Author Topic: Get an upgrade,as a work-around... (Read 141 times)

hendixclarke · « **on:** April 14, 2009, 08:52:07 AM »

I am sitting here thinking about a custom, but if that can't be materialized for what ever reason, a good upgrade makes the most sense.

What numbers amongst you would weigh in between a Start from scratch custom .VS. Upgrade the custom you have... what makes the most sense to you if cost were not an issue?

briant · « **Reply #1 on:** April 14, 2009, 10:54:45 AM »

There are so many factors here.

What sort of upgrade are you thinking about? Do you like the tone of the instrument already? Do you like how it plays/feels? Is the weight alright? Does it sit well on the strap when you play it?

I have been wrestling with having my JPJ ?upgraded? to an 8 string for a year now ? as opposed to ordering a new 8-string custom job. The ~$1300 or so for the conversion is a lot less than the ~$10,000 that I?d wind up spending on a completely new instrument.

I?ve also recently been thinking about another 4 string to have around if I convert the JPJ. I?d love to have a Rogue 4 string with the same electronics package my 5 string Rogue has. I?d like to save money by finding a used Rogue 4 string with purpleheart neck stringers. Pick it up cheapish and then have The Mothership do the electronics conversion and paint that sucker blackity black. It would be cheaper than ordering a new one. However it might also prove exceedingly difficult to find a used bass that has the proper neck woods that is priced right. So eventually I might be ordering another completely custom instrument.

hendixclarke · « **Reply #2 on:** April 14, 2009, 11:11:04 AM »

Yes, I understand what you mean. I am convinced a custom would be my ticket. However, if this was not possible (say my requests were possible, but not do-able from Alembic (for what ever reason)), then I would consider upgrading.

Sure, it would be cheaper to upgrade your current bass/guitar, but like you said, there are many other factors that a newer custom would answer. I personally don't to upgrade my bass, I want to upgrade the whole body. The more I think about it, the more I want to do it. But whatever outcome, I will humbly accept what I have and be thankful.

lbpesq · « **Reply #3 on:** April 14, 2009, 03:14:46 PM »

Hal:

Given your hypothetical that cost is not an issue, to me it's a no-brainer. Who wouldn't pick their dream instrument with everything made to their personal spec over a production instrument with some modifications? As far as whether something is do-able from Alembic, I think that's a separate, unrelated issue. I suspect if Alembic wouldn't do a particular request as a custom, they are not likely to do it as a mod either. Having second thoughts about the Tom-a-hawk?

Bill, tgo

hendixclarke · « **Reply #4 on:** April 14, 2009, 07:27:41 PM »

1. The question was: custom .VS. Upgrade the custom you have...

2. I never used the term production instrument anywhere nor implied this. I am not sure if I clearly understand what you mean by production.

Do you mean a GENERIC or stock designs or what?
(You lost me...)

3. All instruments that leave Alembic Inc, are literally custom production instruments.

4. Even if money was no object, some designs are simply perfect for some people.

There are many examples of very influential musicians, who has the means, and never required a custom to their specs. No brain'er?
I think not.

I have a Godin Stock Guitar, that I adore and wouldn't change a thing. It feels right, in every way.

5. As for the Toma_Hawk bass - ba-ba-ba babeee... you ain't seen nothing yet!

jazzyvee · « **Reply #5 on:** April 15, 2009, 01:35:53 AM »

I thought about the possibility of upgrading my Europa to have signature electronics in the future to give me a wider sonic footprint. If I'm not sure if it would be the right body depth for series electronics though.
I do like the simplicity of using a single filter on the Europa but love the extra choice you get with signature package of being able to stay deep on the neck pickup but add that crisp attack for clarity from the bridge filter.

As far as the body, wood working and non electronic bits of the bass I don't see there is anything I could do to it to improve the sound of the bass.
A sweet highly figured coco bolo top and headstock laminate would be a great cosmetic change though.

For my Orion guitar, I'd only add a middle pickup, five position selector switch and maybe change the filter range so that more of the sweep was in the bright sector since that is the area i use most.

Jazzyvee

bsee · « **Reply #6 on:** April 15, 2009, 08:55:20 AM »

I don't believe there's any difference in body depth required between Europa and Signature electronics. It's just a matter of space in the cavity for the extra pots. It has always been the Series electronics that required a thicker body.

Another thought in the upgrade vs. custom decision is predictability. If you have a bass with a certain tone that you really like and a feel that suits you perfectly, then an upgrade of electronics will get you a little more control with minimal risk. You already know the bass will fit you and that the core tone is to your liking. If you go the custom route, even with the same wood recipe, you might get something that sounds or feels different. On the up side, if you wanted a slightly thinner or thicker neck, you would be able to relay the current specs to Alembic and they could build your custom more to your liking.

hendixclarke · « **Reply #7 on:** April 15, 2009, 09:59:40 AM »

The real question is: does the sound, style, and purpose fit you, and to what percent or level of perfection or satisfaction (60%, 80% 90%), and is it worth the risks to achieve a higher level of satisfaction or 100%?

What does this mean, what is it worth to you?

Music, in general is a very deep issue, and it's constantly evolving. However, a bird sings without a care