Author Topic: 5-String Fretted 2 Fretless (Read 202 times)

inthought · « **on:** November 15, 2012, 05:03:01 PM »

Looking for someone that can give me the sound I achieved with my Jaco-Style 4-String Series I but on a 5-String Signature Deluxe.

Bottom line... Jaco-Style!

It has a sweet sound fretted. Experience has taught that frets limits the Alembic's capabilities with the type of music I prefer. If it doesn't sing, it doesn't ring...

in the heart

I'm ready to open it up and find out what it can do. Baltimore Area Preferred! Your Hands - My Hands! We'll/will Agree! With a little help from the ears.

sonicus · « **Reply #1 on:** November 15, 2012, 05:20:58 PM »

Hello and welcome .
Do you have any pics of the Series I Jaco -Style 4 string ? Did you have the fingerboard epoxy finished ? Was it lined ? What Body shape ? A picture is worth a thousand words ____

inthought · « **Reply #2 on:** November 16, 2012, 06:24:24 AM »

Sold the Series I to Craig Schwartz back in 1992. He was a big collector of Alembic Basses back in the day. Have been looking for him but haven't at this point.

Here's a pic of the Signature.

inthought · « **Reply #3 on:** November 16, 2012, 06:35:22 AM »

bonesrad · « **Reply #4 on:** November 16, 2012, 09:19:49 AM »

In my opinion, the start to getting a Jaco like tone out of an Alembic is to emphasize the bridge pickup, set the bridge filter about 1/4 open and maximize the q switch or cvq on the bridge filter. The neck pickup and filter should probably emphasize bassiness but in a very subtle way. From there, I think it all comes down to technique and wood recipe. I am no where near a Jaco like talent player but have heard others play my Alembic and have it sound very Jaco like. This is even on my fretted Europa 5 string w/ Series I electronics. My guess is you can get something close on your MK5 pictured above (BTW, one beautiful bass). I suppose if you were to de-fret it, that would take it the next step (although I like the looks of it as it is).

I hope this helps.

Bones

inthought · « **Reply #5 on:** November 16, 2012, 12:48:19 PM »

I've thought of selling it because with frets, it serves a purpose far less than its potential in my musical realm. Then whalla! Grind down the frets to let out the beautiful fretless sound. It is somewhat of a dichotomy literally damaging its original intent and beauty, but it would translate well for me in usage.

bonesrad · « **Reply #6 on:** November 16, 2012, 03:13:36 PM »

When it comes right down to it, it's your tool to make the best music you can from it.

Have fun,

Bones