Club Alleva-Coppolo (Part 13)

[funkaholic]

Well my shoulder has been giving me grief lately, so I asked Jimmy for a lighter one than my LG5, and he did it, let's hope that doesn't create any balance issues, 9lbs is nothing for a 5 string J type bass I think, can't wait to play it now, I should have it tomorrow or the day after

Gonna be a crazy nice looking bass when it's said and done. Mitch's RA5 is a beaut.

Hey Caner,

9 pounds ? Pretty much right in the pocket . Mine is 9 1/2 approx with the Hipshot ( 4 ounces heavier?) for comparison so its rather close.

 

[funkaholic]

this is what I'm talking about, yeah, definitely

Good thing I like ya......

Now we are brothers in bass.

..and yes, aged white is punchier in the mids than other colors IMO.

 

[KJung]

Well my shoulder has been giving me grief lately, so I asked Jimmy for a lighter one than my LG5, and he did it, let's hope that doesn't create any balance issues, 9lbs is nothing for a 5 string J type bass I think, can't wait to play it now, I should have it tomorrow or the day after

You won't have any balance issues (except the typical J bass balance when sitting). Both my A-C's are under 9 pounds, and they have zero neck dive on the strap.

 

[Vic]

You won't have any balance issues (except the typical J bass balance when sitting). Both my A-C's are under 9 pounds, and they have zero neck dive on the strap.

+1

A J or P bass style body has to get INSANELY light before the neck weight becomes significant (I mention body style because top strap button location is relevant). Lighter than anything Jimmy would ever ever make... ever.

Not a concern.

 

[esoxhntr]

..and yes, aged white is punchier in the mids than other colors IMO.

Only if you'tre talking nitro...

 

[YCBass]

What kind of case does an Alleva-Coppolo come with?

Jimmy has been offering iGig bags since sometime last year, but I am going to Protec tomorrow to pick some Contego bags so those are available too. If I'm not mistaken, there is still a hardshell case option as well but don't quote me on it.

I'm just not sure how he determines what bag/case will go with what bass.

 

[bassarama]

Well my shoulder has been giving me grief lately, so I asked Jimmy for a lighter one than my LG5, and he did it, let's hope that doesn't create any balance issues, 9lbs is nothing for a 5 string J type bass I think, can't wait to play it now, I should have it tomorrow or the day after

I am puzzled over the weight thing ??

My LM Deluxe 5 is certainly a hefty weighing baby and I mentioned that in my first posting after I received the instrument. It is circa 11 pounds, but pure punch, clarity and definition.

I too even had problems in the sitting position that have gone away ( jogging and keeping fit in general seems to help ALL musicians I find as it is a physical undertaking for the most part to play standing up and particularly if you dance while playing, right ? ).

So here is why I am puzzled

(a) The pain of sitting with the LM has now completely gone.

(b) I played 2 corporate gigs in a 10 piece band with the LM Deluxe 5 last weekend ( EWF, Lady Gaga, MJ, 60's Rock and R&B, KC and Sunshine, Stevie W, AC DC, Prince, Glen Miller, AC Jobim and well you get it guys-- MOST STYLES ).

Not only did the AC outperform my Fender Custom Classic for tone and adaptability to all styles, both-completely and convincingly-- BUT, the sound man ran to the stage after our gig heralding the incredible quality bass sound coming from the LM 5. He said it was beyond comparison to anything he has ever heard at any volume. He likened it to Guy Pratt's sound-which is a 65 Burgundy Mist Jazz with EMG's !! ).

He concluded that the sound of the Fender Custom Classic was not even close ?

The Custom Classic weighs 8.5 pounds hurt my neck and shoulder and the ALLEVA did not at all and the previous night I only used the Alleva with the same band.

NADDA pain.

The reason I feel.
Though the LM 5 is heavy the weight of the bass is centered on the body and not throughout the neck--- too, the reach on the AC is shorter than the Fender.

I have a LG 5 coming in a few days.

Thanks to all of the wonderful and warm TBers out there helping me in the quest. ( You know who you are )

And yeah Caner certainly miss your warmth and "soul" in these parts--and much thanks for the awesome upright

My love to your killin city of 12 million folks on 2 continents, ISTANBUL TURKEY!!

 

[KJung]

I am puzzled over the weight thing ??

My LM Deluxe 5 is certainly a hefty weighing baby and I mentioned that in my first posting after I received the instrument. It is circa 11 pounds, but pure punch, clarity and definition.

I too even had problems in the sitting position that have gone away ( jogging and keeping fit in general seems to help ALL musicians I find as it is a physical undertaking for the most part to play standing up and particularly if you dance while playing, right ? ).

So here is why I am puzzled

(a) The pain of sitting with the LM has now completely gone.

(b) I played 2 corporate gigs in a 10 piece band with the LM Deluxe 5 last weekend ( EWF, Lady Gaga, MJ, 60's Rock and R&B, KC and Sunshine, Stevie W, AC DC, Prince, Glen Miller, AC Jobim and well you get it guys-- MOST STYLES ).

Not only did the AC outperform my Fednder Custom Classic for tone and adaptability to all styles, both-completely and convincingly. BUT, the sound man ran to the stage after our gig heralding the incredible quality bass sound coming from the LM 5. He said itwas beyond comparison to anything he has ever heard at any volume. He likened it to Guy Pratt's sound-which is a 65 Burgundy Mist Jazz with EMG's !! ).

He concluded that the sound of the Fender Custom Classic was not even close ?

Should have an LG 5 within a week. Can't wait !!

Hey Caner certainly miss your "soul" in these parts and thanx for the awesome upright

The Custom Classic weighs 8.5 pounds hurt my neck and shoulder and the ALLEVA did not at all and the previous night I only used the Alleva with the same band.

NADDA pain.

reasion I feel. though the bass is heavy the weight of the bass is centered on the body and not throughout the neck as the reach on the AC is shorter than the Fender.

Balance and general ergonomics are as important as weight.

Just think how comfortable a 9 pound A-C is. Weight, like any other change on any bass, impacts tone. I can't imagine my slightly under 9 pound A-C LM sounding any better, and ergonomics or not, I have NO interest in a bass that heavy (after all my years with my boat anchor Celinder Update and Fodera... both pushing 12 pounds easy).

So, no confusion... even a lightweight bass with poor ergonomics can be a drag. Of course, for some, a heavy bass with great ergonomics (like the Celinder) can equally be a drag, especially if you are giggin full time (i.e., 15 to 20 gigs a month.... 4 hours typical).

 

[peterpalmieri]

My LM5 arrived in an Igig bag. It is not the G515 model pictured on their web site. That bag has a seperate larger pocket by the body and a small pocket by the headstock.

The one that came with my LM has a single pouch that runs the full length of the bag. It is nice as you can fit a folding music stand. Micro head a small book and misc cables, batteries etc.

I like this bag a lot, my other bag is the mono dual bass case. Both serve their purpose well and blow away the old undercover double bag. And the soft rectangular Sadowsky case provides good protection when the bass needs to be thrown into a truck or on a boat.

 

[jonno1707]

when the bass needs to be thrown into a truck or on a boat.

Where do you gig in Alaska?...

 

[svtb15]

I really liked the Igig bags that i saw last year..
I hope my new basses come in those..
I need to call the ( boss man) jimmy tonight ....
I think my sonic blue bass will be done in a month or so.. Yohan I think you even sanded it!!!

Jimmy has been offering iGig bags since sometime last year, but I am going to Protec tomorrow to pick some Contego bags so those are available too. If I'm not mistaken, there is still a hardshell case option as well but don't quote me on it.

I'm just not sure how he determines what bag/case will go with what bass.

 

[peterpalmieri]

Where do you gig in Alaska?...

Actually many people forget Long Island is actually an ISLAND, with many other smaller islands around it, many are not accesable by car

There are many gigs on Fire Island, Shelter Island and Block Island which are only accessable by ferry and all very popular summer hangs.

 

[YCBass]

I think my sonic blue bass will be done in a month or so.. Yohan I think you even sanded it!!!

I will end up working on both of yours! The "dinky" 5 string is done, is that the Sonic Blue? I remember you were on the phone with Jimmy when I was working on it.

I saw one of your necks yesterday too... Nice slim profile!

Jimmy will redo the forearm on your other one before I can finish it up.

 

[vision]

Hey Yohann, do you know if the body on mine came back from being painted yet?

 

[Chef]

vision has a new avatar pic!

 

[Vic]

I am puzzled over the weight thing ??

Simple. Comfort. Why put up with a heavier bass if you don't have to? Doesn't matter whether you have physical capability reasons or not, I can't imagine anyone choosing a heavier bass just for the weight.

Now that leads me to my main point, which is tone.

Yes, weight affects tone, and if the tonal element you do get strictly from a heavier bass is critical to you, then yes, you have no other options.

However, and thankfully, it's absolutely incorrect to make the assumption that nobody can have a great J tone without also having a heavy bass.

At least that's not at all the case with me. My 9 pound LG also easily keeps up with or improves upon the best sounding other J and J type basses I've spent time with, and I've played some truly awesome basses that were boat anchors and they don't impress me one tiny bit more.

So at least in my case, weight boils down to only one thing... the ability and willingness of the builder to build to that spec... not tone.

 

[bassarama]

Balance and general ergonomics are as important as weight.

Just think how comfortable a 9 pound A-C is. Weight, like any other change on any bass, impacts tone. I can't imagine my slightly under 9 pound A-C LM sounding any better, and ergonomics or not, I have NO interest in a bass that heavy (after all my years with my boat anchor Celinder Update and Fodera... both pushing 12 pounds easy).

So, no confusion... even a lightweight bass with poor ergonomics can be a drag. Of course, for some, a heavy bass with great ergonomics (like the Celinder) can equally be a drag, especially if you are giggin full time (i.e., 15 to 20 gigs a month.... 4 hours typical).

YUP ..

Thanks Ken that is the exact word I was groping over

ERGONOMICS.
With the notable exception of bassist extraordinaire Tom Barney, it is likely that most mere mortals would choose a "light " bass over a "heavy" bass.

I likely would not enjoy a heavier bass in either Celinder or Fodera myself as I have owned basses by those makers, however the AC I have is just fine, and by the sounds of it ( literally on your YOUTUBE excursions ) you are both blessed and happy with your 2 pieces.

It's all good man .
Cheers

 

[KJung]

YUP ..

Thanks Ken that is the exact word I was groping over

ERGONOMICS.
With the notable exception of bassist extraordinaire Tom Barney, it is likely that most mere mortals would choose a "light " bass over a "heavy" bass.

I likely would not enjoy a heavier bass in either Celinder or Fodera myself as I have owned basses by those makers, however the AC I have is just fine, and by the sounds of it ( literally on your YOUTUBE excursions ) you are both blessed and happy with your 2 pieces.

It's all good man .
Cheers

+1 The Celinder wasn't too bad, but that Fodera Emperor... my god... I don't know how I did that. BAD ergonomics on that one, combined with weight.

Yeah, the weight thing is obviously personal, and if it doesn't bother you, I've played some KILLER 11 pound basses.

Enjoy!

 

[peterpalmieri]

My LM5 comes in at 10.75 lbs. not a heavy weight but also not the lightest bass in the world, I think of it as just giggable any heavier and I would complain. This bass sounds different then the super heavy 70s Fenders I've played and different then the similar spec'd light weight Sadowsky's. Honestly it's the only LM I have ever played so I don't have a good perspective.

Put a dozen LM5s in front of me and I'd eliminate anything over 11lbs regardless of tone. Between 8.5 and 10.5lbs I could choose regardless of weight. It will be interesting if Jason's LM is closer to mine in weight and he and Ken can compare that with Ken's light LM5....

I'm actually very interested in hearing this perspective and Jason I hope that darn thing is back from paint. The good news is the agony of waiting passes after the bass arrives!

 

[vision]

vision has a new avatar pic!

Yep, my son is getting bigger so I had to update it!