Author Topic: Malthumb's Porfolio (circa 2008) (Read 432 times)

malthumb · « **on:** May 23, 2008, 11:33:27 AM »

I had to take some new "family shots" for my insurance company.? The non-Alembic portion of my portfolio has undergone a few changes.? Actually, so has the Alembic portion, since I recently parted with 2 F-1Xs.? Anyway, here's my woodpile :^)

L-->R:? Roscoe LG-3005, Series I, Series II, Marchlewski, Devon Diamond J, and on the floor is a Fender Jazz I assembled from parts.Here are the Alembics, socializing with the Roscoe

Peace,James

tbrannon · « **Reply #1 on:** May 24, 2008, 03:38:49 PM »

That is a beautiful lineup James! I doubt you have much trouble deciding which fretless to play =)

What's the story on the Devon? I've heard of them, but that's it.... looks like maple over ash? How about the electronics on it?

Toby

malthumb · « **Reply #2 on:** May 26, 2008, 03:25:10 PM »

Maple over ash? Yep. Swamp Ash. Super lightweight. I can lift it by the headstock with 2 fingers and hold it like that for more than 30 seconds. Wouldn't dream of trying that with my Alembic 5 string (13 plus pounds).

Nordstand pre and Villette pickups. I'm still getting used to them. Seems pretty decent.

B string is decent, but not as solid as the B on my Alembic 5 or my Roscoe LG-3005. Probably on par with the B on my Marchlewski. I say that mainly because in terms of string to string tonal balance, it's not as finely matched as the Alembic and the Roscoe. Ironically, all three are now wearing DR Black Beauties, so it's not a string difference thing.

Neck feel, as far as playability, is great. Much wider spacing than my Alembic 5, about the same as my Roscoe and Marchlewski. Very easy to play. The neck has 13 laminates and I can feel the joints on some of the laminates. Otherwise the craftsmanship is top notch.

Peace,

James

2400wattman · « **Reply #3 on:** May 26, 2008, 07:45:48 PM »

James,
I had a Devon Grace 5 string which is very similar to a Tobias in shape. Full tilt Bartolini p/ups and pre amp, 35scale and more exotic woods in the body and neck than you could imagine. I had to sell her to fund..and get this, more keyboard gear that I needed for my band. It irritates the cr@* out of me that I had to sell a cool bass to buy something that will not appreciate or hold any kind of real value. The Devon was one of my favorite bass's and I agree that the craftmanship is top notch. I must add that I have two Modulus Jazz style bass's which have the Villex p/ups and pre amp which has two vol., mid sweep and tone. A very cool set up and very loud, when my sound is muted I can still slightly hear the bass when tuning up. You've got a great family there. Take care.

funkyjazzjunky · « **Reply #4 on:** May 27, 2008, 07:01:59 AM »

Roscoe basses are made in my hometown of Greensboro, NC. I love the look of his basses but I do not play bolt-ons. How is the tone of the LG?

(Wonderful collection of basses. Is the 4 string Series Walnut?)

malthumb · « **Reply #5 on:** May 27, 2008, 03:20:43 PM »

fjj,

Other than Alembics, the nicest sounding basses I have ever played are this Roscoe and a fretted one I played a couple years ago at an out of control gear get together I went to in Ohio. (picture below)

As for the 4 string Series I, yes, it's walnut.

Peace,

James

keavin · « **Reply #6 on:** May 28, 2008, 05:32:18 AM »

the 4 string series I is the twin to louis johnsons strawberry letter 23 alembic!

jorge_s · « **Reply #7 on:** May 28, 2008, 12:11:31 PM »

That Marchlewski is one good looking bass. Did you have it custom-built or was it something he had already made. He is the only luthier I have come across that just plain told me he was just too busy to consider building me a bass. I admire that.

malthumb · « **Reply #8 on:** May 29, 2008, 08:22:20 PM »

jorge s wrote:

That Marchlewski is one good looking bass. Did you have it custom-built or was it something he had already made. He is the only luthier I have come across that just plain told me he was just too busy to consider building me a bass. I admire that.

I custom ordered it. It has mandolin frets like my Series I 4 string and an adjustable nut (wonder where that idea came from?). The neck profile and string spacing are a direct lift from two Hanewinckels I used to own. The design was borrowed from Jon Wolfehollow Clark. He had Jake build him a 4 string fretless with that body style and I just HAD to HAVE one.

Peace,

James

aquaman · « **Reply #9 on:** May 30, 2008, 03:19:42 PM »

James,

Dang! That is an impressive pile of wood! (Envy sets in.)

Enjoy!