Here is my Excel

[Paul Ellsworth (elzie)]

Here is my Excel 4.

[Paul Ellsworth (elzie)]

Hmmm, let me try that again.

[Rami Sourour (rami)]

Hey Paul,
 
That's a real beauty.  Are those signature electronics with Fat Boy pickups?  Standard construction (set neck & 34 scale)?
Very nice.
I'm quite an Excel fan myself!
 
Rami

[Paul Ellsworth (elzie)]

Thanks Rami!
 
To be honest, I am not sure about the electronics. I bought the Excel on Ebay last year for $950! Yes, it is a set neck & 34 scale. I wish I had a better picture of it. I really need more practice with my digital camera! If you ever happen to be in the Boston area, let me know and you can play it

[Rami Sourour (rami)]

Well Paul,  you got a great deal!
That's definitely a custom Excel (at least where the electronics are concerned).
Along with  the great feel and balance, it must sound simply amazing!
 
Great Bass.  Enjoy!
 
Rami

[Paul Ellsworth (elzie)]

You know, after all these years of playing, I bought this without ever touching an Alembic. However, when it arrived at my home and I played it, I knew right away that this was the one.  
 
It is a bit heavier than my other basses, but it is not noticable. It does feel and sound great! I am going to re-string it this week, maybe I will try some Elixir strings. I still have some Alembic strings, but I thought they lost their brightness very quickly. Any string suggestions?
 
Paul

[Rami Sourour (rami)]

Funny you should mention Elixirs.  I have an Excel 4 (Flame Maple in fact!) with Elixir strings.  To be quite honest, they don't really impress me.  I personally LOVE Dean Markley Blue Steels (Nickel plated).  They sound even growlier than the Alembic strings. They have it all!  Super tone, long life, and very little fret noise. The Elixirs sound a little dull in comparison.  The Dean Markleys actually sound alot like Alembic strings, but with just a little more edge.
 
Worth a try!
 
Rami

[Paul Ellsworth (elzie)]

LOL! That is all I have ever bought was the Blue Steels;) I have been using them on every bass I own for years. I have a set of Blue Steels, Elixirs and two sets of Alembic strings. I guess I will have to flip a coin to see which set goes on first.
 
I would love to see a pic of your Excel.
 
Paul

[Rami Sourour (rami)]

I'll try to post a few pics.  Actually, that one looks just like yours, but with the standard electronics (single Fat Boy pickup, Vol, Bass, Treble). My wildest Excel is a 5 string, Vermillion top with one Fat Boy and one MXY pickup.  It has the standard electronics with a pan control.
 
*A little warning - Excels are addictive!
 
I presently own 9 Excels - 4's, 5's, Fretless, love them all!
I also feel that it's the perfect bass.
 
Rami

[Paul Ellsworth (elzie)]

9 Excels? Wow! I also think that it is the perfect bass  
 
 
Paul

[Rami Sourour (rami)]

This is my Excel 4 Flame Maple.
 

[Rami Sourour (rami)]

This is my Excel 4 Flame Maple.
 
 

[Rami Sourour (rami)]

This is my Funky Cool Vermillion Excel 5.  This has an MXY pickup as well as the Fatboy.  The extra knob is a pan control.
 

[Rami Sourour (rami)]

This one just stole my heart - It was Love at first sight!
 

[Rami Sourour (rami)]

This was my first Alembic EVER!!!