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gregduboc
Advanced Member
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 235
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Sunday, November 08, 2009 - 10:02 am:   Edit Post

Well, here is the thing. People say that, when you dream it, it becomes reality. So I decided to start planning my custom, for when I have the means.

My plan is to have a Exploiter, with a 32" scale.
I still have some doubt about the electronics. Even tough I love the sound of a Series I, I want something more simple, without the 5-pin cable, and with electronics that won't drain the batteries in 20 minutes as it will be intended for live performances, and I like to play wireless.
I'm thinking Signature. Any suggestions?

A major point now. The bass has to be very lightweight. I cannot play basses that are heavy live, because I like walking around while playing.
What wood should I choose for the body? I know the sound changes from wood to wood, but I'm sacrificing tone for playability here. Is maple a good option?
For the top, it will be painted, so appearance is not important.
For the neck, I was thinking maple with thinner-than-usual ebony laminates (I love the sound, but I hate the weight). Any thoughts on that?

Thanks,

Greg
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 993
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Sunday, November 08, 2009 - 10:14 am:   Edit Post

For a 2 pickup setup, my ultimate set would be: 20th Anniversary with 3-way Q's and mastervolume.

Maple gives a very "in your face" sound, no shortage of highs.
Best sounding bodywood in my humble collection is Koa.

You might want to consider a semi hollowed out body, not sure how that will affect the balance though...

Good luck!
lembic76450
Intermediate Member
Username: lembic76450

Post Number: 182
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Sunday, November 08, 2009 - 11:48 am:   Edit Post

Greg,
I have an Essence that sounds great, I bet with a "Q" switch would be very interesting, also this is a very simple control set-up. For a little more variation the Rogue/Europa set-up is quite flexable.
Flip's idea of semi hollow might be a the perfect idea. I seem to remember a semi hollow Essence? being pictured somewhere on the site. I believe it had a single "F" hole.
I took a quick look around but i could not find it. Anyone remember this?
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 1432
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Sunday, November 08, 2009 - 11:55 am:   Edit Post

I second Flip's suggestion of 20th Anniversary with 3-way Q. This will get you about as close as you can to Series Electronics.

I think a mahogany body with maple top would be a good wood combination without a lot of weight. The maple top will tend to brighten the tone if that is what you are looking for.

Keith
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 1757
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Monday, November 09, 2009 - 2:05 am:   Edit Post

I have an all maple Elan 4 with Europa Electronics which is the lightest of my all basses has a great bright punchy sound. The Europa electronics are very flexible and very easy to manipulate although I think the heavier mahogany body of my Europa bass gives it a less bright but more flexible tone.

The Signature electronics are also very easy to use once you get the hang of it.
Hmm as for thin Ebony lams, I would presume you'd need a certain density of Ebony in the neck to get the tonal benefit so i wonder if you thinner ones would be worth it.
Jazzyvee
gregduboc
Advanced Member
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 236
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Monday, November 09, 2009 - 5:58 am:   Edit Post

Thanks guys.
I will read this over and over.
As for the ebony laminates, I thinking that perhaps, using a single one instead of dividing it in many slices might be the best choice. I guess I'll have to have this discussion with Mica when I'm ready.
Maple does seem to be the wood for the body that will match what I'm looking for. It's light and punchy. And that is what I was looking for.

Greg
pace
Senior Member
Username: pace

Post Number: 453
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 - 9:50 am:   Edit Post

Greg,

Anniversary electronics, or maybe Signature with a couple of mods (bass/treble cut/boosts if you need to quickly shelve each extreme).

As for body woods, I think Swamp Ash might be the lighter of the options, and could make a fair amount of Ebony in the neck less of a strain.
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 8960
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Friday, November 13, 2009 - 5:08 pm:   Edit Post

A single Ebony laminate should be sufficient.

I think what Flip was suggesting is also called a "chambered" body.
lembic76450
Intermediate Member
Username: lembic76450

Post Number: 185
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Thursday, November 26, 2009 - 9:25 am:   Edit Post

Greg,
I found that pic of the semi hollow, it must be a Custom. I had a pic stashed in "My Pictures"

mario_farufyno
Advanced Member
Username: mario_farufyno

Post Number: 366
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Thursday, November 26, 2009 - 11:25 am:   Edit Post

Wow, that is gorgeous
gregduboc
Advanced Member
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 243
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Thursday, November 26, 2009 - 4:35 pm:   Edit Post

That is quite something!

Greg

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