Author Topic: On chambering of bodies for Series instruments... (Read 154 times)

dtrice · « **on:** October 30, 2007, 12:08:27 PM »

I've been wondering what is the effect on sound and balance of chambering the bodies of Series instruments. I assume that there is a weight benefit, but how does it effect tone? My understanding is that for these instruments the neck (laminate count, wood combination,etc.) is the main contributor to the tone. With active electronics, the body wood does not contribute to tone like with passive electronics. But my question basically is, would a Series sound different or balance differently with a solid body? If so, in what way. Thanks.

jseitang · « **Reply #1 on:** October 30, 2007, 01:26:20 PM »

very much so. i have a series II solidbody, and it has a more direct sound as oppsed to a regular series bass with the chambered body... the regular one have amore open sound in my opinion. stick that element with the series electronics, and you pretty trippy bass sound. the solid body resonates a bit differently since there is no air space for the sound to travel.

FC Bass · « **Reply #2 on:** October 30, 2007, 01:52:30 PM »

The best bass I've ever played (soundwise) had a chambered body, Wilfred can take it over from here...

the_mule · « **Reply #3 on:** October 30, 2007, 02:59:00 PM »

bla

(Message edited by the_mule on October 30, 2007)

the_mule · « **Reply #4 on:** October 30, 2007, 02:59:42 PM »

It really does make a difference. I've owned several Alembics, all but one were solidbodies. The little blonde Series I is indeed in a league of its own, soundwise. And not just because of the electronics. Even acoustically it's very obvious.

Wilfred

the_8_string_king · « **Reply #5 on:** October 30, 2007, 05:20:36 PM »

Uhhm... okay, guys, I'm curious at this point... but NOT clear on the opinions... which sounds better on the Series... the solid body or chambered body?

Wilfred, your little blond Series I that's in a league of its own... it is a solid body, or does it have a chambered body?

the_mule · « **Reply #6 on:** October 31, 2007, 10:26:41 AM »

Oh, sorry, I can see that I wasn't very clear.
Blondie has a chambered body and I really think that there's more 'air' in her tone.

Wilfred

somatic · « **Reply #7 on:** November 11, 2007, 09:20:41 PM »

With active electronics, the body wood does not contribute to tone like with passive electronics.
I see no reason why that would be so.

I have two shorties, a S1 with the hollow internals and a Clarke Deluxe, but apart from the maple/PH 5 ply neck there is nothing else in common so I can't comment on differences. The top/rear on my S1 are much thicker than an acoustic guitar for example and there is almost no acoustic noise when the body is rapped with knuckles, so I'd guess the tonal contribution is minimal.

keith_h · « **Reply #8 on:** November 12, 2007, 04:26:00 AM »

With active electronics, the body wood does not contribute to tone like with passive electronics.

I beg to differ on this point. I have both played and listened to moderator Dave's maple topped and walnut topped S1's. I can definitely tell the difference between them. The maple top is much brighter and the walnut top is rounder. So the while neck woods have the most effect on tone the top woods do have a pronounced effect. Otherwise why is coco bolo so popular?

Keith

811952 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 12, 2007, 07:32:47 AM »

Cocobolo's gorgeous, in addition to sounding great..

I think if anything, a chambered body would adversely affect fundamental sustain (if you can hear it acoustically, then energy is being dissipated) but not so much the overtones (where Cocobolo shines). With a fairly rigid neck-through, a pound of brass under the bridge and series components, I think any losses resultant from the loud chambered body are more than mitigated.

I'd love to hear Series guts in a true solidbody, but it would be effectively chambered by the time you did enough routing for Series guts to fit!

Of course, after spending a fair amount of time with my Hofner I'd be interested in Series guts in a true hollowbody... (I need to borrow Paul TBO's stocking first!)

John

dtrice · « **Reply #10 on:** November 12, 2007, 08:53:42 AM »

I got that information from the Alembic website. It says: On our neck through body instruments, the top and body woods have very little effect on the tone. Since the strings don't go over a neck joint, the sustain is increased and the body's influence over the tone is lessened. You may want let them know that that statement is false.

adriaan · « **Reply #11 on:** November 12, 2007, 09:28:07 AM »

Daniel, I wonder where you found this exact quote - With active electronics, the body wood does not contribute to tone like with passive electronics. - It sounds like two statements got mixed up. Plus, with Alembic you don't have the option of passive electronics, so it doesn't make sense anyhow.

keith_h · « **Reply #12 on:** November 12, 2007, 09:34:33 AM »

False is kind of a strong word based on a subjective quote. ... and the body's influence over the tone is lessened. What is lessened? As I said the neck woods have the most effect but the body woods are very much involved in the tone. So much so that I can readily hear the difference.

The subject of woods has been discussed here in the past. I am not the only one who can tell the difference in the sound of a bass with different top woods. Does it have as much effect as going with let's say ebony over purple heart in the neck? No, but if you compare the same neck recipe with various body woods you can hear the difference.

Keith

David Houck · « **Reply #13 on:** November 13, 2007, 10:48:37 AM »

Mica talks about body woods here.