Alembic Mark King Signature Bass Demo - George Price
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- Опубліковано 16 жов 2024
- PLEASE READ ME!!!
How do £6.94 strings sound on a premium brand bass?
I spent all my money on a new bass and needed super budget strings, I found some and well...I was surprised!
Here's my demo of the Alembic Direwolf, one of its kind! It's a Signature Balance K 5 bass but has CVQ rather than 2 three position Q switches.
In the video I'll talk about the tones, general feel of the bass and of course do a bit of a comparison between my Series II and this bass, I'll finish with a bit of groove playing!
QUICK EDIT ON THE WOOD COMMENT:
There's no Mahogany in the bass, it's actually Ash and the Wolf inlay has some Umgoloty! Bet you didnt know that.
My Series II has Ernie Ball Custom strings for £23.99
www.alembic.com...
club.alembic.co... - build notes
Gear used:
Zoom B3 - compressor
Singular Sound BeatBuddy - Drums
UCX Fireface Interface
Logic 9
LINKZ
georgepricebass...
/ georgepricebass
/ georgepricebass
Let me know in the comments what you think, be sure to like and subscribe!
Cheers,
George
George you just have one terrifying instrument right after another! Yes indeed, Alembic makes "wood sculptures"!! Such amazing craftsmanship & absolutely nothing else sounds like them! I have been listening lately to some live recordings from Led Zeppelin back around 1977, even then , the sound John Paul Jones was wrenching out of his Alembic's was positively frightening !! Thank you as well for the advice on strings , I have been paying near $25.00 USD for Rotosound Swing Bass Set (45-105), That would be about 19.33 pound sterling! Keep them coming George, Many , many Thanks !!
Hey Philip, thank you! It's a beast! The woodwork is mad, as you know and the craftsmanship is right up there! JPJ knew how to get the sound! Strings are expensive and especially in my case, when I play the brightness dies quickly because I play so much and I tend to get clammy hands...! I've just ordered a new set of strings for HALF the price...?!?!? Crazy! Nice to know there's options there. I will at some point demo some tunes...!
Cheers!
I just got an Alembic Persuader from 1986. It's pretty awesome as well! Great videos George!
Benjamin James, awesome! Enjoy the bass! If you haven’t already, join the Alembic Facebook group! It’s a great supportive community and if you need help with anything, that’s one place to go! Enjoy!
I just recently bought an 85 Persuader. Love it.
Nothing sounds or plays like an Alembic. I love the solo with the heavy reverb and tonal changes. Very cool, George.
Cheers mate!!
That's the "Big Bad Wolf" inlay, that Doug Irwin created for the 1st guitar Jerry Garcia commissioned from him in 1973, nicknamed "The Wolf". Also, "Dire Wolf" is a Grateful Dead song by the same name.
Yup, that's it! The craftsmanship is incredible! As far I know, only Jerry and I have the Wolf inlay! Madness! Cheers!
@@GeorgePriceBass there are hundreds if not thousands of wolf replicas with the wolf inlay.
Maybe I should have stated that Alembic have only made 2 instruments with the Wolf inlay. So yes, perhaps there are, 'hundreds and thousands' of Wolf replicas out there but I'm confident only 2 genuine Alembic handmade ones exist.
Cheers
@@GeorgePriceBass in actual fact, Alembic DID NOT make any instruments for Jerry Garcia. They did create some basses for Phil Lesh, but The Wolf was created by longtime guitar builder for Garcia, Doug Irwin. Alembic had no hand in his guitars.
I love how you made good use of different pre amp settings on that jam!
Thanks so much! That pedal has a good range of sounds!
Hi George, you should try the red label string from Warwick Germany, both in stainless steel and nickel version ref. 42230L and 46230. Gauge are .035/.055/.075/.095 They are cheap and really good, I am playing them for a long time on all my basses except on a MM Stingray 2016 Old Smoothie which is installed with Ernie Ball strings.
Hi, thanks for your comment. I've been umming and ahhhing about those for a while but have never actually bought a set. I rarely change strings - it also didn't help the ones I wanted weren't in stock. Based on your recommendation, I'll give them a go! Cheers!
Chapman Grand Stick with the Roland GK model I can't tell from the side. It's not a new model is it? Definitely newer than mine as I have the Roland 05 head and a GK2 I think. Mine is passive..would definitely like to hear more about that new acquisition. Have you had it long? Teacher or self taught? I also have the Chapman Stick Bass. Doesn't get a lot of love from traditional Stick players but hey, we're bass players first, right?
Hiya, it's not quite a Grand Stick, this one has 10 strings. You're correct in that it has the Roland Midi Pickup. Off hand I can't remember what type of system it has. My stick is also passive, it has the Block pup system, I believe they don't make those anymore. I've had it a while - i do have some videos on the channel if you wanna check them out. I'm self taught on the stick but I've had many lessons on the bass. The Stick bass is far easier to play as it's more normal but I have a lotta love for them both. Any questions, lemme know! Thanks
@GeorgePriceBass Nice. One of my teachers at workshops, Greg Howard, RIP, favored the 10 string and also 3 finger style. While I was a bassist, I studied Classical Guitar in college as well as String Bass before that. Always preferred 4 fingers to the 3 but my 5 String Alembic and Laurus got me back into 3 finger style like a String bass. Keeps things interesting doesn't it?
Hey George. Amazing review. I’m looking to grab myself one of the cheaper end old alembics in the near future. I’ve always wanted to own one and I’m gearing up to purge some stuff I don’t need and make that dream a reality! I’ve been looking at a few of the Epic series and an Elan with the more series I/II style pickups. I was just wondering what some of the tonal differences are in your opinion? Obviously the EQ options are different (filter vs. bass/treble), but how different do you think the basses sound otherwise? I can’t find any good videos of them for the most part.
Thanks for making these man, love seeing these awesome instruments shown off. You don’t get to see them too often!
Hey man, thank you! Good luck!
Series i and ii are very different, obviously S ii's have more 'stuff' and the tonal range is wider than a S i. I'll post some links which might be of interest for you, if you haven't seen them already!
alembic.com/club/messages/393/177041.html?1382294560
www.alembic.com/prod/seriesii.html
www.alembic.com/prod/seriesi.html
On my Series 1, I have 3 options for Q, 0db, 6db and 12db, if I'm correct and then a low pass filter for each pup. With the Series 2, instead of having just 3 options, I have variable Q, which is basically anything I want...lots of choice. You can pick out any frequency pretty much. The tonal range also comes down to what age the strings are too...really new/bright strings are just NEXT LEVEL and you can really hear the difference, with dead strings, not so much BUT I have dead strings on pretty much all my basses and I often get comments at gigs at how incredible the bass sounds...
You could really into 'tone wood' explanations an' all that, different wood = different tones...! A lot of it comes down to the fingers and how you play, expensive electronics help but really, it's mostly in the playing.
I hope this helps, any questions, just let me know, cheers and sorry for the lengthy reply!
Best,
George
Was that bass pretty dry around 15:40 tone is great for the Low B string foundational track. lead is greasy as well and that lower register tone is great any tips would be appreciated
Yeah, there's a slight bit of compression but that's just a preset I've been using FOR EVER! I'm not sure I have many tips! For that really low B bass line, I rolled off all the tone to make it reggae-esque but if you know about Alembics, they will cover pretty much every single tonal base. If you're looping then it's always good to have a great sense of time, which I'm still working on! Practice with a metronome, all that! I like to really differentiate my sounds, especially if I'm looping with just a bass. I've always preferred, especially with lead lines to have delay and/or reverb...it can just help so much with adding breath and fun to music! If I think of any more, I'll let you know! Cheers and thanks for commenting!
That was a serious jam! 😎
I appreciate that. It's a wicked bass. A particular fave of mine
Hello, good morning/afternoon/evening
This bass have a good sound for play metal or grunge?
Hey man, you could play any style with this bass and it would sound great, cheers!
Absolutely beautiful bass! Jerry garcias wolf logo, if you dont know who he is... change that!
Hey vince puppio, yeah I know who Jerry Garcias is! It’s an amazing bass and one of a kind, as you probably know! Thanks for checking out the vid!
a trick : you can watch movies on Flixzone. I've been using it for watching lots of of movies lately.
@Pierce Alec yea, I've been watching on Flixzone} for since november myself :)
Yes, but where is the Mark King Signature Bass? This dose not look like any of Mark King's Basses.
Hi,
the Alembic community call it an MK as the body shape is a development of the standard point Mark King used.
Here's a link to Trevor Lindsey's video of him using his King bass - ua-cam.com/video/L874bcsamSU/v-deo.html! He's awesome!
Cheers, feel free to watch my other videos! I hope you like!
Nice vid. What processor were you using at the end?
I'm using the zoom B3 multi fx in this vid!
Alembic is its own class of instrument! Go too top shelf then look up💪🤘✨
100% agree! Cheers!
@@GeorgePriceBass Beautiful collection by the way, Great Taste!!! Tops
Keep it coming beast
Cheers man!!
It's the grandson David St. Hubbins on bass guitar.
CAN YOU TELL PRICE,, CAN YOU GET THIS ,,NEW BASS /LEFT AND IN 4 STRINGS,, ONE OF MOST BEAUTIFUL INSTRUMENTS I HAVE SEEN //and i have seen all from eu /like RITTER SUPER EXPENSIVE CUSTOMS TO LAURUS,, MAYONES IS NICE ,,ONE OF BEST BASS FOR PRICE INSTRUMENTS//NO THEY DID NOT MADKE ONE FOR ME ,, I AM FROM SLOVENIJA ,, A BIG BASSIST IN 2 MILION COUNTRY IS LIKE A STREET MUSITIAN IN USA /NO PUN INTENDED // they would do it but model i wanted is discontinued,, i am still pushing ,i need left bass so they ought to do one off ,,let it cost a buck more but // well pricelist ofALEMBIC ANY,,NEW BASSES PLS /i am not looking for left rare bass and as new it s a grail quest,, BRO GREAT SOUND THERE ,, I STILL THINK 80 PERC OF BASS SOUND IS IN FINGERS ,,WAY YOU PLUCK /SLAPP O RMUTE OR WHATEVER YOU DO WITH BASS,, SO GET A LOT OF THOOSE AND CHANGE THEM LIKE 2X MORE OFTEN/ALTHO I DISLIKE NEW STRING SOUND FOR A WEEK OR 2 ,, PLEASE MAIL IF YOU GET INFO /ANY / ON NEW ALEMBIC LIKE THIS YOU GOT /LEFT 4 NEW/michomicho223@gmail.com //MAIL ME PLS
I seem to be missing the part where he talks about what brand these cheap strings actually are! He waves the package around and everything, just perfectly covering up the brand.
Yo dude, are you sure you caught the beginning on the video? I clearly show what brand (Johnny Brook) they are and how much I paid! For arguments sake here’s a link - shorturl.at/fhxOP. They are more expensive by a couple of quid now. The video is a demo of the bass (see description) as well as a brief insight to how new strings will sound on this bass. They are no Rotos/Ernie but for £6 it’s understandable. Anyway, thanks for the feedback, on the next video I’ll make whatever I’m showcasing extra clear! Cheers!
@@GeorgePriceBass Thanks! If you google "transblack mark king alembic" you'll see 5-6 photos of my personal bass, against a flat grey background. Nothing can touch it for playability and sustain, but frankly I like the tone of my J, P, SR, Ric more.
Where's the low end?
It's on the video! Cheers
Demo the Electric Upright with the upright looking body!
Hey Don, I uploaded one a few days ago, thanks to you! I hope you like it! Cheers!
Beautiful Alembic George!
Kevin Lynch thanks mate! Thanks for the sub too!
Another great video!
Thank you! I've checked out the last tune you suggested too, I'll see what I can do! I'm getting busy with various gigs and things now! Anyway, cheers!
No prob George, I know your a busy guy!
I just imagine Jason Newsted playing this bass, will sound good
Aligueri
Jason I think has/still does play Alembic, he’s a great player...if he’s up for a jam, all he needs to do is call me...!
Cheers
Nice basses and tones. Good jamming too!
Thanks so much!!
Sounds great
Thanks so much!
Nice hair!! Haha and nice basses the Jerry wolf is perfect
douglas jardine ahaha thank you! My hair is even longer now...!
It’s a great bass! Thanks for the comment!
you should put some reverb
Hey, aye this bass sounds good with reverb though it can sound a little muddy on the low strings. Cheers!
RESPECT,,,,,
Scott Rubey thank YOU!
Not a Mark King Signature really only in the electronics he never played that shape bass.
Hi there! It was advertised and sold as an MK sig I believe. There's been a few about such as bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Alembic_Mark_King_Signature_4.html
It could be down to the electronics, who knows. Cheers!
Nice George
Thanks Lou L! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
You get a great sound out of the bass
Thank you! As you know, electronics certainly help with the sound! The strings are slightly heavier and they are taking some getting used to...cheers!
He’s got Lamborghini bases with Chevy Pinto strings on them
🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️ Pinto's were pretty good and reliable back in the day right - minus the explosions?
@@GeorgePriceBass that’s funny!!!
What with using the cheapest strings... literally... Available? Why waste 6 bucks?
Hi Ryan. Thanks for the question.
Well I mean let's be honest, if you managed to watch the video you'll hear that these strings didn't sound bad at all. Plus, because I play this bass a lot the strings will be dull sounding soon anyway.
In retrospect, perhaps I should have used premium strings for the demo but like I said, I was low on cash and I wanted to try them out. The reviews were good enough. Furthermore, it was hardly a waste a 6 bucks because I'm still using these strings on this bass, so really it was savvy cost cutting choice. They still sound fine, they haven't broken so yeah, 6 buck strings would be a win in my book 😄
Hopefully that answers your question, thanks for the feedback.
Cheers
nice
al stuart thanks al! Hope you’re keeping busy!
So you have £25,000 worth of basses there and you're moaning about string prices!?
Hey visog, whilst I’m more than happy to pay premium prices for strings, because I play so much the string brightness disappears very quickly, so to me, if I can find strings that cost me less to replace in the long run I will benefit.
I must also point out that I was curious as to how these would compare to a known brand. If you managed to watch my video you’ll see I did a brief comparison between cheap strings and standard £19.95 ones (Ernie Ball Custom Set - purple pack)!
Feel free to check out my other videos too, hopefully there is one you enjoy :)
Cheers!
visog also, keep an eye out for the £3 string video! ;) cheers!
Sorry but I have heard other basses that sound better than that Alembic but cost way less
Hmm fair enough and valid opinion. Alembic basses are often subject to divided opinion but I have to disagree with your comment. They, including this one sound so unique and cater for nearly every musical eventuality (in my experience) but thanks for the feedback.
I own basses from both ends of the price spectrum and both are suitable for different things but imo, Alembic basses sound the best! Perhaps I'm biased now.
Cheers
@GeorgePriceBass , no problem, is your opinion , thanks for your response also.
👏👏👍👍🤝🤝
Eldar Akhmetov thanks Eldar!
You don't need these expensive basses for your musicianship. Just get a cheap Ibanez bass, as there will be no difference in how you sound.
The nice basses are for me, the player, no one else. I'm still developing my musicianship. I don't need an Ibanez, Alembic are my sound, I can appreciate the suggestion though.
You'll notice, bottom left of the screen is a Fender J bass, my go to bass when I was younger, a 'cheap' bass. Maybe you could get yourself a Danelectro, they sound good but are even cheaper than an Ibanez.
How on earth could afford such Alembic exotica? Took me until I was 43 before I got my MK signature, you must be single, live with your parents and rich LOL!
Terry Capewell hey man, 2nd hand deals are out there and I work hard for money! Plenty of session work, gigs, busking and a bit of savings was all it took! I don’t live with my parents, I’m not single and I deffo not rich but anyway, somehow I managed to pull the trigger on it...I hope you like the bass, it’s a beautiful monster!
Thanks man, I hope you also enjoy my other videos!!
@@GeorgePriceBass Just jesting George, I have visited the Alembic factory and played one of the basses they built for Stan Clarke, you need to treat yourself and go, it's a magical place ! Well unfortunately marriage, two kids and mortgages were more important than basses but now I am single again and go to Thailand for the winter. What was the setting on the B3 as I have used Zoom for years(since the first plastic case one came out in the 90's) sounded really nice with the reverb but which reverb and compressor ? Keep it in the pocket !!
It’s all good mate!! Don’t worry! I’ll send you a picture of the presets I use on FB chat after my gig tonight! (Just waiting for actual show time) I’ve never been to the factory but I really do want to go! I’m sure it’s incredible! It’s great that you’re part of the Alembic crew, there aren’t THAT many of us!
5 alembics, You do realize You have a problem.right?😉
claudio barragan i see it more as a positive healthy condition...;)!
Thanks though, I think I have more than enough now!
Owns Alembic basses and complains about string prices then buys buys cheap strings.
😂😂
Hey Simon, thanks for your comment. I think i was making more of an observation rather than a complaint...! For me personally, the brightness of strings doesn't last very long due to the amount of playing I do so don't really see much point spending x amount on high priced strings when low cost ones are available and do the job.
Perhaps on the really budget ones (this vid) the quality is maybe somewhat suspect but they do the job. Besides, yes, I've spent all my money on basses and therefore feel it okay to cut a few corners here and there and save for more basses.
Pretty sure this bass still has those strings on it and it's done plenty of gigs and sessions since and still sounds great.
So yeah, if you read all that, hope it clarifies a few things.
Cheers!
@@GeorgePriceBass no offence meant hope none taken, cheers.