I got a chance to play a Alembic Tribute (made around 2005) the other day and must say I was really impressed with the quality and craftsmanship. Also it played so smooth (like butter) everywhere on the neck. It was really an amazing feel. This was colobolo/maple/cocobolo sandwich with flame maple neck and leds on the side.
What I didn't like most of all was the sound of the Alembic pickups. They were super clean and way too bright and thin sounding. They didn't growl. I think ANY passive pickups (with UGB) would have sounded better. Of course you can cut the highs and change the tone (the tone control almost sounds/acts like a wah pedal) but you need to roll off quite a bit of highs to get a good sound. I'm used to having the tone full blast.
Also, the price of Alembics is ridiculous. Much rather spend less on a Matt Moriarity and have it look exactly how I want with the pickups and electronics I want. But if anyone were to give me an Alembic (or make me an offer I couldn't refuse - i.e. really cheap), then I'd re-do the electronics and probably be very happy with the guitar.
What I didn't like most of all was the sound of the Alembic pickups. They were super clean and way too bright and thin sounding. They didn't growl. I think ANY passive pickups (with UGB) would have sounded better. Of course you can cut the highs and change the tone (the tone control almost sounds/acts like a wah pedal) but you need to roll off quite a bit of highs to get a good sound. I'm used to having the tone full blast.
Also, the price of Alembics is ridiculous. Much rather spend less on a Matt Moriarity and have it look exactly how I want with the pickups and electronics I want. But if anyone were to give me an Alembic (or make me an offer I couldn't refuse - i.e. really cheap), then I'd re-do the electronics and probably be very happy with the guitar.