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tomlerner
Junior
Username: tomlerner

Post Number: 15
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Friday, June 15, 2007 - 8:50 am:   Edit Post

I'm thinking about ordering a short-scale fretless Excel 4-string, and I'm looking for maximum low-midrange growl. I'd be interested to hear Rami's and any other Excel owners' opinions regarding the best wood selection for achieving this. I'm thinking of going with the standard choices of pau ferro board, vermilion top on ash body, and maple+walnut neck. Any comments, or suggestions for a better way to go? Thanks, Tom
precarius
Intermediate Member
Username: precarius

Post Number: 151
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Saturday, June 16, 2007 - 9:14 am:   Edit Post

Tom- I replied to your post about Excels in the Dreaming For Now section.
Mike
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami

Post Number: 668
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 5:22 pm:   Edit Post

Hey Tom,

I personally prefer the standard Excel electronics (single Fatboy pickup, with Vol, Bass, and Treble controls) over the now commonly seen 2 pickup version. There's something about the placement of the Fatboy with its wide aperture that really captures that punch and growl that I so fell in love with.

Here's my all time favorite and growliest Bass:



I'm sure a short scale version should sound just as sweet.
tomlerner
Junior
Username: tomlerner

Post Number: 21
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 8:45 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks Rami. I've seen photos of this beauty elsewhere around the club. Is that walnut on ash, with a pau ferro board? Is it the only single pickup Excel in your collection?
Tom
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami

Post Number: 669
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Monday, June 18, 2007 - 7:28 am:   Edit Post

That's Walnut on Ash with Pau Ferro. All my Excels with the exception of 3 have the standard electronics. This thread has most of the pics;

http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/1436.html?1137855960
tomlerner
Junior
Username: tomlerner

Post Number: 23
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 - 2:47 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks, Rami.
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami

Post Number: 670
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 - 6:11 pm:   Edit Post

It's my pleasure Tom. I realize that the Excel, like any model has to evolve with time. But I feel that changing its formula with different electronic configurations or principal woods change its sound too much for my taste and take away from what makes it so special. It really is one special Bass - perfect.
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami

Post Number: 794
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, April 24, 2008 - 2:39 pm:   Edit Post

Just thought I'd mention here that 2008 marks the Excel's 10th anniversary. The one pictured here was made in '99.
I'm very proud to be so closely associated with this model. It's still my favorie Bass of all time.

(Message edited by rami on April 24, 2008)
funkyjazzjunky
Member
Username: funkyjazzjunky

Post Number: 84
Registered: 5-2007
Posted on Thursday, April 24, 2008 - 2:51 pm:   Edit Post

Rami,

How do the fingerboards hold up? Do you use roundwounds on any of them?
rami
Senior Member
Username: rami

Post Number: 795
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, April 24, 2008 - 3:08 pm:   Edit Post

The fretless Excels came with Alembic NPS roundwounds. That's when they sound best - the ultimate growly Jaco tone. The Pau Ferro fingerboards hold up exceptionally well - although to be honest, I don't play fretless as much as fretted. As well, they all wear D'Addario Chromes these days.

I think that one may very well be the first fretless. I wonder if that can be confirmed.

S/N 99X12123

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