GreeneKing

That is Seriously desireable Jake. I'd recommend you try an ACG. You done nothing for my Alembic denial you know Anyone want to trade two Rics for an Alembic

Not quite but.... [url="http://www.pattynanmedia.com/mediac/400_0/media/Hilary$20James$20$26$20Simon$20Mayor$20Duo.jpg"]http://www.pattynanmedia.com/mediac/400_0/...$20Duo.jpg[/url]

Yo Jon This is going through my LMII although I am going to swap over the LH and LM in my rack to see how it sounds. The Alembic thing for me is not about the ability of an Alembic to do the job of a bass well so much as the whole package of looks, history and 'brand culture'. I really have my Ric CS and C64S for the same reasons although they both sound sweet enough. There's an investment angle too but that's an excuse really. So there's no way I can afford an Alembic but if I could and the right one came along I'd be seriously tempted but like the Rics it'd stay in its case most of the time and come out on holidays Peter

Given that they normally wouldn't notice if I brought along a broomstick and tea chest they were all very impressed, to the extent that they kept on remarking on it both looks and sound wise. I usually take either my Warmoth or my Spector and they deliver very different tones. At one extreme the Spector won't do what the Warmoth does and vice versa. The Harlot does it all.

I just got in from a band practice. Needless to say I'm one very happy bunny.

I've been, surprise surprise - getting aquainted with my little Harlot indoors. It just gets better. The assymetry to the neck is more obvious with the narrower 4 vs the 5 and it's just perfect. Getting a 4 was the right decision for me no doubt, and I know that makes me some sort of an 'Uber Numpty' in ARGH's eyes but I can live with myself, just I've been playing with the pre and getting dub, J, P, Piano and ultra bright. There are so many ways to change the tone and it all makes sense after a short while. Balance is perfect and there's so much pickup it's almost a ramp (not that I dig in enough to need one). Not ideal for popping but that for me is a bonus Just like to say: [size=7]Thank you Alan![/size] Peter

I am really pleased that the BB5000 is working out for you Rob. It needs to be played. Peter

Just take Haze up to Moffat for the day and pop in Alan. Give yourself a few hours mind

Here goes: I find reliced basses (Fender or otherwise but they're usually Fender) overrated. My thoughts are that if it was an old bass that was structurally sound and played like a dream and had some 'real' history then maybe, just maybe I'd love it if it sounded good too. But, knowing that the 'history' is purely manufactured would completely spoil it for me. I'd feel like I was playing a lie, something incongruent. I find Fender generally overrated, I've owned a few but none have stayed. I've owned a lot of cheaper supposedly inferior basses that have to me been sooo much better in every respect. I was playing my Harlot this morning and went into town to get a new practice amp. The guy gave me a new US Precision to check the amp out and it was a pile of overpriced poo in comparison. I find passive basses overrated. Nobody seems to notice but they are only passive as far as the pre amp ffs! I find old Fenders completely overrated and their prices likewise, a complete nonsense, marketing victims queueing up to be ripped off and go oooh ahhh So that going to upset a few 'Fender victims' I suspect

It's a beautiful bass and would complement the ACG pre well methinks. If you go for an ACG pre I'd hang fire on the pups and see if you need to replace them. Peter

Thanks for reminding me Stuart - off out for an hour will do on my return. Peter

I think that the back grabs immediate attention but once you get to see that Amboyna burl in the fleisch it is absolutely stunning - looking at it sorta sucks you in Very classy Harlot this!

I think I understand. I don't rest my arm on the upper bout but rake my thumb down the strings/place it atop a pup so the upper bout is only there for decoration for me. I too think the Harlot is definately the most appealing shape. The one? You know it could be, it does everything. I may make the Yorkshire bash Anyone fancy an ACG pre demo? Peter

Weight wise it's very reasonable although I haven't put it on any scales. It's actually quite small too. By fingerstyle to you mean tapping with the LH? Alan does have several designs and will adjust them to suit the customers requirements. IMO the only way to buy an ACG is to call in and spend 3 hrs going through his stock and talking about your needs. Therapy in it's purest sense Peter

It's a 34"er Steve. I'll do some recording over the weekend just do give an idea of the range of tones available. Peter

[quote]custom esoteric instruments[/quote] The point I was trying to make is that this is a real world instrument at a real world price. It's going to be used.

I collected my ACG Harlot from Alan in Moffat today. It’s my 2nd Harlot, my 1st being a 5 string. I’m a late starter into the world of playing bass and a 4 string makes life easier for me and it does all I need and more besides. I tried playing a 5 but it didn't work out. I love the type S single cut style of the Harlot and carried it over to the 4. This is the 1st single cut 4 that Alan has created. Zigmondo now owns the 5. I’d 1st like to stress that Alan’s creations are 1st and foremost working tools (I know that Alan would agree here), instruments for the creation of the low end. These basses are designed 1st and foremost to be used. Design wise he dares to be different and if you ask him to make you a Jazz he’s likely to point you back in the direction from which you came. I personally love the flowing lines and perfect balance that both my ACG’s have had. I also like to be a bit different. I’m not a disciple of the ‘tone wood’ gospel and I think that bass/amp/string etc. manufacture has more than its fair share of b*llshit in a b*llshit laden world. I do think you have a choice, use any functional wood and paint it or use something that has its own unique ascetics, lacquer it and celebrate its beauty. I don’t understand any of this ‘coffee table’ comment crap either, each to their own (I have both and appreciate them all), this bass is a ergonomic delight being tiny and light, has a superbly comfortable asymmetric neck and just about the lowest action I’ve ever experienced. Alan carefully chooses his pickups that are made entirely to his specification with magnet type and windings to suit positions on the instrument and to complement his double low pass filter pre amp. This is another example of Alan’s commitment to instruments that provide a huge variety of real world tones. The tonal range is so wide that these basses can’t imo be categorised in terms of tone at all. So having stressed the fact that ACG’s are not simply exotic wood artefacts but are remarkable musical instruments that celebrate a natural phenomenon in a quite unique way and that having a say in the crafting of such an instrument is a real pleasure here’s some photos of my new bass. I can’t wait to let it loose in anger. Peter

You certainly can. I'm just checking out the obvious 1st. Good shout! Peter

Alan I am sooo much looking forward to the new set list. Peter

I think 'Lizzy' captured the very essence of simple 'Rock'. Phil was an absolutely brilliant charismatic 'front man' who had enormous stage presence and it was all backed up by some serious talent and well crafted, very engaging songs. When I saw them the 1st time, many years ago (over 30?) they were very late coming on stage and the punters had become bored by anticipation as roadies had been onto the darkened stage every 10 minutes or so raising expectations. Amidst a general 'pissed off' attitude the stage exploded into life with fireworks and immense riffage. The seats in Portsmouth Guildhall started vibrating alarmingly and this continued for the whole wonderful gig. I sometimes reflect on my high tone deafness but looking back on gigs like that it really was worth it. Pedro

I will be meeting up with a couple of bass playing Gents, visiting the 'Master from Moffat' and picking up my new ACG Harlot. I'm surprisingly more excited that the 1st time. Photographs will inevitably follow so be warned. Pedro