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Description
We've been making Series I basses longer than any other model in our catalog. In fact, we were making them before we even had model names or a catalog. The Series I is as much of a powerhouse today as it was back in 1972 and nothing short of a Series II even comes close.
The heart of the Series I bass is the pickups and electronics. We don't think of them as separate entities, the pickups and electronics work together as a system, a complete thought. The basis is faithful electronics reproduction of the mechanical string motion. The combination of single coil pickups and low-pass filter tone controls offer flexibilty, control and responsibility for your own tone.
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. You hear the player, not the bass.
Alembic wouldn't be Alembic without the beautiful woods. While they are pleasing to the eye, keep in mind that different combinations will shape the way the string behaves, thus influencing the tone. The neck woods are most dominant in the sound. We can help you choose the right woods for your custom bass.
There are a variety of body shapes for the Series I bass. Some are related to scale length, others to tradition, and others to personal taste. We have chosen to keep our model names tied to the electronics rather than the shape or scale length, so you will see short scale Series I basses with the default Small Standard shape and some with the Standard Omega shape. Long scale versions are found in Standard Point and Balance K Omega shapes. Still other variations exist and are yet to be created, but they are all still Series I basses.
Videos
Johnny Lee Long
Vintage Alembic Series "One"...demo
Vintage Alembic Series "One"...demo
Johnny Lee Long
Alembic Series 1 Bass - Bali Run by Fourplay
GeorgePriceBass
Alembic Series I Short Scale bass Sound example.
nsjmusic
![Video thumbnail for Level 42 - Take care of yourself [Bass Cover] - Alembic Series 1 by Marcus Bell Bass](https://img.youtube.com/vi/a7JR3AkOJJA/mqdefault.jpg)
Level 42 - Take care of yourself [Bass Cover] - Alembic Series 1
Marcus Bell Bass
Alembic 1973 Series 1...There's only one
Johnny Lee Long
Alembic / Series-1 MSB【Test Play】
Bass Sound Maniac
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Alembic Series I Bass.
Build quality
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The Alembic Series I's fit and finish are highly praised, with meticulous attention to detail, although some find the electronics non-intuitive.
Source
Features and functionality
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Owners note that the filter-based preamps on the Alembic can be challenging to master, potentially worsening the sound if not understood.
Source
Comparisons
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While Alembics are highly crafted, many users feel that similar playing and sound qualities can be found in basses like the MIM Fender for less money.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Entwistle can be seen on this page in photos playing an Alembic Series 1 bass.
Featured in this TalkBass.com forum post.
I have an Alembic Series I that I bought from Stanley Clarke.
Kind of a cool story behind it, too.
Sometime in 1991 or '92 I was driving past the Fox Theatre in Detroit and heard on the radio that tickets for a Stanley Clarke / George Duke concert were going to go on sale at 10 am. It was about 9:45, so I parked and got in line. Got 2nd row seats.
My date (who has since become my wife) and I were in our 2nd row seats and the 1st row was empty. Stanley stood on the seats right in front of us and totally went off on a solo. I noticed then that the bass he was playing was different than the Small Body Series I bass he usually played.
Fast forward to May of 2000. Stanley's divorce was being finalized, so he was selling off all his gear. I wound up buying the bass he played that night!
Here it is........
1375.
1378.
Stanley holding the bass for a promo shot
1996.
Peace,
James
The photos reveal a serial number of 874431.
Lake can be seen in this photo playing an Alembic Series 1.
In this video you can see John McVie playing his Alembic bass at 2:50.
In a 1983 interview, Curt Smith mentioned using various basses on Tears For Fears' debut album, "The Hurting," including an Alembic. Although he didn't specify the model, it is likely the Alembic Series I, as seen in the 1985 performance of "Shout" on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.
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It is stated in this article that Casady used an Alembic 1 Bass in Jefferson Airplane.
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We can see in this photo Dave showing off his Alembic Series 1 (1977).
In a live performance of "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick" by Ian Dury and the Blockheads, Norman Watt-Roy can be seen playing an Alembic Series I Bass, showcasing his exceptional talent as a bassist of the 20th century.
In this photo, Lodge can be seen with an Alembic Series 1.
In this image, Joe can be seen performing with his Alembic Series I bass.
In this live performance of Freddie’s Dead at Pinkpop, Norwood can be seen with a 5 string Alembic Series 1. It’s silhouette can also been seen in the music video for Freddie’s Dead.
Album Usage
The Alembic Series I Bass has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Alembic Series I Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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