lozbass

I've been playing for 35 years and I'm still sh*te. It hasn't stopped me buying four Alembics - just do it, you'll feel so much better...

I've had a ul310 and ul112c and still have a ul112 and ul502. In my opinion, Epi gear is some of the best around (and ridiculously light). The ul502 is by far my favourite non-valve amp. It's very clean, fast, responsive and 'hifi' - not for everybody I'd suspect. It's also very quiet, well spec'd and flexible - seriously meets the Epi description of having the characteristics of a high end channel strip (or two). I've used the ul502 up against Markbass gear and, though the latter was impressive, the Epi was preferable for me. I'm told that pairing Epi amps with cabs delivers very good results (other amps with epi cabs and vice versa is not always a success - this appears to be the opinion on Talkbass but I've no real experience).

I think that Alembic started this around the mid '70s. Most (if not all) Alembics will run on batteries but one of mine has six 9v cells (though four are for the lights)! Removing batteries and running on external power is preferable for me as it reduces weight.

I've just received a beautiful Paulman 5 from Alex - it's a gorgeous bass in fantastic condition. Alex mentioned a bit of wear in the ad but this is incredibly minimal - the bass doesn't look far from new. The entire transaction was incredibly friendly and efficient. Alex is a great guy to do business with and really takes care to ensure that the purchaser is looked after. He even sent the bass down to Manchester with friends to save me having to pay for shipping, ensure safe transit, and just generally make the whole deal as simple and easy as possible. When I picked up the bass from Alex's mate we had time for just a quick chat but what a great guy (if we'd had a bit longer, a pint would have been in order). I can't recommend Alex highly enough - really friendly, helpful and creative in ensuring a super deal. Even the gig bag in which the bass was delivered is a good one (I wasn't expecting much but it's a nice, well-padded Tobias). Absolutely faultless - cheers Alex!

Lovely Clarky - all three beautiful examples of their type - the Pino and Alembic are the true standouts for me. As a serial gear-shuffler I know it's fantastic to have that feeling of contentment (however fleeting)

Not the biggest fan of the Corvette shape but that is beautiful - love the timbers!

I'm a big fan of Agi gear - quite excited about these lighter cabs (I wonder if we can expect to see lighter versions of some of the lager units?) A couple of these could suit me for stereo - the only disappointment is the styling. I've been really impressed by previous retro designs from Agi but these just don't do it for me at all (so subjective I know). Still if the tone is there and the cabs are easy to handle, I can simply look away...

I have one and I'd say with confidence that it's certainly not loud enough for gigs (in anything other than the smallest of pub back-rooms with an acoustic trio etc.) Up against drums or electric guitar (at any realistic volume) you'd have no chance. I managed to get something passable up against one guitarist with a Fender Twin using a Spector NS5-XL (the hottest output I've ever heard from a bass) but I wasn't at all sure that the amp or speaker would cope for long. The Line 6 110 Studio is a very nice little practice amp but not gigable in my opinion (I have to say too that I'm not convinced that I'd want to use one in the studio - this is bedroom gear)

[quote name='Sibob' post='1007093' date='Oct 31 2010, 10:32 AM']£100 for some electrics work and a pot?? Jeez, what luthier are you going to? lol Si[/quote] Haha - assuming the worst here - more than simple damage to the pot - possible replacement of further components

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='1007064' date='Oct 31 2010, 10:12 AM']Was it sold on here or eBay? Is there/was there damage to the packaging to indicate the bass may have taken a bash? Did the recipient sign for the delivery as being checked or unseen? No matter the answers to the above it's always an absolute bumm3r when stuff like this happens![/quote] Thanks for this - all highly salient issues! I don't have all the information now but I'll be checking later. The bass was sold on here and I should emphasise that the buyer couldn't have been more helpful or gracious. I doubt that I'm in it for more than a ton (ton fifty tops) but what a load of grief

[quote name='Clarky' post='1007054' date='Oct 31 2010, 10:05 AM']Wish I could afford your AC in sonic blue![/quote] Haha - probably back to the States for that one...I know there's somebody more than happy to collect (and deliver a fairly substantial wodge!)

Hi guys and thanks Voxpop - I had limited insurance but it's worth considering. The hum definitely didn't exist prior to posting (but I suspect the dodgy pot was present whilst I had the bass). I'll get the claim form (more in hope than expectation)

[quote name='Clarky' post='1007049' date='Oct 31 2010, 10:02 AM']Hey Loz that's a bummer. But don't sell your pride and joys due to one bad shipping experience! All the best, Clarky[/quote] Hi Clarky, thanks very much for this but been considering it anyway - the bass gluttony has left me feeling a bit hollow!

[quote name='Netballman' post='1003858' date='Oct 28 2010, 02:15 PM']In all sincerity I think you'd be hard pressed to find a nicer chap on here than Lawrence (and that said knowing there are a LOT of really nice people on here!). I've just bought a very special Spector off him and he has been immensely helpful, considerate, communicative, and a joy to deal with throughout. I wouldn't hesitate to deal with him again - not least to have the opportunity for some more good long friendly chats! An absolutely A1 bloke.[/quote] Wow - thanks very much indeed - and all reciprocated - an absolute joy! However, probably premature. It turns out the bass has a serious problem that I really should have spotted and didn't. Trying to find a resolution now (and Netballman has been absolutely brilliant about the entire affair).

Just sold a Spector NS5-XL (you know the one, redwood burl) It turns up with its new owner with a hum on the (u-retro) mid pot and a mid stack knob that's out of true. I honestly didn't see this before selling and the bass didn't have a hum. Previous owners don't appear to have noticed either issue. Whilst the buyer has been an absolute gentleman (even offering to pay half towards any fix - declined of course), it's left a very bad taste indeed. I've got to cough up for repairs (at unknown cost) and have the hassle of trying to sort a repair at distance. No more shipping basses for me! I'm thinking of knocking it all on the head and going back to the basses I had when I played for cash twenty years ago. Could be some tasty basses up soon (but you'll have to collect, pay in cash and sign in blood to say the bass is perfect!) I'm sure I'm not the first but the hassle when something goes wrong is not good at all

Hi Jazzyvee, Thanks for the kind comments...acquiring the Alembic was just the start of a habit that is now quite out of hand...I'll try to get a photograph up later. The small bodied short-scale is just perfect for me (apart from the fact it simply doesn't balance on a strap) and I now play little else.