Author Topic: Setting up alembics for slapping (Read 403 times)

mario_farufyno · « **Reply #15 on:** November 02, 2013, 10:22:16 AM »

This matter seems fairly simple, every time you change string gauge or height, you have to fine adjust your touch on strings. If strings are lighter or action was lowered compared to previous setup, we have to soften our way to hit the strings to prevent fret buzz (since tension is smaller now).

Also be sure checking neck relief to set the truss rod, in case of back bow (or excessive bow), since string tension will change too.

musashi · « **Reply #16 on:** November 02, 2013, 03:55:55 PM »

Seems like folks are inventing problems where there are none. I have run .35 -.95 roundwound strings across LSB, MSB, and SSB Alembic Series I instruments and I have never had a problem-- not even when tuning down to C# on the short-scale. Alembics... ahem.... effin' Rock.

bigbadbill · « **Reply #17 on:** November 03, 2013, 03:02:57 AM »

It's not imagined. This is indeed an issue with many Alembics over here in the UK. I couldn't put anything less than 40-100 on my Triple O and I know of several other people who've had a similar issue; any lighter and it back bowed really badly. I believe Mica has responded to this in the past and it's something that has to be factored in at the factory.

bigbadbill · « **Reply #18 on:** November 03, 2013, 04:25:59 AM »

I'l add that in some cases it's been remedied with heat treatment, and in every instance we've been talking about brand new Alembics.

What I will say is that with the supplied 45 gauge strings my Triple O had the best set up I've ever seen.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #19 on:** November 03, 2013, 07:15:44 AM »

bigbadbill, I had 45 to 105 on my elan 4 bass and that was choking the strings due to back bow. I tried another set of strings recommended by FC_Spoiler which were RCocco and they fixed the problem so they must be a higher tension string than the same gauge strings that were on the bass before. Just today I had to adjust my neck relief on another bass due to the strings choking out in a freezing cold rehearsal room.
I think I'm getting more confident with making my own neck adjustments now. :-)
Jazzyvee

bigbadbill · « **Reply #20 on:** November 03, 2013, 09:21:55 AM »

Hi Jazzy,

Obviously neck relief will need adjusting from time to time; it's been many years since trussrod adjustments phased me and some of the people I'm talking about were extremely experienced. In the instances I'm talking about there simply wasn't enough adjustment in the neck.

Maybe Mica could chime in and explain, as I believe she may have done before.