Author Topic: General Information on the Excel 5 (Read 153 times)

greyfin10 · « **on:** June 13, 2011, 07:03:29 AM »

Hello Alembic Land! (first time poster).

I was offered in trade an Alembic Excel 5 (http://club.alembic.com/Images/395/58290.html?1227531910) and as I know next to nothing about the realities of Alembics, the owner suggested I ask here. I've read a bit here on the board, and was already disabused of ONE myth (basically about the high end presence being more about faithful frequency response than a predisposition to high end), but I'm afraid lurking isn't going to accomplish my goals.

My current favorite brand is Modulus, and have owned a VJ4 (actually this is one of the basses I'd trade for the Excel) and a FB5. Until recently I preferred passive basses, but the FB5 has seriously turned me into an active fan.

I guess my question can be summed up as give me an excuse to trade for this bass! I have always seen Alembics as the Royalty of basses, not for one as lowly as I (ok, that's a bit melodramatic, but there's a kernel of truth there too). But when it comes down to it, I just need a five string that will be a good back-up for my FB5... Or, if things went very very well, perhaps it could steal position...

Obviously I've never played an Alembic, or I wouldn't be asking this sort of open-ended, hard to answer question. Thank you in advance for any nuggets of wisdom you can spare me

precarius · « **Reply #1 on:** June 13, 2011, 05:00:08 PM »

Welcome!Here's a couple of links:
http://www.alembic.com/prod/excel.html

http://alembic.com/club/messages/16271/18781.html?1307501227
http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/427.html?1300701446

(Message edited by precarius on June 13, 2011)

(Message edited by precarius on June 13, 2011)

greyfin10 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 13, 2011, 05:09:09 PM »

Thank you! It never says explicitly active electronics... is that assumed for all Alembics? Looking at the control layout link you sent makes me 90% sure that's the case, but I am of course curious.

Thank you again for the response!

tbrannon · « **Reply #3 on:** June 13, 2011, 05:22:06 PM »

Welcome Bruce~

They are 'active'- Low impedance pickups and the electronics package on an Excel will be powered by a 9V battery. There is some good reading on Alembic pickups and electronics at the link below.

http://club.alembic.com/Images/16271/18779.html?1117034562

longhorncat · « **Reply #4 on:** June 13, 2011, 08:11:56 PM »

From a financial perspective, a straight up trade of a Modulus JV4 for a Excel 5 is a good deal. With about $200-$300 in your favor.

greyfin10 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 13, 2011, 08:30:57 PM »

It's a two-fer (Modulus VJ-4 + USA Precision w/Moses neck) deal.

longhorncat · « **Reply #6 on:** June 13, 2011, 09:54:55 PM »

Used Excel 5's go for $1300-$1500 depending on top wood, condition and custom case. The Modulus sells for under $1000 on eBay. A straight up USA P sells for $600-$700. I assume the Moses would add a couple hundred to that. Money wise, Doesn't sound like a good deal for you.

greyfin10 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 13, 2011, 10:25:27 PM »

Trades have been scarce lately (people needing to sell their basses instead of trading), so I was deliberately trying to create some action by making someone a deal they couldn't refuse. Surprisingly little traction tbh...

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/two-one-trade-modulus-vj-fender-p-778546/

sonicus · « **Reply #8 on:** June 13, 2011, 11:33:50 PM »

Greyfin10 , Welcome to our site. I checked our your link above and need to comment that your dog pic looks like a cool Dog indeed ; quite friendly looking. As far your pursuit to acquire the Excel 5 you will notice at your first few trial musical interactions in an actual performance or jam how well the Alembic Electronics respond to your touch. I recently checked out a few Bass's at a local well stocked music store, one of them was a new Modulus with a Jazz Bass configuration. It had a nice even response BUT I missed the sensitivity that I experience on ANY of my Alembic instruments. I think that An Alembic Bass could take you to a new frontier of musical expression._______ Have fun on this new journey !

greyfin10 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 14, 2011, 05:14:38 AM »

I really hate to admit it, but he's typical German Shepherd in that he's very territorial (i.e. not that friendly). I'm working on making him friendly though; t'wasn't my desire to make him any sort of watchdog.

The full picture has him climbing up the back of a recliner, trying to climb in the seat over the shoulder of my aunt. His name is Jester, and apparently he's making every effort to live up to his name! And thank you for the kind words, I'll tell him later; perhaps he'll give living up to your assumptions a chance :-D

sonicus · « **Reply #10 on:** June 14, 2011, 07:21:36 AM »

Cool . Yes , German Shepherds like to have their job. I have known a few. I knew one who was territorial and a bit prone to bark,however he latter learned to be alert and mindful and just check things out before becoming alarmed. He would check out folks and sniff them at first meeting and every time after would greet them with a smile and wagging tail. They can be very smart Dogs as you well know. This dog was so smart that he was cognizant of the potential danger of him knocking over things with his tail and was very careful around the house and__ Yes! Guitars on stands ! He would drop his tail and be careful not to knock stuff over.