All auction information, including quotes and references are copyright their original owners and are included for reference only. 10 or 11 Sept. 1982, N.E.C., Birmingham, three Mesa-Boogie 412 cabs (top) in place of the Sunn 412L 412 cabs, with four Mega 118 cabs (bottom). The guitar, I have about two-fifths up and amps are on number five of course, the pre-amps are virtually right up, so Im using about half volume. its also about three times as loud as a normal bass. The recording studio had been sold, as was a retail store in San Francisco where they had sold high-end audio equipment besides their own electronics and instruments.[5]. $49.69 shipping. [2]:35ff. In fact, we were making them before we even had model names or a catalog. The Essence bass is heir smallest body - 12 inc Brown Basses are a nod to Stanley's second Series I bass from 1974. Four Sunn Coliseum Slave 320-watt power amps (two for low frequencies, one for mids, one for highs/full-range). April 1979, rehearsals, Sunn rig comprising three Sunn 412LH 412 cabs and two Sunn W 118 reflex bins. // ]]> -->. 1975, with Alembic Series 1 bass in zebra wood. Series I basses have been played by such varied musicians as Stanley Clarke, John McVie, and John Entwistle and you couldn't ever mistake's one's tone for another, as the Series I gives a natural sound that is truly a reflection of the emotion the player puts in to the music. Here's an incredible 5-string Alembic Rogue Bass with an Ash top and maple and purpleheart accent woods. Long scale versions are found in Standard Point and Balance K Omega shapes. Actually, Ive had two major changes. Full color catalog. There are a variety of body shapes for the Series I bass. Add to Cart. Currently owned by Dave Schools of the band Widespread Panic. No idea why, but they sound great. Alembic's model line has continued to expand to the present day, with models such as the Epic, Orion, Excel, and Darling being introduced. Entwistle describes his goal: Mainly the sound qualities that I am looking for in this particular amping system center around the fact that I like separation between low and high notes. // ]]> -->. Also, I grew tired of the bloody 5-pin Cannon jack and transformer box I had to use with them. Ca. Sunn ad, courtesy thewho.org. 9 May 1978, Ramport, with Fender Explorer-Bird bass. All images courtesy and copyright rockstarsguitars.com. . Bass (647) . $200.00 shipping. He bought it from the Sothebys May 2003 auction of Johns estate. At that point we were introduced, and I barely managed to get back onstage in time to start My Generation. If you listen closely to the video, you can hear me tuning the D string as we go. 1976, with Alembic bass and Sunn rig. I fiddle around with different ones. ALEMBIC Bass 8 Strings Custom Order Natural 1980s EXP Shape Electric Bass, m3243. See. April 1979, rehearsals, custom amp rack, with two Stramp 4120 stereo preamps, Alembic IN-2 input module/splitter, and four Sunn Coliseum Slave power amps. Except for its handedness, these qualities of an Alembic bass guitar influence its sound, performance, and playability. Mahogany is the primary neck wood for a more rounded and warm tone. [CDATA[ Generic Stramp 4120 preamp. Click to view larger version. 1989 Limited Edition Alembic 20th Anniversary bass guitar. // ]]> -->, Click to view larger version. The basses and guitars built using this configuration would later become known as the Series I and II, and were available in a variety of scale lengths and body shapes. A variety of body shapes have been introduced. They feature active electronics and brass hardware. For example, even though Spoiler and Distillate no longer appear in their catalogs or the online product list and quote generator, they can still make them. Sothebys. 1974 Alembic Series I in zebra wood. THAT'S why Alembics are so expensive. Lined Fretless Series I long scale bass in 5A Quilted Maple with Ebony neck laminate, custom taper fingerboard. He liked it so much that he ordered several unmodified except for their extremely low actions. Fretboard is Macassar ebony with mother of pearl inlays. Amazing collection of Alembic catalog, photos, price list. Original brochure will be included with the sale. Although [John] was happy with the bright, clear tone of the Alembics, and assortment of inconveniences ultimately forced him to move away from the instruments after more than a decade. Christies would like to thank Rick Turner for his assistance with this lot. 1982, Toronto, Sunn rig, with three Sunn 412L 412 and Mega 118 cabinets. Top, 1/8 accent laminate, body wood, accent, back, pickup selector switch, volume x2, filter x2, 3position Q x2, mono/stereo switch. We offer the finest selection of boutique bass guitars and amplifiers to our customers. Thanks to neck through construction, lasting sustain is in your future. Ballarat, Australia. Its all miked through the PA as well. document.write('Photo: S. Emberson'); Ca. Learn More. Either one of them is a Mono / Stereo switch, or possible an LED on / off switch, or this is one of the basses where Alembic did a custom order Bass / Mid / Treble set up for each pickup. You can use it for bass or guitar. Get the latest updates on new products and upcoming sales. About This Listing. 1975, with Alembic Series I Omega bass with flame-figured top. Generic Alembic F2-B preamp. Rewired back to stereo by Johns luthier/guitar maker Peter Cook. Click to view larger version Alembic rear adjustment screws. This Deluxe features a master grade Cocobolo top and back. This configuration gave the player the fidelity of single-coil pickups without their inherent noise, and is used to this day. Four Crown DC 300 power amplifiers or Sunn Coliseum Slave power amplifiers. Four iconic guitars feature from Brad Rodgers at www.whocollection.com the largest single-owner collection of The Who memorabilia to ever appear at auction two previously owned by Pete Townshend, and two by John Entwistle [] The most striking example is the Paul [sic] Cook custom-made bass guitar, of flame design (estimate: 15,00020,000). Featuring: On the Alembic theyre red lights instead L.E.D.s. Please include the serial number of your instrument in the comment area of your order so we may update the records. 24 frets, active electronics and an external power supply and exotic woods were just a fe. Eventually Alembic was actively modifying and repairing guitars and basses, recording sound, and designing and building PA systems. Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape. Ive started using the Alembic where the extra treble and the facility to get up high means that I can take more solos. Its also got this feedback effect when you have all the frequency switches right down in their lowest positions, you get this sort of signing sound. It is very special. [2]:35ff This bass incorporated a massive electronics suite, with state variable filtering capability, and had pickups mounted on brass tubing so that their position could be adjusted. This 1993 bass is in incredible condition for its age showing almost no signs of use! 'Osiris', aka 'Mission . We had a rehearsal one day and I had five basses made with an Explorer body and Thunderbird pick-ups and Fender necks Id had them made up for the next bout of touring. Artist Robert Thomas designed and painted the logo of the company in 1969, which included multiple elements that represented mankind and energy as values that Alembic aimed to show to public. $565.00. These were used from May 1976 with first use at Parc des Expositions in Colmar, France, 22 May, 1976 through 1982 (and 1985, for Live Aid). @Ty Wiggins, FWIW, Alembic never officially "retires" any models. At least three of these Gelf racks built by Kenny Flegg of Gelf. 1975, with Alembic Series 1 bass with flame-figured top. ", "Pacific High Recording, Alembic, His Master's Wheels, 60 Brady Street, San Francisco, CA", "Alembic: Sound Wizards to the Grateful Dead", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alembic_Inc&oldid=1111541660, This page was last edited on 21 September 2022, at 14:30. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7b9ba6cf8b60136d Navigate to an era or just scroll through. . Pickup Selector knobs: Collet knob: Bass Bridge Saddle: Q-switch for Activators: Bridge Rehab Kit: Pan Preamp: Rackmount Case Screws: Series I/II 1/4" Output Jack . One of the three four-string Alembic Explorers. 12 May 1979, Frejus, France, Sunn 412LH 412 and Sunn W 118 bins, with Hiwatt CP103 at far (stage) right end for guitar monitoring. [CDATA[ document.write(' Photo: Ebet Roberts '); 1982, Sunn rig, with Gelf rack visible at stage right. Alembic/Sunn Coliseum Slave amplifier rack visible at right. See what's new on the Alembic website. The heart of the Series I bass is the pickups and electronics. Whotabs makes no claim that these auctions represent authentic Who-used items. The neck woods are most dominant in the sound. 1981 Top of the Pops television performance with the Alembic V bass. Alembic instruments can be ordered with a wide variety of custom features, including complex inlays and LED position markers in the neck. He remained with this setup through the 1982 Farewell Tour (and again for Live Aid in 1985). Click to view larger version. Categories. Jun 25, 2006. Overview of John Entwistles bass gear, from 1975 to 1982 (and The Whos 1985 reunion), with Alembic bass guitars and continued use of Sunn amplifiers. You hear the player, not the bass. Your IP: Alembic Stanley Clarke Deluxe Bass. Amp Two Stramp stero pre-amps, Sunn Coliseum power amps, driving three Sunn 18 cabinets and three 4 X 12 cabinets. Standard Alembic electronics. All Alembic instruments incorporate the proprietary Alembic active electronics, with various options for tone controls and pickup configurations available and are made in Alembic's factory in Santa Rosa, California. Amp rack comprises Alembic IN-1 input module, four Alembic F-2B preamps and four Sunn Coliseum Slave power amplifiers, topped by Conn Strobotuner. $200.00 shipping. Completed in late '76, this very same bass was a catalog model for the early 1977 brochure (see pics). [CDATA[ Sell on Reverb. Click to view larger version. > I have an Alembic Series I that I bought from Stanley Clarke. A 1981 Alembic catalog hyped the . Some are related to scale length, others to tradition, and others to personal taste. And also when I get bored with playing trebly, I want a bass sound that really cuts through not just a boomy sound. Simple thre Our first new Alembic to arrivewhat a beauty! Sunn Gelf amp rig #1, courtesy rockstarsguitars.com. The next day I asked about the roadie with the volume pedal, and they said that he should be on the next flight, because they buy at Mannys in New York. Rogers Hiwatt CP103 The Ox and Mesa-Boogie 412 visible at right. (729kb) Johns second Alembic, 1974 Alembic Series 1, courtesy Brad Rodgers, whocollection.com. Alembic Guitar and Bass Catalog 1989 12 pages in very good condition. document.write(' Photo: Harry Potts '); That supplies power for the lights as well. They were likely replaced in the early 80s when that logo appears. document.write('Photo: M. Zagaris'); 1977 Rothchild Musical Instruments / Alembic Guitar and Bass catalog 16 Pages, Very good condition, very rare catalog. Peavey pulled out all the stops on this signature model and proved that they could build a high quality bass back when they were mostly known for building consumer grade gear. SPONSORED. 1975, Sunn rig, with amplifiers moved to side-stage rack: two Sunn 412 speaker cabs (outside top), two Sunn 312 312 speaker cabs (inside top), two Sunn 118 speaker cabs (outside bottom), two Sunn W 118 reflex bins (inside bottom). In 1977, Alembic presented the world's . In addition to their standard models, Alembic also operates as a true custom shop, offering hand-done inlay and design features to suit your every desire. Alembic has a rich history in the music industry, having developed the Grateful Dead Wall of Sound and revolutionized active electronics through innovative neck construction. This item is sold As-Described. Effects Occasionally Ill use a Boss Chorus. Too heavy to get off the ground but good for catching snakes.. Ca. To some this will sound completely crazy but to Alembic custom owners you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Mind you, you have to plug the guitar into a power supply. Theyre getting together with Moog to work something out. You can always turn up your treble control to get it like the day before, but then you end up getting a lot of whistle. Entwistles action is probably the lowest of any modern electric bass player. 1975, with Alembic Series I bass in zebra wood. , Click to view larger version. Aug 22, 2015. Alembic wouldn't be Alembic without the beautiful woods. Stanley Clarke was given a specially inlaid instrument to celebrate 30 years of working together. Regardless, it is smooth and feels great. The company was founded by Owsley Stanley as a workshop in Grateful Dead's rehearsal room in Novato, California, near San Francisco, to help improve the band's entire sound chain, from its instruments to its sound reinforcement system. Of the many Alembic bass guitars for sale on eBay are several worth noting for their exceptionality, including the following: 1980 Alembic Series I four-string bass in walnut or rosewood mahogany with ebony fingerboard. The 2004 display of The Who at the Hard Rock Vault in Orlando, Florida, thanks to Michael Mullins. Bass guitar Stanley Clarke Greg Lake ELP . Associated images are included for reference only and are the property of the original owner. Alembic. [CDATA[ . So from there my whole style changed for about five years until recently when Ive had another change onto the Alembics the best change I ever did. He liked it so much that he ordered several unmodified except for their extremely low actions. You can see some golden streaks in the ebony near the nut, a quality of Macassar ebony. SPONSORED. 1977 price list described the five string bass as a "standard" model, available for $50 more than its four string bass. Oops, looks like you forgot something. // ]]> -->. We also host lessons with elite bassist, Dave LaRue . Non-Whotabs links are provided for informational purposes only and are not controlled or monitored by Whotabs. I LOVE this bass and would not be selling if I didnt absolutely have to. October 1975, with Alembic Series 1 bass in zebra wood. John used at least four additional Alembic Series I basses on stage with The Who, including a dark finish, two heavilty quilted natural finish, and a Series I Omega, some of which are pictured below. Categories Brands Shops Deals and Steals Price Drops 0% Financing New and Popular Handpicked Collections. This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. $35. // ]]> -->. Id work out a series of lines that flowed into each other with the twang of the trebly sound and Id find myself drifting into that every night, unless it was a bit of free form. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. from Japan. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously. Your IP: Great pieces of Alembic history from their 46 Foley street address.Ships USPS priority mail with 2-3 day delivery, tracking and ins. News (June 2012): Christies to auction Alembic as part of its Popular Culture: Rock & Roll Memorabilia sale, to be held on 12 June 2012. Free shipping. Around November 1979, John replaced the Sunn W 118 bins with Mega 118 cabs with Gauss drivers. Click to view larger version. [2]:35ff Production of graphite-necked instruments ceased in 1985. A funny story about the delivery of eight 4120 tops to the Who: we made a special version of the 4120 preamp section for John Entwistle. Oops, looks like you forgot something. 1988. This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Stramp was a very small company, only four people total, so whatever left the building I had my hands on it. Watch this gear and we'll notify you if it becomes available again. For the 10 and 11 Sept. 1982 warmup gigs at N.E.C. Click to view larger version. Rich low end response and crystalline highs are also a credit to the neck c Brown Basses are a nod to Stanley's second Series I bass from 1974. We've been making Series I basses longer than any other model in our catalog. Wood for a more rounded and warm tone [ 2 ]:35ff Production of graphite-necked instruments ceased 1985! 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