I have both set neck and neck through Alembics. Both of my set necks are the Orion body style. I have found it to balance very well. Both have the standard comfort taper and are very close to the string spacing on my 76 Jazz Bass.  
 
My 5-string Orion has the more common mahogany body and walnut top. The electronics are the Essence version with Q-switch. I have no problems slapping with it and it has great tone.  
 
I also have a custom Orion 4-string fretless. This has an ash body with spalted maple top. I went with ash as I wanted more midrange punch and growl. This bass uses the East Meets West electronics. I would highly recommend this package on any of the set neck line. It is a combination of the standard model electronics with a filter and Q-switch added.  
 
Since you are in Hickory you might want talk to Kim at Shomaker Guitars in Burlington. It isn't that far of a drive from Hickory on I40.  
 
Keith

Hi Chaz,
Welcome to the club!
A used Alembic in the $1,500 price range would do you well indeed. For slaping, I think any Alembic can do it, because the electronics are superior. It is a bonus if you get a custom top wood, or a neck-thru for a used price, but do not discount the set necks. They have a special blooming midrange which can drive the EQ to do special things. To explain: If the guitar produces the tone, the electronics can always enhance or remove or embellish it. I think an Epic, Orion, Excel set-neck would do great for you. Yes, original electronics have vol, pickup pan, Bass and treble cut/boost. BUT, for under $500, Alembic sells the AE-2 filter Q replacement package which replaces the Bass & Treble with a filter sweep knob, and a Q switch in either 2 position or 3 position. This will give you the famous Alembic sound of the higher priced models without the price tag.
Here is a thread that discusses this mod:
 
http://club.alembicguitars.net/Images/393/31125.html?1159930026
 
Also:
From my own experience, the epic has a wider string spacing than the standard spacing of the series model, but is a bit tighter than the comfort spacing of my Europa 6 string bass. It is the best of both worlds, fast for fingers, pick, or slapping. The Europa has a bit too much space for my fingers, and I need to work up to speed on it, but on the Epic I need no such adjustment - it just feels right for my fingers right off.
 
Also, don't discount the Spoiler or Distillate models (Elan & Essence too). As neck-thrus with filter & Q, they are killer basses with gobs of great sounds and can be had used for great prices too. Happy searching. you WILL find your Alembic!
Kris

Well... I finally got one :-) Picked up Sean's Epic (Bubinga)... here on Alembic-Club. It should be arriving soon.  
 
Here's the thread... link  
 
Thanks to everyone for the advice.... it really helped.
 
Thanks Kris, for the info on the AE-2 filter Q replacement package... I'll be looking to upgrade it at some point.
 
Again... thanks everyone!
 
(Message edited by ubado on September 26, 2007)
 
(Message edited by davehouck on September 29, 2007)

Congrats!!