active component bass. I was thinking Alembic or Wal.
Any opinions of what to stay away from in these brands, or other brands worth looking at? I'd like to keep it below $1500 if possible.
Thanks
Are all Alembic bass models good?
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squirefan01
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Greg,
That is supposedly a very rare PROTO-TYPE.
I've had a number of Alembics, each one different, each one GREAT in its own way.
If you're patient, you can nail a Epic (set neck) for under $1000.00. Or, you can get an Essence or Spoiler for well under $1500.00. The neck through Alembic basses have much better SUSTAIN than the set neck models.
Check this one out..
http://cgi.ebay.com/Alembic-Vintage-1985-Spoiler-Bass-Guitar-XLNT_W0QQitemZ320019839301QQihZ011QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Many of the RIC forum members also own Alembics.
Some guys don't like the "piano" like sound. But I'm always amazed at the range of sounds these things put out!
These are REALLY custom made basses. Make sure you get a NECK MEASUREMENT before you buy. I've tried 3 different Essence basses, of the same model year, and EACH neck was completly different. You can custom order almost ANYTHING from Alembic. Just a heads up!
That is supposedly a very rare PROTO-TYPE.
I've had a number of Alembics, each one different, each one GREAT in its own way.
If you're patient, you can nail a Epic (set neck) for under $1000.00. Or, you can get an Essence or Spoiler for well under $1500.00. The neck through Alembic basses have much better SUSTAIN than the set neck models.
Check this one out..
http://cgi.ebay.com/Alembic-Vintage-1985-Spoiler-Bass-Guitar-XLNT_W0QQitemZ320019839301QQihZ011QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Many of the RIC forum members also own Alembics.
Some guys don't like the "piano" like sound. But I'm always amazed at the range of sounds these things put out!
These are REALLY custom made basses. Make sure you get a NECK MEASUREMENT before you buy. I've tried 3 different Essence basses, of the same model year, and EACH neck was completly different. You can custom order almost ANYTHING from Alembic. Just a heads up!
"Freedom of expression is important, but I have learned that people want to know how much you care before they care how much you know."
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.
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hieronymous
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Greg, the bass you linked to is like the most stripped-down Alembic I've ever seen! Personally, I like the Spoiler that Tony linked to better. I've got a Spoiler/Exploiter myself, and it can get a variety of different tones with the Q-switch and low-pass filter knob.
Want a sound clip?
schweppes
It's basically a Spoiler, with the Q-switch engaged and the low-pass filter turned all the way up so that it's emphasizing the highest highs. Played with fingers, with the occassional pop.
Want a sound clip?
schweppes
It's basically a Spoiler, with the Q-switch engaged and the low-pass filter turned all the way up so that it's emphasizing the highest highs. Played with fingers, with the occassional pop.
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squirefan01
- Intermediate Member
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- Joined: Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:00 am
Harry, that's a great clip. Is that you playing?
Tony, that's a beauty on eBay. Very tempting.
How are these compared to Wals? I am a Tool fan, and of the sound that Justin Chancellor gets with his Wal. He uses alot of effects so it's hard to tell what's really coming from the Wal (for me anyways).
If the 75th 4003 falls through (chances are good for that), then I may think about one of these.
Thanks for the great info. Any other links or info appreciated!
Tony, that's a beauty on eBay. Very tempting.
How are these compared to Wals? I am a Tool fan, and of the sound that Justin Chancellor gets with his Wal. He uses alot of effects so it's hard to tell what's really coming from the Wal (for me anyways).
If the 75th 4003 falls through (chances are good for that), then I may think about one of these.
Thanks for the great info. Any other links or info appreciated!
Greg,
Try
http://alembic.com/cgi-bin/alembic-club/discus.cgi
This is the Alembic forum, but they are a bit smaller than the RIC forum so your posts take a bit longer to get a response. TONS of information there. The owners check in there too. A great place for sure.
Great bunch of guys. There are a few of us RIC forum people there as well. Dave the moderator is a wonderful guy.
Greg, that Spoiler is really sweet. It's the SECOND time listed if I'm not mistaken. It's a great bass for the price.
Try
http://alembic.com/cgi-bin/alembic-club/discus.cgi
This is the Alembic forum, but they are a bit smaller than the RIC forum so your posts take a bit longer to get a response. TONS of information there. The owners check in there too. A great place for sure.
Great bunch of guys. There are a few of us RIC forum people there as well. Dave the moderator is a wonderful guy.
Greg, that Spoiler is really sweet. It's the SECOND time listed if I'm not mistaken. It's a great bass for the price.
"Freedom of expression is important, but I have learned that people want to know how much you care before they care how much you know."
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.
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squirefan01
- Intermediate Member
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- Joined: Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:00 am
Oh yes, I know the one....my sniper misfired and I missed that one! Boy was I ticked off!
It's a kick butt guitar to say the least. Great reviews on that one. I'll try that route on of these days. I was in contact with the new owner for a little while.
RIC & Alembics are my all time favorites. One of these days....when I hit the lottery....I'll really get into trouble with the Mrs!
It's a kick butt guitar to say the least. Great reviews on that one. I'll try that route on of these days. I was in contact with the new owner for a little while.
RIC & Alembics are my all time favorites. One of these days....when I hit the lottery....I'll really get into trouble with the Mrs!
"Freedom of expression is important, but I have learned that people want to know how much you care before they care how much you know."
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.
-
squirefan01
- Intermediate Member
- Posts: 966
- Joined: Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:00 am
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squirefan01
- Intermediate Member
- Posts: 966
- Joined: Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:00 am
Here's another interesting Alembic Epic...
http://cgi.ebay.com/1989-Alembic-Epic-Custom-Exotic_W0QQitemZ320019170293QQihZ011QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/1989-Alembic-Epic-Custom-Exotic_W0QQitemZ320019170293QQihZ011QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Sorry Greg,
Never had a Wal. Lots of good things written here in the past though. I THINK Jeffrey Scott had some experience with them, but my memory is foggy.
I just sold my EPIC a few weeks back. I've seen MANY for $900.00 on the forum. Great bass, it was my main axe for 3 years. I just wanted MORE sustain. I now own a Distillate. I also had a 5 string Essence. All wonderful basses. The Distillate is by far the best Alembic I've owned to date.
If you would like, I know where a really nice EPIC is for $800.00! Let me know.
Never had a Wal. Lots of good things written here in the past though. I THINK Jeffrey Scott had some experience with them, but my memory is foggy.
I just sold my EPIC a few weeks back. I've seen MANY for $900.00 on the forum. Great bass, it was my main axe for 3 years. I just wanted MORE sustain. I now own a Distillate. I also had a 5 string Essence. All wonderful basses. The Distillate is by far the best Alembic I've owned to date.
If you would like, I know where a really nice EPIC is for $800.00! Let me know.
"Freedom of expression is important, but I have learned that people want to know how much you care before they care how much you know."
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.
The only time a bass player gets noticed is when he stops playing.
-
squirefan01
- Intermediate Member
- Posts: 966
- Joined: Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:00 am
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hieronymous
- Intermediate Member
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- Joined: Fri Feb 11, 2005 10:46 pm
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I lusted after the Alembrick too, though I'm not that disappointed that I didn't win it. I've got my Exploiter, I don't need another 4-string. I would love, however, to put the Alembic Activator pickups in a 4003S/8. And I wouldn't mind having a Series I or a Spyder 8-string...
Here's a picture of my Exploiter (next to my 4001):
...and another soundclip: circumambulate - 4001 is the "bass bass", all the lead lines are the Exploiter.
The scale length on the Exploiter is 32", which I don't find takes that much getting used to, though the relationship between the neck & body, the pickup positions, and bridge placement, are very different than a Rickenbacker, or even a Fender or Gibson. I like it though - it offers a really wide range of sounds.
Good luck in your search - it seems like lots of cool Alembics pop up on ebay, though a lot of them tend to be super-expensive...
Here's a picture of my Exploiter (next to my 4001):
...and another soundclip: circumambulate - 4001 is the "bass bass", all the lead lines are the Exploiter.
The scale length on the Exploiter is 32", which I don't find takes that much getting used to, though the relationship between the neck & body, the pickup positions, and bridge placement, are very different than a Rickenbacker, or even a Fender or Gibson. I like it though - it offers a really wide range of sounds.
Good luck in your search - it seems like lots of cool Alembics pop up on ebay, though a lot of them tend to be super-expensive...