Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Showcase => Signature Basses => Topic started by: hieronymous on July 30, 2008, 09:07:52 AM

Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on July 30, 2008, 09:07:52 AM: I recently became the guardian of this fine bass. When it first came up for sale, I wasn't particularly interested; then I noticed that it was almost exactly what I was plugging into the custom quote generator on my own! So I haggled a little (just a little - the seller was quite nice actually) and snagged it!
[img">http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/54185.jpg[/img]
It's a five-string, originally tuned BEADG, but I always intended to restring it EADGC. Which I did. And I love it! A while back I got interested in getting a six-string bass - fortunately I got a cheap one, because I quickly learned that I'm not into the low-B. I've been playing bass for twenty-five years now, and it has just never appealed to me - of course there are other players who use the low B that I like - it's just not for me. But I loved the high C string, so I've been on the lookout for a five-string with the high C. Another thing I love is short-scale basses. I've got a few vintage ones, but this is probably the first "modern" short-scale that I've owned, and again, I love it! I'm going to take it back to the mothership at some point and have new bridge saddles and a new nut put in - it works as-is for the time being, but I notice that when I pluck the low E with my thumb, you can hear the string moving in the too-wide saddle. Here's one more picture taken with flash showing off the flame:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/54186.jpg)
While I'm at it, here's the Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: tbrannon on July 30, 2008, 10:12:23 AM; Looks good Harry~ I'm looking forward to a few video/sound clips of it too!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: rami on July 30, 2008, 01:41:26 PM: That's a real beauty Harry! I also enjoy the high C string on my 6 string Basses. I've never tried a short scale 5 string and I wonder how the low B string would sound. I'm sure on an Alembic it would sound great - tight and crisp. But I'd imagine on lesser Basses it would sound rather muddy and floppy. A high C seems to make more sense on a short scale Bass.
I also look forward to sound clips of it in action.

I'm a big fan!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: kenbass4 on July 30, 2008, 01:53:24 PM: Wow, Harry

So, are you pricing the SUV you're going to need for next years gathering?
:-)

Ken
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: bigyouth on July 30, 2008, 11:34:34 PM: Beautiful bass
I have the same(4string)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on July 30, 2008, 11:39:15 PM: Thanks guys - I will try and record something soon.

The previous owner had put DR Lo-Riders which I normally like, but they felt really loose on this bass. I can't really comment on the low B because I don't have much experience with them and restrung this bass after a couple of days. I think I remember reading somewhere here on this forum, though, that Alembic now discourages short scales with low B strings.

But so far the low E is great!

Ken, actually the case for this is nice and compact - this year it was either the double-neck or the Exploiter - hopefully next year I can bring both the double-neck and the SC. (Assuming of course I don't end up with something else! I was actually planning on bringing the Telembic next time but it's still in Massachusetts and I think I might leave it there for the time being...)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: keurosix on July 31, 2008, 11:21:17 PM: Hey Harry,
Did I read correctly that you have a cheap 6 string bass? Why not tune it EADGCF with a hi-C and higher F? This would give you an extended top range piccolo bass into guitar range great for chording and melodic phrasing. Worth a try!
P.S. I have a 6 string bass with a low B and I love the symmetry: a four string bass in the middle with another string on the top and the bottom. Makes the 5 string a little awkward conceptually and in execution.
Kris
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: keurosix on July 31, 2008, 11:28:28 PM: Hey Rami,
I can tell the difference of my low B string on my 34 scale Europa to my 35 scale Modulus Graphite Quantum TBX thru-neck. While the Europa is clean and accurate, it is weak in power and authority compared to the Modulus. I have a burning question: You have some absolutely beautiful 36 scale Rogues with Ebony neck laminates. Can you describe the difference of the low B from these monsters to a normal 34 long scale bass, say one of your Excels? I am dying to know. Esp fretless tones.
Kris
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on July 31, 2008, 11:58:25 PM: Hey keurosix, I actually considered selling my Ibanez 6-string, but I'm hanging on to it for now, just in case I need a low B! I don't feel like I need the extra range that an F string would provide - I am just loving the SC 5-string so much! The baritone part of the doubleneck goes up into that range, in case I ever need it.

As for the symmetry, I was basically playing the 6 like a 5 and ignoring the low B, so the SC feels perfectly natural. But that's just me!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: 3rd_ray on August 01, 2008, 06:27:12 AM: Harry, what are the fingerboard dimensions on your Ibanez 6-string? (width at nut and width at 24th fret) I tried a Soundgear 5-string in a store a while ago and the neck seemed not as wide as most 5-strings. My next bass will probably be a 6-string and I'd like to make the neck width smaller than normal. Alembic shows 2.0 inches at the nut for classic taper. My Carvin 6-string is also 2 at the nut. I'm wondering how much smaller I can go using BEADGC. Maybe 1-7/8?

BTW, nice SC! I like that walnut.

Mike

(Message edited by 3rd_ray on August 01, 2008)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: 3rd_ray on August 01, 2008, 07:00:53 AM: Kris, I'm using the high C and higher F on my Carvin 6-string. It works pretty good. Like Harry, I hardly ever used the low B, so I tried this as an experiment and ended up keeping it that way. I can see how EADGCF would be weird for guitar players, but it works for me. I just don't think of it as a guitar.

Mike
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on August 01, 2008, 11:15:59 AM: Mike, I'm going to have to get back to you on the neck width of my Ibanez, maybe when I get home tonight. To tell the truth, I don't have much experience with 5- and 6-string basses - heck, even my 4-strings come in so many shapes and sizes that I don't think I know what normal is!

Here's another shot of the bass - I'm not thrilled with the lighting/color, but it's another view of the flame.

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/54250.jpg)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: rami on August 01, 2008, 02:07:33 PM: A low B is cool for some stuff. It 's useful for certain positions as well as reaching to the basement for notes. I have a Bach Suite in C Major which runs down to low C. That's alot of fun to play on a 5 or 6 string Bass.
I feel weird holding a guitar. I'm not used to the high B & E strings.

To whatever floats the boat!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: 82daion on August 01, 2008, 05:35:22 PM: Looking sharp, Harry!

I love the flame pattern in the walnut.
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: mcdonger on August 02, 2008, 09:48:35 AM: Beautiful bass. Makes me kinda wish I kept my SC V. Enjoy it.
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on August 02, 2008, 10:53:57 AM: Mike, my Ibanez is the Soundgear SR506 six-string. Here are the measurements:
width @ nut - 2 1/8
width @ 24th fret - 3 1/4

Just for the heck of it, I measured my Alembic five-string (might confuse more than it helps):
width @ nut - 1 7/8
width @ 24th fret - 2 7/8

The Ibanez isn't a bad instrument at all - in fact, I like the way it feels, but I really don't like the active EQ very much - the treble is too crunchy for my taste, and actually I don't like active pickups (besides Alembic!) much anyway. The thing that I love about the Ibanez is that it opened up the world of the high C string, and led me to the Stanley Clarke!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: 3rd_ray on August 02, 2008, 11:39:24 AM: Thanks Harry. I'll have to ask Susan or Mica about what we can do on the neck. The Soundgear 5-string that I tried felt easy to play. Maybe that was because of the neck profile instead of the width. My 4-string Essence is easier to play than my 4-string Excel because the Essence neck profile is slimmer. My Carvin 6-string has 2 width at the nut, but it's a stretch to get to the low string. Anyway, enjoy your 5-string SC!

Mike
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on August 06, 2008, 10:35:52 AM: I took some pictures the other day in my back yard - see the family portrait thread (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=1442). Here's a shot of the back:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/54419.jpg)

I didn't realize how nice the flame was on the back (it's bubinga apparently). And the finish is so shiny, you can see the reflection of my tripod!

I'm taking it to the mothership to have a new nut and saddles put on, since I restrung it EADGC. Fortunately I'm very busy the next few weeks so I shouldn't miss it too much (I hope!)

(Message edited by hieronymous on August 06, 2008)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on August 07, 2008, 10:17:12 AM: Well, I dropped my bass off yesterday. There wasn't time for a tour, but I was able to see and experience the office - very cool! Speaker cabs, basses, guitars, artwork, frequency analyzers - I wish I worked in an office like that!

My wife did take a picture though to commemorate the experience:

(http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/54447.jpg)

Afterwards we went to Johnny Garlic's (http://www.johnnygarlics.com/index.html target=_blank), which is owned by Guy Fieri (http://www.guyfieri.com/guy_home.html target=_blank) - he has that show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Channel, among other things. The food was pretty good, but you'd better like garlic!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: David Houck on August 10, 2008, 02:45:09 PM: Nice pic of you in front of the shop!!! Cool!!!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on August 26, 2008, 11:03:05 PM: Went and picked up my bass today. Also got a quick tour of the factory - thanks Mica! It was great to see all the wood and the machines and the basses in various stages of completion and repair. I think the thing that struck me the most was the wood - everything from big 15-20' boards to more bass-sized boards to what looked like tree stumps!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on September 11, 2008, 10:09:45 AM: Quick update - loving the bass with the new nut and saddles! Been messing around with one of the new Electro Harmonix Nano pedals - a Small Stone phaser. Will post some recordings at some point, if I ever get the chance to record...
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: to_81_0190 on September 24, 2008, 08:44:01 PM: Hi Harry,

I'm sure you'll make good sound with Hi-C. I'm looking forward to listen your new recording.
Watasi mo totemo genki desuyo.

Toshiaki
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on October 16, 2008, 11:36:38 PM: Finally recorded a little something with the Stanley Clarke:

Alembic 5-string Stanley Clarke Signature jam (http://hieronymous.us/music/alembicjam1.mp3 target=_blank)

Drums performed by Greg DeGuglielmo, recorded back in June at Oxbow Studios. Bass recorded tonight, just into a Custom Audio V-Comp tube compressor direct into ProTools. Played with fingers - I would play until I screwed up, then start recording again on a new track.

Anyone want to lay down a screaming guitar lead on top?

(Message edited by hieronymous on October 17, 2008)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: bigyouth on October 17, 2008, 03:48:53 AM: very nice sound
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on October 18, 2008, 06:35:46 PM: hey bigyouth - you're a great player, play a solo over my backing track, record it and post it here! (if you want)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: tbrannon on October 19, 2008, 08:35:41 PM: I dig it- so does my wife and my 4 year old is dancing, so I guess that means she likes it too!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on October 20, 2008, 12:37:18 PM: Thanks Toby! That's quite a compliment - when kids like music, you know you're on to something! Greg, the drummer on the track, is really musical, so I give most of the credit to him!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on October 20, 2008, 12:46:18 PM: I just realized that i have another shot of the bass with the round black furry thing in the background:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/57538.jpg)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on November 06, 2008, 11:50:40 PM: Recorded a little something tonight - it started with the first thing you hear, it's an Indian drone instrument called a sruti box (or shruti box), except it's my iPhone! It's a program called SrutiBox (http://www.jhhl.net/iPhone/SrutiBox/ target=_blank), check it out if you have an iPhone, it's only a couple of dollars.

Anyway, I started with that, added a recording of my buddy Greg DeGuglielmo on drums, then started jamming with my SC. Found a section I liked, and started adding to it. Ultimately, there's four tracks of the SC, plus a virtual analog synth for the iPhone called miniSynth (http://www.yonac.com/software/minisynth/miniSynth target=_blank).

So without further ado, here it is, it's called possibilities (http://hieronymous.us/music/possibilities.mp3 target=_blank).
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on November 09, 2008, 09:50:34 PM: A couple of more shots of my bass, this time at my temple:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/58318.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/58319.jpg)
The lighting is terrible, especially the first shot, but I thought I'd post these for posterity. For those that don't know, I'm a Buddhist minister and I don't have a regular pianist/organist, so I play when I can't find anyone else. I've been playing it through an Electro-Harmonix Small Stone phaser and Phil Jones Bass Briefcase, which is perfect for the room.
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: 3rd_ray on November 10, 2008, 05:58:25 AM: Harry, that's a cool gig

Mike
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: David Houck on December 23, 2008, 11:08:50 PM: Cool tune!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on December 25, 2008, 12:16:38 AM: Thanks Dave! I've been considering rerecording a longer version, but in the meantime here's a mastered version:

possibilities mastered (http://hieronymous.us/music/possibilities_mstrd.mp3 target=_blank)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: keavin on December 25, 2008, 08:06:58 AM: your bass appears to be preparing for a xmas-day sermon....
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on December 27, 2008, 03:17:28 PM: The official party line in Buddhism is that we don't do Christmas, so I got the day off!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: dannobasso on December 27, 2008, 06:56:28 PM: Nice tone! Here's hoping you reach that Wuji state! I'm still stuck in the 2 polarities trying for balance. Have you explored healing frequencies with the bass? I just came across some Regimen Chi Circulation music that might benefit my stressful lifestyle.
It may also help me with coveting other Alembics.
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: edwin on January 01, 2009, 02:07:41 AM: That's cool that you get to play with Greg! I jammed with him a few times in the early 90s (I think it was with Mike Gordon, but I can't quite recall), but he's a lot of fun and a very musical player!

Edwin
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on April 12, 2009, 01:20:35 PM: Used my Stanley at temple today - talked about bass music history - the move from supportive, background basslines to the more showy, complex, out-front playing of the '60s and '70s, and the need to balance both.

Here it is with the temple bells that I use:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/63588.jpg)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: 57basstra on April 12, 2009, 02:44:30 PM: interesting. Thanks!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: to_81_0190 on April 12, 2009, 04:32:42 PM: Wow! They seem to be typical Japaese temple bells and stands. Harry, did you bring them back from Japan?
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on April 20, 2009, 07:43:15 AM: Hi Toshiaki, sorry to take so long to respond - yes, they are Japanese, but they've been there at the temple for much longer than I have! I just transferred to Oakland (near San Francisco and Berkeley) in January, but this temple is over 100 years old! The bells aren't that old, but I bet the big one has been there at least 20-30 years - I will check the inscription to see.

Here's another shot I took - didn't come out quite like I wanted but still kind of cool...

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/64054.jpg)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 08, 2009, 10:10:25 AM: I had to post this video:

bass licks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QyVi4qim1U target=_blank)

You'll understand the title if you watch it - just make sure you're a cat lover! You can't actually see my bass, but you can hear me slapping it acoustically (without an amp) in the background. Sorry for the bad sound quality!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: olieoliver on May 08, 2009, 10:16:42 AM: Kitty porn! LOL

OO
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: David Houck on May 08, 2009, 04:14:54 PM: Nice licks (the bass, not the cat).
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 28, 2009, 11:19:53 AM: Here's a picture of me at my temple celebrating some birthdays - I had used my bass to play the music because our regular organist wasn't available.

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/65679.jpg)

By the way, the lady on the right is in her 90s!!!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: 57basstra on May 28, 2009, 03:04:45 PM: Very pleasant and nice looking family. How old is the young one? About six?
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 28, 2009, 04:02:19 PM: I'm not sure - you're probably about right - she is adorable! Actually, the two girls on the left are sisters, they just happened to have their birthdays in the same month!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: 57basstra on May 28, 2009, 04:33:04 PM: Harry, I just assumed these young ladies were your daughters. The young one just seems to have an easy smile similar to yours.
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on June 28, 2009, 10:44:12 PM: One of the nice things about the recent Northern California gathering was being able to pick up my 5-string Stanley with its new electronics setup! I have never been a fan of blend controls personally, I much prefer straight ahead pickup selectors, like on a Ric or Gibson (or my Series I), so I went for the Anniversary electronics package. It worked great during the jams, and I now have the option of running stereo too. Here's a shot of Sadie investigating:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/66797.jpg)
After which she took up her guard position:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/66798.jpg)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on February 25, 2010, 04:51:09 PM: So I strung this bass up with Chromes (130995026633 target=_blank) and now it plays and sounds GREAT! I was really really impressed with it in rehearsal. For my solo stuff, I often play with effects - fuzz, filters, phaser - but for some reason this time around I didn't plug any in, and was really amazed that I didn't miss them at all! The clarity and power of the bass was all I needed. My drummer was impressed to - he thought it had the depth together with bite, and creamy at the same time!

I'll try and post some soundclips at some point, but for now here's a shot of it at rehearsal, next to my brand new Moog Taurus III bass pedals:

(http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/76986.jpg)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: gregduboc on February 25, 2010, 05:00:43 PM: I'm slightly (hugely) jealous of your Taurus pedal...!
Congratulations!

Greg
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on March 01, 2010, 05:17:41 PM: Thanks Greg! Loving the Taurus, though it's a large and heavy beast!

Here's a shot during rehearsal this past week, a little fuzzy but I like it:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/77113.jpg)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on March 01, 2010, 11:43:08 PM: And here's some video!

SC Signature with drums & turntables (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wixEfEeMm3o target=_blank)

Greg DeGuglielmo on drums, DJ TAKA on turntables. This is a tune that Greg and I spontaneously composed last summer. Bass is going through my Glockenklang Soul Head, Custom Audio Japan tube compressor, and Epiphani 2X10 cab. Audio was recorded on a Tascam DR-5 or something like that. This was my first time playing with a turntablist and it was a lot of fun! Hoping to record with him more...
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: jazzyvee on March 01, 2010, 11:58:38 PM: I did a session on guitar with a DJ /turntableist a few years ago and although it had the potential to be interesting it ended up being less than exciting for me.
I took my strat which is fitted with a roland gk synth pickup and the foot pedals to get some interesting synth sounds going over the music. All was fine until the DJ kept messing with the pitch/speed of the deck. The changes were never in discreet semitones or tones so invariably the pitch was always between notes and whenever i re-tuned, he would invariably change it again so i was constantly having to stretch notes to pitch and chords and it just became really distracting and less and less enjoyable.
In the end i just used sound effects and percussion patches on the roland synth.

I'm glad your first experience was better than mine.
Jazzyvee
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on March 02, 2010, 09:44:33 AM: Jazzyvee, I was definitely lucky - in fact, I was blown away! DJ TAKA is actually one of my students and a really respectful guy. It was a blast to play with him - at one point, Greg and I were playing a slow groove and all of a sudden we heard rapping - I turn around, and Taka is playing a record, I had no idea what was going on but it sounded great! Turns out you can play mp3s with special digitally encoded records, so he thought an a cappella tune he had in his computer would fit - the time was slightly different, but he could speed it up or slow it down just the teeniest bit to fit what we were playing. It was really cool!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on March 05, 2010, 09:17:59 PM: A new recording - terminous live (http://hieronymous.us/music/terminous_live.mp3 target=_blank) - this time played with a pic, otherwise same equipment as above (Glockenklang, Epiphani, etc.) - again recorded on the Tascam. Actually, I'm playing the Taurus 3 on this one, though I hadn't figured out yet how to fine-tune it!

(http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/77254.jpg)

I like the way the bass sounds with Chromes played with a pick...

(Message edited by hieronymous on March 06, 2010)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on April 09, 2010, 03:31:05 PM: I will be playing this bass live this Saturday, April 10, 2010! Check the following link here at the Alembic Club (http://alembic.com/club/messages/65124/78503.html?1270852056 target=_blank) - it will also be simulcast live via the internets!

http://www.dharmarealm.com/live.php (http://www.dharmarealm.com/live.php)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: bassfingers on April 09, 2010, 04:03:33 PM: I'm deeply envious,not only of the bass but the Taurus 3's.Both sounding great.
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on April 11, 2010, 11:16:21 PM: Here's a quick soundclip from rehearsal the other day - the Stanley Clarke is being played through a Z.Vex Mastotron fuzz (plays nice with active electronics), and later a Small Stone phaser.

a brush with fuzz (http://hieronymous.us/music/brushwithfuzz.mp3 target=_blank)

Hopefully I will have more stuff available soon, but the mix on the recording I made from the live show on Saturday isn't so great - hopefully I can work with it come up with something presentable.
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on April 15, 2010, 08:11:30 AM: The first soundclip from the live show I did recently - actually, it's an excerpt from the first piece we played - we were basically jamming, setting levels, and fortunately it was caught on tape: opener (http://hieronymous.us/music/opener_short.mp3 target=_blank)

And a few pictures:

(http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/78770.jpg)

(http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/78771.jpg)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on April 15, 2010, 08:14:50 AM: One pic of both me and Greg:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/78774.jpg)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: 2400wattman on April 19, 2010, 12:38:02 AM: Harry, I must agree with you about the Chromes sound when hit with a pick. It's one of the most pliable set of flats I've used (DR's are equally as killer!) and have great fidelity for being flats. Mind you I'm using mine on a Japanese Fender Jazz with a Badass and Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder p/ups.
BTW, how do you like the new T-3's as opposed to the original T-1's?
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on April 23, 2010, 10:32:26 AM: Yeah, I'm definitely impressed with the Chromes. I'm kind of bummed that I didn't have time to put them on my Stanley before the gig. I've got a new set of Chromes ready to go when I get the time.

And the Taurus 3 is awesome! I've barely begun to scratch the surface! I never owned an original set (I or II) - only used a PK-5 to trigger a Moog Little Phatty, which I really liked. I thought the T3 might be a more portable option, but it is actually very heavy and large.
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on April 23, 2010, 10:44:14 AM: So I have mixed down three things from the live performance. I was disappointed with both recordings - the Tascam I set out didn't capture the bass or Taurus pedals, and the video camera sound is much more balanced but is a low quality mp3 so the high end sounds terrible. So I combined them! I think it could still sound better, I hope to work with these recordings more (maybe rerecording the bass and Taurus on the Tascam recording for one song), but I thought I would post what I have come up with:

opening jam (http://hieronymous.us/live/opener_short.mp3 target=_blank)

8 Echo Dr. (anteria) (http://hieronymous.us/live/8echodr_anteria.mp3 target=_blank)

rays of sound (http://hieronymous.us/live/raysofsoundlive.mp3 target=_blank)

Here is an extended version of the opening jam, with just the camera sound to give an idea:

opening jam (extended) (http://hieronymous.us/live/opener_extended.mp3 target=_blank)

The beginning was just jamming to make sure everything worked, but then we just kept playing!

(Message edited by hieronymous on April 23, 2010)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 17, 2010, 11:30:01 AM: Some more flatwound funk! (http://hieronymous.us/music/bassturntablejam_bassonly.mp3 target=_blank)

This is just the bass track of a jam that I did with DJ TAKA today. My 5-string Stanley Clark Signature Standard with newly-strung Chromes, into an MXR M82 Bass Envelope Filter and Glockenklang Soul Head with CAJ V-COMP Tube Compressor in the effects loop - recorded direct into Tascam DR-1 recorder, but who knows how much effect the amp and compressor had on the sound?!!! It sounds pretty overdriven, not sure if that's the MXR or the compressor getting hit a little hot.

I should have set the filter controls more carefully, but as usual I didn't have much rehearsal/setup time so I was flying by the seat of my pants! Mostly fingers, with some thumb/slap in the middle. Loving the Chromes! Much better than the Rotos. I videotaped it too, hopefully the audio came out half-way decent so you can hear the whole thing...

(Originally posted in the Flatwounds! (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=1959) thread...)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 17, 2010, 11:28:44 PM: Alright, here's the full version:

bass and turntablism (http://hieronymous.us/music/bassandturntablism.mp3 target=_blank)

DJ TAKA on turntables, hieronymous on bass. This is the audio from my Canon camcorder, with the bass track I posted earlier superimposed, since my bass amp was kind of pointed away from the camera. Glad I managed to get the recording of my bass direct!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on June 07, 2010, 11:02:20 AM: New photo:

(http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/81197.jpg)

And new tracks:

first jam (http://hieronymous.us/music/firstjam2_M.mp3 target=_blank)

gotantables (http://hieronymous.us/music/gotantables2_rough2_M.mp3 target=_blank)

The second track is the same song as the one I posted above as bass and turntablism but a different performance, and this time everything was recorded direct. I like my performance in the original one better, but I like the sound of this one better.
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on August 08, 2010, 12:12:48 AM: My wife took a very cool picture of the bass:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/84004.jpg)

I love the lighting and the composition of the shot. This was taken at a rehearsal for a studio session - the bass sounded great - soundclips to come?
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on August 08, 2010, 08:56:51 AM: Here's another one:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/84020.jpg)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on January 21, 2011, 05:36:46 PM: At last, a soundclip from the Robot Envy sessions, at SoundCloud:

Initial Android Avarice (http://soundcloud.com/hieronymous-seven/initial-android-avarice target=_blank)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: David Houck on January 24, 2011, 03:24:09 PM: Nice groove! Nice recording!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on January 26, 2011, 04:27:27 PM: Thanks for listening Dave! There's some background to the recording of this track in this thread. (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=1871)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on November 11, 2011, 02:39:47 PM: Realized that I haven't updated this thread in a while. I've posted this elsewhere, but thought I would add it here, it's a track with fuzz (Z Vex Mastotron, plays nicely with active electronics) and low-pass filter (Moogerfooger):

King Cat Jam (http://soundcloud.com/hieronymous-seven/king-cat-jam target=_blank)

And here's a couple of recent pictures:

(http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/116400.jpg)

(http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/116401.jpg)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: mario_farufyno on November 16, 2011, 09:07:30 AM: Thanks buddy, I simply love ZVex fuzz tone but knew that Wholly Mammoth couldn't match Active electronics. Now that I know it can be done with the Mastotron... GAS raising up!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on November 16, 2011, 12:16:03 PM: Yeah, the Mastotron is pretty cool! I've used a Woolly Mammoth for a long time, but it just doesn't play nicely with the Alembic. It's definitely not exactly the same - the Woolly has a kind of noise gate feature (called pinch) that makes a cool stuttering sound, but that's just icing - the Mastotron definitely gives a nice range of fuzz tones.
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hydrargyrum on November 16, 2011, 12:36:06 PM: I believe I've read that the wooly fuzz and the mastotron circuit are nearly identical, except for the fact that the mastotron is not input impedance sensitive. Your jam sounds great, very crunchy.
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on December 10, 2011, 03:39:16 PM: Finally got the pictures off my nice camera - some of these are old! Here's one from earlier this year with my new cats (had 'em about a year), Sapphire & Luna with the Stanley:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/118129.jpg)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 09, 2013, 11:48:03 AM: Figured I would archive my Stanley Clarke encounters here - here is my original post about meeting him at Yoshi's (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=770).

Here's another shot of the signature:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/161624.jpg)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 09, 2013, 11:53:13 AM: And here are a couple I haven't shown here - when I took it in to the mothership to have it worked on, Stanley's bass was sitting on the couch! This is the bass in my Yoshi's post - Alembic are putting in a new nut & bridge saddles for the tenor tuning. Fortunately I had the presence of mind to ask Mica if I could snap a few pictures of my bass with his:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/161629.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/161630.jpg)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: mario_farufyno on May 09, 2013, 02:04:47 PM: Ops, thanks for the advice, Harry. I missed your answer to me way back and it is exactly what I wanted to know because I really dig the gated sound on Mammoth and wasn't aware about its absence in the Mastotron. Best regards!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: malthumb on May 11, 2013, 06:30:36 AM: Was gonna ask why is your bass so much wider than Stanley's? Is there a difference in the body template? Is Alembic working on a..... Then I counted the strings.....then I went and got another cup of coffee and all was right with the world.

What makes this even funnier is that I have a 4-string Series bass and a 5-string Series bass and the body widths are of course a little different.

Today's duh moment was brought to you be the letter C and the number 5
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on July 02, 2013, 05:05:13 PM: Put different strings on - first had DR Sunbeams but they were a little too low-tension - I was hoping that DR Lo-Riders would be just high enough tension that they would pull the neck closer to where it needed to be - and I was right! It's nice to have rounds back on (if you will remember I had it strung up with D'Addario Chromes before) - hoping to use it with my new band Stanley Lighthead (https://soundcloud.com/stanleylighthead target=_blank)!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: pauldo on July 03, 2013, 07:18:49 PM: Groovy group Harry!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on November 15, 2014, 10:38:40 AM: Haven't posted in here in over a year - had some issues with the bass but finally have them sorted out and even have a new group to use it with! We will play together in a couple of weeks so in preparation I oiled the fingerboard, will play it a bit at home, then put on fresh strings, tweak the neck and action (we finally seem to be transitioning into fall/winter here in the SF Bay Area), and play play play!

I want to post some of the things I've been learning about working with this bass, but in the meantime here is the most recent recording of it:

https://soundcloud.com/hieronymous-seven/gotta-travel-on (https://soundcloud.com/hieronymous-seven/gotta-travel-on target=_blank)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on June 17, 2015, 10:49:59 AM: Been slacking off on posting here - here's another track, just the neck pickup, played with fingers:

https://soundcloud.com/hieronymous-seven/engine-room (https://soundcloud.com/hieronymous-seven/engine-room target=_blank)

And here's a recent pic, fooling around with a filter on Instagram:

(http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/210272.jpg)

Now that I've got the neck dialed in, gotta remember to put the truss rod cover back on!
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on September 10, 2015, 03:08:11 PM: Here's another shot that I've never posted of when my bass met the master's:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/213499.jpg)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: moongerm on September 10, 2015, 03:18:03 PM: Drool .......
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: jazzyvee on September 10, 2015, 04:09:35 PM: Are those markers on Stanley's bass around the controls knobs inlaid or stickers?
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on September 10, 2015, 05:16:22 PM: Hmm, let's see:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/213513.jpg)
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on September 10, 2015, 05:18:01 PM: Looks like stickers to me! What do you think?
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: keith_h on September 11, 2015, 06:19:35 AM: I've noticed Stanley has stickers to mark settings on a lot of his stuff.

My question is did he end up sanding the back of the neck or leave the finish?

Keith
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on September 17, 2015, 11:00:03 AM: Keith, I don't know the answer to that one - I will try and ask Mica at the upcoming Gathering
Title: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on September 19, 2015, 03:37:38 PM: Found similar sticker markings on his Alembic preamps in the Premier Guitar rig rundown episode on YouTube:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/215034.jpg)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on September 29, 2017, 01:25:00 PM: Been over two years since I last updated this thread! Narrowing in on strings for this thing - LaBella long scale nickel round wounds .045-.128 - the EADG fit great, the B is a little too long so getting some 32" scale ones made by bassstringsonline.com.

I am really grateful to Bill TGO for letting us play at his Labor Day party (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=23049.0) this year - it was great incentive for my drummer to come back from Salt Lake City to hang out, rehearse for the gig and also record. I used the house rig, discussed elsewhere. Here's a pic from the party:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4363/36686801534_b99867ed09_o.jpg)

Here's a close-up from the same day where the bass is more visible:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4437/36934956131_cf53aec8f4_o.jpg)

And here's a link to the first time we were playing together over the weekend (which was 101 degrees by the way!):

https://soundcloud.com/hieronymous-seven/trio-improv (https://soundcloud.com/hieronymous-seven/trio-improv)

We were testing out our rigs, setting levels (both in the room and in ProTools), and improvising. To me there's a searching quality to it - at one point I played a lick, then when I tried to repeat it I flubbed a bit and I remember thinking in that split-second - "shit this is serious!" I attacked the lick with hopefully a bit more authority after that - I think that flub might be in this clip!

At the beginning it's going through my MXR Bass Octave Deluxe & 3Leaf GR2 envelope filter, then I switch off the GR2, then it's clean. I'm thinking I might try and run the bass signal (which I recorded direct) through my SF-2 with a high pass filter to emphasize some of the high end - my strings are super old and dead, but there should be some more high-end content with the envelope & octave. I was also running it through my old Boss PQ-3B with the lows boosted, maybe a little too much, haven't decided yet.
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on December 11, 2018, 10:37:21 AM: Realized I have a couple more gig shots, with a different band - Shadow of the Moon - this is from Jack London Square:

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1881/43652885155_8bb313a55a_o.jpg)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1895/43652884795_b7253b5143_o.jpg)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1884/43652930315_e710b6b4b7_o.jpg)

And one from a fundraiser for Hayward High School:

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1964/44976391922_304acd8c9a_o.jpg)

More info can be found in the gigs section: Shadow of the Moon - another hieronymous project (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=24046.0)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on December 11, 2018, 10:42:44 AM: Also, the Stanley Lighthead album was completed and now available on band camp:

https://stanleylighthead.bandcamp.com/album/getlightheaded (https://stanleylighthead.bandcamp.com/album/getlightheaded)

And to keep the Alembic theme going, it is 100% the Stanley Clarke Signature Squared, which can be seen here in an alternate version of the album cover:

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1865/44716265052_f128395dfc_z.jpg)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on September 30, 2020, 07:03:39 PM: This bass was relegated to the case for quite a while, but it came out for a spa day and new strings! I wanted to put the same strings on that were on it before (LaBella SN 45) but looks like they are out of production! So trying the RX set - also nickel roundwounds, but lighter tension according to LaBella. Still have my custom .128 medium scale string for the low B.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50402142023_50314f19c6_o.jpg)

(I also like the way the colors of the string package match the bass and room)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: rv_bass on October 01, 2020, 07:55:32 AM: Very nice bass, I might check out Labella flats sometime to see what they are like!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on October 02, 2020, 10:44:41 AM: Quote from: rv_bass on October 01, 2020, 07:55:32 AM
Very nice bass, I might check out Labella flats sometime to see what they are like!

I use LaBella flats on some of my other basses - both my Les Paul Triumph Bass and Guild AleM-85 II fretless, plus I put the heavy set (not the full-on Jamerson-heavy set) on my Donald Duck Dunn Signature P-Bass. One thing to be aware of - the E string is often deader and thuddier than the other strings - not sure that it's consistently the case but I find that on the P-Bass and Les Paul. Need to do some experimenting but not right away. Thinking of trying out Pyramids on the Les Paul, it needs some work done so not until then.
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: edwardofhuncote on October 03, 2020, 11:25:33 AM: Your Stanley Squared is an ultra-cool bass. 8) There can't be too many of those 5-string SC basses... I recall seeing three, counting yours, and one of them (a quilted maple example) I may have simply seen twice.

I'm guessing that with the shorter scale length, you can easily get away with much heavier strings. I'll bet that low-B is special too. ;D
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on October 03, 2020, 09:53:36 PM: Quote from: edwardofhuncote on October 03, 2020, 11:25:33 AM
Your Stanley Squared is an ultra-cool bass. 8) There can't be too many of those 5-string SC basses... I recall seeing three, counting yours, and one of them (a quilted maple example) I may have simply seen twice.

I'm guessing that with the shorter scale length, you can easily get away with much heavier strings. I'll bet that low-B is special too. ;D

Thanks! I think I have seen at least two others besides mine, plus of course one they made for Stan the Man himself, and maybe one more official Signature Series 5-string? Wondering about the one in this old write-up on No Treble (https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2012/08/01/alembic-unveils-stanley-clarke-signature-deluxe-5-string-bass/) - was this one for Stanley or was it for sale? Also - it's a Series I!

Mine started with Signature electronics (V/P/F/F) but I had it changed to Anniversary, so V/V/F/F + pickup selector which they added and ability to go stereo. Series I would be cool though!

I actually relegated it to its case for over a year but came back to it a couple of weeks ago - the new strings sure help! I think that actually the tension may be similar, I didn't notice the neck shifting much at all - but they seem a little more flexible, or at least the E does. (Assuming the tension ≠ flexibility of course...)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on November 10, 2020, 10:35:12 PM: I entered a contest - you had to play along with a 50 second synth track. Went with the Signature Squared, it's the main bass I've been playing lately, and I've really been playing exclusively with a pick so I went with that. I also figured I'd be one of the only people using a pick, maybe my entry would stand out a bit - even though the winners will be picked randomly lol

The recording is direct recorded into my Zoom H6 with just my CAE compressor. I was actually really impressed with the sound, afterwards I ran the track through my old Boss Bass Parametric Equalizer to add a smidgeon of bass and some treble but it would have been fine without. Find out tomorrow if I won! Three prizes, all include bass lessons from Damian Erskine. I need them! This take is the best of like 50! I just couldn't play something I was satisfied with in the second half. Had some insight into how much of a mystery the fretboard is to me, as well as how lacking my harmonic knowledge is. I do feel like I went for it, in a few places I just missed what I was going for, so I had the idea, but would like to have a bit more freedom.
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: elwoodblue on November 11, 2020, 02:49:44 AM: Coool...good luck.

I hear an Alembic, but I'm also hearing some Getty Lee Rickenbacker-esque-ness.
Looks like you are in a theater...nice vid.
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: edwardofhuncote on November 11, 2020, 03:52:17 AM: Sounds great, and nice job on the video edit too. :)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: growlypants on November 11, 2020, 06:18:21 AM: Super-nice job! Best of luck...
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on November 11, 2020, 11:09:50 AM: Well, I didn't win :(

But it's ok - I didn't need any of the stuff they were giving away (though a new outboard preamp is always nice) - also, Damian Erskine is offering a discount on his bass education site, so I think I'm going to sign up.

EDIT: Aaannnndd... I signed up! He gave a one-month discount to everyone who entered the contest (it's really cheap anyway) - now I just need to dive in and put in the time and the work.
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on April 06, 2021, 06:11:58 PM: Ended up joining Damian Erskine's Bass Education website. There's a forum too, he responds to everyone, is very supportive, it's a nice little community.

One thing he has been doing is post loops that people can record themselves over and share - here's one of my attempts, with the SCSS - still working on recording audio direct into my iPhone, this one I ended up mixing stuff together after the fact.
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: rv_bass on April 07, 2021, 03:21:47 AM: Sounds great, I’ll have to check out the Erskine site. :)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: edwardofhuncote on April 07, 2021, 05:06:46 AM: I am astounded by how much 'travel' there is in those strings as you are playing! It must be the nature of the shorter scale. Sounds fantastic. 8)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: mario_farufyno on April 07, 2021, 06:23:05 AM: Great tone and performance, thanks for sharing, Harry.
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: gearhed289 on April 07, 2021, 07:58:59 AM: Nice groove Harry!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hammer on April 07, 2021, 10:01:05 AM: VERY nicely done!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on April 07, 2021, 07:30:08 PM: Thanks everyone!

Quote from: rv_bass on April 07, 2021, 03:21:47 AM
Sounds great, I’ll have to check out the Erskine site. :)

https://www.basseducation.com

Quote from: edwardofhuncote on April 07, 2021, 05:06:46 AM
I am astounded by how much 'travel' there is in those strings as you are playing! It must be the nature of the shorter scale. Sounds fantastic. 8)

I think it's because I'm plucking so close to the neck - that's the technique I've developed over the past few years, I'm just not into the sound plucking closer to the bridge though I know it's a great sound that a lot of players use, like Jaco and Wolf.
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: sonicus on April 08, 2021, 08:49:59 AM: Harry , I really like that !
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on April 19, 2021, 05:23:32 PM: Thanks Wolf! I'm finally able to access the forum regularly again.

Realized it's been a while since I lemon-oiled the fretboard. I need to keep better track. I think I remember jazzyvee suggesting to oil the fretboard at both equinoxes. I'm thinking that just the spring equinox may be sufficient for me - I do run my heater throughout the winter, so it could counteract any drying out of the air. Or maybe I should do it in the fall in preparation for the winter???

I also am following Bill TGO's advice to leave the old strings on for a while. I am also planning a string change and guerrilla setup - I've been playing more regularly, these strings probably have plenty of life left in them but I noticed the G string is buzzing more than before (I think) so seems worth it to throw on a fresh set. I put these on back mid-December, so they've been on for a good four months. I could totally keep using them - I've only been playing them an hour a day - but my hands sweat a lot, I think it's time!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 09, 2021, 06:39:37 PM: OK, fresh strings now installed! Haven't touched the setup at all, just consider myself lucky to play it for a bit. And with that in mind, I've been doing some more simple recording:

I'm playing my bass through the usual CAE/CAJ tube compressor, Boss PQ-3B parametric eq, then into my good ol' Big Briar MF-104 Moogerfooger with the Bob Moog signature logo (this is from before he got the rights to the "Moog" name back). Normally I don't like to use it on bass - it overloads easily, and it's very dark in terms of frequency response. But I like it here. Wanted to get the sound of fresh strings recorded, but unfortunately my first "recording session" I managed to forget to hit record - twice!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: rv_bass on May 10, 2021, 04:10:11 AM: Sounds great! :)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: gearhed289 on May 10, 2021, 08:33:05 AM: That bass sounds really great Harry!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 11, 2021, 07:24:40 AM: Quote from: rv_bass on May 10, 2021, 04:10:11 AM
Sounds great! :)

Quote from: gearhed289 on May 10, 2021, 08:33:05 AM
That bass sounds really great Harry!

Thanks! I feel like between the strings and the gear I'm finally getting it dialed in. I think I've settled on DR Sunbeams for the EADG string - regular long scale fits fine. The low B I'm still using the custom length nickel LaBellas I ordered a couple of years ago. The low B isn't ideal - could be a little brighter/more alive - but as you can see in this video I didn't even touch it once! So I'm willing to live with it for the time being. I might try and find a lighter gauge next time, if I can find the right length - the long scale version was too long (even though the others fit fine).
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: rv_bass on May 11, 2021, 04:56:54 PM: What is the scale length is your bass, and have you tried Alembic stings? They have a moderately bright sound to my ears. That might work for your B string.
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 24, 2021, 11:02:59 AM: Quote from: rv_bass on May 11, 2021, 04:56:54 PM
What is the scale length is your bass, and have you tried Alembic stings? They have a moderately bright sound to my ears. That might work for your B string.

Missed this post! It's the standard Alembic short scale. I've got it set up the way I like it right now, though I think if someone else played it they would be horrified! Maybe when I run out of my custom Bs I should get it worked on and set up for a different set.
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 24, 2021, 11:12:03 AM: I might have said this in a recent post - I used to use a lot of effects, but I've been enjoying the sound of my SCSS with just a touch of compression and EQ that I just haven't wanted to use any other effects. But then I started messing around with stuff, and then I realized it was Bob Moog's birthday yesterday so I went all out!

The bass track here is Z.Vex Mastotron fuzz into Moog/Big Briar MF-101 lo-pass filter with the frequency cutoff being controlled by the Moog/Big Briar CP-251 signal processor sample & hold, recorded into my Zoom H6 (normally I would record direct into ProTools but had the Moog stuff spread out where my computer normally sits!) - here's the setup:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51200534311_6b9febb306.jpg)

Then I ran that into the Moog/Big Briar MF-104 analog delay and recorded that into ProTools. Finally, overdubbed the Moog Sirin doing the bass pedal synth parts - that was probably the part I worked on the most, had to figure out what I was doing on the bass lol.

Bonus points if you recognize what the emblem is based on!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: OJ Dorson on May 25, 2021, 01:02:04 PM: It seems that somewhere in this thread, you switched back to BEADG after having Alembic get you setup for EADGC... I always think I'm going to love EADGC much more than BEADG, so would you mind sharing more about why you went back?
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 25, 2021, 04:58:05 PM: Quote from: ojdorson on May 25, 2021, 01:02:04 PM
It seems that somewhere in this thread, you switched back to BEADG after having Alembic get you setup for EADGC... I always think I'm going to love EADGC much more than BEADG, so would you mind sharing more about why you went back?

Yes, when I got the bass it was just standard BEADG. I had been playing an Ibanez 6-string and starting to mess around with simple chords, so thought I'd continue with this bass. Alembic made new saddles and a new nut. It never really clicked though - I don't think the instrument liked it either - when I decided to try BEADG again it was like all was right with the world and the bass was born again! I personally don't need the high C string. I don't use the low B string that much, but it's nice to have it there - you never know!

Have you played a bass tuned EADGC? You can always just experiment with a set of strings without changing the nut and saddles. A long-scale instrument might handle the change better. Short scale has its challenges that differ from long IME.
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: OJ Dorson on May 26, 2021, 07:04:18 AM: Quote from: hieronymous on May 25, 2021, 04:58:05 PM
Quote from: ojdorson on May 25, 2021, 01:02:04 PM
It seems that somewhere in this thread, you switched back to BEADG after having Alembic get you setup for EADGC... I always think I'm going to love EADGC much more than BEADG, so would you mind sharing more about why you went back?

Yes, when I got the bass it was just standard BEADG. I had been playing an Ibanez 6-string and starting to mess around with simple chords, so thought I'd continue with this bass. Alembic made new saddles and a new nut. It never really clicked though - I don't think the instrument liked it either - when I decided to try BEADG again it was like all was right with the world and the bass was born again! I personally don't need the high C string. I don't use the low B string that much, but it's nice to have it there - you never know!

Have you played a bass tuned EADGC? You can always just experiment with a set of strings without changing the nut and saddles. A long-scale instrument might handle the change better. Short scale has its challenges that differ from long IME.

I've got a six-string Orion Fretless and have liked the upper limit, whereas with any five string I've had I've just not touched the B much. Years back I had a five-string Ken Smith Burner (really beautiful walnut top/back!) and didn't care about the B, even though it sounded wonderful. I have a five string now made by a luthier in Idaho and the B has got great sound, too, but I'm tempted to switch it up using the old strings from my Orion which I just replaced.
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 26, 2021, 03:35:14 PM: Quote from: ojdorson on May 26, 2021, 07:04:18 AM
I've got a six-string Orion Fretless and have liked the upper limit, whereas with any five string I've had I've just not touched the B much. Years back I had a five-string Ken Smith Burner (really beautiful walnut top/back!) and didn't care about the B, even though it sounded wonderful. I have a five string now made by a luthier in Idaho and the B has got great sound, too, but I'm tempted to switch it up using the old strings from my Orion which I just replaced.

Sounds like you should give it a try! Like I said, you can experiment without changing out the nut/bridge saddles until you're sure. Have fun and good luck!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on June 24, 2021, 09:45:50 AM: I've been experimenting with my AleM-85 (https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=23492.msg267074#msg267074), working on my interpretation of Phil Lesh, and for technical reasons (trying to track down some static) gave the SCSS a go:

Playing with a Telefunken graphite pick. You can hear Phil's original bass track mixed in - pretty gnarly tone he's got going!

Plan on working on my Phil Lesh-interpretation manifesto - can't copy the guy but working on incorporating his approach to my style.
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: rv_bass on June 24, 2021, 07:02:03 PM: Sounds great! :)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on June 24, 2021, 08:37:20 PM: Quote from: rv_bass on June 24, 2021, 07:02:03 PM
Sounds great! :)

Thanks! I feel like I'm cheating a bit since Phil himself is pretty present in this mix, which is actually only one channel - that's why Jerry is missing! Wanna play like this live with a band!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: edwardofhuncote on June 25, 2021, 04:10:46 AM: Enjoying these. Reminds me I need to get back to work with that pick!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on June 27, 2021, 10:58:29 AM: Another one with the Telefunken pick, this time with some Moog phaser (MF-103 moogerfooger)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on July 14, 2021, 03:41:32 PM: Here's Vital Transformation by Mahavishnu Orchestra - this one takes some endurance!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: rv_bass on July 14, 2021, 07:10:24 PM: Very nice! :)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 01, 2022, 06:33:21 AM: I've been inspired by the recent Tech21 Geddy Lee MP40 SansAmp pedal - it's basically like his YYZ pedal which takes a mono signal, puts it through two channels, once clean and deep, the other with drive on the high end, then spits it back out mono. One thing I've been doing is bass covers of Rush songs from Moving Pictures (https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=707.msg274048#msg274048), the album whose 40th anniversary the pedal is celebrating (MP40, get it?) - decided to do one of them with my Stanley Clarke Signature Squared - Signature bass through a signature pedal!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: rv_bass on May 01, 2022, 06:38:59 AM: That sounds great! :)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 02, 2022, 09:30:21 AM: Quote from: rv_bass on May 01, 2022, 06:38:59 AM
That sounds great! :)

Thanks! I'm really enjoying this Tech21 pedal - I can hardly wait to use it through an amp with other people!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on March 05, 2023, 07:52:24 PM: Wow, haven't posted in a while! Since last fall I've been focusing on YouTube shorts, which don't embed well, plus I was using my AlFeMbic a lot - which is a good thing! But recently switched to the SCSS (Stanley Clarke Signature Squared) - it needs a setup, but I also need to figure out the strings - my custom low-B is not cutting it - just too thumpy - so got an Alembic one - it fits perfectly! Sounds/plays better too (you can hear it in this video) - next step is try the Alembic strings on the other 4 and see how it does - if they work for me, then I may get a setup, which will also mean a new saddle for the E string (long story for another post - this one is already too long!)

Anyway, here is a take of Rush's Show Don't Tell - I got a sound I liked with the Tech21 Geddy Lee MP40 SansAmp - ok, back to shorts! (Oh yeah, I made this video to celebrate receiving my RUSH Mustard!)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: pauldo on March 06, 2023, 04:17:35 AM: Geddy who? 😃
That was great!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on March 11, 2023, 07:31:23 PM: One more - this time with the MP40 set to the Shape Shifter boost setting, so even more high frequencies and sounds like a little more gain:
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: rv_bass on March 12, 2023, 04:41:13 AM: Wow, that sounds great! :)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: pauldo on March 12, 2023, 06:42:48 AM: Are you getting paid for product endorsements? ;D

Love the energy on this one!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on March 12, 2023, 10:10:09 PM: Quote from: rv_bass on March 12, 2023, 04:41:13 AM
Wow, that sounds great! :)

Thanks! I was thinking today - the first bass line I learned was N.I.B. by Black Sabbath - within the next couple of years, I dove into Moving Pictures and other Rush albums, playing along as best I could. Playing this stuff now, Geddy's lines just seem to fit - not sure if it's because it was the first stuff I really learned that took me down the rabbit hole of music, but for some reason it comes "easily" (I put that in quotes because there were a bunch of takes before the final one)

Quote from: pauldo on March 12, 2023, 06:42:48 AM
Are you getting paid for product endorsements? ;D

Love the energy on this one!

I wish! Getting views is good enough for me - I learned how to record and put stuff online about 20 years ago - that's all I ever wanted - for people to listen to my music. The tools now are pretty unbelievable...
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: gearhed289 on March 13, 2023, 07:38:40 AM: Sounds great Harry!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 16, 2023, 06:00:59 PM: Had my Stanley bass adjusted at the mothership - the radius at the bridge was way off due to my crazed machinations - now it's a joy to play! Got a new wooden pick too, as well as Dave's Picks vol. 46 - this is from the bonus disk - Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City, NJ, 9/19/72.

I put in the detail about the venue and date because the YT bots figured out what song it is, but attributed it to "Live at the Palace Theater, Waterbury CT 9/24/72" - close!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: rv_bass on May 16, 2023, 06:57:18 PM: Sounds fantastic! :)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 16, 2023, 07:19:38 PM: Quote from: rv_bass on May 16, 2023, 06:57:18 PM
Sounds fantastic! :)
Thanks!

I should add, I removed the original bass part with moises.ai - an amazing app that uses AI to separate the tracks so that you can take stuff out. What is this world coming to?!!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 19, 2023, 04:05:00 PM: Dangit - that last video gave me problems, and I ended up deleting it by accident! Here's a new one:
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 23, 2023, 06:38:13 PM: Here's another one, this time with graphite pick, and mixed more realistically, but maybe I went too far?
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 25, 2023, 07:30:51 PM: Can I share another one? Back to the wood pick, the more "realistic" mix, but with the gain on the MP40 SansAmp turned down a bit, so much less overdrive on the bass.

Oh, and t-shirt courtesy of an Alembic Club member! Thanks Don!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: rv_bass on May 26, 2023, 03:43:07 AM: Another nice one, love that tune, especially from ‘73 :)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on May 26, 2023, 07:57:05 AM: Quote from: rv_bass on May 26, 2023, 03:43:07 AM
Another nice one, love that tune, especially from ‘73 :)
Yes! Probably one of my all-time favorite Dead tunes - this is track 1 vol 1 of Dick's Picks (Tampa, FL Dec 73) - possibly one of my all-time favorite Dead performances! (The song, not the show)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on August 26, 2023, 06:42:49 PM: Realized I should put this one here:

Still the Alembic strings, going through my CAE/CAJ V-Comp tube compressor & Tech21 Geddy Lee MP40 SansAmp
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: pauldo on August 27, 2023, 04:32:56 AM: 😎
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on September 06, 2023, 06:28:01 PM: Forgot to put this here - one of the first things I'm posting with lots of low B string!

I think I'm still kind of insecure about how the low B sounds, given that it's short scale. I'm liking the Alembic strings. I'm pretty sure I've just got the neck pickup on in this one, with my usual signal chain of CAE/CAJ V-Comp tube compressor into Tech21 Geddy Lee MP40 SansAmp. In working up this video, I went from hitting the strings with my usual force, to backing off a bit, especially on the low B & E. I'm not a light-touch player, but the low strings on this one seem to do better with some coaxing. Any thoughts?
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: rv_bass on September 06, 2023, 07:17:43 PM: Very nice :)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: edwardofhuncote on September 07, 2023, 05:01:20 AM: Sounds pretty good in my cans... the grin at the end is what makes it art! ;D

In all seriousness, you probably have a better informed opinion as a player of what you need from your low notes than I would as a listener. I am using TI Jazz Rounds on my Persuader 5-string right now, which only has a .118 B string. Even with a slightly longer 32" scale, that took some getting used to, but I have come to prefer it over a heavier 5th string. And sonically it sounds great. Well... to me anyway.
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on September 07, 2023, 05:00:41 PM: Quote from: edwardofhuncote on September 07, 2023, 05:01:20 AM
Sounds pretty good in my cans... the grin at the end is what makes it art! ;D

In all seriousness, you probably have a better informed opinion as a player of what you need from your low notes than I would as a listener. I am using TI Jazz Rounds on my Persuader 5-string right now, which only has a .118 B string. Even with a slightly longer 32" scale, that took some getting used to, but I have come to prefer it over a heavier 5th string. And sonically it sounds great. Well... to me anyway.

Thanks for the feedback - I like to leave in flubs and the end bits!

One important thing is that I've really only recorded the low B, and even that not much. I feel like maybe the open B is missing something, but maybe I'm hitting my comp too hard. I'll keep working on it - maybe even get to use it live!

.118 B string is interesting - might have to try and get a hold of one and see if it'd even fit!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on November 17, 2023, 05:55:08 PM: Played the SCSS at a solo gig recently - bonus heckler at 2:30!

The bass is going through a Z Vex Mastotron fuzz into Frostwave Resonator that's being controlled via CV by Moog CP-251, plus Moog Sirin controlled by Roland PK-5a - whew! Too much gear! But I learned a lot, still learning...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53297513056_a33bc2fa61_z.jpg)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: rv_bass on November 17, 2023, 07:03:02 PM: Very Cool! :)
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: Spoilers! on November 18, 2023, 08:13:39 PM: I love it! What sections of the CP-251 are you using?
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on August 10, 2024, 06:54:40 PM: Used the SCSS with Darkglass Vintage Deluxe for just a hint of overdrive - saw Super Fly for the second time recently, didn't get it the first time, this time I dove deeper into the soundtrack by Curtis Mayfield - with Joseph "Lucky" Scott on bass! Some amazing grooves and just amazing music in general. Picked up the 2-CD deluxe edition with some cool instrumental versions, which is what I'm playing to here - with help from moises.ai to remove the original bass track.

Quote from: Spoilers! on November 18, 2023, 08:13:39 PM

I love it! What sections of the CP-251 are you using?

Sorry I didn't respond to this - I think it was just the sample & hold to manipulate the filter (Frostwave Resonator), though I might have tried to use an attenuator to keep it from sweeping too far... I think this was my prog-dinosaur phase!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: pauldo on August 11, 2024, 05:30:04 PM: 😀
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on August 23, 2024, 06:03:53 PM: Just posted this on Talkbass:

Been playing my 5-string Stanley Clarke Signature Squared a bit lately - found a nice Terrapin Station and put it through moises.ai to remove the original part - the Grateful Dead at their proggiest!

I definitely got into the Dead via the prog angle - it actually wasn't too far a leap from Yes & Rush to the Grateful Dead - busy bassist who doesn't conform to the traditional bassist role? check! Long songs with odd time signatures? check! Stereo neck-through basses? check!!! Oh yeah, and MADE IN THE USA!!!
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: DistillaMatto on August 23, 2024, 07:46:24 PM: Yes. I had a similar feeling back then. My dad listened to the early Dead which I wasn't that into. Then I was at a classmates house and he put on Terrapin Station and it was more to my liking. Nice playing.
Title: Re: '03 SC Signature Standard 5-string
Post by: hieronymous on August 24, 2024, 09:13:33 AM: Quote from: DistillaMatto on August 23, 2024, 07:46:24 PM
Yes. I had a similar feeling back then. My dad listened to the early Dead which I wasn't that into. Then I was at a classmates house and he put on Terrapin Station and it was more to my liking. Nice playing.
Thanks! You're the first person I've heard with similar experience to mine.