My New Excel (Also My First Alembic)

[dallastx]

Hey Guyz,
 
Happy to be the proud owner of an Excel Fretless 4 (even though I haven't received it yet!).  This morning I ordered one from Beaver at Bass Central and should have it in my hands next Wednesday.  The only real options on it are the Vermilion top and an extra pup w/Epic electronics.  As stated, this is my FIRST Alembic, although I've been wanting one for the last 25 years or so.  I finally decided to quit jacking around with all the production model basses I've owned (and still own) over the years  and just DO IT!  However, here's what I'm wondering:  Before purchasing, I looked here for threads on the Excel model and, to my surprise, didn't find all that many.  Is this model not popular?  Is it because it is more/less an 'entry level' model?  I played one for the first time at a local dealer just TWO days ago and fell in love with it.  I went home and immediately began searching Alembic-related websites for info, dealers, etc.  Beaver cut me the best deal and pretty much had what I wanted, so it was a win-win situation for me.  Again, please offer thoughts/opinions/experiences regarding Excel basses.  Thanks for taking time to respond and now that I'm officially in 'The Club', I hope to become a regular here...
 
STeve

[the_mule]

Hello Steve, first of all: welcome to the club! I'm convinced that there isn't a general idea of 'entry level' or inferiority around here about the Excel (or any other model actually), but you're right, topics about them are relatively rare. You've got some work to do!
 
My personal opinion about the Excel is that its body shape isn't really my cup of tea aesthetically, especially in Walnut or Maple. On the other hand I've seen some beautiful examples with Coco Bolo and M. Ebony tops that I loved.
 
Anyway, I'd love to see your Excel, and how the Vermillion works. Considering you've been hanging around for a while, you should know the routine: PICTURES PLEASE?!

[bassman10096]

 
 
(Message edited by bassman10096 on June 26, 2004)

[bassman10096]

Hi Steve:  I suspect one of the reasons Excels get a little less play around here is that they are the newest addition to the set neck Alembic lines (Orion, Epic and Excel). The earlier two have their devotees and (given longer time in production) there are more of them around in the used market.  I happen to like the Excel shape and, if I did not go for a neck thru, would look to build off an Excel base.  Contrarian that I am, I DO like the Excel shape in flame maple.  I think it is a clean look that works well with the shape.
 
I also concur that there are no ideas of entry level around here.  Plenty of Excel owners also own other models and it does not seem to dampen their enthusiasm for their Excels.  
 
At a more general level, one thing I think most of realize is that all Alembics are hand built in the same very small shop/factory in Santa Rosa.  Having seen the inside of the place, I can tell you there are no B grade processes, tools or anything else (kind of like Keebler cookies all being baked by the same elves!).  What's shocking is that there are actually production basses that cost as much or more than some Alembics! What a deal that makes an Alembic.
 
Anyway, hope you'll keep hanging around and post some pictures of your new bass.  I'm sure Beaver gave you a good price and a fair deal.  I'm sure you'll be even happier when it arrives.  Keep us posted.
 
Bill

[smokin_dave]

Welcome to the club.As far as the popularity of Excels,just ask Rami what he thinks of the Excel.......
http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/1436.html
He has a couple or three of them as well as many other Alembics.You will enjoy your new baby for years to come as I own an Epic 4 that I purchased new 10 years ago and still get as much satisfaction now as I did then out of it.And cudos to you for letting Beaver set up the deal for you.I purchased a Rogue 5 through him last August and he really does a customer right.Very fair and people friendly is the Beaver.
Trust me,it is the best money you have ever spent on an instrument.Congratulations and enjoy your new Excel.

[dnburgess]

Steve, the Excel shares many aspects of much more expensive models - the brass hardware, finish, tuners. Some of the things that make it cheaper also give it a unique sonic signature (the pau ferro fingerboard and set neck) that is  neither inferior nor superior.
 
I have a demo 2 p/u Excel which I really enjoy playing. To be honest I prefer the Excel / Epic electronics to Essence electronics.
 
Soundwise it is the least Alembicy of all my instruments - using Series instruments as the benchmark. It has a pronounced mid range growl (unlike the neck through models) which could justify chosing an Excel, irrespective of price, if that's the vibe you're looking for.
 
I think every player needs more than one Alembic - and that one of them should be an Excel.
 
David B.

[dallastx]

Guyz,
 
Thanks loads for all the input and especially the warm welcome.  I will indeed take some pix when I get it and for now, I'll attempt to at least post the pic from Bass Central below.  The procedure for doing so here is somewhat different from what i'm used to, so bear with me if it takes a time or two to get it right (do we actually upload our pix to their server???).
 
In response to some of your comments: YES, I am very pleased with my dealings with Beaver.  He is awesome in every regard.  I will be a faithful Bass Central customer from now on, I think.  Also, let me clarify my statement about the Excel being an 'entry level' instrument.  I didn't mean that it is in any way inferior to the rest of the product line, but it is what it is, the lowest priced unit of the bunch (I think?).  Anyway, someone mentioned set-necks above.  I am actually a fan of the set-neck.  I have an old mid-80s Carvin with one and love it.  I've owned mostly bolt-ons (Fender Jazz, etc) but I've also had afew neck-thru RIC 4001s.  Interestingly, these are  well respected brands on the other boards I've frequented, but here I almost feel as though i'm discussing apples and oranges with the name ALEMBIC in the same paragraph.  ALSO, someone mentioned that the Excel was a good choice for mid-range growl.  Well, I gotta tell ya, that growl blew me right away when I first played one here locally a few days ago.  I also LOVE the shape of the Excel, although it is  perhaps not in line with the general preferences of other players.  The shape was actually the first thing that caught my eye when I entered the showroom, followed by, of course, the name on the headstock.  That was when I took it down off the wall and plugged into an SWR something-or-other and was just amazed at the thing.  I mean, like nothing I'd ever played before.  Both the tone and feel were just unbelievable.  I new right then that I had to have one and that was THREE days ago.
 
Again, THANKS for the support and I hope to get to know everyone here better over time.  So now, if everything goes right, you will see a pic below.
 
STeve
 
       
     

[the_mule]

Sorry, some strange things happened when I pushed the button(s)
 
(Message edited by the_mule on June 26, 2004)

[the_mule]

Well, I've added another great looking Excel to my (ever expanding) list of beautiful Alembics. In fact, there's a little voice that started whispering about the possibilities of a custom order based on the Excel, just after looking at your Excel on the Bass Central website. I see fretless with sidelines, Coco Bolo...
 
Well, I'm stopping right there, shouldn't get too carried away! Alembic really did a great custom job with the 4 piece laminated body, the upgraded electronics and the beautiful Vermillion top. I also love the yin-yang / night-day effect of a dark front and light backside.
 
Again, congratulations! I'm looking forward to your playing experiences (and more pictures!)
 
Wilfred

[the_mule]

Sorry, double post...

[rami]

Hey Steve,
 
Welcome to the club!  I'm a HUGE fan of the Excel. It was my first Alembic as well.  Mine was a little more basic than yours though, it's a fretless Walnut 4 string with the basic electronics (1 Fatboy pickup, Vol, Treble & Bass).  It also has a satin finish all over.  I absolutely love it. When I first saw it, I recognized the quality right away, fit, finish, super low action, brass nut, and KILLER TONE!  My salesguy knew enough to leave me alone with it and not say a word.  I couldn't let it go!
 
The Excel is my personal favorite of all the Alembic models (particularly the basic version).  I love its shape, feel and that punch-in-the-gut tone.  It's what started my relationship with Alembic.  I now own 10 Excels - at last count!
 
Congratulations on yours - you'll keep it for life.  One of the best Basses in the world!
 
Rami

[lowlife]

Welcome Steve,
My Excel (03X13082) is identical to yours, save for the top wood, mine's walnut. And there's nothing like an Excel's growl to get everyone's attention, and as I'm sure you already know, the Excel's voicing will be dependant upon the strings you use.
Enjoy your new baby, and again, welcome to the club.  Oh, by the way, we need pictures!!
 Here's a link to the picture of my Excel.  http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/7327.html?1072821862
Ellery (Lowlife)

[bracheen]

Beautiful bass Steve, as a regular visitor to the Bass Central web site I've admired it several times.  Excels are indeed visually stunning.  I've not had the pleasure of hearing one played though.  One other Excel owner here is Mica herself.  If that's not an endorsement I don't know what is.
 
Sam

[dadabass2001]

Hi Steve and welcome,
I own two Epics and a Distillate and wouldn't part with any of them. I'm sure you'll feel the same way as soon as you start working with your new baby! When it arrives, take some time to get acquainted, then post some pics please. We're a very friendly support group here.  
Mike

[elzie]

Welcome to the support group Steve!
 
I also own an Excel. Like you and Rami, it is my first Alembic. The sound, feel and quality are amazing and you will be quite happy with it. I love the body shape of the Excel, especially in maple.
 
By the way, how are you managing your time while you wait for Wednesday??? I hope you are charging your camera batteries because we really need some detailed pics  
 
 
Paul TGO