Series I& II vs Signature models

[jazzyvee]

Assuming the same woods and ignoring the non major sound influencing components like leds gold finishes, inlays etc. Is there any difference in the sound of a Series bass vs the Signature models with series electronics?
Is there any difference in the construction that would make them sound different?
Just curious.

[bracheen]

Jazzyvee,
If I understand this right the series 1 or 2 is the electronics package and not a specific model of bass.  For example an omega cut body could be either a MK or a Series depending on which electronics option is chosen.  Therefore my assumption would be a Signature model with Series electronics would then be a Series model.
I think.  So to answer the question in a word, no.
 
Sam
 
 

[bassman10096]

The differences between S1 and S2 electronics are:
 
1.  S1 has a 3 position Q switch for each pick up with one no-boost and two separate boost points at different frequencies.  S2 has continuously variable Q switches (allowing you to pan a range of boost frequencies for each pickup).
2.  S2 has a master volume pot and S1 does not.
 
Apart from these differences, the difference between an upgraded Signature Deluxe model (to S1 or S2 electr.) and an S1 or S2 model is in other standard features.  Some include:
 
S1 comes with chrome plating, surface mounted logo with shell.  S2 comes with inlaid logo, Continuous wood back plates, gold-plated hardware and side LEDs.  Both S1 and S2 have purpleheart neck lams as standard (Signature Deluxe does too).  I can't find an Alembic-pages references to this, but James says the S2 comes standard with a 7 layer laminated body, while a Signature would have only 5.  His MK Deluxe w/ S2 electronics is at http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/460.html?1054003279.  
 
Here's the real kicker: S1 and S2 models come with only the standard body woods - Coco Bolo and (I think) Flame Superb Walnut are upgrades (Youch!  $1,600 for Coco front and back).  On the Signature Deluxe the upgraded woods are standard.
 
That's why I have ordered a MK Deluxe with S2 electronics and the body and other options I was looking for.  Big savings.  Some of the standard features from the S1/S2 are appealing, but I found the ability to pick and choose on an a la carte basis, AND to get the wood upgrade for nothing in the Signature Deluxe presented me with an offer I could't refuse.
 
Bill    

[David Houck]

Bill, I think what you meant to say was:
The three position Q switch provides boost of 0, 6 or 9 db at the cut off frequency chosen with the filter control.
The continuously variable Q provides boost anywhere between 0 and 15 db at the cut off frequency chosen with the filter control.

[bassman10096]

You said it.  Much better put. The Q switch (whether 2, 3 position or continuously variable) adjusts the amount of boost appied at the selected filter frequency.
 
Thanks
 
Bill
 
(Message edited by bassman10096 on February 06, 2004)

[wayne]

Jazzyvee-
 
Malthumb would be the best one to answer this, since he's got both.  The major construction difference that impacts the tone between a Signature and a Series is the hollow-core construction.  A Series instrument is hollow-core, a Signature instrument is not (unless you request it to be...).
 
C-Ya........wayne

[bassman10096]

Good point on the hollow construction.  I think generally Signatures are not hollowed out, though I believe it is a no cost option if requested.  
 
I'd be interested in any other observations James could offer too, since I think he has both a traditional S1 and the MK/S2.  
 
Bill

[malthumb]

Okay.....Y'all have called me out.  Bill, it sounds like you've made the same choice on your custom as I did.  I ordered the MK Dlx and added S2 electronics and LEDs.  I got the cocobolo as part of the MK Dlx package.  Saved a bunch over ordering an S2 and upgrading to cocobolo.  At the time I ordered, inlaid logos and continuous wood backplates were not standard on S2.  Hopefully yours is in Factory to Customer.
 
My MK/S2 and my Series I sound totally different from each other, even when I am able to approximate similar settings  of the Q controls.  I really believe most of the difference is because of the difference in woods.  I thought the solid body of the MK/S2 was a major contributor, but someone (Val? DelaCerda?) pointed out that carving the body to accept S2 electronics closely approximates making it semi-hollow.
 
The MK/S2 (cocobolo)is bassier.  The Series I (walnut) is more piano-like in tone.  The MK/S2 booms and resonates.  You feel it through the floor.  The Series I cuts through.  I'll have to figure out how to post mp3s of me playing the same tunes through each at similar settings.
 
Peace,
 
James

[bassman10096]

James:  I'd love to hear the difference between your two basses. If you remember, a few weeks ago, we talked a bit about the sonic differences between walnut (Phil Collins) and coco bolo (Barry White).  Your descriptions were helpful, though the choice was still hard.  Maybe I need to think about a brown bass next or something...Of course that would be an altogether different sonic palat with the mahogany neckwood.  
 
Anyway, the input that I've gotten from members (not to even mention Susan, Mica and Val) has made me much more comfortable zeroing in on what I wanted to order.  
 
Thanks to all (Why do I feel so goooood since I ordered my new bass???)  
 
Bill
 
(Message edited by bassman10096 on February 06, 2004)