Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Showcase => Excel Basses => Topic started by: Paul Ellsworth (elzie) on August 17, 2002, 11:25:34 AM
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Here is my Excel 4.
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Hmmm, let me try that again.(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/1440.jpg)
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Hey Paul,
That's a real beauty. Are those signature electronics with Fat Boy pickups? Standard construction (set neck & 34 scale)?
Very nice.
I'm quite an Excel fan myself!
Rami
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Thanks Rami!
To be honest, I am not sure about the electronics. I bought the Excel on Ebay last year for $950! Yes, it is a set neck & 34 scale. I wish I had a better picture of it. I really need more practice with my digital camera! If you ever happen to be in the Boston area, let me know and you can play it
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Well Paul, you got a great deal!
That's definitely a custom Excel (at least where the electronics are concerned).
Along with the great feel and balance, it must sound simply amazing!
Great Bass. Enjoy!
Rami
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You know, after all these years of playing, I bought this without ever touching an Alembic. However, when it arrived at my home and I played it, I knew right away that this was the one.
It is a bit heavier than my other basses, but it is not noticable. It does feel and sound great! I am going to re-string it this week, maybe I will try some Elixir strings. I still have some Alembic strings, but I thought they lost their brightness very quickly. Any string suggestions?
Paul
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Funny you should mention Elixirs. I have an Excel 4 (Flame Maple in fact!) with Elixir strings. To be quite honest, they don't really impress me. I personally LOVE Dean Markley Blue Steels (Nickel plated). They sound even growlier than the Alembic strings. They have it all! Super tone, long life, and very little fret noise. The Elixirs sound a little dull in comparison. The Dean Markleys actually sound alot like Alembic strings, but with just a little more edge.
Worth a try!
Rami
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LOL! That is all I have ever bought was the Blue Steels;) I have been using them on every bass I own for years. I have a set of Blue Steels, Elixirs and two sets of Alembic strings. I guess I will have to flip a coin to see which set goes on first.
I would love to see a pic of your Excel.
Paul
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I'll try to post a few pics. Actually, that one looks just like yours, but with the standard electronics (single Fat Boy pickup, Vol, Bass, Treble). My wildest Excel is a 5 string, Vermillion top with one Fat Boy and one MXY pickup. It has the standard electronics with a pan control.
*A little warning - Excels are addictive!
I presently own 9 Excels - 4's, 5's, Fretless, love them all!
I also feel that it's the perfect bass.
Rami
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9 Excels? Wow! I also think that it is the perfect bass
Paul
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This is my Excel 4 Flame Maple.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/1503.jpg)
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This is my Excel 4 Flame Maple.
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This is my Funky Cool Vermillion Excel 5. This has an MXY pickup as well as the Fatboy. The extra knob is a pan control.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/1507.jpg)
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This one just stole my heart - It was Love at first sight!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/1510.jpg)
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This was my first Alembic EVER!!!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/1513.jpg)
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His bigger brother
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/1516.jpg)
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Twin Brother
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/1519.jpg)
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Cousin Fred
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/1522.jpg)
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My 4 - Quilted Maple
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/1525.jpg)
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My Flame 5
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/1528.jpg)
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Rami, what can I say? That is an awesome collection! Any time you get sick of any of those, please let me know
Paul
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Thanks Paul, I'll keep that in mind.
I got most of them at liquidation prices from my local dealer; In most cases, less than the price of a crappy Fender! When I got my first, I was just looking for a decent fretless bass when I spotted the Excel - at less than the price of a Standard Fender Jazz Fretless!!!! How could I refuse? There was no comparison. It was the beginning of a beautiful relationship and the rest, as they say, is history. It's since become my all time favorite model. Simple, GREAT sounding, comfortable and versatile. One of the all time greatest basses EVER!
I'm still very intrigued by by the electronics of your Excel though, it must have a very special & amazing sound!
I probably won't be buying anymore Excel's for a while (Yeah right!), so I'll be hanging on to them for a while.
Best wishes,
Rami
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Well, I can plug it into one of my computers and email you the sound file. Let me know if you would like to do that.
As for what type of electronics, we would have to refer that question to Mica
Paul
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From your picture, they definitely look like Signature electronics. They include a volume control for each pickup, a tone control for each pickup, and a Q switch for each pickup.
Standard Excel electronics are 1 Fatboy pickup, with volume, bass, and treble.
There really are no two identical Alembics - I guess that's what makes them so special.
I'm kinda curious to know what type of setup you're using. Mine is an EDEN DC-210 XLT METRO with a 410XLT cab. 600 watts into six 10 speakers.
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I am using a Hartke HA2000 with a Laney 410 and a Yamaha 215 w/JBL's inside. I just recently purchased the Hartke and love it.
I think the best part of the amp is that it is tube and solid state. I was mixing both together, but now I use just the tube side of the amp
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Nice setup,
I use almost exclusively the tube side of my amp as well. The sound is warm and growly at the same time. Suits my Alembics best. I think of all my Alembics, the Excel has the growliest and punchiest sound naturally.
Great Bass!!! Very versatile.
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I have tried using the solid state side, but I'm not having any of it
I also have a Peavey Mark VI that I used exclusively for years. I found it to be a very dependable, versatile and heavy amp. I even preferred it over the Trace Elliot I used to own, consequently, I sold the Trace about four months after I bought it.
However, after purchasing the Hartke, I don't think I will use the Peavey again ;) I will make some mp3 samples of the Excel within the next few weeks.
Paul
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That's really great, I'd really like to hear them. Let me know when they're ready!
You know, I'm a really big fan of Alain Caron (after Jaco...of course). I always saw him playing through EDEN systems. He also is (in my opinion) the greatest living fretless bass player - 6 string fretless. After hearing him, and having had the honor of meeting and speaking with him, I started plugging into EDEN systems and never looked back. I know that there are alot of other great makers out there... but I've settled on a specific sound that's kinda become MY sound.
Too bad such a great Bassist doesn't play Alembics. (Just imagine how Jaco would've sounded!).
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Wow Rami! The pics of your collection look really great. I think you'd have to buy a wide angle lens to get them all in one picture ;)
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A wide angle lens and a whole lot of guitar stands! (I only have 3)
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Hi Rami-
I am writing about your Funky Cool Vermillion Excel 5. But first I have to compliment your impressive collection of Excels and Europas. You must feel like a proud father.
I am trying to get some ideas together for my Alembic dream. I am looking for a bass with simple controls, but with a lot of tone variation. It has been suggested to me to consider the Excel. I noticed your Vermillion Excel with the Fat Boy pickup and the MXY. I am curious how it has performed for you compared to the single pickup Excels and your Europas. I have been skeptical of basses with only 1 pickup, but I don't really want to deal with 4 or 5 knobs and 2 or 3 switches to shape my sound. Any feedback is appreciated.
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Hi David,
Thanks for the compliment! My other basses are Rogues and Essences - I don't own any Europas - YET!
As for the Vermillion Excel, the controls are still pretty basic - Bass, Treble, Volume and Pan. The sound as you can imagine is bit fuller than my standard Excels. I can get a little more ringing harmonics on that bass, as well as a sweeter mellow tone when I lean on the front pickup. I LOVE playing Jaco's Portrait of Tracy on that bass. Great punchy tone, and harmonics that go on forever. As much as I love the standard Excel, this one has that little extra dimension. I found that bass by luck; just walked into my local music store and there it was! I don't know if Alembic made many more like that, but it impresses the heck out of me each time I play it!
By the way: I traded a Music Man Stingray 5 in for that Excel. One of the best moves I ever made.
Good luck,
Rami
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Rami-
Thanks for the reply. I don't know why I said Europa, I was thinking Rogue. I have looked at your pictures of Dark Prince and Evil Twin and read the Featured Custom section about 15 times. I work at night and maybe my brain was too eager to go to bed when I was writing.
After seeing your Vermillion Excel, I am thinking about going with the Fatboy and MXY on an Excel. I have never been too crazy about Pan controls, but I had a '72 Ric with the 3-way pickup selector that worked well for me. For controls I am thinking about Volume, Bass/ Treble in a concentric knob, Pickup selector switch then a Q switch inline with the p/u selector. Then I can use the Q on either or both pickups that are selected.
Two knobs, two switches. Still simple, but with a lot of options. Any feedback?
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David; as I understand it, the Q switch works in combination with the filter. So to get the two knobs, two switches setup, perhaps you could go with Volume, Filter, Q switch, P/U selector.
Dave
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Hey Rami, nice collection. I had a question about the two pickup vermillion. I was wondering how the fatboy sounds in the bridge position compared to the the regular position and how it compares to a MXY in the bridge? I was also wondering if you think, in your own honest opinion, that a sustain block really works.
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Dave-
You are right about the Q switch. Maybe I need to do some more homework on the filter to see if it works for me. Does it just work similar to an EQ?
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Hi David,
I'm not really a big fan of the pickup switch. I prefer to gradually roll on or off each pickup's volme. How about a concentric Bass/Treble control and a concentric Pan/tone control? Then just add a master volume and a 'Q' switch for each pickup. That way, you'd only have two concentric controls, a volume and 2 switches.
I have a pickup switch on my Series II. I rarely use it. It also has a master volume and a volume control for each pickup. I just use the individual volume controls.
Take care,
Rami
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Hi Michael,
In the bridge position on its own, the Fatboy still sounds great. It has a wide aperture so it still really growls. In fact, I credit it for the bass's great harmonics. The difference in tone between that bass and the other Excels is still rather subtle, because the pickups are so close together. But it still has has that little something extra in its sound. I also feel that any feature to increase a bass's sutain is always welcome. One of my Essence's (a '93 with standard electronics) doesn't have the sustain block. It let's me make a direct comparison in sound with my other Essences. You can hear the contribution made by the sustain block.
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Hey Rami, what do you think of the balance of your Excels. I'm visiting Alembic on Monday and I'm trying to figure out what body will suit me. I have an Epic and was thinking of ordering a custom Epic. However, after doing a side by side comparison of my Epic and my Fender Jazz, the Jazz felt a little more where I liked it. The jazz sits at about 1:00 to1:30. Thanks for your help.
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Hi Michael,
The Excel has GREAT balance. The Excel and the Rogue both have these really long upper horns that give them balance. Try standing with an Excel hanging from a strap over you're shoulder and you'll see what I mean.
Take care,
Rami
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I have to agree about the great balance. Mine sits at about 2:30, but I have long arms
I think you can position the Excel to where you want it and it will stay put.
Have fun at Alembic!
Paul
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Hey guys, I have been reading along this thread, and wanted to tell you that I have an Excel with Epic (MXY) pickups in it. Apparently, different dealers order their basses custom as well! I love my Excel, it's got a totally different tone then my Epic. I will post pictures if you would like when I get back home at the end of the week.
-Jeff
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Hi Jeff,
Welcome to the thread...
My Vermillion Excel 5 has an MXY (you can see it's picture further up the thread) I recently bought a fretless version too. The extra knob is for Pan. An electronics upgrade ordered by my dealer. I just happened to walk in the store one day and there it was! Great sounding Bass.
Paul's Bass (The first picture in the thread) has signature electronics, along with two Fatboy's. I can only imagine how great it must sound!
Rami
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Yes, welcome to the Excel club Jeff!
Rami, I keep meaning to get you an mp3 of the sound, but every time I plug in my bass, I just have too much fun and you know the rest....
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Ok Rami, I did it! I put a couple of very small tracks down on the computer while I was thinking of it.
I don't think my bass and computer have ever met before! This could become an easy habit!!
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David,
I just recently got my first Alembic (a Spoiler) which has a very simple setup...vol,tone,pu select, Q switch. I find it absolutely amazing how versitile it is. There are also adjustments you can make inside the control cavity (haven't done that yet).I, too, like simple controls. I had a BC Rich Eagle that had knobs and switches all over it. It drove me nuts. I was used to a G&L SB-2 (2 knobs...vol,vol).The Eagle was really a nice bass....just not for me. We soon parted company.
and Rami,
Great looking family you have there. I am envious.
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Elzie, I have been recording on computer for years, and it is a habit. if you would like checkout some of the stuff I have done, go to www.avd.org/songs.html (http://www.avd.org/songs.html) all the songs were recorded on computer, and with my Alembic basses and an Alembic electric guitar
David T
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Here is my Fretless Vermilion 5 - Funky Cool!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/8472.jpg)
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Wow. I was just dreaming about a custom Excel. This thread is inspirational. What a load of cool looking woods and options. I think the wide upper horns are very sharp and unique. Well, back to plotting the custom Excel 5 string I was thinking about...
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Almost a year since the last post.......
Nice collection wow!!!!!!!!!
I don't own an Alembic, yet!
came here on an invite from Paul :-)
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Hey, thanks for the nice comments. I got most of them at clearance prices from my dealer. In fact, the only ones I paid full price for are the 2 five string Vermillions, and the Quilted Maple 5. That's how the collection got so big. I fell in love with the Excel for it's simplicity, the way it plays and it's HUGE tone.
I still think it's one of the greatest Basses ever made - a true classic. I'd highly recommend it, even if it were to be your only Bass.
Rami
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Here's a beauty I picked up a couple of months ago. The funny thing is that while I couldn't take a decent picture of it, I stumbled upon an Alembic factory picture!
Excel 4 Vermillion - with added MXY pickup and PAN control.
s/n 03X13137USA
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/24215.jpg)
The Excel has it all for me. It's the greatest Bass ever.
(Message edited by rami on January 21, 2006)
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Hey Rami,
so you got yourself again a twin??
Oh well ...let's call it nephews: the one is a 4 the first a 5 if my eyes are not playing tricks on me.
The funny thing is that -with my respect for your vast collection containing some REALLY expensive dreambasses- since I know you, you laways have expressed your preference for the more cheap (huhuhu ...let's call that less expensive) basses.
Paul TBO
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That's very true Paul. I'm especially fond of the Excel. In fact, this is my main Bass of all time. I practically sleep with this one.
s/n 99X12130USA
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/24218.jpg)
It's as simple as it gets but... OH what a sound!
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Rami you are the official mr Alembic!
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Seconded!!!!!!!!!
G