Series I - does a bigger bass mean a bigger bottom?

[jeff]

Although I am relatively new to the Alembic Club and I own a Series II with another in production, a West Coast Aguilar amp rep recently told me that the Series I body is larger than a Series II body. After hearing that, I checked out some photos of the Series I bass and it indeed does look larger.  Is that correct? If true, it would seem to me that a Series I and Series II bass constructed from identical woods would sound different due to the mass diferential.  Specifically, the Series I bass would have a more pronounced low end, would it not?  If this is the case (Rami, are you listening), wouldn't a Series I bass made exclusively of ebony and purple heart offer the utlimate Alembic bottom-end punch?  What say you?

[mica]

There is no difference in the Series I and Series II body shapes. Even between the Point and Omega variations, we use the identical template to cut the body.  
 
There have been variations in the Standard shape over the years, so older or newer ones indeed may be of a different size. But for any given year, a Standard Series I and a Standard Series II will have the same size body, regardless of the bottom carving.  
 
When I was a child, the Series I had a 3-piece body and the Series II had a 5-piece with accent laminates. Optically, the Series I would look larger, but they still fit in the same case.

[keavin]

also jeff, there,s the smaller series models and maybe the magazine was comparing a small standard (s/II) to a large body s/I, as you well know they come in both sizes, but alot of folks arent aware of most things.

[jeff]

There is a lot of misinformation out there. Thanks Keavin.  Mica: has Alembic built an all- ebony and purple heart Series II bass yet?  Is this our next project?  Thanks Mica for the information.

[adriaan]

From what I understand, after the earliest models, the Small Standard is what most people call the 'Stanley Clarke' model, and the Large Standard is the 'Mark King' model. There is also the 3/4 Standard, which is a downsized Large Standard.
 
I also understand that there is a 3/4 size Spoiler model but I've never seen one; the regular Spoiler is rather wide, so I can understand how people can have a problem handling the full size.

[valvil]

Jeff,
 
we have an all-ebony/purpleheart series II that  is currently being built for Rami, his has a rogue body shape.
You can see it in the Factory To Customer section.
 
Valentino

[jeff]

Valentino,  
 
Yes, I have seen it and admire it greatly.  Do you know if Rami chose the Rogue body shape for this bass because it would balance better than the Series body shape or is his choice based on asthetic considerations only?  Would there be a balance problem with a Series II bass with these woods because it would be neck-heavy?

[rami]

Hi Jeff,
 
Actually, that Bass is a Rogue with Series II electronics, rather than a Series II with a Rogue body. There is a difference!
 
I've always loved the Rogue - not only does it balance incredibly well.....
 
BUT IT'S JUST SO DAMN SEXY!!!
 
The idea for the Series II electronics was Mica's.  It was originally just going to be another cool custom Rogue like the Dark Prince, only fretless.
 
It'll probably be my last custom, so we had to make it extra special!  Lots of other little details as well on that one.  Can't wait to see it!
 
Rami

[keavin]

man rami, you guys are true alembicians!  (if it were me, i'd have this one chambered) ,but i see rouges  dont have much butt

[rami]

I think a solid standard point or omega body made entirely of purpleheart and ebony would be way too heavy.
 
I own a Series II triple-omega 4 string and I can tell you, it's no lightweight!  Mahogany (Chambered) body with Burl Walnut top and back.  It balances perfectly as well.  For anybody whose seen a standard point or omega body Series Bass in real life, you can understand why it's chambered - it's HUGE!  Solid construction with Purpleheart and Ebony would weigh a ton.  Even too heavy for me!
 
I don't think the woods would have any effect on it's balance, just it's weight.

[keavin]

my favorite is the big body series (chambered), the sound is fuller compared to solid bodys,and a (chiropractor) ,would cost more than a brand new sterling model!

[jeff]

I completely agree with you Rami about the beauty of the Rogue body shape and it is DAMN sexy.  Your bass is going to produce some pant-flapping bottom with that wood combination and the Series II electronics.  You are, Rami, a true Alembician (love that word Keavin!) and at the cutting edge of Alembic basses.
 
I know about the weight of a Series II because I curently own one with a coco bolo top and back and a mahogony chambered heart omega body.  My bass is a bit neck-heavy and I must hold it while I play or it will pull my strap down until the bass is in a horizontal position.  Does anyone out there know if there is anything I can do to keep the neck up?
 
Keavin: does a chambered bass produce a fuller sound compared to a solid body?  What do you mean by fuller. Thanks guys.    

[keavin]

the hollowed effect gives you a slight bigger bite to the note (just like those hollow bodied jazz guitars ) you noticed jazz guitarists dont play jazz with  les pauls?,or any other solid bodys? but only with big body hollowed ones.,,,,,,(theres a bassier tone to the note even at the 'highest' register) well the  chambered bodys of alembics offer the same effect ,a rounder richer tone and a 'fuller pluck of the string'wheras,you can tell the differencs between the two, and thats why alembic offers chambered bodys 'standard' in the series models, and thats why the series basses sound so much better and sweeter than the rest of their line.  

[jeff]

Keavin,
 
Excellent explanation of the fuller sound principle.  In fact, as soon as I thought of the sound of an upright bass I understood what you mean.  Thanks.  

[keavin]

there you go jeff!!.......now plug up and turn up!