Tonal difference between set-neck and thru-neck and filter/non-filter control

[DanFrank]

I never played a 5-string Orion but am considering a used 2000 model.  For those who played a neck-through Alembic (I have an '86, 5-string Spoiler) with filter control and Q-switch and an Orion with a set-neck and without a filter control or Q-Switch, would anyone with experience on both bass models please describe what I may notice in tonal differences/limitations, etc.?  Thanks so much!

[adriaan]

My experience has been with a 4-string Epic vs. a 4-string Spoiler, so I can't comment on any differences regarding the low B string. The one difference you don't mention is that a Spoiler is likely to be a medium scale, whereas an Orion is more than likely to be a long scale, a difference which may offset the inherent difference in sustain (but the set-neck is no slouch in the sustain department). A neck-through instrument will have a slightly scooped sound, with less prominent mids compared to a set-neck. The filter does what only the filter does, so if you have your favourite settings you will miss those on the Orion, but the Orion still sounds unmistakably like an Alembic, and you may find you miss the bass/treble controls when playing the Spoiler, while the panpot will give you a lot of intermediate shades that the Spoiler's filter and pickup selector cannot reproduce. Playability-wise the ergonomics on the Orion are different from the Spoiler - the reach to the first fret, classic taper vs. comfort taper, ....


What with variety being the spice of life, there's only one way to find out. Have fun doing that.

[rv_bass]

If you can play it that’s the best way to find out.  I have an Orion 5  fretless and love it.  Sounds a little different than my Series bass (aside from the obvious fretless characteristics), but still sounds every bit like an Alembic.  Orion’s are very comfortable to play as well.

[jazzyvee]

if you really like the filter based tone control you can always upgrade the Orion to filter Vol, Pan, Filter + two or 3 position Q-switch. I did that to my orion guitar and it is a great mod.

[DanFrank]

Thanks everyone!  A lot of good insight and validating some of my intuition....I really appreciate your time!

[edwardofhuncote]

Good to see you around here again, Dan..  it's been a minute or two. 


I'm not going to be especially helpful with this post, but here goes anyway. With four of my own, and having played another dozen or so Alembics, I have yet to play two of them that sounded alike in more than a general way. I've played two Series I basses that were twenty-some serial numbers apart, that were darn close, but I could still tell them apart after only a few minutes in-hand. These were incredibly responsive instruments, and most definitely had that commonality, yet different. A more stark contrast is heard in my two Distillates, made within a couple years of each other, having basically identical circuitry, neck layup, and scale length are completely different. It's not a good/bad or better/worse thing... it's simply that each has its own unique voice.

If at all possible, go play the Orion. I bet initially you're going to miss the filter-driven tone circuit of your Spoiler 5, but you will still hear that piano-like clarity in the Orion. As Jazzy posted, you can always add a Filter and Q-switch later, essentially making it an East-Meets-West option like my Custom fretless. (though it is a bit of a squeeze to fit it in there) That, for me at least, is truly the best of both worlds.

Good luck and happy hunting... report back what you discover. 

[xlrogue6]

It's been a long time since I made the switch from set-neck Alembics to neckthrough. Happened just after I spent a year working at Alembic, at which point I already had a 5 string Epic, which was soon joined by a fretless 5 string Orion. Having the opportunity to play a LOT of Alembics made the differences between set and through neck instruments quite apparent, if difficult to characterize. The best I can do is to say that a set-neck Alembic will be the best bass you've ever played. A through neck will be ever so much more so.

A couple of other observations: One of the things I found most amazing while at Alembic was that even short scale low Bs sounded great on Alembics--from previous experience I would never have guessed that was possible. While I liked the Epic electronics, I highly recommend getting something with a filter and Q switch. For me, the Europa electronics on my fretted Rogue 6 are great quick change gigging electronics. The Signature electronics I've got in the fretless Rogue 6 are a bit more subtle and have a bit more of a "getting to know you" curve for dialing in sounds. While I'm not now and probably never will be a guy with a Series budget, having had the opportunity to play them I can say that as good as the other electronics are, like the difference between set-neck and throughneck instruments, Series electronics are a whole other realm.

[DanFrank]

Thank you all again!  I think you have helped me make up my mind to pass-up this Orion and eventually find a model with Europa, Signature, or even Series electronics, but I want to stay with 5-string and Series versions don't come up for sale often.  If going with a 34-inch scale, I would also prefer a longer upper horn for better reach to the 1st fret.  And to help the "aging eyes & shoulders", I'm definitely looking for LEDs and under 11 lb. (preferably closer to 10). So my list is probably going to be difficult to satisfy (and afford :-), but I'll keep searching!   Thanks again everyone!!

[jazzyvee]

The lightest alembic bass I've picked up was an Orion and I few years back I almost bought a 5 string Orion with signature electronics but was given a friendly reminder by the good fellows here that my focus was on a series bass so I put that idea away!!

Yes series 5 stringers don't seem to show up that much on line especially the classic body style. Also a number of members here have noted the stretch to first fret position is a good one with the classic large bodied bass. I have Europa basses and though heavy at over 12lb they balance fantastically well and have a long upper horn. The Rogue has an even longer upper horn.  Keep looking, there are basses out there but you may have a long wait for a series 5 that matches your requirements for light weight.  It is worth it though.

[DanFrank]

Thanks so much Jazzy!  I watched your videos on Youtube and loved your playing and Europa setup instruction!  I think the weight of the Europa is going to wear me down over time.  I am flexible on some of the specs but want to find the best balance of weight and stretch to 1st fret with the best upgraded electronics package I can afford and with LEDs, so that I can eventually play in the nursing home when they turn the lights out ;-)


Thanks again everyone!

[jazzyvee]

The orion models don't have the solid brass tone block installed as standard, and have plastic backplates so you are getting of a significant weight advantage with the Orion.