Alien 6 Fretless Demo - Looking for Ideas

[One Bad Monkey]

As you have seen on the "Post your Wicks!" thread, my Alien 6 fretless came in yesterday. In a week or two, I'm going to be making a couple of demos for this bass.

What I'd like to do is find out what you all would like to know about this amazing instrument. A couple of the guys on the Warwick forum wanted to know how it will hold up - acoustically - in a gig, so I have a percussionist that is going to bring a couple of different drums so we can jam and record it to give you guys a good idea. While I'd argue that any acoustic-electric bass is going to need some form of amplification to hold up at a gig, I think you all will be surprised at how loud and robust sounding the Alien is unplugged.

So, aside from that, is there anything that you would like to see in a general demo of the instrument? Please let me know and I'll be happy to put it on my list.

[WarwickOfficial]

Hey Jonathon - great to see the bass has arrived! I'm sure whatever you do will fabulous - can't wait to see the video! Thanks for your support!

[KwinS]

That is the exact bass I have been waiting to order for myself! Cool!

Except right handed. Is that a leftie, or a reversed picture?

[One Bad Monkey]

Originally Posted by Kwin Smith

That is the exact bass I have been waiting to order for myself! Cool!

Except right handed. Is that a leftie, or a reversed picture?

It's reversed; it was taken in front of a mirror.

[KwinS]

It's a very sharp looking bass. I totally dig it!

Are you considering tape wounds any time soon? That would be my request if you're still taking them.
Thanks!

[One Bad Monkey]

Originally Posted by Kwin Smith

It's a very sharp looking bass. I totally dig it!

Are you considering tape wounds any time soon? That would be my request if you're still taking them.
Thanks!

Not at this point, no. I figured it would be best to demo it with the stock strings first. At some point I am looking at switching strings, probably starting with what old sets I have lying around.

[KwinS]

Yes. That's what I figured, but it didn't hurt TOO much to ask!

[One Bad Monkey]

Originally Posted by Kwin Smith

Yes. That's what I figured, but it didn't hurt TOO much to ask!

Absolutely! I am planning on trying other strings and will definitely share my findings with the forum.

[KwinS]

One Bad and Warwick Official:

Hi. I have had a couple of guys in the repair business for many years suggest that I investigate the bridge design, and how the extra tension of the C string is compensated for on the Alien.
Is that something you guys can speak to?
I really want to go through with ordering one, but I do have a bit more concern now.
Thanks in advance!

I really want this to be my next bass!!!

[KwinS]

I guess I asked this in the wrong place or way. Sorry for jacking your thread OBM. I guess I'll ask Warwick Official via PM.

I will delete my question here, if you like.
Enjoy your Alien!
Later!

[One Bad Monkey]

No problem, Kwin. I'm sure others would be interested to hear about this. However, given the sturdiness of the top and the rep of Warwick, I wouldn't be surprised in the least if this has already been addressed in pre-production.

[KwinS]

That's what I'm expecting/hoping! I don't believe that I have ever been this excited about an acoustic bass before. I so want it to be "The One"!

[kimstevens]

Hello OBM,

Did you compare the Alien bass with the Rockbass version? It would be helpful to know if there are any significant differences. From the appearance, the Rockbass looks like it might sit better on the thigh for seated playing. Does your Alien tend to slide off your leg?

[One Bad Monkey]

I never had a chance to compare the Rockbass versions with the Warwick one, no. I chose the main one basically on aesthetics; I liked the look of the pointed horn more than the rounded one. It doesn't slide off my leg when I'm sitting, but the balance of the bass is such that it does have some decent neck dive; for me, installing the strap button and putting a strap on the bass solved that issue. Given that I've played it a number of times standing up as well, is also a reason to have it.

As for other differences, the active electronics on all of them are quite different. The Warwick version and the 6-string Rockbass Deluxe look to have the most robust system. Other than that, the woods are different; spruce/bubinga for the RB Dlx and spruce/ovankol for the Warwick.

[SimonVargasM]

Well, I've been wondering for some time now what kind of fretmarkers the Fretless Alien has. Are they one per fret or just in some specific positions? I've seen some fretless Thumb which have a fretmark per fret, but I have not seen any reference to this on the Fretless Alien. This could be a nice feature to show.

[One Bad Monkey]

Simon, the fretless markers are what is the standard on unlined boards; that is they are the same side dots as what you'd see on a fretted neck, except they are ON the "fret" instead of between frets (on a fretted neck).

What you saw on that Thumb bass I am going to assume was a custom shop option.

[WarwickOfficial]

Correct. Standard side dots for all fretless models are placed on the "fret", rather than in-between the frets like on a fretted bass. Thanks!

[TolerancEJ]

@One Bad Monkey - Lucky man! My delivery will be delayed until March 2013.

[One Bad Monkey]

Originally Posted by TolerancEJ

@One Bad Monkey - Lucky man! My delivery will be delayed until March 2013.

If it makes you feel better, mine was on order since February. I certainly feel your pain, but assure you it's worth the wait.

[KwinS]

Well, we called to place my order today, but had to leave a message. Hopefully, we'll get the return call tomorrow. Looks like I'm going to be on the list for March...I hope!

Here's a couple of quick questions:
1) How's the overall weight on yours;
2) Could I trouble you for the typical neck dimensions?
and
Have you gone on with your plan of doing some vids? If you are going to, could you run it through some Latin jazz grooves with a tiny bit of chorus in one of them?
Thanks!
Kwin