Product: Alembic Series II 5 String
Price Paid: US $5800.00
Submitted
01/20/2000
at
11:10am
by
John
Features
:
10
This is a "hippie sandwich" (lots of laminates) which give the instrument quite a unique voice, and a beautiful appearence. The pickups on mine are slightly juggled from stock to allow better access for slapping etc. Alembic's wood and finish work is far superior to anything else I have ever seen. The body is heavy though, so this is a bass I prefer to play sitting down. For some of my playing situations, that works fine... for others I either tough it out, or bring a lighter bass. Mine has a Quilted Maple top and back laminate, and the front is bookmatched to center, which covers the neck.
Sound
:
10
The sound of the instrument is extremely variable, but it always has that particular Alembic character, so for some types of music, (dub, etc) it is not as suitable as an old p-bass with dead strings. For most everything else, this axe RULES! It is extremely quiet, but you have to be careful, poor technique ar quickly revealed.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
Factory setup, was OK, but Mike Lull set the instrument up beatifully. Otherwise, quality was excelent, as you would expect for the price.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
This bass seems quite tough, I use it all the time.
Customer Support
:
10
Mica at Alembic is very responsive and freindly.
Overall Rating
:
7
I've been playing for almost 30 years, and this is a great reward!
