| Author | Message | ||
| dallastx
New Username: dallastx Post Number: 1 Registered: 6-2004 |
Hey Guyz, Happy to be the proud owner of an Excel Fretless 4 (even though I haven't received it yet!). This morning I ordered one from Beaver at Bass Central and should have it in my hands next Wednesday. The only real options on it are the Vermilion top and an extra pup w/Epic electronics. As stated, this is my FIRST Alembic, although I've been wanting one for the last 25 years or so. I finally decided to quit jacking around with all the production model basses I've owned (and still own) over the years and just DO IT! However, here's what I'm wondering: Before purchasing, I looked here for threads on the Excel model and, to my surprise, didn't find all that many. Is this model not popular? Is it because it is more/less an 'entry level' model? I played one for the first time at a local dealer just TWO days ago and fell in love with it. I went home and immediately began searching Alembic-related websites for info, dealers, etc. Beaver cut me the best deal and pretty much had what I wanted, so it was a win-win situation for me. Again, please offer thoughts/opinions/experiences regarding Excel basses. Thanks for taking time to respond and now that I'm officially in 'The Club', I hope to become a regular here... STeve | ||
| the_mule
Intermediate Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 134 Registered: 1-2004 |
Hello Steve, first of all: welcome to the club! I'm convinced that there isn't a general idea of 'entry level' or inferiority around here about the Excel (or any other model actually), but you're right, topics about them are relatively rare. You've got some work to do! My personal opinion about the Excel is that its body shape isn't really my cup of tea aesthetically, especially in Walnut or Maple. On the other hand I've seen some beautiful examples with Coco Bolo and M. Ebony tops that I loved. Anyway, I'd love to see your Excel, and how the Vermillion works. Considering you've been hanging around for a while, you should know the routine: PICTURES PLEASE?! | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 469 Registered: 7-2003 |
(Message edited by bassman10096 on June 26, 2004) | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 470 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hi Steve: I suspect one of the reasons Excels get a little less play around here is that they are the newest addition to the set neck Alembic lines (Orion, Epic and Excel). The earlier two have their devotees and (given longer time in production) there are more of them around in the used market. I happen to like the Excel shape and, if I did not go for a neck thru, would look to build off an Excel base. Contrarian that I am, I DO like the Excel shape in flame maple. I think it is a clean look that works well with the shape. I also concur that there are no ideas of "entry level" around here. Plenty of Excel owners also own other models and it does not seem to dampen their enthusiasm for their Excels. At a more general level, one thing I think most of realize is that all Alembics are hand built in the same very small shop/factory in Santa Rosa. Having seen the inside of the place, I can tell you there are no "B grade" processes, tools or anything else (kind of like Keebler cookies all being baked by the same elves!). What's shocking is that there are actually production basses that cost as much or more than some Alembics! What a deal that makes an Alembic. Anyway, hope you'll keep hanging around and post some pictures of your new bass. I'm sure Beaver gave you a good price and a fair deal. I'm sure you'll be even happier when it arrives. Keep us posted. Bill | ||
| smokin_dave
Intermediate Member Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 126 Registered: 10-2002 |
Welcome to the club.As far as the popularity of Excels,just ask Rami what he thinks of the Excel....... http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/1436.html He has a couple or three of them as well as many other Alembics.You will enjoy your new baby for years to come as I own an Epic 4 that I purchased new 10 years ago and still get as much satisfaction now as I did then out of it.And cudos to you for letting Beaver set up the deal for you.I purchased a Rogue 5 through him last August and he really does a customer right.Very fair and people friendly is the Beaver. Trust me,it is the best money you have ever spent on an instrument.Congratulations and enjoy your new Excel. | ||
| dnburgess
Advanced Member Username: dnburgess Post Number: 294 Registered: 1-2003 |
Steve, the Excel shares many aspects of much more expensive models - the brass hardware, finish, tuners. Some of the things that make it cheaper also give it a unique sonic signature (the pau ferro fingerboard and set neck) that is neither inferior nor superior. I have a demo 2 p/u Excel which I really enjoy playing. To be honest I prefer the Excel / Epic electronics to Essence electronics. Soundwise it is the least "Alembicy" of all my instruments - using Series instruments as the benchmark. It has a pronounced mid range growl (unlike the neck through models) which could justify chosing an Excel, irrespective of price, if that's the vibe you're looking for. I think every player needs more than one Alembic - and that one of them should be an Excel. David B. | ||
| dallastx
New Username: dallastx Post Number: 2 Registered: 6-2004 |
Guyz, Thanks loads for all the input and especially the warm welcome. I will indeed take some pix when I get it and for now, I'll attempt to at least post the pic from Bass Central below. The procedure for doing so here is somewhat different from what i'm used to, so bear with me if it takes a time or two to get it right (do we actually upload our pix to their server???). In response to some of your comments: YES, I am very pleased with my dealings with Beaver. He is awesome in every regard. I will be a faithful Bass Central customer from now on, I think. Also, let me clarify my statement about the Excel being an 'entry level' instrument. I didn't mean that it is in any way inferior to the rest of the product line, but it is what it is, the lowest priced unit of the bunch (I think?). Anyway, someone mentioned set-necks above. I am actually a fan of the set-neck. I have an old mid-80s Carvin with one and love it. I've owned mostly bolt-ons (Fender Jazz, etc) but I've also had afew neck-thru RIC 4001s. Interestingly, these are well respected brands on the other boards I've frequented, but here I almost feel as though i'm discussing apples and oranges with the name ALEMBIC in the same paragraph. ALSO, someone mentioned that the Excel was a good choice for mid-range growl. Well, I gotta tell ya, that growl blew me right away when I first played one here locally a few days ago. I also LOVE the shape of the Excel, although it is perhaps not in line with the general preferences of other players. The shape was actually the first thing that caught my eye when I entered the showroom, followed by, of course, the name on the headstock. That was when I took it down off the wall and plugged into an SWR something-or-other and was just amazed at the thing. I mean, like nothing I'd ever played before. Both the tone and feel were just unbelievable. I new right then that I had to have one and that was THREE days ago. Again, THANKS for the support and I hope to get to know everyone here better over time. So now, if everything goes right, you will see a pic below. STeve  | ||
| the_mule
Intermediate Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 135 Registered: 1-2004 |
Sorry, some strange things happened when I pushed the button(s) (Message edited by the_mule on June 26, 2004) | ||
| the_mule
Intermediate Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 136 Registered: 1-2004 |
Well, I've added another great looking Excel to my (ever expanding) list of beautiful Alembics. In fact, there's a little voice that started whispering about the possibilities of a custom order based on the Excel, just after looking at your Excel on the Bass Central website. I see fretless with sidelines, Coco Bolo... Well, I'm stopping right there, shouldn't get too carried away! Alembic really did a great custom job with the 4 piece laminated body, the upgraded electronics and the beautiful Vermillion top. I also love the yin-yang / night-day effect of a dark front and light backside. Again, congratulations! I'm looking forward to your playing experiences (and more pictures!) Wilfred | ||
| the_mule
Intermediate Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 137 Registered: 1-2004 |
Sorry, double post... | ||
| rami
Advanced Member Username: rami Post Number: 357 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hey Steve, Welcome to the club! I'm a HUGE fan of the Excel. It was my first Alembic as well. Mine was a little more basic than yours though, it's a fretless Walnut 4 string with the basic electronics (1 Fatboy pickup, Vol, Treble & Bass). It also has a satin finish all over. I absolutely love it. When I first saw it, I recognized the quality right away, fit, finish, super low action, brass nut, and KILLER TONE! My salesguy knew enough to leave me alone with it and not say a word. I couldn't let it go! The Excel is my personal favorite of all the Alembic models (particularly the basic version). I love its shape, feel and that punch-in-the-gut tone. It's what started my relationship with Alembic. I now own 10 Excels - at last count! Congratulations on yours - you'll keep it for life. One of the best Basses in the world! Rami | ||
| lowlife
Member Username: lowlife Post Number: 76 Registered: 12-2003 |
Welcome Steve, My Excel (03X13082) is identical to yours, save for the top wood, mine's walnut. And there's nothing like an Excel's growl to get everyone's attention, and as I'm sure you already know, the Excel's voicing will be dependant upon the strings you use. Enjoy your new baby, and again, welcome to the club. Oh, by the way, we need pictures!! Here's a link to the picture of my Excel. http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/7327.html?1072821862 Ellery (Lowlife) | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 481 Registered: 11-2003 |
Beautiful bass Steve, as a regular visitor to the Bass Central web site I've admired it several times. Excels are indeed visually stunning. I've not had the pleasure of hearing one played though. One other Excel owner here is Mica herself. If that's not an endorsement I don't know what is. Sam | ||
| dadabass2001
Intermediate Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 185 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi Steve and welcome, I own two Epics and a Distillate and wouldn't part with any of them. I'm sure you'll feel the same way as soon as you start working with your new baby! When it arrives, take some time to get acquainted, then post some pics please. We're a very friendly support group here. Mike | ||
| elzie
Advanced Member Username: elzie Post Number: 308 Registered: 8-2002 |
Welcome to the support group Steve! I also own an Excel. Like you and Rami, it is my first Alembic. The sound, feel and quality are amazing and you will be quite happy with it. I love the body shape of the Excel, especially in maple. By the way, how are you managing your time while you wait for Wednesday??? I hope you are charging your camera batteries because we really need some detailed pics  Paul TGO | ||
| dallastx
New Username: dallastx Post Number: 3 Registered: 6-2004 |
Well, as you can imagine, Wednesday cannot arrive SOON enough!!! It would heve been even longer, but I upgraded the shipping to 2nd day air. Rest assured, I will be home all day waiting for it. I still cannot believe that I'm actually GETTING one. I've dreamed of owning an Alembic since the 70s, but always thought it would be beyond my reach. I wasn't even aware, until a couple days ago, that there were 'affordable' models now available. In any case, once I played that Excel in the store the other day, there was no two ways about it, I was gonna get one, whatever the cost. I am in a bit of a quandary about one thing though: STRINGS. I ALWAYS put extra light gauge flatwounds on my fretless basses and have never been disappointed. However, with this thing, I'm not sure that would be such a smart move. I mean, the LAST thing I would want to do is anything that would change that amazing PUNCH. At the very least though, I will probably put some lighter rounds on it as it is my understanding they ship with medium gauge. Then again, I may just fall madly in love with it the way it is and not change a thing. I've been using D'Addario ECB80 Chrome Flats (40-60-75-95) on pretty much everything else with excellent results. I don't want to start a big rant here about string choices because I'm aware of the very long one going on already under this topic. Just thinking out loud, I guess. Another thing I am somewhat leary of is the dual truss rod. I routinely make neck adjustments on all my bolt-ons, but I'm hoping the neck on the Excel with be OK, even after shipping. I will give it the usual few days to settle before I even think about doing it. In reference to pics, I have a good supply of fresh alkaline batts (I gave up on the rechargeable ones) and will make good on the requests for a closer look. Thanks again to all for the great words of encouragement! STeve | ||
| bob
Advanced Member Username: bob Post Number: 261 Registered: 11-2002 |
Don't worry about the dual truss rods, they're great to have but not a nuisance or complication. Generally, you adjust both of them by the same amount, to add or reduce relief (eighth or quarter turn kind of thing). You only need to think of them individually if you feel like you need a little more relief on the fat strings and less on the skinnies, or something like that. Piece of cake, you'll love it. (and my thoughts on strings are pretty well covered in that other thread...) | ||
| alembic76407
Advanced Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 310 Registered: 5-2002 |
STeve, welcome to the club, I am your neighbor up north on I-35, here in Okla. City,. I will be in the Dallas metroplex this next weekend and planning to go to Larry Morgan music on Sat afternoon I will try to be there around 2PM. see if you can tear your self away from your bass. David T (The loud one) | ||
| dallastx
New Username: dallastx Post Number: 4 Registered: 6-2004 |
David, Hey man, I'd like to meet up, but I'm working next Saturday. However, let me know the next time you plan to be down this way. Speaking of LMM, that's where I played the Excel that I went nutz over the other day. Beaver is giving me his 48 hour trial assurance, but, if there should be some (unknown) reason why I might feel the need to return it, I will be heading back to Larry's and snag that one, even though the cost is considerably more for virtually the same bass. Unless you beat me to it, of course! PS-As I was just returning from some errands, I ran into my UPS guy making a delivery here in the apartment complex. I told him I was expecting something very special on Wednesday and asked if he might see his way clear to drop it off in the morning, vice end of the day when he usually shows up. He said ok, but I slipped him ten bucks anyway, just to increase the odds of it actually happening. STeve | ||
| alembic76407
Advanced Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 311 Registered: 5-2002 |
that's cool STeve I'm coming down for the big Porsche convention in Fort Worth, but plan on playing some Alembic's at LMM, maybe next time we can hook up, drop me a line if you ever get up to OKC David T | ||
| dallastx
New Username: dallastx Post Number: 5 Registered: 6-2004 |
Hey David, Dunno if you are aware, but Larry has now moved to the 'new' place, which is actually his old, original location at Forest Ln and Garland Rd. If you aren't sure where it is, just go North on Garland a short way up from where the most recent store was. You may remember the new place as 'Speer Music', which went out of biz several months ago and vacated it. PS-Porsches and Alembics, eh?!? A man passionate about cars AND geetars, I see... :-) STeve | ||
| alembic76407
Advanced Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 312 Registered: 5-2002 |
STeve I've never been to Larry's I hope I can find it!!! do you know a cross street and I will look it on Map and go, David T PS the Porsche will stay at home this trip, The AC is out, but on monday morning the Porsche Concours car show will be in downtown FT Worth across from city hall,there will be historic to new Porsche's and alot of them, its a sight to see | ||
| groovelines
Intermediate Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 172 Registered: 4-2003 |
Steve, Welcome, yee-ha and congratulations on the purchase. As you've so far read, there are plenty of devotees for each of Alembic's lines; you can't go wrong. When did LMM move? Isn't that the original "Arnold and Morgan" spot? LMM has(had?) a wicked fretless Excel with a vermillion top and custom electronics, is that the one you played? They seem to turn over their Alembic stock rather fast. Glad you've joined us. I'm just up the road in East Plano. Mike | ||
| dallastx
New Username: dallastx Post Number: 6 Registered: 6-2004 |
David, Larry is very near the intersection of Ave D (also known as Forest Lane) and Garland Road. There is a map on his website (larrymorganmusic.com). It is pretty easy to find and for you, I'd go east on 635 to the Garland Rd/Hwy 78 exit, then head North. Its a few miles up on the right side (next door to a place called 'Zoo Music'). You can't miss it. Mike, I'm not certain when the move actually took place. I've known for quite a while that it was going to happen, but I hadn't been in there for a few months, so I wasn't aware of it either until I showed up recently and it was no longer there. I'm not aware of the 'Arnold' you speak of, but I do know that Larry was at this location previously. The bass you have described sounds alot like the one I was drooling over a few days ago. If the one I get from Beaver is anything like it, I will be pleased. Which brings up something I'd like to throw out for some feedback: Last night I was reading up on 'Alembicism' at various discussion boards and came across a portion of a thread that caused me some concern. Apparently this guy had heard much ado about Alembics, tried one out and was turned off by the thickness (front-to-back) of the neck. Now, I don't recall which model he was referring to or what board I was at, but one thing that impressed me ALOT about the Excel I played was how THIN the front-to-back dimension of the neck was. Will someone PLEEEEZE tell me that the thin neck is STANDARD on Excel basses?!??! THANKS! STeve | ||
| lowlife
Member Username: lowlife Post Number: 77 Registered: 12-2003 |
Steve, Aside from the Excel that I own, I've played on three others. All of them appeard to have the same neck dimensions. Hope that this helps. Ellery (Lowlife) | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1769 Registered: 6-2000 |
The necks are all handcarved, and each come out a little differently. All the set neck basses should be very similar in shape and feel. Older Alembics generally have a thicker rounder feel than we use now, but I've seen many early examples with exceedingly thin necks too. These are generally custom ordered. Of course, any person custom ordering can simply order any neck shape they desire. The main thing about our neck carving these days is the integrated curve with the fingerboard. Look at the back of your neck and you will see some of the fingerboard, it follows the shape of the neck carving. We've found this style to be much more comfortable. Hope you enjoy your new Excel, Steve. It will be a little testy the first few days after shipping, but will settle into its new home soon after that traumatic experience. | ||
| dallastx
New Username: dallastx Post Number: 7 Registered: 6-2004 |
Mica, Thanks for putting my mind at ease with the official info and advice. It has been a very long time in coming, for me to finally own an ALEMBIC and I am very anxious to get my hands on it! STeve | ||
| alembic76407
Advanced Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 313 Registered: 5-2002 |
Mike , maybe I'll see you at LMM's on Saturday around 2 PM David T | ||
| wayne
Intermediate Member Username: wayne Post Number: 104 Registered: 5-2002 |
David T- Are you bringing a boat with you? We've had just a bit of rain in the Dallas area this week. ;-) Seriously, I've been needing to swing by LMM and see the new shop, this seems like a perfect excuse. If your plans are pretty firm, would you prefer I bring along The Dark and The Light or the Unicorn?? C-Ya............wayne | ||
| alembic76407
Advanced Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 316 Registered: 5-2002 |
Wayne ,my plans are firm, I should be there around 2pm. make it easy on your self, Look for me I'm a big guy with a pony tail we will be driving a blue BMW Z3 or a white Monte Carlo with OKla tags David T | ||
| wayne
Intermediate Member Username: wayne Post Number: 105 Registered: 5-2002 |
Cool. I'll make a point of stopping by. If you see a white Benz with ALEMBC on the plates, I'm already there..... I was thinking about directions: If you don't mind spending coins on tolls, there's a much easier way to get to the shop from I-35. Take the Pres George Bush Turnpike exit and go East (only choice). You'll be on the turnpike for several miles (about 10 or so) and go through 3 toll plazas ($0.75 at each I think). After the 3rd plaza, you take the Garland Ave exit and turn right at the light. That street will dead-end. turn left at that light. Stay on that road (it's actually South Garland Ave) until you pass through old downtown Garland. Just past a Catholic church and school LMM and Zoo Music will be on your left in a 3 shop strip center. If you get to the cemetary, you've gone too far. C-Ya......Saturday............wayne | ||
| alembic76407
Advanced Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 317 Registered: 5-2002 |
Wayne , we are staying in Bedford,at the Marrott ,but I bet I can find LMM,I can smell a hippie sandwich for miles, see ya saturday David T |
