Author Topic: Epics and Excel basses (Read 137 times)

88persuader · « **on:** January 16, 2007, 11:53:12 PM »

I've been looking at an Excel 5 string, there are a few decent deals out there on line right now. Question. Do Excels feel, play and sound VERY similar to Epics? The reason I ask is I use to own a 5 string Epic but I was never happy with the neck so I sold it. It was too long and thick for my comfort. If the Excel is more or less the same as an Epic with just s different body shape I probably should not buy one. ....... Opinions?

jacko · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2007, 03:02:31 AM »

raymond. As the Excel is a set neck, it will probably have exactly the same profile as the epic. I know exactly what you mean about the epic neck being thick. The rogue neck feels much slimmer and I imagine the essence would be pretty much the same as it's the entry level neck-through. The big difference between the epic and the excel is the body wood. The epic being mahogany and the excel being ash which I would expect to give a much brighter sound. There's a page about the different body woods here

Graeme

bumhucker · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2007, 09:23:20 AM »

a good luthier should be able to slim a neck down. that might be an option. i like the excel body because the horn extends further down the neck so it should bring the neck in more so the reach to first fret is shorter. plus, wouldn't the neck on a 34 scale 5 string be a bit slimmer than a 35 scale 5 string?
just some thoughts...

(Message edited by bumhucker on January 17, 2007)

inthelows · « **Reply #3 on:** January 17, 2007, 04:04:28 PM »

Are you looking at this one?
NLP
EXCEL 5
Or this?
another

(Message edited by inthelows on January 17, 2007)

88persuader · « **Reply #4 on:** January 17, 2007, 04:32:35 PM »

Both ... I know the reserve on the one from Chuck Levin's. I don't want to reveal it here because they didn't reveal it on the auction when I asked about it but it seems reasonable. Washington Music is a regular store ... I bought my Stanley Clark Standard from them. I'm considering contacting them after the auction if it doesn't sell and see if I can get a good deal direct from the store. At this point I'm feeling the water in regard to the feel of Excel's. Currently I have a Yamaha 5 strihg. It's a good bass for a cheap money off the shelf bass but I want a higher quality 5 string. I'm also considering a Modulus Quantum 5 string. I have a Modulus 5 string Quantum fretless and have to say I love it. Seems the Excel is the only Alembic I can get for about the same price as a Modulus Quantum. Considering my love for Alembic products it would be nice to get another Alembic ... sooooo I'm trying to find out all I can about Excel basses. Like I said ... I wasn't happy with the Epic I had. I know we have members who love them but it wasn't comfortable to me. I WISH there was a music store locally that had one I could TRY! Oh Well ....

tbrannon · « **Reply #5 on:** January 17, 2007, 06:50:35 PM »

Raymond,
I'm sure somebody will chime in here before too long who owns one of each.

If not, I'm sure it's something that Mica or Val could easily answer in an email.

keith_h · « **Reply #6 on:** January 18, 2007, 04:32:17 AM »

Looking at the spec sheets for both basses they show the same neck dimensions. The standard neck on the Epic/Excel/Orion basses is the comfort taper. Where the length might feel different you say you did not like the thickness. So that being said, if you didn't like the Epic neck it is likely you won't like the Excel neck.

Keith

88persuader · « **Reply #7 on:** January 18, 2007, 05:27:48 AM »

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I'd LOVE to get an Alembic 5 string but I'll either need to go with a more expensive model or get a Modulus Quantum ... my 2nd choice. (Still one heck of a good bass ... Just not an Alembic) Since $$$ is an issue I'll have to just see what comes up.

Thanks guys!