Vermillion 5 string fretless Excel

[rraymond]

I jones'd over this one for a while and pulled the trigger last week when it appeared on eBay. The genesis of getting this bass was that I have played a 5 string MK deluxe for 3 years, and I got a 4 string fretless Excel 2 years ago. About a year ago, I began to consider a 5 string fretless Excel, but with the Bal K body. Seeing this bass on Alembic's site several months ago made me think they had become mind readers! LOL!  A lesson in Alembic physics:  

 plus

 equals

  From Alembic's Showroom:  

  From the seller:  

  It seems every Alembic I have played has surprised me in some really good way. This one has an awesome neck. I was expecting it to be a bit bulky, but it is pretty darn slim. It has that totally comfortable Bal K body, too!

[rami]

Congrats Reid,
 
I've been drooling over that Bass since it was first posted on the Alembic store page.  I just couldn't justify buying it (other than for it's gorgeous shape) considering that I already have 3 Vermillion Excels (a fretless 4, a fretless 5 and a fretted 5)  all with the Fatboy and MXY configuration.
I was wondering when that beauty would stop teasing me and find a home!
 
Enjoy,
 
Rami
 
 
P.S.  I'm still jealous as hell!
 
(Message edited by rami on May 29, 2007)

[the_8_string_king]

Wow, congrats on a great looking bass!
 
With the woods used for the top and the fingerboard, it should have a pretty awesome fretless sound... and it looks really pretty!
 
And with the Balance K body, it might be the best looking set neck Alembic ever!
 
To my knowledge, yours is the first... is that right?
 
If so (or if not... so I guess, in any event) I bet it won't be the last!!!

[rraymond]

Thanks guys, this bass really knocked me out when I first saw it. I'm kind of amazed that it is here. I took it to band practice last night and it just naturally wants to growl. Our guitar player referenced it to the growlly fretless bass on the old Camel albums. I'll take that as a compliment!  Rami - when I bought the 4 string fretless a couple of years ago, I remembered that you were a big Excel fan. As the owner of Blackbird, The Dark Prince and more ultra high-end Alembics than anyone I can think of, I figured that if it was good for you, it'd be good for me! I haven't been disappointed!   Mark - Actually, I think somebody on the site had a Bal K, fretless, set-neck bass made a couple of years back. I'd like to think this is the first, but I'm just glad this one's MINE! It's a great combination of woods and definitely sounds awesome.   Here's some more pic's of it and it's gigging buddy.  

 

 

[rami]

You know Reid,  my first Excel ever was a 4 string fretless Walnut top with the basic electronics - single Fatboy, Vol, Bass, Treble.  What blew my mind and continues to today is it's incredible growl.  A fretless Excel has something special that nothing else has.  It's the most unique sounding fretless Bass ever.  Each time I pick it up, I truly have a hard time putting it down.
Your latest is a beauty among beauties.  Enjoy her GROWL!
 
Rami