David,
 I love how you explain complex phenomena.
Thanks for taking the time to make things clearer.
 
Kris

But what is it with an Alembic that makes it sound like you are plucking a string when you are actually just fingering agressively?  I call it 'attack', but it sounds like that could also be defined as 'punch'.  Could/would it be the shorter scale and lack of high string tension that makes it so easy to get that 'thwap' using just fingering?
 
I can detune any of my 34 basses but still can't get that attack I get with my Alembic, and I am using a heavier guage string on the Alembic.  I can't imagine what to expect if I try a lighter guage.  I think it will mean I'll have to get more precise in my technique if I go lighter though or else everything will sound like I'm popping every note, lol!

Well, the manifestation worked:
 
http://club.alembicguitars.net/Images/411/77495.html?1268366122

Yes  Edwin ! Congratulations !  You got the gift form the gift !