Best alembic for slap/funk?

[Paco del Guacho (paco)]

I don't have the opportunity to play all of the different Alembic models locally (I actually haven't played one since I left NYC, where you can see nearly every model in a given day on 48th St.) and I am wondering if people can tell which model they think is the best for slap style play.  I would assume that the Mark King signature is a good bet given his style of play.  
 
I am also wondering if any of the cheaper models are good choices (since I have a limited budget), like the Epic (which I know Flea plays) or the Spoiler/Persuader (I would guess that the Persuader is a better choice since the Spoiler doesn't seem to have much space between the neck and the pickup).  
 
Any thoughts?  Thanks.  

[rabidbassist]

Hey man,  
I own an '86  Persuader and lemme tell you, the thing can slap! the p/j pickup configuration is a big room saver and you can get huge huge tones out of them. mine only has 2 volumes and a filter but it get better tones than any bass my dad or I own. that includes a thumb, fenders, and a gibson g-3. These basses can slap and the low action on them helps the speed. they area awesome you need to get one man!. Check Ebay they are constantly on there.
Keep Funkin Man,
Josh

[dannobasso]

The Excel is very good for slap. I use 2 pups but the 1 pup would do the deal nicely. The fatboys are very responsive and have high output. 34 scale taboot! It is the least pricy of the line but all of the quality is there.

[valvil]

I've basically played almost any type of Alembic and they are all great for slapping.  I'd say the best one for you would be the one with the body shape that you are most comfortable with.   Electronics-wise the higher end models give you more sounds to play with, but you can easily get great slapping tones from an Excel too, as Danno pointed out. So, if you are on a budget an Excel or Epic or Orion would be great.
 
Valentino

[rami]

I believe this topic was covered in a previous thread with a similar name.
 
These days, I'd hardly call the Excel, Epic or Orion budget basses.  But the Excel gives you the best bang for the buck.  Simple, amazing quality, and VERY powerful sound.  I compare it to a Stingray on steroids.  
 
Rami

[alemboid]

Well, here is a question:
I noticed that the Stingray pickup is about 29 inches back from the string nut. I too noticed that the Excel pickup is a bit closer to the nut-lets say about 27.5 inches. As a result, Ive noticed the Excel tone favors a Precision bass more than a Stingray. 1)Your findings? 2) If the Fatboy pickup in the Excel was in the same place as the Stingray, would the Excel favor the Stingray more than the Precision? 3) Mica, what do you think?            
 
Alemboid

[rami]

While the pickup location of the Excel undoubtedly contributes to it's fatter and punchier tone, it's not really fair to compare it to a Precision Bass.  There are just too many variables in its design;  its construction, woods, active electronics, wide aperture Fat boy pickup etc...
 
I believe that the location of the Fatboy gives the best overall sound for a single pickup design.  The Stingray sounds a little thin and nasal by comparison. (I also own a Stingray).
 
Rami

[xlrogue6]

My fave for slap is the Europa circuit, although anything with a filter and Q switch would probably do it.  I leave the Q off for fingerstyle and turn it on for slap, with the filter knob full up.  For old school fingerstyle tones, I usually roll off the filter 25-50%, or use the treble cut switch if I want it really dark.  The Q and filter are also great for dialing in pick sounds.

[christhompson]

I've got an 83 Spoiler, and I love the sound of it as it slaps and pops, but there's a problem.
 
The 83 Spoiler has the neck pickup insanely close to the fretboard, like half an inch. This makes it a bit hard to get a finger in there to pop. I'm told that later spoilers moved the next pickup about an inch toward the bridge.
 
I've got the Spoiler, and Alembic aftermarkets in a Fender Fretless Jazz and a cheapo Yamaha BB200, I'm addicted to the sound of the electronics. Great for slap and pop.