Excel-a-Rogue...

[evilgus]

Hey folks,
 
Has anyone ever ordered/seen a custom Excel fiver with a Rogue body shape? I'm so impressed with my Excel 4 that I want a 5-string and might even try it out with the Rogue shape and electronics. (Or Signature elecs, even!) Any disadvantages to doing this? How would two FatBoys sound with the centre one moved slightly towards the neck?
 
Cheers,
 
EG

[mica]

We have made a few set neck basses with Rogue body shapes, so the template is on file. It would be lighter weight than the same bass made with an Excel shape.
 
Moving the neck pickup closer to the end of the fingerboard will make it sound bassier. With a FatBoy, there's a chance that depending on the wood choices, it will be too boomy, but you can always swap it out for an AXY with ease.
 
Rogue/Europa electronics are great for live situations especially - just enough controls for a good variety of available sounds, but not so much that on the fly navigation is difficult.
 
Signature electronics give you a little more control over the sound, with a separate filter/Q for each pickup.

[evilgus]

Thanks Mica, I've only ever been able to play a few different Alembics, so hard to know what is practical and what will sound right. I far preferred the sound of an Excel with Pau Ferro board over a Rogue with Ebony, and my main fiver is still a bolt-on Tobias with mid and bridge located pickups, so I think the Excel layout suits me better. (Pity the Tobias now sounds so dull and boring, by comparison! Argh!) Is the front Excel pickup basically in the sweet-spot? Do 5-string Excels really sound as punchy and great as fours? If I end up with the same tone and clarity as well as a kick-ass low B to torment my Acme cab, I'll be in bass-heaven!  
 
Cheers,
 
Justin

[rami]

Hey Justin,  
 
As an owner of several Excels - 4's and 5's with various tops and electronic configurations, I can tell you that 4's and 5's with similar woods and electronics sound the same.  The 5's have a bit more sustain and punch though due to their increased mass.  I personally prefer the 4's because the slimmer necks are (for me) faster and more comfortable.  But, the Alembic 5 string neck is still the most comfortable and player friendly of all the 5's that I've ever played.
 
The 5 sounds slightly better due to it's mass, but the 4 is faster, lighter and more comfortable.  Give them both a try and see what you like.
 
Most of my Excels feature the original single Fatboy and have that great satin finish.
 
A very cool growly Bass.
 
Rami

[evilgus]

Thanks Rami, very helpful to know an Excel5 will at least sound as good, if not better, than my existing 4. What a great bass they are!
 
EG