Scale Length question/decision making

[glocke]

Hi All,
 
I feel like I am getting closer to ordering a custom Alembic, or at least getting closer to deciding what I would want a bass built for me to be.  
 
Ive pretty much decided on a series II, cocobolo.....but need some input on scale length.
 
I am very fortunate to be able to own both a long scale series I, and a short scale SCSD.
 
The thing I like about the SI is the overall sound.  It sounds big, and feels big, and there is a ton of sustain.  The thing I dislike about it is the size.  Sometimes it is just too big.
 
The SCSD is the one I play the most , mainly due to its size, but it lacks the sonic characteristics of the SI.
 
I have not had the chance to play a medium scale.  Im assuming it will bridge the gap between the two, still having that big sound, but not as imposing size wise.  Is that correct?
 
also hope all that made sense, Ive got quite the buzz going!!!

[ajdover]

Greg,
 
    It's like comparing a Ferrari to a Dodge Ram Pickup.  Two different animals.
 
    The S1 has Series I electronics; the SCSD has Signature electronics.  I've played both (and own a SCSS with Sig electronics) and can say they are very different, though very Alembic at the same time.
 
    A medium scale, IMHO isn't as important as the electronics package.  The scale, IMHO only makes certain things easier for you, technique-wise, rather than changes the overall tone of the instrument (woods and electronics do that IME).
 
    Here's what I'd recommend - order an SC with Series II electronics. The scale length shouldn't matter much tone wise (my first Alembic was a Spoiler-Exploiter with a 32 scale - didn't make a difference to me).
 
Alan
 
P.S.  My SCSS is a big sounding instrument.  The only difference between it and its long scale bretheren is that it is built for speed.

[keurosix]

Greg,
IMO, Long scale really is important for a low B string. A 35 scale for a low B sounds very authoritive, and much more full of life compared to shorter scales. If you are not going to order a low B string on your custom, then go for the medium scale for the benefits of it's playability and comfort to your hands. One ebony lam in the neck would strengthen the fundamental and maybe even make a shorter scale length sound like a longer scale. See if some other club experts can shed some light on this - perhaps Mark 8 String King or Rami could give their expert opinion. Both of them own different scale basses and can add their valuable thoughts on this. Also, ask at the mothership - Mica can tell you just about anything you need to know.
Happy planning!
Kris

[white_cloud]

I have a medium scale and am a total convert to medium scale basses. So much easier to play, less string tension and, of course, little or no compromise on tone/sustain etc
 
I love medium scale basses so much that I have had a custom 32 bass built to my spec...and thats from a guy who played long scale for 25 years. Hope this helps
 
John.

[2400wattman]

You could consider a full scale bass with a Balance K body style which has an elongated upper horn to facilitate bringing those first position frets a lot closer to you. I had the pleasure of trying a couple of them at Will Gunn's shop and they were so much more comfortable and easier to get around than the '80 S1 I owned at the time.  
I say this for I am a devoted full scale guy. I've found from having a 32 scale Distillate that the E did'nt have the punch or feel that I know and love, but there are guys here that will argue this to the end of the earth but my experience has taught me what I need for the sound I want.

[funkyjazzjunky]

Greg,  
 
Do you want a 4, 5, or 6 string bass?

[glocke]

Defintely a 4 string....as for the balance K, not a bad idea, but Im a fan of the more traditional body style.
 
So the S1 electronics really have that much more of an impact in what I am hearing as opposed to the difference in scale length?
 
How noticable of a difference is noticable between a short scale and the 32 scale ?

[2400wattman]

You could go for the traditional body style with the upper horn made into the pistol grip shape which will bring those first frets closer and this is for comfort sakes as to why I'm mentioning this as it seems to be an issue in your first thread. In regards about sustain,(from what I've gathered of others opinions and my own) it seems to me it does'nt matter what scale length you have they all have great sustain due to the neck through design. I believe a short scale is around 30.75. you might want to fish around for more guys opinions whom own medium scales, Olie Oliver's new custom is a 3/4 size shape with a 32scale. don't get me wrong about the sound of them as they're still killer sounding, I can't get past the E string issue.  
As far as going with S2 electronics your on the mark. Have you ever thought you would like the boost or cut on your S1 to be somewhere between the points available on those switches? If so you'll get it easily. There is so much more available with those little CVQ pots as opposed to the boost switches. If however you're happy with the tones available on your S1 stick with those electronics on your custom and you could get custom laminates(as opposed to standard maple & purple heart) in your neck which would greatly affect the sound of the bass. Ebony would be sweet! Good luck !!

[briant]

I notice a huge difference in the feel of the instrument when scale length drops below 34.  The strings feel less responsive to me and the tone starts to get more bottom heavy.  But this is coming from only experiencing non-Alembic short scale basses.
 
Tonally even if the short scale Alembics stand up to the 34+ cousins I couldn't get past the feel thing.

[keith_h]

Greg,
There is a definite difference between the sound of Series and Signature electronics. I think a lot of it has to do with the single coil pickups of the Series compared to the hum canceling of the Signature.  
 
As far as body and neck lengths I really like the small std body and short scale over the larger standard body long scale. I am not the tallest person nor do I have long fingers so the short scale fits me much better. I have also found that my Orion's are much more comfortable than the large bodied Alembics I have played. I think this is due to the body shape bringing the lower frets into playing reach. So you might consider the Europa/Orion body shape for your Series instrument if you decide on a long scale.  
 
Keith

[roberto]

Ive played 32 ,34 34.5 Fbasses,36  Foderas.
IMO if you hv short fingers and cant cope with long scales,go for 33 minimum, medium spacing.and longer upper horn.I think the low kick
is good enough
But if you hv long fingers,go for 35
they sound definitely different.
You cant replace the low freq body and kick with boosting the bass volume.
hopethis help you decide
robert

[jazzyvee]

I have both 30 and 34 scale Alembic basses and i can say that they are both  very easy to play. The sc is very easy to move around as the fret spacing makes it less of a stretch. That said the neck on my Elan 4 is narrower than the sc and that also helps to get around the neck with ease.
 
If I was having a bass made now I'd probably go for a series bass with small body shape and short scale. But that's more to do with the fact It's my favourite alembic body shape.  If I was going for a 5 or more string bass I'd stick with a 34 scale and probably an Elan or Europa body shape.
 
Very interesting thread :-)
 
Jazzyvee

[rolty]

I was very uncertain about going for a short scale instrument for all the reasons mentioned, it almost put me off buying till I played the beast (sc series2 fretless) and that was the end of my doubt. I havent owned a bass with such well defined lows, I admit I havent played an Alembic long scale S2, the short scale is so easy to play it almost feels like cheating.... suffice it to say I cant put it down!