Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Showcase => Excel Basses => Topic started by: tomlerner on June 15, 2007, 08:50:24 AM

Title: Hey Rami
Post by: tomlerner on June 15, 2007, 08:50:24 AM

I'm thinking about ordering a short-scale fretless Excel 4-string, and I'm looking for maximum low-midrange growl. I'd be interested to hear Rami's and any other Excel owners' opinions regarding the best wood selection for achieving this. I'm thinking of going with the standard choices of pau ferro board, vermilion top on ash body, and maple+walnut neck. Any comments, or suggestions for a better way to go? Thanks, Tom

Title: Hey Rami
Post by: precarius on June 16, 2007, 09:14:07 AM

Tom- I replied to your post about Excels in the Dreaming For Now section.
Mike

Title: Hey Rami
Post by: rami on June 17, 2007, 05:22:55 PM

Hey Tom,
 
I personally prefer the standard Excel electronics (single Fatboy pickup, with Vol, Bass, and Treble controls) over the now commonly seen 2 pickup version.  There's something about the placement of the Fatboy with its wide aperture that really captures that punch and growl that I so fell in love with.
 
Here's my all time favorite and growliest Bass:
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/41165.jpg)
 
I'm sure a short scale version should sound just as sweet.

Title: Hey Rami
Post by: tomlerner on June 17, 2007, 08:45:17 PM

Thanks Rami. I've seen photos of this beauty elsewhere around the club. Is that walnut on ash, with a pau ferro board? Is it the only single pickup Excel in your collection?
Tom

Title: Hey Rami
Post by: rami on June 18, 2007, 07:28:36 AM

That's Walnut on Ash with Pau Ferro.  All my Excels with the exception of 3 have the standard electronics.  This thread has most of the pics;
 
http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/1436.html?1137855960 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=9163)

Title: Hey Rami
Post by: tomlerner on June 19, 2007, 02:47:45 PM

Thanks, Rami.

Title: Hey Rami
Post by: rami on June 20, 2007, 06:11:15 PM

It's my pleasure Tom.  I realize that the Excel, like any model has to evolve with time.  But I feel that changing its formula with different electronic configurations or principal woods change its sound too much for my taste and take away from what makes it so special.  It really is one special Bass - perfect.

Title: Hey Rami
Post by: rami on April 24, 2008, 02:39:12 PM

Just thought I'd mention here that 2008 marks the Excel's 10th anniversary.  The one pictured here was made in '99.
I'm very proud to be so closely associated with this model.  It's still my favorie Bass of all time.
 
(Message edited by rami on April 24, 2008)

Title: Hey Rami
Post by: funkyjazzjunky on April 24, 2008, 02:51:16 PM

Rami,
 
How do the fingerboards hold up?  Do you use roundwounds on any of them?

Title: Hey Rami
Post by: rami on April 24, 2008, 03:08:06 PM

The fretless Excels came with Alembic NPS roundwounds.  That's when they sound best - the ultimate growly Jaco tone.  The Pau Ferro fingerboards hold up exceptionally well - although to be honest, I don't play fretless as much as fretted.  As well, they all wear D'Addario Chromes these days.
 
I think that one may very well be the first fretless.  I wonder if that can be confirmed.
 
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