| Author | Message | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 244 Registered: 1-2007 |
I'm just going to keep this question in my post here and ask it point blank. I think I have asked it before. Do any of you who have Series basses miss not having the bass and treble controls on the bass like Mark had installed on his? I just want any opinions and respect all perspectives. I just have this empty feeling in my heart that I am afraid I am going to want them after it is already to late which in fact it may be. Please help, Paul | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 801 Registered: 9-2005 |
You already know my thoughts, Paul, so I won't repeat them. But one thing I found out recently is apparently -for whatever reason- you can't get a single/master set on a stereo bass (like the Series and Anniversery models); you can either get a set for just one pickup, or two sets, one for each pickup; but apparently one set that works on both pickups doesn't work with stereo outputs. So IF you decide you want 'em... you'll have to decide if you want two sets (one set for each pickup, or just one set (for just one pickup). I feel obliged to share this with you as I previously suggested you could get just one master set for both pickups... and it has come to my attention (from Mica) that this is apparently NOT the case. (I has asked about getting Anniversery electronics with a single master set of bass & treble controls, and she said it wouldn't work in stereo, that it would only work on one pickup). I've found I use my bass boost on the neck pickup all the time, and occaissionally the neck treble control; I don't use either one much on the bridge control. (Though I almost always use my unique custom mid-boost on the bridge pickup!) The pictures don't show drilling yet... the question is whether they've drilled since then. If you're thinking about it, you might want to contact them right away just to have them hold off in case you DO decide you want 'em... to leave your options open (assuming it's still an option at this point) in case waiting will make it impossible and/or more complicated/costly. On last thing... no pressure, again you've heard my thoughts before. But IF (and only if) you DO decide to get them AND you're concerned about too many knobs, my recommendation would be to consider a pair of knobs for the neck pickup, and the toggles for the bridge pickup. This is just based on my experience with my bass, which indicates that the variable knobs (at least for my bass) are more useful for the neck pickup, while I think the toggles would be adaquate (at least for me) for the bridge pickup. Good luck with whatever you decide. If you want anymore feedback from me about this issue, let me know. Mark (Message edited by the 8 string king on September 16, 2007) | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 245 Registered: 1-2007 |
Thanks very much for your time Mark. I just contacted several Series II owners and asked their opinions by e-mail. But now that you clarified things that helps. As far as knobs or space, I moved my jacks to the rim of the bass so I have more room for knobs but it's good to know about the stereo thing and on that note this may be the final straw as far as my decision goes. I do have kind of an empty feeling about not having them there but I must be strong and think that if they were really really necessary Alembic would have added them back on. I don't mean this contradicting you I just mean that I will probably be OK even if I miss them alittle as I don't want to put 4 more knobs on the bass and I don't want to try at this point to decide which pick-up I might want a set on. I just want to make sure that at this point I have made as many correct decisions as possible. You are so helpful in being thorough with all of this that I really appreciate your time. You could have 70 lines in my opinion as that is what this area is for. Bettering our playing, building, designing and whatever else it can be used for. And believe me if not for this forum and your advice and comments my bass would never have been rounded off to the point that it is right now and I am so happy with the way things are coming out due all to this. So with my newly spay kitten in my lap I type away, I want to thank you very much! Paul da Plumma (pigeon for Paul the Plumber) | ||
| jtussing
Intermediate Member Username: jtussing Post Number: 128 Registered: 12-2006 |
Hey there! Only have a minute so forgive the brevity of this post. The only time I ever want more bass is when I'm trying to get a slightly beefier sound for slap funk. To get what I'm looking for I just turn to my GK and increase the bass by about 1 or 1.5. I can also alternatively get what I want almost exactly by using much more of my neck pickup than the bridge too (so I could do it without touching my amp). Most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference but I like the more balanced-pickup tone because it adds crispness, so I generally just use the GK setting. There are no other styles I've found yet that require me to touch the GK. I don't think I would ever add the bass-boost pot to my bass because of the additional crowding. If there were such a thing as a combo volume / bass boost pot that I could add to each pickup that would be the only thing I'd even consider - and I probably wouldn't even do that. Good luck and (from my recent experiences) NEVER underestimate the power of the sheer awesomeness of every aspect of your Alembic to completely blind you to its flaws. You will fall in love with your bass. :-) Peace & Aloha! | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 537 Registered: 11-2004 |
Paul, I don't have a Series bass, but my Rogue is Signature equipped + has a set of bass/treble boost switches. I VERY rarely touch the bass/treble switches- I've found that I can dial in anything I want with the filters and by dialing in more or less neck pickup. The only time I ever use them is if we have one song that requires a really heavy dub-reggae tone- then I'll flick on the bass boost, but to be honest, the exact same sound can be accomplished using the filters and by dialing in more neck pickup. Just my $.02 Toby | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 802 Registered: 9-2005 |
Another thing to possibly consider, Paul: I know you have an Excell -which doesn't have a filter... Maybe you should either (A) find a store that has an Alembic with a filter or filters (ideally a Series -since that's what you're getting) or (B) ask one of the other members who lives in the islands if you can fly or boat over to them and try their bass(es)... then you'd be able to form your own opionion. I don't live on the islands, but my understanding is it doesn't cost to much to go to one of the other islands. Your custom is surely quite important to you, and you want to make sure you'll be completely satisfied; it might be worth the $ to you to (if necessary) go to another club member and play their bass for a few minutes, and twiddle with the filters to see what YOU think (assuming someone'll let'cha). What better way to answer the question then to play one yourself and see what you think. I personally find the filter & Q setup much more versatile than the standard EQ controls... but they're NOT the same; and I want both. But that's me. It seems like the best way for you to know how happy/unhappy you'd be with/without them would be to play a bass with the filters -again, preferably a Series, since that's what you're getting. Good luck with it, Paul | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 246 Registered: 1-2007 |
Well, That is great feedback from everybody. Thank you all. Ya Mark, that is the total problem is that I am not able to try a Series and that is why I am putting the question out. But you are right. some of our members have contacted me before over on the other islands and I'm sure they would let me try theirs it's just that I am running out of time now because my bass is close to finish. But the opinions above are enough again to relieve me that I will be OK- I think. It sounds like the filters really add that boost. It's just that I can't quite grasp the concept of the filters as I'm sure they are fine but just in my head I can't grasp turning them down/eliminating sound/tone. It's hard for me to understand that. With tone knobs you retain the frequencies and just add or subtract the intensity where with the filters you are actually eliminating anything above a certain level. Oh well, I trust that it will be OK otherwise everybody wouldn't be telling me I'm going to fall in Love with it, etc. Ahhhh, I think I just got it! Because you leave filters more open and adjust with the volume knob. Now I think I am getting it. I'm sure it's going to take some time to get used to! Thanks again, P | ||
| 82daion
Member Username: 82daion Post Number: 95 Registered: 5-2005 |
The filters roll off above the cutoff point at something like 12dB/octave, IIRC, so they don't "eliminate" everything above the cutoff point. It's a progressive removal. It's hard to explain, but easy to hear-I imagine it'll make more sense when you get the bass in your hands. It's like a much more precise passive tone control, with the added advantage of the Q-switch. | ||
| deburgh
New Username: deburgh Post Number: 10 Registered: 3-2007 |
I actually had similar concerns with my series II that I have on order, and I must admit seeing the information posted in your thread here has helped ease my mind quite a bit also. So thanks to you Paul for asking the question before I did, and thanks also to all that answered  | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 247 Registered: 1-2007 |
Well, that's great deburgh. Thanks 82daion, that is probably the best description to help me understand. I know there must be a reason that they don't put the tone controls on standard but yet as I say that I don't take away from Mark's want to have one, I just think I will be fine without it and bottom line is if I really need them I can send it back and have them installed. Much appreciated 82, Thank you very much for your time, Paul | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 807 Registered: 9-2005 |
Paul, the biggest difference between the filters and EQ controls (bass & treble) is that EQ controls work VERTICALLY (up & down) while the filters work HORIZONTALLY. The bass & treble controls RAISE or LOWER their specific frequencies... and they do it without affecting other frequencies. The low pass filter moves SIDEWAYS... with the "Q" control off/at 0 dbs... it is entirely passive... as you roll the filter, you cut more and more frequencies... first the upper highs, then the middle highs, then the lower highs, then the upper mids, then the middle mids, etc... The "Q" puts a boost on the frequency selected by the filter. You have to hear it to appreciate it. It affects the sound in a more fundamental way than EQ controls; with the filter and Q, you bass can sound like a dozen different instruments. With EQ controls, it'll always sound like the same instrument... just with more or less bass and/or treble. The down side with the filters is this: if you want to, let's say, boost the bass... the ONLY way you can do it is to roll the filter down to the lowest frequencies and boost the Q... which means you're CUTTING the frequencies above the frequency you're boosting. I personally don't like this. I want to be able to boost my bass WITHOUT affecting the other frequencies if I so desire... and you simply can't do that without EQ controls. This is why I insist on having them on my bass. On the other hand, the filter & Q setup IS more versatile... and any decent amp has EQ controls on it; so, worst case scenario, you just have to reach over and tweak the EQ controls on your amp. Not the end of the world. For me, I want additional EQ controls onboard... on the bass itself. But not everyone is me... which is good, because I'd get sick and tired of addressing everyone as "you handsome clone"!!! Plus, it would be really disturbing dealing with my girlfriend... | ||
| foth
Intermediate Member Username: foth Post Number: 150 Registered: 12-2004 |
You're gonna love your Series II, Paul, with or without boost/cuts! Make sure you tell the boss you need the day off when it arrives. It's that different. | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 251 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hey Foth, You guys have me so excited that I am shaking in my boots with anticipation. The good news is I am the boss, well at least my wife is-so I will be sitting here for a while with that thing on my lap, believe me! As you all know I am addicted to this forum and discussion as it is one way of holding on to the future when the baby arrives. What's so funny is that I spend more time in here than on my bass right now as I just sit and dream about the new sound coming. I purchased a sf-2 to improve on my Excel's sound to try and get it closer to the real thing. And believe me, I haven't heard to many basses that sound as good as my Excel. Mark is in my opinion doing a really great thing by adding a Fatboy to his new bass as my Fatboy on my excel makes a better sound than my Epic has with two pickups. The Fatboy is incredible! The only thing is I would have added it to the neck position not the bridge position because I believe the AXY's/MXY's have plenty of high capacity but I like the improvement of the Fatboy for it's remarkable low low bottom capability. So I think it would serve better in the neck position. But we all have our own reasons and knowing Mark he will be coming back here to set me straight on his reason and I will be learning something tonite. It's kind of nice as I always get to learn something from Mark. He has been very very helpful in my bass design and order. Thanks, Paul | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 812 Registered: 9-2005 |
Hey thanks, Paul, that's nice of you to say. Others here have been very generous with their knowledge, and in the spirit of reciprocity and karma, I try to share what I have to offer with others who are deserving and appreciative -as others have done with me. My reasons... well, this would be an example of what I've just said. I'd never heard a Fatboy... but I'd seen them referred to on other threads, and became curious. I asked the club members about it, and for advice on using them. I got several opinions; it seems like a lot of people like 'em; some people like 'em on both pickups; other people like them on the bridge pickup, but think they're too much for the neck pickup. Anyway, one piece of advice I got -which seemed to make a lot of sense- was to order my bass with a Fatboy for the bridge pickup, and the standard pickup for the neck... and to specify wiring length for each pickup, so that I could experiment and switch them... to form my own conclusion. So that's exactly what I did! This just made perfect sense. So that's why I ordered a (just one) Fatboy for the bridge pickup. With one of each, I'll be in a perfect position to swap them and see exactly what the difference is in sound. Then, should I desire, I can buy an additional pickup of either kind should I desire... and sell or trade the pickup I don't want to another club member. (Thanks again for the advice guys! I'm sorry, I don't remember everyone who answered my request for info at this point... I know Joey did, and I think Tom and a couple other people did too... but it's been a while.) Anyway, that's it, Paul. Thanks again for your nice comments... and thanks again everyone else for helping to teach and educate me about these things. Like Paul, I'm grateful for the input of the other club members here, and for their invaluable opinions and experience, which have helped shape my new custom. Paul, your bass looks incredibly fabulous... it doesn't look like you'll have to wait TOO much longer!!! (Message edited by the 8 string king on September 18, 2007) | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 813 Registered: 9-2005 |
Hey, Paul, in case you're curious, I went digging and found the thread I was referring to (about the Fatboys): http://alembic.com/club/messages/393/34805.html?1167957354 Okay, I'm going, don't want to hijack your FTC thread TOO much!!! LOL | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 253 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hey Marky, I just wrote you on your post but great! I remember you asking Mica to make the wires longer and that is perfect so you can reverse it and try out the fatboy in either position if you want But no matter what, I think you are going to be happier with that fatboy in one of the positions cuz it is amazing what it sounds like on my Excel. And now that I read that post that jacko put up for us it makes sense. And bottom line is if you didn't you could always buy an AXY and replace it. And I didn't tell you guys but about a month ago I bought a Epic on ebay and I honestly can't say if it's the wood or the neck or the neck wood or what but my Excel actually has very clearer highs and lows with one pick up than the Epic. But like I say, I don't know for sure but my suspicions tell me that the fatboy is the main difference and I am almost 99% sure of that. So I know you are going to be very happy | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 254 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hey Raging Michael Bass, If you are out there, I am so glad that you posted that picture of your bass in my thread here so we could look at it. Could you post a couple more of your favorites like the ones that you took when it came home? It livens up the thread a little (gives me my fix) while I am scrolling through my thread. Hope you are there and thanks for the lastpost. I had written you a huge reply to the last post you sent me with the picture but my computer flaked and I lost it and the magic just wasn't there on the second reply. You know what I mean? Just awesome being a member of the family whether nephew, son, baby, the point is, I couldn't resist the body style. In fact, I meant to ask you how is the neck dive? Is it really missing the balance design? Do you struggle with the bass being unbalanced is what I'm asking? Le me kno-you da man Thanks so much, Paulo | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 4832 Registered: 6-2000 |
Lexi was fitting the backplates here:  and now your bass is officially in spray:  Even with just one coat of sealer, the Quilted Coco Bolo POPS!  "Looking good" just seems like an understatement. | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 542 Registered: 11-2004 |
Looking good!!! | ||
| 82daion
Member Username: 82daion Post Number: 97 Registered: 5-2005 |
That's going to be incredible when it's finished. Congratulations, Paul! | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 257 Registered: 1-2007 |
Thank you, WWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOoooooWWWWWWWW! These guys are good! Or baaaadddd! Thank you Mica and friends/family! Aloha, Paul | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 818 Registered: 9-2005 |
.Some-buddies gedding clo-oss,some-buddies gedding clo-oss,some-buddies gedding clo-oss,some-buddies gedding clo-oss,some-buddies gedding clo-oss,some-buddies gedding clo-oss,some-buddies gedding clo-oss,some-buddies gedding clo-oss..... | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 260 Registered: 1-2007 |
There you are!!!! | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1357 Registered: 10-2002 |
Looks fantastic paul! The neck laminates really work well with the QCB and I love the top horn. graeme | ||
| deburgh
Junior Username: deburgh Post Number: 13 Registered: 3-2007 |
Absolutely gorgeous Paul! That QCB is stunning to say the least. Looks like our customs are at about the same stage of construction, it's amazing to see what a difference that first spray of sealer makes. What fun this is to watch these works of art getting closer and closer to being done Take care, Todd | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 277 Registered: 1-2007 |
Oh Boy, As I sit here at 2 a.m. Sunday morning with my kitten on my lap, on the Big Island of Hawaii, I listen to one of the most inspirational and intelligent persons I know besides Wayne Dyer and Depak Chopra, the greatest talk show host himself Mr. John Rothman on KGO. How much better could it get for me that is knowing that I will have my new baby in my hands within the next two weeks or so. I just want to take a moment to tell all of you my newest friends and support how much I appreciate all of your support through all of this decision making and ordering of the biggest dream of my life. Without all of you, and I truly mean all of you I would have never been able to do this. I am totally out of my mind right now from lack of sleep but pleasantly so at that. So please excuse my whatever. I kinda feel sorry for you Mark even though you now have your bass you no longer have that rush of anticipation and control in the back of your mind knowing that you could actually make a last minute change if you really wanted! The nice thing is that I have ordered (due to the help of all of you) the best combination of choices that I could possibly get on the nicest bass that I could ever dream of having at my fingertips! And I thank All Mighty God and my Father Michael Francis Mikul for the opportunity to make this dream come true! I just wish that my father could have had the opportunity to see this bass physically in my hands. But I know that he is looking down on me very proud to know that I will be passing on my experience and knowledge to my son Michael Angelo Mikul!!!!!!!! Man, just the sight of that first layer of finish is so beautiful!!! Thank you so much Alembic and all of my Alembic friends!!! I also haven't had much time to come in here and pay my respects to all of your beautiful instruments that you have being built. They are all gorgeous and I really admire all of them! This is such a wonderful world all of it's own being a member of this beautiful family. I am so honored to say the least and I mean it from the bottom of my heart!!! I Love all of you from my heart and must go to bed now. In fact I just blacked out and don't remember typing that last line now. Goodnight friends, Paul da Plummber | ||
| jlpicard
Senior Member Username: jlpicard Post Number: 484 Registered: 7-2002 |
Paul, I just happened to be celebrating my birthday today and decided to treat myself to a new Roland D Bass amp. While playing through it with the Raging Bass I decided that I hadn't checked in with you for a while and lo and behold new pictures of your baby!! WOW I love the Vermillion in the neck with the quilted Cocobolo. you make me want to build another one! Unfortunetly, I still have a few years left on the loan for this one. To tide me over, I have been working on a home bass project of my own creation. It is almost done and when I finish I will post a pic or two probably in Micellanious so keep your eyes peeled. It is very Much an Alembic inspired design. In the meantime, heres another Raging photo like you asked for. Mike  | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 281 Registered: 1-2007 |
Oh Boy, what a nice surprise! First of all, Happy Birthday Michael! We are celebrating a birthday right here in our house all weekend as my son just turned 4 yesterday and we are having the party tomorrow so it's just a weekend event! Anyway I wish you many many more healthy years of great bass playing!!! Let's get right to the meat of things, tell me about your Roland first and then your bass when you have time of course! I know it's late so when ever you get a chance to get back. I should be seeing my bass soon. I know the shop was set back with the flu virus but mine should be on the top of the list as this is what my dealer has told me. What a beautiful beautiful instrument you have. It must be so nice to wake up in the morning, sip on a few cups of java while just starring at that beauty and enjoying the smell that arises from the case. Of course maybe this isn't your agenda, just a fantasy of mine! Especially with my favorite Kona coffee! I hopefully will be doing this soon. Although I keep reminding myself that "expectations often turn into premeditated resentments"! I've already seen it happen in here many times so I figure when it's in my hands I'll play it! Anyway I am really honored by your post and please return whenever you have time. Thank you very much Michael, and by the way my son's name is Michael Angelo, Aloha, Paul the plumber. Mauna Kea Plumbing Company, Big Island, Hawaii | ||
| jlpicard
Senior Member Username: jlpicard Post Number: 485 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hi Paul, It's getting so close to the birthday of your new baby!! Your gonna love it! Anyway the Roland D-Bass210 is an impressive amp. For it's size and weight,it really puts out! The sound is real phat, really meaty if you know what I mean. Not in the same way as an SVT but very clear and tight. It never loses that fattness and stays clean even at high volume. It has Rolands' COSM amp modeling so that with the turn of a knob, you can get a vintage or a modern sounding amp or a third setting which will give you a totally flat preamp settting which will faithfully reproduce the sound of your bass in all its glory! I've gigged with it twice already in a cover band that plays every thing from Patsy Klein to Van Halen and never had it up higher than a bit over a quarter of the way up. (10:00). I'm also using a Bose T1 Tonematch Engine for effects. That is a cool unit. Effects from compression to modulation to delay to reverbs, a tuner and a digital 4 channel personal mixer that will remember all your settings. All kinds of settings for custom EQ's designed to change with the particular instrument you are using. They have even offered to make a custom patch for the Raging Bass if I bring it to one of their Bose owners' conventions! How cool is that?! The bass I'm worknig on is a 5 string with a cocobolo top (of course) with a 1/4" maple accent strip and a mahogany body core. I'll have it done soon so I'll post when its ready. No where near Alembic quality, building gives you a real appreciation of what masterpieces every Alembic truly is. It looks easy, it really takes practice and developing many skills to turn out a fine instrument. Anyway, that's all for now , Best of luck to you Michael DeVincenzo | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 290 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hey Michael, Nice to hear from you. I am looking at your amp on musiciansfriend right now. That is a nice little amp. Perfect for gigging! Roland has always been a favorite of mine. They maintain alot of class. I have the little Roland Micro Cube which is excellent and I also have the Roland Edirol USB audio capture UA25 which I will get out when I get my bass. I especially have heard alot about the Bose system and it sounds great. Actually my friend has one and it is nice. I am really stoked as my bass is promised for shipping on the 12th which is a week from Monday. So I will be getting back to you soon with some pictures and sound bytes. Thanks for getting back and take er easy. Aloha, Paul |
