lozbass

[quote name='lojo' post='930227' date='Aug 19 2010, 07:59 PM']What's the story with that pic, its amazing, i'm almost lusting after an object and getting worried about it![/quote] I think this bass is/was for sale at Rumbleseat Music in the US - around $4250 IIRC. It's a used Masterbuilt with a few little marks. Just gorgeous.

[quote name='ElCapitan' post='927285' date='Aug 17 2010, 10:25 AM']In 30 years I've never had a problem with a stock fender bridge. Am I doing something wrong?[/quote] Hahaha - to be honest, me neither

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' post='926693' date='Aug 16 2010, 05:33 PM']Its just bits of wood whoever makes it[/quote] Hmmm...not all bits of wood are born equal, neither are they put together the same way. I agree entirely that bridge design, construction and materials can have an impact on sustain (Alembics provide and excellent case in point) and I think that Jimmy Coppolo did quite a lot of work on his bent tin bridge. Whether it's high mass or not, I'm not sure - I'm told that his aim is to build Fender-type instruments that conform fairly closely to original build philosophy and techniques. If you're up in Manchester, you're more than welcome to try mine - I don't think you'll find a problem with sustain at all (maybe this would be 'improved' with the addition of a BA - and indeed, some early ACs were supplied with BAs - but there may be disbenefits of various forms).

[quote name='CHRISDABASS' post='925561' date='Aug 15 2010, 01:35 PM']Ive been chatting with Roger Sadowsky about the matching headstock thing as i'll need a Decal for Dave to use, Roger is more than happy for me to go ahead and has even offered me the choice of decal colour, black, silver or gold.......think im gonna go for silver[/quote] I'm really looking forward to seeing this - please keep us updated!

Rogue's tend to have better balance than some of the smaller bodied Alembics - the extended top horn can be of benefit here. The smaller bodied basses do not balance well in my opinion (though I find that a very short, wide neoprene strap helps) - the standard body shape for the MK model is not small at all - indeed, the MK is generally a big bass. I too have found that most Alembics are relatively weighty. Anything with cocobolo facings is going to be pretty heavy - Alembic use a lot of cocobolo - and the brass hardware and electronics package isn't light. Add to this the fact that some Alembics have four 9v cells just to power the LEDs and you can see that weight management isn't always a major issue at Alembic. That said, selection of lighter facings can have a big impact and some models are chambered: I have a SC deluxe in Buckeye Burl and it's very manageable (about 8.5lbs). On the issue of tone...well it's all so subjective. For me the characteristic and core tone of a higher-end alembic is something like the bottom-end of a high-quality grand piano: depth, purity and complexity with massive sustain. Alembics can certainly sound 'hi-fi' but tend to sound different (to my ears) to other typical hifi basses such as Foderas, Seis etc. If you prefer 'Bbmmmmm' to 'Ddoiing', then an Alembic may not be for you - though it is possible to make an Alembic sound reasonably close to other hifi instruments. If you like a clanging, ringing rock tone, then an Alembic can do that too. What I think an Alembic may struggle with is emulation of something like an EB-O or EB-3 - Alembics do tend to sound very clear. I also find that Alembics tend to have a big and complex though not 'phat' tone (i.e., phat along the lines of something like a Warwick). Getting used to the filter system on an Alembic really isn't that difficult - some are more complex than others but the variety of tones is astonishing and investing some time in experimentation is worthwhile. I hope this help the OP - just some thoughts on the basis of my own experience.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' post='911189' date='Jul 31 2010, 01:08 PM']why does the Alleva still have the bean can bent up and chromed on it?[/quote] This is getting a bit OT but I think that the AC LGs come with the bent tin bridge (whatever the designation - classic, classic supreme etc.) - as far as I know, a Hipshot can be fitted but most players prefer the bent tin version. There's an extraordinarily detailed discussion of AC bridges (and bridge development) over on Talkbass. I have to say that neither myself or the other players that have tried my AC LGs have found any problem with sustain. To be honest, ACs appear to be rather well-built instruments with considerable attention to detail - poor sustain hasn't be reported as a problem as far as I know

I had a Masterbuilt NOS '64 (fretless) and can claim with confidence that it was a sublime instrument (I'm not sure how much the quality might differ from a CS). It had a couple of finish/specification problems but no big deal

[quote name='skej21' post='924393' date='Aug 13 2010, 09:12 PM']BEAUTIFUL! *Droooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool*[/quote] Every time I see that photograph I go all wibbly inside - one of my favourite basses ever! Chris, thanks for the comment on the Alleva - I really should try to get some better images (especially of the heastock) Also, on the nitro, I love it (it's a nitro finish on the AC) but it's generally much softer than poly. Depending on perspective this is a good or bad thing. I think it ages beautifully but some don't. Sonic blue has a tendency to take on a greenish hue as the clearcoat matures. I also find that nitro on the neck is a bit 'sticky' (just needs a quick wipe in between tracks when playing live - not a big deal at all and some players don't bother)

I'd do it - for me, Sonic Blue is the coolest colour! An opportunity to shamelessly offer an example (not the greatest image I'm afraid)

Always liked this (a lot). Not a clue who the bass player is but there's some lovely playing on a lot of CC material - not always flash or clever, but tasteful, sympathetic and effective (these latter characteristics always highly preferable in my opinion)

If I had £80k, I'd just get a high-end Alembic and have done with it - a Signature or Series can cover a lot of different bases and has it's own unique tone too. Of course, not everybody is a fan. If that's the case for you, and given what you have now, I'd go for the Jazz first. My first choice wouldn't be a Fender, and I'd be tempted to go for something second hand and boutique. There are some fantastic Jazz clones out there - most can do a great classic J tone but offer much more in terms of versatility and playability (that isn't to say that there aren't some great Fender Js out there too). For me to advise financial prudence would be sheer hypocrisy.

Another great deal with Chris - great communications and super rapid action on Chris' part - combo was with me in 24 hours! Recommended without reservation. Cheers, Lozbass