Author |
Message |
tomlerner
Junior Username: tomlerner
Post Number: 15 Registered: 11-2005
| Posted on Friday, June 15, 2007 - 8:50 am: | |
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: | |
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: | |
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: | |
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: | |
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: | |
Thanks, Rami. |
rami
Senior Member Username: rami
Post Number: 670 Registered: 6-2002
| Posted on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 - 6:11 pm: | |
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: | |
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: | |
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: | |
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 |