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My ACG Recurve SC Stype

W

WaldoNova

Having fun yet?
Jun 14, 2009
1,804
1,193
Millington, MD
#1
I was inquiring about Wal's and Alembic's and their filter preamp and a couple people posted their thoughts about ACG and Alan's topnotch work. I checked into it. So I went back and forth for about a week or so with Alan at ACG. I had a lot of questions since I had never gone through the process of building a bass to my spec's(I have a feeling this won't be the last time!!!). Alan was extremely patient and answered every question.

This is what we settled on

35 inch scale 6 string
Mahogony body core
Claro Walnut with Maple veneer top
5 piece bolt on neck with Maple, Wenge and Bubinga(M,W,B,W,M)
Acrylic Impregnated heartwood birdseye maple fingerboard
Flat radius
Black side dots
Matching headstock and top
DFM preamp
ACG MC6 pickups
Standard black Hardware
Hipshot Type A bridge.
Gotoh GB350 Resolite Tuners
Dunlop dual design Straplocks
Dual Action trussrod, Carbon neck rods
SIT strings
Hiscox hard case
Standard finish
Oil rubbed satin lacquer
 
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#5
Once I finally had enough funds to make a custom build happen, Alan/ACG was, for me, the ONLY choice of where to make that happen. That is going to be quite the instrument you've designed there. Make sure to come and post some impressions and photos once it arrives! Until then, enjoy the building journey!
 
#10
Since this is the latest ACG thread, I thought I would post my questions here. I am very interested in these basses. The one thing that perplexes me is the zero radius fingerboard. His other options are nearly as flat. Can someone comment on how that works out? How does that effect your choices in other neck parameters?
 
#11
monkeyfinger said:
Since this is the latest ACG thread, I thought I would post my questions here. I am very interested in these basses. The one thing that perplexes me is the zero radius fingerboard. His other options are nearly as flat. Can someone comment on how that works out? How does that effect your choices in other neck parameters?
Click to expand...

The flat radius does make upper register playing easier. It also cuts down on setup time and makes that an easier process as well. However if you're used to say classic Fender dimensions (7.5" radius) it does make for an adjustment playing in first position. In addition to bass I learned on classical guitar so I didn't have any issues at all.

It helps that the ACG necks are relatively thin front to back and I find that the asymmetric radius (not sure if four string ACGs have it by 5's and 6's do) helps increase the comfort with the neck. I can't say how other people will take to them but for me the ACG neck and fingerboard required almost no adjustment period and while different from my other basses (symmetric neck profile, compound 10"-14" radius) I found it perfectly comfy.
 
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#12
monkeyfinger said:
Since this is the latest ACG thread, I thought I would post my questions here. I am very interested in these basses. The one thing that perplexes me is the zero radius fingerboard. His other options are nearly as flat. Can someone comment on how that works out? How does that effect your choices in other neck parameters?
Click to expand...
I know it might sound a bit odd, but once you try a flat fingerboard it makes sense.

Radiused boards are a hangover from electric guitars, a radiused board makes bar chords more comfortable and propagates a more baseball bat style grip on a bass neck, comfortable enough on a 4 string, but as soon as you start on 5 and 6 string basses with a small radius board it can start to get uncomfortable.
Think about it, say on a 6 string bass, a radiused board will actually put the low B string further back than the E string, and the E further back than the A making it just that little bit more of a stretch.
I know we’re only talking millimetres here, but in my experience, millimetres can make a world of difference when it comes to playing comfort.

ACG necks are asymmetric as standard, fatter at the lower strings, thinner at the higher ones making for a much more natural shape for the hand.

The combination of that and flat board make for a really natural and comfortable playing neck.
I wouldn’t go back to a radiused board that’s for sure!

Eude
 
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#14
download

download


Finished with the woodwork! Ready to install pickups and Hardware! It shouldn't e long now!!!
 
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#15
WP_20150709_001.jpg


My ACG has arrived!!! The picture doesn't do it justice. I got it yesterday afternoon. The duty tax was just over $200 and it arrived via UPS in 2 days!!!


The preamp wasn't very hard to dial in. It could have been easier if I had fully comprehended the online manual. Once I got it I had it sounding stellar at home. I will report back after a comprehensive field test.

I will post a full review soon. I'm going to take it to band practice Saturday and will bring it to service on Sunday. I'm really looking forward to putting it through its paces.

Good times!!!
 
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#16
WaldoNova said:
View attachment 649238

My ACG has arrived!!! The picture doesn't do it justice. I got it yesterday afternoon. The duty tax was just over $200 and it arrived via UPS in 2 days!!!


The preamp wasn't very hard to dial in. It could have been easier if I had fully comprehended the online manual. Once I got it I had it sounding stellar at home. I will report back after a comprehensive field test.

I will post a full review soon. I'm going to take it to band practice Saturday and will bring it to service on Sunday. I'm really looking forward to putting it through its paces.

Good times!!!
Click to expand...

Beautiful bass mate, congratulations!
The DFM Preamp is actually remarkably easy to use, having used all the previous iterations on the way, the DFM is by far the best and easier to get on with yet still incredibly powerful!
Enjoy your new bass, and report back soon :)

Eude
 
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