Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Dreaming... for now => Topic started by: fivestringdan on December 20, 2021, 11:09:29 AM
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I'm completely converted! The Mothership has called and the answer is...another new build! ;D
A couple of things I wanted to do with this build is possibly have custom body shaped. Different pickup configuration and different electronics. I also want to budget the build differently than my first to possible incorporate some addition "pretty things"...inlays, plated hardware, color finish, ect.
The thinking with my first build was it wasn't planned and I didn't have a budget for a Series bass. So I tried to get close with the premium laminate top, ebony neck laminate, anniversary electronics. I am 100% happy with the spec. Also, having this instrument in my hands will give me time to think properly about a Series II build in the future.
I am also wanting a 6 string fretted bass and I would like to start with a Rogue body or possibly a custom Rogue body shape. I love the way it looks. I love all the body shapes they have made but when I think of another 6 string the Rogue stands out as my first pick.
So starting with the Rogue spec, from there here's my idea;
Rogue 6 string fretted
Ebony board, Abalone oval inlays
Flame maple top, stained black
Bump peghead, silver, white cloud, inlaid rays, beveled
long or extra, extra long scale
east meets west electronics
AXY pickups
Blackened plated hardware
Continuous wood backplate
That's what I have in mind so far.
Attached is my Orion fretless.
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This is more of what I had in mind by modifying a Rogue body. Bulger body shape!
(https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--Cp17NrCo--/f_auto,t_large/v1540003459/gieosuwmdc4wy6xt6tsn.jpg)(https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--iFDT_852--/f_auto,t_large/v1540683247/mohkcbribn6bqilv19ef.jpg)
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FWIW, I think you're on the right track... that Orion is so beautiful, in an understated way. That blue one's shape is really nice, too, though I can't imagine why they have the pickups in upside-down!
anyway, for yours... have you thought about ebony stringers in the neck? A long/extra long 6 string would benefit from the stiffness and I imagine it does wonderful things for the sustain and tone. Of course, the Rogue doesn't do neck lams, but you're really talking about a Series II build, right?
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Hi Fivestringdan, you might want to check out the basses of Jan Olof Strandberg. He has a bass with that body style.
http://jostrandberg.com/gear/
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FWIW, I think you're on the right track... that Orion is so beautiful, in an understated way. That blue one's shape is really nice, too, though I can't imagine why they have the pickups in upside-down!
anyway, for yours... have you thought about ebony stringers in the neck? A long/extra long 6 string would benefit from the stiffness and I imagine it does wonderful things for the sustain and tone. Of course, the Rogue doesn't do neck lams, but you're really talking about a Series II build, right?
Eventually I would like to have a Series II. Not in the budget this year..or next..lol
I'm looking at this build as something more simple than my current order. I may start with an Excel and use the JB body. I like how the set neck sounds. May sound great with a swamp ash body as well. Maybe a MYX in the middle pickup position.
I had Fodera build a Contrabass for me about 10 years ago. I have owned other 36 inch scale basses. The longer scale doesn't bother me. And honestly the Orion is long scale and the B string is absolutely monstrous! I'm not finding a reason to order the extra, extra long scale. When I take delivery of my 5 string which is long scale I'll make the decision on this bass.
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I'm still putting this build together.
Currently I'm thinking the spec as such.
Excel 6 string, flame maple top, wineburst finish.
Medium scale, ebony board, abalone oval inlays. 16 inch radius
Two fatboy pickups
East meets West electronics
Fan peghead.
Forgo the elbow and tummy carving for a semi hollow body.
I believe that is closer to what I want than the original spec of a Rogue bass. I still may do a Mahogany/maple neck.
Of course I really would like to hear your opinion of the spec. Again, I would like to wait until my current build is delivered before deciding on the scale length.
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Can't really envision a 6er with an ultra flat radius like 16". Of course if you're used to that it should work for you. Have considered the various spacing options at the nut and at the bridge?
Don't know if they'll do a Fan 6. The Knobby looks good with a Rogue, probably with an Excel as well.
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There is a bit of customization in that Excel. Have you considered a neck through design, maybe with maple and walnut neck? I have two Alembics with walnut in the necks and like the sound, kind of open and focused, they are both fairly light so likely pretty hollow inside. Having your Excel as a semi hollow body would add to that sound, and the Excel I had was a pretty heavy bass so a semi hollow body would help with weight as well.
I visited Alembic once and Phil’ s current Series II six string was there, the neck was wafer thin!
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I like your new specs. I've really become a fan of medium scale. My first love is Rickenbacker, which is 33-1/4'' scale, so it's not a big difference. I can see the appeal of a set neck. They do have a "thing". I'm a Gibson and Guild fan as well. (OK, I just like basses... ;D ) Always liked the Excel body, but I'd have to see one in person. I can't tell if they might be kind of large?
East meets West seems like the ultimate non-Series package. If I were doing a custom build, I might be tempted to add a second filter and Q.
I'm a fan of the Fan. Seems like it would lend itself to a 3 + 3 layout.
No elbow or tummy cut makes it "more Alembic" IMO, so yes to that.
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Can't really envision a 6er with an ultra flat radius like 16". Of course if you're used to that it should work for you. Have considered the various spacing options at the nut and at the bridge?
Don't know if they'll do a Fan 6. The Knobby looks good with a Rogue, probably with an Excel as well.
One of my favorite basses I owned was a Yamaha TRB-6P. The radius was 20 inches or something if I remember? It's more comfortable to me. Years of owning a classical guitar probably normalized that.
I'm happy with my Orion 6 bridge and nut spacing which wasn't customized. I'm not too picky unless it gets tight.
I really like the "knob" peghead! The "Crown" is my favorite but I think the "Fan" will look great with the Excel body. I bet Susan can make a Fan 6 bass peghead happen. If they haven't done it before I saw that Will Gunn has a Rogue 6 spec with a "Fan" peghead. If I had to use something else I would go with the "bump" style. It's close to the knobby and looks great as a 3x3!
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There is a bit of customization in that Excel. Have you considered a neck through design, maybe with maple and walnut neck? I have two Alembics with walnut in the necks and like the sound, kind of open and focused, they are both fairly light so likely pretty hollow inside. Having your Excel as a semi hollow body would add to that sound, and the Excel I had was a pretty heavy bass so a semi hollow body would help with weight as well.
I visited Alembic once and Phil’ s current Series II six string was there, the neck was wafer thin!
I'm lucky enough to currently own a set neck and neck through basses. Everything is still on the table and I will finalize the spec when I take delivery of my current build which is a neck through with an Ebony laminate. My two bass are a 77 long scale and an Orion fretless 6. I love the sound of both! With an Ash body I'm looking for a more punchy/faster tone. With a medium scale my hope is it will be a speed demon..lol. Not that I get to play like that often but that is what I'm after. I love how walnut sounds for neck material. I built a bass with a one piece walnut neck.
(https://www.talkbass.com/attachments/5343382024258548079-jpg.4786868/)
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I like your new specs. I've really become a fan of medium scale. My first love is Rickenbacker, which is 33-1/4'' scale, so it's not a big difference. I can see the appeal of a set neck. They do have a "thing". I'm a Gibson and Guild fan as well. (OK, I just like basses... ;D ) Always liked the Excel body, but I'd have to see one in person. I can't tell if they might be kind of large?
East meets West seems like the ultimate non-Series package. If I were doing a custom build, I might be tempted to add a second filter and Q.
I'm a fan of the Fan. Seems like it would lend itself to a 3 + 3 layout.
No elbow or tummy cut makes it "more Alembic" IMO, so yes to that.
If the body is larger that means it's just right for me..lol. My Orion feels small to me and my standard point body fits just right. Having a semi hollow body like the Series bass will be very interesting to hear and cut some of the weight. Speaking of, I was considering having a bridge made from titanium and doing some A/B testing.
I owned a couple of medium scale fender p basses. Worked great for me and wanted to that in a six string.
My current build has anniversary electronics and I'm excited to hear those with the fatboys! I like the two band eq as well. Adding a filter will just be perfect for this bass.
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I visited Alembic once and Phil’ s current Series II six string was there, the neck was wafer thin!
Mica brought the replica she had made of Phil's six-string to the Berkeley Shakedown Festival back in 2016 and it was displayed at the Alembic booth which she shared with Rosie McGee. I got a chance to play the bass unplugged and concur, the neck was quite thin, much different profile than either of the Series basses I own.
I have a pseudo East Meets West setup in my three pickup Modulus Quantum Five-string. Lots of tonal choices, I would certainly consider that electronics package for a non-Series build.
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I visited Alembic once and Phil’ s current Series II six string was there, the neck was wafer thin!
Mica brought the replica she had made of Phil's six-string to the Berkeley Shakedown Festival back in 2016 and it was displayed at the Alembic booth which she shared with Rosie McGee. I got a chance to play the bass unplugged and concur, the neck was quite thin, much different profile than either of the Series basses I own.
I have a pseudo East Meets West setup in my three pickup Modulus Quantum Five-string. Lots of tonal choices, I would certainly consider that electronics package for a non-Series build.
I'll definitely ask about the neck profile.
That electronics package works best for what I want. A Europa would be about the same but I like to dial in different tones with the two eq points. They are really amazing on fretless and am looking forward to using it on a fretted bass!
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I wonder if they can do a CVQ with the East meets West electronics. That would be fun!
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Good luck getting Alembic to do that for you. I recall a while back it was stated that, CVQ would only be done on series instruments. However there are a small number of non series with that modification, I expect finding Ron W's bench time for those ad hoc customisations is most likely low priority and expensive. :-)
I would like that kind of mod for my series I bass
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Good luck getting Alembic to do that for you. I recall a while back it was stated that, CVQ would only be done on series instruments. However there are a small number of non series with that modification, I expect finding Ron W's bench time for those ad hoc customisations is most likely low priority and expensive. :-)
I would like that kind of mod for my series I bass
Interesting. I can live with the three position switch. Would just be something cool while considering a Series II build.
I've never played a bass with the CVQ option. What do you think of it and the Q switch?
It was also suggested that when I send my Series I back for an RF upgrade to have the CVQ's installed as well.
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Everybody has their own preferences and it's all part of your personal pursuit of what you think is, or would be, ideal for you. I have the feeling you would appreciate any Alembic that you spent some time with and be able to make great music with it.
CVS vs Q-switch? I have 2 fretless Series I basses and 3 fretted Series IIs. On the Series I my Q-switch on the bridge pickup is set to the middle position with the filter wide open - for just a touch of ultra high-frequency boost. On the Series II the trim pot on the bridge pickup is set for only a slight bit of boost on the high pickup for the same effect. That extra tippy-top boost is extremely subtle, especially if I'm playing with any other musicians. Pickup volume and filter controls remain wide open and these are the settings I always use, nothing ever changes. (Although I admit I may be odd in this way.)
For your custom build Alembic can literally do anything you can think of. Decisions about wood, body shape, inlays, LED colors, electronics package, jewel encrusted backlit logo, etc... are all part of the joy is making it your own creation. You choose all the options that appeal to you.
All I'm really trying to say is - in my experience, I sound just like ME on whatever bass I pick up. The details can make a difference - to me - but rarely can anybody outside of my own head hear anything but ME playing. So in my opinion, the difference between a Continuously Variable Q and a Q-switch is way out there at the extreme end of consequences. :) It puts the Q in subtle.
Jimmy J
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Agreed. I'll just have to try a CVQ and see if it's what I want.
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It puts the Q in subtle.
Jimmy J
It is to LOL! (Well, I did anyway.)
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Not sure if it's worth waiting for my current build to be delivered now that there is a price increase starting 2023.
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Played a short scale today..things maybe changing!
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Life has changed a lot since my last post..lol
Working again with Susan for another six string. I'm glad I waited for my custom to be delivered.
So for this bass I'm wanting a six string gigging bass. I was thinking about Series II electronics but Susan reminded me that would need front and rear laminates which I am not wanting.
So two body options for now.
A Europa that is not asymmetrical and an Excel 6 string
Ash body
Fatboy pickups
Flame Maple Top, purple burst finish
Ebony Board, Oval inlays
Europa electronics
Medium scale
Fan peghead, beveled "Haven't asked if they can do a six string"
Amber LED side lights.
Elbow and tummy cut
Did I leave anything out? Big change from my previous spec!
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Thinking about adding a third pickup in the middle of the other two. I've seen some built like this. What were the controls for the pickups?
Edit: Found Danny's bass controls
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These are the controls on mine:
4 way pickup selector switch
1. P only
2. P with J (from the bridge/neck pan)
3. J only (from the bridge/neck pan)
4. Standby
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I can firmly recommend the third pup. The difference is amazing.
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Thank you both for the input. I love the idea of a four way switch. I don't know if I would want a filter for each pickup. I barely use both filters on my custom bass. Kinda keep it like Jimmy suggested, Bridge filter back a tad only.
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Okay. I think I figured out what I want.
Excel 6 string
Medium Scale
Ash body
Ebony Fingerboard w/Oval inlays MOP
Flame maple top
Amber side LED
Fan peghead
Fatboy bridge
Middle MXY56
Neck AXY56
Either Europa electronics for East Meets West and someway to control the middle pickup
Oil Finish
Tummy/Elbow cuts
I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting. We will work out the details when the order is placed. I think that's it, ready to start this process!
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Sounds like a nice and unique build! You may want to ask if the fan headstock will be a good choice for this body style. I have one on my medium-scale small-bodied Series bass, like the way it looks but some serious neck-dive. But, it may not be an issue Excel body style.
East Meets West electronics are a great option but not sure about how a pickup selector for three 3-pickups would work. The only 3-pickup bass I have has Alembic pickups/electronics with on/off toggle switches for each pickup but no way to blend the output from each, they are either on or off. That bass has psuedo East Meet West electronics but only one volume and filter control. Having the variable bass/treble boost cut pots added increased the range of available tones quite a bit. It is also great to be able to tweak bass or treble without going to your amp. If anyone can come up with a custom pickup selector for you it would be Ron…
Good luck with the build!
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There's a Wave 6 somewhere with three pickups and some pretty wild electronics. Seems like I remember a Troubleshooting thread on it... hang on, be back widdit ina minnit...
Here it was- https://club.alembicguitars.com/index.php?topic=28787.msg292598#msg292598
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Thank you all for the input with the bass!! This is an outstanding community of people that I am lucky to have found.
Here is the spec ordered.
Alembic, INC
Item DescriptionQty
XMB6 Excel medium-scale 6-string bass
Top Flame Maple
Body Ash
Sandwich: Fl. Map - Walnut pin - Ash body
Neck 5-piece Maple with 4 Walnut pinstripes
Fingerbo... Ebony zero radius comfort taper
LEDs Amber side
Inlay Mother of pearl ovals
Headstock Fan 3+3 logo on the end
Pickup MXY56 middle - FatBoy bridge
Electronics EMW Electronics1
Finish Hand-rubbed oil
Case Hardshell
We are going to add a 2 pos Q switch for the LPF. I decided not to go with a third pickup..lol Mica told me it can be added later if I want but I think this is going to be a great gigging bass!! I have about a month for any changes before it going into production.
Tell me what you guys think.
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Great choices - it'll be an amazing instrument, both looks and sound!
I'm a big fan of the oil finishes - my fretless is oil finished and it just feels warmer in my hands. My others are all gloss, but there's something about the organic nature of the oil finish.
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I have owned and still own several basses with an oil finish. I like how the wood patinas over time and the wear/dents that come with use of the instrument. It's nice keeping some basses new "looking" with a hard finish and I like both.
Speaking of...has Alembic ever done color stain with an oil finish? That might be a fun thing to do since I'm using maple for the top.
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Looks like a great build… congratulations on pulling the trigger to get it started.
I think it would be difficult, or impossible, have an oil top finish on an Alembic with a color-stain. The wood is coated with clear coat to seal it before the stain is applied so the color can be reversed in the future if desired. The oil finish probably won’t work over the clear-coat with stain on top of that, the stain gets sealed in with another clear coat. Oil needs to penetrate the bare wood to build a finish.
Are you thinking of having the top stained?
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Looks like a great build… congratulations on pulling the trigger to get it started.
I think it would be difficult, or impossible, have an oil top finish on an Alembic with a color-stain. The wood is coated with clear coat to seal it before the stain is applied so the color can be reversed in the future if desired. The oil finish probably won’t work over the clear-coat with stain on top of that, the stain gets sealed in with another clear coat. Oil needs to penetrate the bare wood to build a finish.
Are you thinking of having the top stained?
Yes, I was thinking it would be fun to stain the top if applicable. I believe you can do an alcohol based stain then seal with oil. I haven't done that myself but wanted to try it. Although the color would not be reversible.
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Congrats on the order! Looking forward to seeing how this turns out.
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Congrats on the order! Looking forward to seeing how this turns out.
Thank you, David! Me too, maybe I can get some production pictures and post them.
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Spec Change!!!
I decided to use Walnut for the top rather than Maple. The original concept of the instrument was to add color to the finish. So maple being the obvious choice for a colored wood. Now that we are using oil as the finish I wanted something more interesting as the top wood so I chose Walnut. Zebrano was a close second as I love the look but not a huge fan of how zebra wood feels when used with oil.
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If you want a Factory to Customer thread let me know!
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Nice idea pivoting to Walnut for the top wood, love the look and sound of Walnut and it should look great with an oil finish.
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If you want a Factory to Customer thread let me know!
That would be so much fun, Mica!!! Yes, let's do that it's been too long since we had a FtC thread!
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Nice idea pivoting to Walnut for the top wood, love the look and sound of Walnut and it should look great with an oil finish.
I agree. Walnut will look stunning with an oil finish and add a little touch of dark tone to the Ash/Ebony/Maple wood combo.
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Congrats! The Excel shape is a fave of mine. Play it in excellent health and inspiration!
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Congrats! The Excel shape is a fave of mine. Play it in excellent health and inspiration!
Thanks Daniel! I wanted an Excel when I ordered my first custom. Decided on a Balance point but seeing your basses made me want an excel shape even more! It's going to be a killer bass!!!