Author |
Message |
frank_orlando
Member Username: frank_orlando
Post Number: 83 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2008 - 10:00 am: | |
Hello... I am looking at an SC Delux short scale 5-string (30 1/2"). I never played a short scale strung BEADG. Can anyone shed any light on how this B string will perform? I know... I know... It's an Alembic... but geometry and physics still prevail and that B has to be somwhat "floppy" and maybe even a bit "thuddy" compared to a medium or long scale... yes? Thanks, Frank |
bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096
Post Number: 1125 Registered: 7-2003
| Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2008 - 7:41 pm: | |
You might want to contact the owner of this bass: http://alembic.com/club/messages/631/6033.html?1069969768. He reported some issues with the low B on his short scale and the thread never indicated a resolution. I thought some of the suggestions from posters (particularly the last one on the thread) were pretty astute. The other source you might want to seek out is Mica. If I recall correctly, she had some comments on short scale 5 stringers. Here's another thought, that doesn't really relate to string tension: I don't know if you've played a small standard/short scale before, but the way it feels to play is more like a long scale Fender than many other short scales. That's because the bridge is located quite a long way up the body of the bass, forcing a longer reach out the neck to the nut. I find the longer reach more comfortable than most short scales (With shorter reach to the nut - I tend to run my left arm into my side and get my wrist into uncomfortable positions playing up the neck) Good luck. |
frank_orlando
Member Username: frank_orlando
Post Number: 84 Registered: 8-2002
| Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2008 - 9:05 pm: | |
Thanks for that info. I just sent him an email but it bounced back stating "no such email account". I am going to look at this another way. Until I can play it or hear raves about the tone and feel of the short scale B, I am going to sit this one out. $4,500 is a lot to gamble on sight unseen without the opportunity to play it. Thank you again... |
flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack
Post Number: 1957 Registered: 4-2004
| Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2008 - 10:42 pm: | |
i know that val and i believe mica werent too fond of short scale with bs on them i have a medium scale with low bs on them. the main issue for lack of a better word is tuning is super precise from what i guess is a lack of tension its not that floppy otherwise i wouldnt have built the second custom. so my quess? going from 32 to 30 is gonna make a huge difference not to mention no one i know makes short scale b strings meaning you will end up cutting a long scale down past the wrapping and thats just asking for trouble. |