| Author | Message | ||
| fish
New Username: fish Post Number: 1 Registered: 6-2006 |
Hi Everyone. I am new here. I currently own one Alembic bass. I have played it since the mid 80’s up to the early 90’s. Sure took a beating of the years.  I have been thinking about buying a second Alembic. It is a Stanley" Custom 4 Short Scale/Small Body Buckeye Burl 5-Pc. Neck w/Purpleheart Laminates, Red Side LED's, Europa Electronics, Crown Headstock. I have never been a fan of short scale necks before. However, my first thoughts are that the bass is top heavy already. A medium scale, I think, would be a head diver for sure. I also understand that the Long scale is no longer made. Please give me your opinions. I know it’s all about “what you like” but please put that aside and give it to me. Is the short scale neck the only way to go, because of the small body? Also, since I am spending a chuck of change, I am foolish for not springing for the Series I electric package? Thanks for your thoughts. | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 802 Registered: 9-2002 |
So fish, is this SC you mention a used piece, or are you going to order one like that? ALEMBIC is virtually alone in building short, meidum, long, or XL as a no-hassle option: you pays your money and takes your choice. The balance/neck heavy part is just geometry: The Series-shaped instruments' upper horn just doesn't reach very far up the neck, and can cause a little balance problem because of it. With Stanleys, it's even a bit more pronounced because the horns are symmetric and short: This is why you really have to do some convincing with Mica and Susan before they would think about a long-scale Stanley. In short or even medium scale the body weight is enough to compensate out most if not all of the neck dive. I play a long-scale Series-shaped Spoiler, a bit neck heavy, but I can live with it as I just had to have that shape and look. But I'm 6'1" and can easily see where it would be too big for shorter folks. BUT . . several of the other shapes (Rogue and Europa) balance very well as well as the newer Balanced K's, etc., so this really doesn't have to be an issue. Any of the short scale ALEMBICs would put out more than enough low end. Most of the short-scale myths survive from the old days when cheap basses with half-a***d pickups into the old amps of those days were fairly lacking. No such problem now. My only advice is that for ANY scale other than the 'usual' 34", your available string choices dwindle, you won't see as broad a range of choices. The Series electronics are the best pickups/electronics in the world. You and your wallet and your ears will have to decide that one. I do know this: After an Exploiter, an short-scale SC would feel like a ukelele! To my way of thinking, the Balance K in your choice of electronics (the Anniversary electronics get you close to Series without the power supply) would get you a smaller, well-balanced axe that would be smaller and accomodate any scale you settle on, no problem. Best of Luck, J o e y | ||
| valvil
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 897 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hello Dave, welcome to the club. I'm afraid that we make SCs in short scale only. And yes, it is neck heavy and that's why we don't make it in longer scales anymore. So that's the only way to go for that body style; if you don't want to go short (your Exploiter /Spoiler should be a medium) then I'd think about a different body shape as Joey suggested. If you 'd like to talk about your ideal Alembic, e-mail me your phone number at valentino@alembic.com and I'll be happy to give you a call on Monday when I get to work. It's faster that way.  Valentino | ||
| fish
New Username: fish Post Number: 2 Registered: 6-2006 |
Thanks Joey. Much to think about here. The SC is being sold as new at a dealer in Florida. It seams to be a real good price. The mistake I always make is after I purchase something, it turns out that I say to myself “if only I spent a bit more I could of got……”,and then buyer’s remorse will set in. I don’t mind waiting a bit for a custom built one. I’ve always liked the look of SC. Until I started to look real closely at them, I would have never known that most of them are short scale. Valentino, thank you for the welcome and kind offer. I fear if I go the “new built” way, that I will get so carried away that I’ll need a second mortgage. I have not yet mastered that self control thing yet. | ||
| pace
Advanced Member Username: pace Post Number: 234 Registered: 4-2004 |
When was the decision made to stop 34" SC basses? Can you still order a 34" Essence w/ the SC shape & Europa electronics? Just curious.... -Mike | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 835 Registered: 12-2002 |
they only made a few in the 70's.mainly cause they're too neck heavy,(no balance) which results in a Nose-dive straight to the ground & nobody wants their alembic to see the ground head-first. | ||
| fish
New Username: fish Post Number: 3 Registered: 6-2006 |
Are the SC short scales 30-3/4"? | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 836 Registered: 12-2002 |
Scale length 30.75 or 30.3/4 | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 837 Registered: 12-2002 |
http://www.alembic.com/cgi-bin/quote/quote?model=Clarke+Standard | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1185 Registered: 3-2004 |
You need to understand that, in name, the "SC" you're looking at is probably an Essence with some efficiently chosen upgrades. I own one made with different top and body woods and they are great basses. Value-wise, it's probably closest to a Europa by the time you're done calculating and one of the best deals available on a new Alembic if you're not a serious knob-twiddler. Also, with regard to cost... That bass is probably 2-3 years old in terms of when it was ordered. Based on the current discount structures and price increases, it would probably run you an extra 30-50% above what they are asking to order a new one with the same specs. Personally, from what that dealer has available, I'd go after the cocobolo SC deluxe with the thin taper neck. It is the PERFECT instrument for a player with smaller hands and probably only about $1K more than the one you're looking at. My bass has the thin neck and it makes all the difference for fast fingerstyle and pick play. It takes some getting used to for slap and I wouldn't recommend it to the large-fingered in that style at all. I have no idea how Stanley makes it work... -bob | ||
| fish
New Username: fish Post Number: 4 Registered: 6-2006 |
The bass in question...  I hope that I didn't break any rules here by posting it. Bob, I like the coco, however the Buckeye Burl is what's keeping up at night. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1186 Registered: 3-2004 |
That's not the one with Europa electronics, that has signature in it. That is an upgraded SC Signature Standard rather than from an Essence base. I think the primary upgrades there are LEDs, purpleheart neck stringers, and the top wood. I thought you were looking at the one below that... | ||
| fish
New Username: fish Post Number: 5 Registered: 6-2006 |
Bob, you are right... I posted the wrong pic... Sorry.....  | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 457 Registered: 2-2005 |
Dave, With regards to your question about a short scale. I play a Brown Bass. This is a small body, short scale with Anniversary electronics. I love the short scale and have no problems with it's bassiness. I don't find that it neck dives at all. I do use a wide strap with suede on the underside. I also play it up fairly high but to be honest I don't see how you could play this style bass any other way. The bass you are looking at is the equivalent of a Europa with small body. As Bob said it probably started out as an Essence and was then upgraded. I do really like the Buckeye Burl. This is not an inexpensive upgrade. I have been considering it as the top/bottom wood when I order a Series 1. I've also had the opportunity to play a Europa and think the electronics are very good. I particularly like the tone shaping switches for live performance. They allow for quick and predictable tone changes. I really don't think you can go wrong with any of the different electronics and it all boils down to how much can you afford. Keith | ||
| fish
New Username: fish Post Number: 6 Registered: 6-2006 |
Well..to late now to talk about it (I am so week). The price was just too low to pass on it. I'll post pictures of it when it comes in next week and give a full report. | ||
| fish
New Username: fish Post Number: 7 Registered: 6-2006 |
"As Bob said it probably started out as an Essence and was then upgraded." Can you guys educate me as to what this means? You can order a bass with all its’ features and then change the body type as on option? | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 458 Registered: 2-2005 |
Dave, The nice thing about Alembic is you can order just about anything on an instrument. I look at the models as a basic starting point of features. For example if you start with an Essence in the Custom Quote generator you can change the neck, body shape, electronics, etc. How far you go is only limited by your wallet and what Susan will allow. With the wide range of customization there have been discusions here as to what really makes an instrument one model or another. I don't think that a full consensus was ever reached in this regard. Congratulations on the purchase. I'm sure you will very happy with the bass once you have had a chance to play and hear it. One thing I have noticed between the various Alembics I have played is they all have excellent tone and construction. I will also add Alembic's customer service is second to none. There are very few manufacturers (maybe the term artisans is more appropriate) left that will take the time with customers (new or old) that Alembic does. In addition I have had very good results in my dealings with Beaver. I've purchased all three of my Alembics through him. Keith | ||
| fish
New Username: fish Post Number: 8 Registered: 6-2006 |
Keith, I cannot wait to get it. Beaver was great to deal with for sure. I never had to use customer service for my first Alembic (I purchased it new in 1984). It is the most reliable bass in my arsenal. The one thing that really stands out to me is the stability of the wood. Where other neck thru basses that I have, need some TLC with temperature and humidity changes, I never once touched the truss rod on my Exploiter /Spoiler in 22 years. Now please stop talking about all these ordering options before I am forced to buy a third Alembic. Dave | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1187 Registered: 3-2004 |
I think/hope that things that were once allowed may be a bit tighter today. The bass you bought, like the one I own, is an item that has the potential to confuse the customer. When I looked carefully a couple years ago, it was possible to save a few hundred dollars on some models by ordering a lesser model and then upgrading all the necessary specs to match the higher one. The bass you bought is an Essence with the following upgrades/adjustments: 1. Small Standard body shape 2. Short scale 3. Crown headstock 4. AXY pickups (cosmetic change only) 5. Europa electronics 6. LEDs 7. Burl top Mine has the same first six changes, but is a vermillion top on vermillion core, has the custom narrow neck, and has abalone inlays. I suspect from my experience that you will really like the bass. Congrats! | ||
| fish
New Username: fish Post Number: 9 Registered: 6-2006 |
Thanks Bob, I really have a lot learn about the ordering options and models types. I must admit it's a little confusing from my perspective now. | ||
| fish
New Username: fish Post Number: 10 Registered: 6-2006 |
 | ||
| fish
Junior Username: fish Post Number: 11 Registered: 6-2006 |
Can any point me to where instructions are,, for the electronics?  (Message edited by fish on June 09, 2006) | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 600 Registered: 6-2002 |
Your buckeye SC has controls similar to the Europa, here's a corrected link to FAQ on Europa/Rogue controls. Mike (hey,hey post #600!) (Message edited by dadabass2001 on June 10, 2006) | ||
| fish
Junior Username: fish Post Number: 12 Registered: 6-2006 |
Mike, I cannot get the link to work>>> Dave | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 3362 Registered: 6-2000 |
Here's what the FAQ says:
Your bass also has an LED on/off switch. The controls are very much like your Spoiler, in fact, the Europa is built on the same preamp board. If you keep the 3-position switches in the center (flat) position, your short scale electronics will work lik eyour Spoiler except for the pan instead of the pickup selector switch. Have fun! | ||
| fish
Junior Username: fish Post Number: 13 Registered: 6-2006 |
Thank you Mica. | ||
| hb3
Intermediate Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 109 Registered: 2-2005 |
So what do you think of her? | ||
| fish
Junior Username: fish Post Number: 14 Registered: 6-2006 |
So far so good. I will play it out next weekend thru my SVT stack. That will be the ultimate test of how much bottom I can get out of it. It does sound a lot like the Spoiler For now, I am just trying to get the hang of the controls. I am playing it thru a F#$%r Hot Rod amp. The action is amazing. The LEDS are way cool. The short scale is taking some time to get used to. More after the sea trail next week. | ||
| olieoliver
Advanced Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 398 Registered: 2-2006 |
That is one cool looking pair! |
