| Author | Message | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 970 Registered: 3-2004 |
Susan and Mica had a nice consultation with me about the final details of my latest baby. It changed quite a lot from the original order I placed but the results will be spectacular. So it will be: 10 str. Excel neck thru with 1 ebony stringer along with the maple and walnut mix Mahog core, maple accent and koa top ebony board no inlays, side led's in red Rogue guts, dual fatboys, bridge block Black paint So now let the build begin! Oh yeah, and the obligatory waiting period. But that is the process as we have all come to understand. Out of all my instruments this will have the highest pricetag but still far less that many of you series guys. Maybe someday I can join your ever growing exclusive club. Olie, Dave Rami...can I come too? No Danno ... not enough knobs son, and you need a dummy hum canceler and there's the rack mount power supply. Sure you have some nice things but to roll with the big dogs, well maybe next year. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2194 Registered: 3-2004 |
Sounds like a beauty, Danno! The only thing I might wonder about is if dual Fatboys might not give you all the dual-course sparkle that could be had. Of course, that's a triviality and no-brainer tweak at the end of the process if the results don't knock your socks off. Should be great for the heavier stuff you've been known to play. There are definitely plenty of knobs on an instrument with Europa guts, and anyone who tells you different probably needs a new prescription. Europa guts are ideal for live work and twice as many filters won't give you twice as much tone. I'll be surprised if such a classy and unusual instrument doesn't end up on the CotM list. Congrats! | ||
| artswork99
Senior Member Username: artswork99 Post Number: 583 Registered: 7-2007 |
That's exciting Danno! Congratulations! That was quite funny too... another thread, lets talk about knobs - LOL. Best, Art | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7660 Registered: 5-2002 |
Neck-through Excel - cool! I think when they are all added up, you've probably got a lot more Alembic knobs than either Olie or I have. | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 701 Registered: 11-2003 |
Danno, You're always welcome to the Series club .... ;-) Sounds like you have a winner here - like always. Can't wait to see/hear it. Best regards, and congrats, Alan | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 994 Registered: 11-2004 |
Danno, Is this going to be your first Ebony neck lam? | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2148 Registered: 2-2006 |
I second that Alan,... ......besides Danno you're too cool for "school" (Danno will get the subliminal pun). OO God I hope I don't get the itch... | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7662 Registered: 5-2002 |
Olie; just don't get to close to the monitor. | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 971 Registered: 3-2004 |
You have all raved about the ebony lam so I caved into peer pressure! Susan gave me the low down on the down low and one center ebony should give the desired effect. Now for the next cd to be finished, get a major tour so I can show off this thing with my other black beauties! Oh and Olie, one of my students thought he was too cool and got busted for smoking herb in the boys room before he came to class. Cameras people, cameras. Now he got to go to rehab..... oh no no......yes yes yes! | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 995 Registered: 11-2004 |
You'll love that ebony Danno- I have the single ebony lam in my custom Elan and I'm so glad I made the decision to get it. I'm a HS teacher as well- though my day as a Biology teacher probably isn't as rough as yours is. | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 1231 Registered: 2-2005 |
Congrats on the new bass. I see you are staying with formal attire (basic black). :-) As has been stated the Europa electronics are great for live work with the quick change switches. Keith (Still waiting for your southeast coast tour) | ||
| kilowatt
Member Username: kilowatt Post Number: 99 Registered: 12-2004 |
Danno, Congrats on the new monster. The herd continues to grow. Koa is one of my favorite woods and I can't wait to see this one get started. I think your knob collection more than qualifies you for any group around here! Pete | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 894 Registered: 6-2002 |
Congratulations Danno, It's gonna be a real BEAST!!! Danno, not only are you a member of the club, you're on the board of directors! From one Excel lover to another... BEAST WISHES!!! Rami  | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 972 Registered: 3-2004 |
You are all too kind. I will summon all my Qi Gong training and Zen philosophy to wait for this to be completed. I feel more like a long time member of the custodial squad rather than the boardroom. "Say have you ever tried an Alembic?" NO Alembic! A-L-E-M-B-I-C! No not the Greek games. No it;s not an Ibanez, Alembic, Alembic, Alembic, Alembic! Well thanks I love the tone too. Just crushes don't it? No I don't own one of your make. Never really had the urge. Yes I do need all those strings. Because I wanted them. No I had it built. Price? Higher....., no higher......, try higher... not even close.....higher.....because I'm not married.... no never divorced.......no no kids either.... no no pets,,,,,no I'm allergic to cat hair ..becuase it just worked out that way......no I don't want to try your bass........I just don't need to right now.....look I gotta go and load up......thanks, you have a great set too.... yes it lights up..... so I can see in this light forsaken club......yeah, I gotta go.....no she's not with me... just a fan......knock yourself out........really gotta go this time....if you like it and you are happy keep playing it.....Alembic....A-L-E-M-B-I-C.....(prays the car keys are still in the gig bag) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7668 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hee hee! Hey, mind if I use your rig for our set? | ||
| 57basstra
Senior Member Username: 57basstra Post Number: 814 Registered: 4-2005 |
May I sit in on your stuff? | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 423 Registered: 10-2006 |
Danno, just to clarify in case I missed something - when you say 10-string, are you talking a doubled 5, or are you one-upping (or would that be two-upping?) 8SK Mark? Peter | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 974 Registered: 3-2004 |
Just a lil' ol' double 5. I think Mark's 8 is amazing. I did have a Stickbass 8 but I traded it for the Stambaugh. King's X has always been a favorite of mine and live they are amazing. Inspired, I got a Hamer 12 but it's not an Alembic and they don't do a double 5. When i paid off the fretless 5 I thought I was done with new basses but the lovely ladies at Alembic have a way of making your ideas come to reality. So here we go again. So the Hamer has to go, along with a Ravenwest 8 and a Ripper to help defray the cost of this new beauty. | ||
| s_wood
Advanced Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 291 Registered: 5-2002 |
Danno: I used to own the Acacia 10 string pictured below. It was a nice bass, but ultimately not for me. For one thing, it wasn't an Alembic! Also, the wenge neck and board was, I think, a mistake: too midrangy, hence too muddy. The wood choices you made, with the accuracy of Alembic electronics and the help of the sustain block, will be much better. The ebony neck lam will really enhance the low end- you will be shocked at how much difference it makes. (I was, anyway!) Will you have your octave strings on top (closest to your body) or on the bottom (closest to the floor)? The choice really affects the tone. One thing you might want to think about is a stereo output. The tone you can get running a 10 string into 2 amps (tube distortion for the bridge pickup, and a cleaner, bassier tone for the neck pickup) is unbelievably huge. You can also do the same thing with a mono output by using a splitter box, which is how I did it. Either way, when you get your 10'er just try it: use your rig for the lows, and your guitarist's rig for your high end. Total world domination, bro. Oh, one other thing: don't sell the Ripper. Rippers rule, in their own peculiar way! Here's the Acacia:  | ||
| kenbass4
Advanced Member Username: kenbass4 Post Number: 328 Registered: 10-2003 |
Danno, Sound like a killer project! I have a (dumb) question though: Why Koa under the black paint? If you're going to hide the beautiful wood, why pay the upcharge? Just curious. Ken (TEO) | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 976 Registered: 3-2004 |
Its really for the tone. I have a wide Spoiler six with the recipe for this bass. It has my favorite tone of my collection so I figured I'd try it again. Since this top isn't very fancy and under the paint it is merely functional. Susan also keeps in mind that I may want to refinish it in the future. A women's touch! I always trust their judgement and suggestions. I had a few built before FTC and received them without any hint of their beauty. My Koa top 6 is truly inspiring.  | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2202 Registered: 3-2004 |
Steve's question regarding octave string position is an interesting one. I always got the impression that octaves toward the floor was more typical, and that it favored pick playing, where octaves toward the body favored fingers. I would suspect that the proximity of the octave to the bass string impacts tone as well. Closer together has to be easier to play, but muddier as the strings may contact each other in vibration. Wider separation better allows the strings to ring more independently, but has to be harder to play cleanly. So, Danno, did you spec these things or leave them up to Alembic? -bob | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 977 Registered: 3-2004 |
They are working on a 2nd series 2 10 I believe and have some strong examples of what works well. Neck will be 1.875 to 2.93. I just asked some questions and they made suggestions and we came to a conclusion. I almost always play with a pick live so spacing isn't really too critical an issue. That said I have and had short, almost medium, medium, long and 35 scale basses. I have comfort and jazz spacings from 4 to 7 strings and the Warwick 8, Ravenwest 8 and Hamer 12 animals. I like to be able to move from bass to bass without the switching issues some guys have. So I play them in turn so I can be flexible. Now when I go from 32 7 fretless to 34 5 fretless I have to be more dilligent. Most multies I have seen have the octave before the fundamental but I'll give Senny a call to clarify. | ||
| altgrendel
Junior Username: altgrendel Post Number: 41 Registered: 5-2008 |
I remember reading in another thread here that the position of the octave strings depend on if you pick (octave/fundamental) or pluck (fundamental/octave). | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2152 Registered: 2-2006 |
Something else to concider is which do you want to be dominant. The low or high string. My Ibanez has the low string below it's octave, and me playing always with my fingers, making the lower string much more dominant over it's octave. I used to think it was just because of the heavier string until I played an 8 strung the other way. I'm with you Danno on the playing them all. I switch back and forth from my 32, 34 and 35 scale basses just so I will feel comfortable with them all. I like the variety of sound and Timbre I get from the different axes. OO OO | ||
| s_wood
Advanced Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 292 Registered: 5-2002 |
Danno: My Acacia had its bass or "regular" strings on the bottom (meaning closest to the floor) to faciliate fingerstyle playing. The idea is that one's fingers would strike the "regular" strings just before hitting the octave strings, thereby accenting the fundamental. If you are a pick style player, you might choose to have the "regular" strings on top, where your downstrokes with a pick would strike them first. Of course, there's no right or wrong - it's whatever works for you! | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Advanced Member Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 370 Registered: 5-2007 |
Koa Top is an excellent choice | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 1232 Registered: 2-2005 |
I have a Hagstrom 8. It is a short scale and has it's octave on top and regular string below. It was really designed for pick style playing where you hit the octave then the regular string on the down stroke. I will occasionally use my fingers but to me it does not sound right with the regular string being hit before the octave. What I find I end up doing is using my thumb to get that fuller finger sound. I have also found the strings to be too close together for really comfortable finger style playing. If I decided to do a custom I would most likely go with the octave on the bottom to accommodate finger style playing better. I would also be sure to allow sufficient space between the strings. Keith | ||
| pauldo
Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 99 Registered: 6-2006 |
ROFLMAO *No not the Greek games.* I have had TOO many people say that,,,, Olympic??? I just nod my head and mumble something about getting more equipment out of the van and walk away.... | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 978 Registered: 3-2004 |
And away we go. Mica gave me choices of peghead, reconfigured body for carving and I chose the traditional octave-fundamental combo. I don't know what its like to be an expectant parent but my Alembic customs have to scratch the surface a tad. FTC is a bit like a sonogram. Still cheaper than the live human type so I am told. Oh btw I'm registered at Wiljan Court Santa Rosa for the shower. | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 2156 Registered: 2-2006 |
I'll be there for the shower Danno. Do I need to bring my own soap. OO | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 813 Registered: 5-2006 |
Damn Danno, gonna be a killer bass!  My Koa Spoiler is one of the sweetest sounding basses I've ever played, there's something special ("spacial") about Koa. Congrats! | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 981 Registered: 3-2004 |
Crusin' right along with this one I'm told. We may add a completely obnoxious third pickup if its doable with a simple on/off switch. Why 3 pickups man?........cause its cool...........yeah but why?..........because they can..............so its like an Urge or Attitude bass?............No, ,,,,,,,not even close............you've got issues man!........yes........yes I do, have a great set I gotta load up now........jerk! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7714 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hey! Who's three pickup Alembic are you calling obnoxious ??!! | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 982 Registered: 3-2004 |
Yes!!! I heard you and Trip had it done. I have a spare pickup and asked if it could be included in the mix. They can so I will! C'eptun mine will be 2 fatboys sammichin' an MXY. Outstandin'-er en hell! Betterin' than party licker en gunnery! Woohoo Santa Rosa genetic enginerrin, en gratudeiness parts puttin! All fer tha whims of a plainol' Yankee what likes their stuffs! Outstandin"! | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3598 Registered: 7-2004 |
Who says three pickup Alembics are rare? "... if it's doable"? Waddaya talkin' about? Go for it, Danno! Bill, tgo | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 1191 Registered: 12-2004 |
Danno, As I saw on a bumper sticker: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Sounds like the start of a good party! I think three pickups is a grand idear. Bradley | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 983 Registered: 3-2004 |
I mailed it out to Mica today priority on-account-ah she said theys ready ta rout da sumbeach. I can't imagine the hugeness of the tone of this recipe. I brout my narrow 6 Spoiler with ph deluxe lams (11in all) mahog, maple and walnut top to a Marra's rehearsal on Wednesday. For a 32" the sound was massive. Ebony lam with Koa and octave strings is bound to be devastating. Hopefully the queen of digital photography can put a FTC for me when she gets the time so we can witness the gestation period on this one. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3600 Registered: 7-2004 |
Danno: I saw your embryonic bass when I stopped by Alembic a couple of days ago. Looking sweet! Are you sure you want to, as the Stones said, "paint it black"? lol Bill, tgo | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 985 Registered: 3-2004 |
Yep. Has to be black for the genre. Besides I actually love black instruments, hides the dirt you see. But not the dust, sweat, blood and various thrown liquids.But thats where the Supreme polish comes in! | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2140 Registered: 6-2002 |
Can't you have them fit a black leather body glove, so you can enjoy the marvelous wood in private? | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3601 Registered: 7-2004 |
Safe bassing? hehehehe Bill, tgo | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2141 Registered: 6-2002 |
Second thoughts came after posting. Enjoy what you will. | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 986 Registered: 3-2004 |
Sounds kinky. | ||
| peoplechipper
Junior Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 17 Registered: 2-2009 |
Sounds like it'll be an awesome bass but all those strings scare me; they remind me that I'm an ignorant thug in some respects...I would get SO lost on that bass...Tony. | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 988 Registered: 3-2004 |
Ron can put in a GPS and lcd screen along with the leds. Remember, strings aren't scary, People with strings are scary. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3607 Registered: 7-2004 |
So Danno, we can assume you are against string regulation and control? hehehehe Bill, tgo | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 1195 Registered: 12-2004 |
String control is a good left and right hand technique. If strings are outlawed, only outlaws will have strings. Justice Scalia tells us that the right to keep and bear strings is an individual right. | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 989 Registered: 3-2004 |
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=8a25c392129a62c501129a947c890033 this explains it all! | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2143 Registered: 6-2002 |
Or http://www.adultswim.co.uk/ for non-US residents. | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 1010 Registered: 3-2004 |
pics in the FTC y'all. Very exciting for me. http://alembic.com/club/messages/631/63433.html?1239332375 |
