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Alembic Club » Alembic Basses & Guitars » Archive through January 07, 2011 » Archive: 2009 » Archive through December 21, 2009 » Excel or Rogue « Previous Next »

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shingor64
New
Username: shingor64

Post Number: 4
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 - 10:51 pm:   Edit Post

Hi, I'm wondering between a Rogue and a Essence with Excel body shape for a new order.

I have already have an Epic, but feel the lower position is pretty far while I play standing.

I'm not concerning highest range approach, but lower position accessibility is crucial because I am a short person.

Does anyone compare Rogue to Excel with strap? How about sitting position also? I prefer 34" scale, just a body shape.

Thanks.
briant
Advanced Member
Username: briant

Post Number: 392
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 12:31 am:   Edit Post

You mention an Essence but don't seem interested in that body shape. I believe you should consider that body shape given you are a short person. The Essence is very easy to play. Reach is not an issue. I love mine.

That said my Rogue has fabulous balance/reach and it is 35" scale. A 34" scale would be even better for your situation.

I find the positioning of either bass is the same sitting or standing.
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 580
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 1:47 am:   Edit Post

If there were a 34" 4 string Essence up for grabs in Francisco/Oakland or close to" my neck of the woods "
for the right price I would consider grabbing it.
mario_farufyno
Advanced Member
Username: mario_farufyno

Post Number: 381
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 6:34 am:   Edit Post

I'm 1.70m (sorry, lazy to do the convertion) but never got any trouble reaching the lowest frets on my Rogue (sitting or standing). It seems this is more of a question on how you set your Strap than the Bodyshape it self, though. Anyway you know that you can always ask for a longer upper horn if you're going to order a custom Bass.

Never heard any complaint about a Rogue fret access, but - to be honest - I've never played an Excel to make a fair comparision. I love my Rogue's body but my current personal choice would be the Essence shape (really love that "petite body"!). But taste is so personal, don't you think?

The big difference between Essence and Rogue's eletronics is the Q switch, but it is a fine tool I've been using a lot. I use at least 4 different tones each show (according to each arrangement's needs) and it is essential to quick and drastic changes on its mids. I would stick to it if affordable.
bassilisk
Member
Username: bassilisk

Post Number: 63
Registered: 4-2009
Posted on Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 6:42 am:   Edit Post

I've never tried an Essence so I have a stilted opinion. I got a 34" Rogue several months ago and it is without a doubt one of the most comfortable and ergonomic shapes I've ever had.
Reach is a non-issue with every note accessible and it just hugs me back while wearing it. It feels like it was made for me.
shingor64
New
Username: shingor64

Post Number: 5
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 7:14 am:   Edit Post

Thanks for your kind responses.

The problem is that there are very few opportunities to see Alembics here in Japan.
I have only touched Balance K, standard point, small standard, Epic, and Excel so far.
I've never seen Rogue or Essence in real.

I like Excel so much that I would order a "neck through Excel".
However, I start thinking about Rogue that might be better.

OK I will think again among them including Essence.

By the way, I apologize some language inconvenience. Thank you.
briant
Advanced Member
Username: briant

Post Number: 395
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Thursday, December 17, 2009 - 11:35 pm:   Edit Post

Iwao-san, your English is vastly superior to my Japanese. Don't worry about it. :-)

The more I play my Essence the more I fall in love with it as my favorite Alembic bass. It is small, lightweight, and very easy to play. Plus it sounds absolutely fabulous. The controls are simple but get the job done. For a live performance bass I really am starting to believe it can't be beat. The only thing I miss on mine is the fret marker lights on top of the neck. I know that may sound strange but once you get used to seeing them lit up the more you just want it all the time.
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 2531
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Friday, December 18, 2009 - 3:44 am:   Edit Post

Shinichiro, I have a balance K and a rogue and with a bit of adjustment on the straps, I can get them hanging at more or less the same position.

Graeme
crobbins
Senior Member
Username: crobbins

Post Number: 512
Registered: 6-2004
Posted on Friday, December 18, 2009 - 6:56 am:   Edit Post

This is the Rogue I would get.
crobbins
Senior Member
Username: crobbins

Post Number: 513
Registered: 6-2004
Posted on Friday, December 18, 2009 - 6:57 am:   Edit Post

Double post. wtf

(Message edited by CRobbins on December 18, 2009)
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 9035
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Friday, December 18, 2009 - 8:37 am:   Edit Post

Another option. There are two standard Essence bodies; the five and six string come standard with a longer upper horn, and this body can be ordered for a four string. If you order Essence electronics, adding a Q switch does not add much to cost; in fact adding a three position Q switch is quite reasonable. Neck through Excels are also very cool.
apdavis
Member
Username: apdavis

Post Number: 93
Registered: 5-2004
Posted on Friday, December 18, 2009 - 1:17 pm:   Edit Post

I have a medium scale Excel. The middle range tones stand out on it more than my other neck through bases. If you are looking more for that tighter smile EQ tone you might look to using another body material than ash and a neck through construction, or an ebony laminate instead of just the walnut and maple striping for your neck.
For position issues it wears great high or low.

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