I'm quite a ways from my custom bass, but of course I daydream about it everyday.  What I want out of it is a more aggressive, mean sound. I've already decided on set neck, ash body.  What I'm really curious about opinions on is what would be the best electronics/pickup configuration for that badass sound.  I was thinking 2 fat boys with Europa/rogue electronics, but I really don't know and was hoping for some insight

If I want GROWL  ? I can get that from running stereo with Series I/II Electronics from my D5S-R  Alembic Power  supply  or Alembic  IN-2 directly into an Alembic SF-2 Super Filter then to Alembic F-2B then to Crest Power amp to EV 10  speakers in Mesa Cabs .   With your SF-2 Dial in Lower mid range GROWL off the Bridge pickup.    
 
       I think if you don't want to spring for Series Electronics  
Anniversary Electronics in Stereo  would be nice .  I used to bi-amp  but recently have gone back to playing Stereo like I experimented with over 30 years ago. The difference NOW is that I have the SF-2  : if you want mean that little guy gives MEAN!  If you want nice it gives NICE  
If you want ANY sound  ________!!!_!_!_!_!_!_!  Gives that too ____
 
    Sonic Regards __ bass dreams are fun___
 
ASH body might work well attack wise on the transient response!
 
(Message edited by sonicus on August 01, 2011)

I found that in my experiences, the absolute meanest, growliest Bass out there is the basic Excel. Just the most basic version with one pickup - WOW!!!
 
I fell so in love with it.....well, most of you guys know the rest!
 
Cheers
 

Well, as a matter of fact I want an excel body for my custom, and I've been looking for a four string excel for some time now but they are still so new they're hard to aquire used; probably because whenever one becomes available you take it first ;-)

perfect timing!
 
http://cgi.ebay.com/2002-Alembic-Excel-4-String-Bass-Guitar-/180704928935?pt=Guitar&hash=item2a12da64a7
 
~Taylor

Somebody buy it already!!! At $1200, it's a steal.
 
There's no other Bass that's more worthy of every penny. It has the deepest, punchiest, MOST powerful and GROWLIEST tone.  
 
 

Trying to buy it now!  haha

My single pickup Distillate is quite swell as well ! I took it to the 2011 Northern California Alembic Gathering and split the mono signal and processed it as Stereo into my SF-2  and F-2B preamp . The results were favorable as I was told by various individuals.  I think that single pickup Alembics shine like no other single pickup Bass could ever wish to !    CYCLOPS POWER !
 lol ______

Wow, what a beautiful Excel !!
Did you buy it pinbacking?  
 
That top must look 3 feet deep in person : )
 
cheers

Yes , Congratulations !

Haha, ya! Confirmed purchase, now just waiting for the bank to catch up. :-)

Congratulations, she's a beauty!
 
I think that when Alembic first produced the Excel, it was meant as an affordable and entry level Bass.  Little did anyone realize that this simple no-frills Bass would be such a monster.  I absolutely love it.
 

I'm still selling this one ! It sure give mean tones!
 
anyone?
 
 
http://club.alembicguitars.net/Images/395/97520.html?1312312158

I've found Essence basses have a very aggressive/growly tone.  My off the shelf and the custom I had made.  They're both outstanding in that regard.  And every other regard for that matter.  
 
Both are maple necks with walnut streamers and maple bodies.

Agreed  , My  little 91 all maple Essence has a big bellow of a bark like a 120LB Bouvier  !