| Author | Message | ||
| lbpesq
Junior Username: lbpesq Post Number: 39 Registered: 7-2004 |
I'm thinking about a custom Further guitar and am not sure about side LEDs. On the one hand they seem outrageous and cool, on the other I'm not sure how useful they really are, having never played a guitar with them, (except very briefly at Alembic). Those of you who have them: What do you think? In what circumstances are they useful? Do you use them all the time? Preferences in color? Do you think getting a variable brightness pot would be a useful investment or an unnecessary waste of $. Inquiring minds want to know. Bill, the guitar one (Message edited by lbpesq on October 02, 2004) | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 661 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hey Bill: I just got my new bass with LEDs (green). Apart from the aesthetic appeal (They look outrageous with the caramel and black coco bolo), I'm surprised at how nice they are to have. Admittedly, in high light situations, the aluminum dots Alembic puts on as standard are adequate (though a bit skimpy for my taste). But in any other light situation, they definitely increase my feeling of security that I will not reach for a high A and go sharp or flat (as well as helping with other position changes). My teacher, who's made his living playing bass for 32 years, is considering an aftermarket fit for his bass since he played mine (for the same reasons). I have a cut-off toggle for the LEDs, but no brightness pot. I bought the toggle option because I wasn't sure I'd use them too often. Turns out I was wrong. I rarely turn them off. But I might prefer the ability to dim, brighten or cut off if I had to do it again. Now - the disclaimers - I am 50 and suffer the same crappy eyesight most 50 year olds have. LEDs are quite expensive, compared to other things you might buy instead. Nonetheless, I'm glad I bit the bullet. I would encourage you to hear from lots of others if that will help you assess what's likely to be worthwhile to you. For instance, I might ask people things like: "Would you trade in gold plated hardware to get (or not to give up) LEDs?" Unfortunately, it's hard to compare too many comparably-priced options on their practical benefits. When you order your guitar, make sure they post progress in Factory to Customer (If that suits you, of course.). I haven't gotten to see a lot of Furthers. What kinds of woods and other options are you thinking of? Good luck, Bill, the bass one | ||
| dannobasso
Intermediate Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 152 Registered: 3-2004 |
I love them and will have some of my other basses refitted with them. Danno | ||
| poor_nigel
Advanced Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 255 Registered: 7-2003 |
The only option I might even consider more important than side LEDs would be ebony lams in the neck (I want some!). I do not even notice the side LEDs when I play my S II. I only notice side LEDs when I don't have them, and I sincerely wish I had them on all my basses. I have red LEDs, and I see no reason for an on/off switch or dimmer. Maybe if they were really bright, like the green or blue ones might be, I would want to consider that option. The red ones can be seen in all lighting conditions and lack of lighting conditions (The most important, of course). I will admit that they are a crutch sometimes, but when you are on stage, anything that helps remove nervousness, I'm all for. | ||
| echo008
Member Username: echo008 Post Number: 88 Registered: 2-2003 |
I just got my first Alembic with side LED's in red, I must say that they definitely add a touch of elegance,coolness, even when off they come wrapped in a silver circle which is strilking against the side of the ebony fretboard... What I like also is that when I have them on, no one in the audience can see them except if I tilt the bass towards them. At first I was skeptical about getting them I had never had them before and did not really see the need, now I will try to work the cost of them into all my future Alembic purchases. if you are financially able to get them, I think you should.... - Tom | ||
| malthumb
Advanced Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 276 Registered: 5-2002 |
I have one bass with red side LEDs, another with amber side LEDs. As someone kind of alluded to earlier, when I'm playing, I hardly "notice" them. They're there. They're part of the bass, as would be MOP or abalone or silver dot side inlays. In dark settings, they are fantastic. Then I start to notice them. Or worse yet, if I'm playing one of my other basses, I regret not having them. My red LEDs seem to be a bit brighter and more noticeable by others than the amber. Henceforth, any Alembic I ever order will have LEDs. Peace, James | ||
| wayne
Intermediate Member Username: wayne Post Number: 112 Registered: 5-2002 |
Two things I will always have on any new basses I purchase: a standby switch and LEDs. C-Ya......wayne | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1641 Registered: 9-2002 |
I f I would Bonnie turn back to Alembic, it would be to get Amber side-leds WITH dimmer. The light conditions I am gigging in -and my lacking view- really demand it. OTOH ...getting older implies I don't look at the neck that often anymore HA! Paul the bad one | ||
| dadabass2001
Advanced Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 255 Registered: 6-2002 |
I agree with our clubmates that side LEDs are among the best option for active stage playing. My band uses small little light kits in bars with sometimes not even a real stage ("just set up in that corner boys") and sometimes the only place to put lights is on the floor between the monitors. This completely obscures the standard brass dots on my fretted Epic, but I switch to my fretless with LEDs and play-on  Mike | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1642 Registered: 9-2002 |
Brother Mike, do your -well "your" hehehe- LEDS indicate the fretmarks or the position marks??? Paul the bad one | ||
| dadabass2001
Advanced Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 256 Registered: 6-2002 |
Brother Paul, The LEDs are aligned with the fret positions (ghost frets on my Epic). They've actually helped me learn fretless, since I've only had regular use on it in the last year. I am still a beginner (and probably always will be), but I'm having fun! Mike | ||
| 811952
Advanced Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 263 Registered: 10-2003 |
I find the red leds are most useful when the lights are really blindingly bright on stage. I had assumed when ordering my bass that they would be the most help in a dark orchestra pit, but unless I install an led on my thumb they really don't provide as much reference as I had anticipated. But they are indispensable on a bright stage with lots of movement. And they do help me find my Alembic in the dark... John | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1644 Registered: 9-2002 |
Now brother John ....THAT's an IDEA!!!! Why not havinga remote control with you? When you come up a completely dark stage and you **($%S>S<()*) where is my bass ...no ...just simply push the remore control and ...aaaaaaah ...there she is ...blinking a confident welcome! It woudl be good for MY upcoming eye problems! Paul the bad one | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 483 Registered: 12-2002 |
Brillant idea!!(but)the best tool is to never take your eyes off baby! | ||
| lembic76450
Member Username: lembic76450 Post Number: 63 Registered: 5-2002 |
Keavin, Amen to that, that is the best insurance of all. | ||
| ajdover
Intermediate Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 123 Registered: 11-2003 |
Bill, I have red LEDs on my Spyder, and amber LEDs on my Europa. Both are awesome, and I find them extremely useful, particularly in a dark environment. The amber LEDs are particularly bright - if brightness is an issue and you want the LEDs, you could ask the good folks in Santa Rosa to put a dimmer switch in for you. Anyway, like others here, all of my future Alembic purchases will include LEDs. If you can get them, do so. You won't be disappointed. Regards, Alan | ||
| 811952
Advanced Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 264 Registered: 10-2003 |
A dimmer would help when you're in a dark place, so you could see your hand without being blinded by the leds. Red is a good color because it doesn't degrade your night vision nearly so badly as other colors do. Pretty as they are, I think if I had amber or blue side leds I probably would end up tripping over my cable or mic stand and doing a face-plant on the dance floor (**($%S>S<()*) , to quote Paul). It would be ugly. John And yes, never taking your eyes off the Alembic is the best insurance of all... | ||
| lbpesq
Junior Username: lbpesq Post Number: 47 Registered: 7-2004 |
Hey everyone: Thank you for your input. You've definitely helped me to narrow my decision. Side LEDS: yes Color: Red or Amber Still on the fence about a dimmer pot or just going with the inside screw adjust. I am just blown away by the friendliness and helpfulness I consistently see on this site. This is truly the Alembic of web clubs! Bill, the guitar one | ||
| rraymond
Intermediate Member Username: rraymond Post Number: 135 Registered: 6-2002 |
How do you like side LED's? "With a little mustard," as W.C. Fields used to say! I like mine, now that I've got'em! And my experience, brief though it has been, reflects what everybody else has said, "Turn them on and you forget about them after a while; turn them off and yikes, where am I?" | ||
| stoney
Advanced Member Username: stoney Post Number: 325 Registered: 7-2002 |
None of my basses presently have side LEDs but I had two with them. When I used to wear contact lenses, I would often wear sunglasses on stage because my eyes were very very sensitive to stage lighting. I found them particulrly useful in that situation with regard to practicality. Just a glance at the neck just to check on things was all I needed. Wish my present basses had them. Stoney | ||
| ox_junior
Intermediate Member Username: ox_junior Post Number: 172 Registered: 3-2004 |
I love the side LEDS. I've come to depend on them now, which is bad, because only one of my basses has them! They are not garish at all, the audience can't see them really. They are extremely helpful, as mentioned, in extremely bright or totally dark stage conditions. Mike | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 584 Registered: 9-2003 |
Side LED's rule! The three 9-Volt batteries and the extra weight they add doesn't. All-in-all they are a worthwhile option. The cool factor alone is priceless. I just hope the LED's don't burn-out OUTSIDE of warrantee, LOL! | ||
| dadabass2001
Advanced Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 263 Registered: 6-2002 |
Three? My Epic uses 4 9volts for the LEDS and a 5th for the electronics. Mike | ||
| thebass
Intermediate Member Username: thebass Post Number: 158 Registered: 3-2003 |
The side LEDs on my MK std are a price less feature in a dark stage situation or (more likely) during dramatic stage light brightness changes, strobo lights etc. If you are gigging more often its not a luxury option to my opinion. I wish I had it on my EPIC fretless as well. Colourwise I recommend to choose a colour which you don't have as stage light. You'll see them better. |
