lozbass

[quote name='sprocketflup' post='905035' date='Jul 25 2010, 06:24 PM']Ok , Im hoping I dont get flamed for this coz its a genuine question, and I mean no offence Ive never heard of Alleva-Coppolo. Its a nice looking bass thats for certain, but what are the qualities that would make someone choose this over any other p style bass please? i.e. exotic woods, amazing electronics package etc etc. Like I said, I mean no offence with the comment, just genuinely curious cheers, Dave Sprocketflup[/quote] No problem on the question at all. I think Clarky details the major qualities. Also as he says, it's worth a look at the AC website - there are details of the build philosophy and some of the techniques used in production. ACs are high-end, hand-built boutique instruments: the attention to detail is astonishing, and the materials used in production are of the highest quality - some are also very rare, for example 30+ years old Dalbergia Negra (rosewood). The finishing too is just fantastic. I'd recommend that you take a look at some AC basses - I think that the UK's dealer is now based in Harrogate (and he has a good stock). Just one point I think Clarky misses - production moved from Jimmy Coppolo's shop in New York to California in July-August 2008.

+1 complete sense to me too! I'm going to copy and paste the justification para from Jazzyvee's post and deploy it whenever necessary. I agree that the tone isn't for everybody but it's simply perfect to my ears - the core and characteristic tone is so good that even my staggeringly poor technique can't bu**er it up (completely)

[quote name='bubinga5' post='902430' date='Jul 22 2010, 10:19 PM']that i justxxxxxxxxxx??????.........what a bass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![/quote] I simply couldn't agree more - one of the finest basses on Basschat or anywhere else IMO

[quote name='Clarky' post='902603' date='Jul 23 2010, 12:05 AM']You are a lucky man! That's utterly fabulous, jazzyvee. Enjoy finding your sound [/quote] +1 - oh dear me! I feel euphoric and slightly nauseous at the same time...an absolutely staggering bass. I'd love to hear this one. I can see that Jazzyvee's acquisition is going to make me want another Alembic (one I don't need and can't justify). Unusual to have the standby switch - extremely useful on a 'live' bass - I think we should see more of these

Lovely Deaver - one of the most gorgeous maple tops around!

+1 - hi Jazzyvee - it's good to have you on Basschat - I've been reading your posts on the Alembic Club (with great enthusiasm and interest) for years...I'm off to look at the 5 that Clarky mentions...

I'm a big fan of short-scales - some have a full, bassy tone that lacks a bit of definition, however, this is not the case for all (take a listen to Clarke on his short-scales!) Among the shorties I use is a Danelectro Longhorn (a re-issue from around the late '90s). It's around 3-4lbs in weight, balances well and is ridiculously easy to play and very fast to get around on. The tone is acceptable (to me) but not fantastic - I use extremely light gauge nickel rounds so manage decent definition. I find that the bass doesn't really cut through as much as I'd like when I play in a band situation (this is a very rare occurrence). I think you can pick-up a Longhorn at around £150 second hand. I certainly recommend that you give it some consideration

Really lovely - nice to see something different - I'm a big fan of the unusual

[quote name='BigRedX' post='893811' date='Jul 13 2010, 03:19 PM']IMO this is probably the nicest looking Overwater that I don't own ;-)[/quote] That used to be mine! It's a stunner - couldn't quite work out why I couldn't get on with it until Steve informed me it's a 36" scale

[quote name='pantherairsoft' post='893522' date='Jul 13 2010, 10:51 AM']Lovely. One of the nicest Overwaters ever.[/quote] Thanks! I'm really pleased with it - I think the aesthetic element of Chris' work is sometimes overlooked (probably not in this thread!) The build quality is absolutely outstanding, as it the choice of timbers, carving, finishing etc. The bass plays beautifully too - the easiest six I've ever played - sculpted neck and lovely low action. I find the tone very even across the strings - clean and clear with a big fundamental - versatile but nothing extreme or particularly characteristic in the sound (possibly why a lot of session players use Overwaters).

Chris has just received the bass that I sent last week - an incredibly easy, fast deal with fantastic communiations - payment was super-rapid. I can't recommend Chris more highly - a really great guy with whom to do business. I wouldn't hesitate to deal with Chris again - a credit to the BC community.

[quote name='Major-Minor' post='892488' date='Jul 12 2010, 08:18 AM']Here's pics of the stack:[/quote] Fantastic - thanks! I remember Park well - I too seem to remember that they were some form of Marshall re-brand (I'm sure that somebody on here will know). I remember the Top and Carlsboro connection too - fairly brightly coloured control knobs if memory serves!

Err...now with far better images (still not great i'm afraid!) A lovely bass for noodling moments - a nice slim neck and easy to get around on

Lovely working bass and a great story (two old Simms Watts cabs in the photos too? - great to see a proper '70s bass stack!)

I've used a wide variety of J pickups in the past few years and to be honest, have been fairly pleased with most of them. Standouts for me have been Wizards (custom wound but similar to 84s I think), and Alleva Coppolo. The latter can be purchased directly from the AC website - they sound fairly vintage to me in passive - the downside is the expense (and you may have to factor-in import charges).

Wonderful! This is a stunning bass indeed