NBD: Alien Audio Constellation 5 string!!

The FedEX guy dropped off possibly the best bass I've ever played - my custom Alien Audio Constellation 5 string in matte cherry burst, black hipshot hardware, swamp ash body, maple / rosewood neck, matte black headstock. Double P Nordstrand pickups and the incredible BP2-FX Preamp. Weighs in at a super comfy 8 lbs 1oz. I have some D-Cline design custom knobs on order - ebony, white indicator lines that glow red.

Here's a review of the preview I did a few years ago: Alien Audio basses

Enough words, pic time...

 

(Ignore the dust in the photos. I should have hit it with some compressed air before photographing.)

 

Rehearsal report from last night - the bass sounds great. Very easy to go from a classic P bass sound to a more modern sound. The EQ is voiced just right. Totally in love.

 

I was very, very careful.

 

I like the classic P sound and the bridge works better this way because you get thicker tones on the higher strings. I do add a little bass when using the bridge pickup. It sounds a lot like a Stingray with a more mellow high end.

 

Was that the yellow one? I remember the picture, but never paid attention to the placement. Just assumed it was P bass placement.

 

It's 18mm spacing at the bridge and the nut is .. getting a ruler ... 1 3/4". You can ask for a chunkier neck or a thinner profile. Was just playing the bass as I'm reading this (took the day off). It's really nice. The thing is with an Alien Audio bass, ignore the looks and feel (which are great), but if you're blindfolded and you're left focusing on the preamp - don't be afraid to turn the knobs. It's an incredibly musical, well-voiced preamp that's been through a ton of design between Chopper and the late Mo West. With a lot of basses and players, they tend to keep the knobs in the middle. I'm guilty of that too. But with the Alien Audio, when you start spinning the knobs you find a ton of tones. (Tonne of tones for our UK friends.) Even at an extreme - full boost on bass, full cut on treble and mid, OD engaged - it sounds good. A lot like a vintage Cream tone. I'm super happy with this bass. The next one is in the planning stages - not that I really need it, this one is versatile as hell, but thinking of one with flats. Chopper is great to work with too. Did I say that I love this bass? If I were famous or something, I'd be a proud endorser.

 

Depends on options and string count. Generally around $2500.