Author Topic: Should I buy a Stanley Clarke Brown Bass? HELP! (Read 215 times)

rickyrbass · « **on:** November 02, 2003, 02:55:26 PM »

Hello, I am new to your forum. I have been through many basses in the past but never an Alembic. I play mainly solo type bass music but also in a 3 piece band. The music I play requires a bass with above average Harmonic capabilities and must be able to Tap and Slap equally as well.
I play a great deal in the second octave and require a bass with enormous clarity and sustain.
I have an opportunity to purchase a BROWN bass at a good price but I have never played an Alembic.
Do you guys and gals this this bass would fit he bill? I sincerely appreciate any advise you can give. Ricky Reed

rami · « **Reply #1 on:** November 02, 2003, 03:07:46 PM »

Hi Ricky,

If you have a chance to buy ANY Alembic at a great price...you should jump at the opportunity! Alembics in general are known for their super clean sound, sustain and ringing harmonics. You won't be disappointed. Just try one.

Just out of curiousity, is that Bass a Signature model or is it a short scale Series I?

rickyrbass · « **Reply #2 on:** November 02, 2003, 04:00:47 PM »

Its the Signature brown bass with the short scale.
I am a little hesitant about the scale length but I dont guess it should be too much problem.
Thanks

dannobasso · « **Reply #3 on:** November 02, 2003, 07:56:26 PM »

I say go for it. I have one I bought used, SC sig deluxe. The short scale is a breeze to play on. I have medium and long scale Alembics as well. As Rami stated, any Alembic is worth the money. But it will lead to more if you are passionate about bass.

jrbrown · « **Reply #4 on:** November 02, 2003, 08:13:44 PM »

I'm looking at a used 2003 model Brown Bass. I'm just trying to decided if I want a short scale bass or not. Price is aroung $2800.
Here's a pic:

palembic · « **Reply #5 on:** November 02, 2003, 11:46:00 PM »

Hi Rick,

welcome to the club.
We play different styles -luckily ...the world would be a boredom everybody playing/liking the same stuff- but as far as I am well informed the playing situation you describe is exactly why SC chose for his Alembic in the first place. There is a thread somewhere here with a link to a SC concert together with Abe Laboriel. You can hear how it works for yourself. I dunno if there is a low-end bass-player in your band too?
Please keep us posted and good luck on your quest!

Paul the bad one

David Houck · « **Reply #6 on:** November 03, 2003, 09:02:23 AM »

Here it is Paul:
http://easylink.playstream.com/stanleyclarke/pasadena.rm

rickyrbass · « **Reply #7 on:** November 03, 2003, 10:13:44 AM »

Thats great man, thanks alot!
I guess he had that bass strung as a tenor?

hifibassman · « **Reply #8 on:** November 03, 2003, 11:55:33 AM »

Hello Ricky,

that link to stanley also shows you the BIG difference in how a typical classic alembic series bass sounds (timbre-wise) versus an un-filtered traditional type active jazz bass set up. And the sound of that series was not even set to high Q- it still had ALOT of other unique, distinctive sounds and harmonics left in it that no other bass guitars can get.

mica · « **Reply #9 on:** November 03, 2003, 12:51:40 PM »

The Brown Basses are great (of course!) but they do sound a bit different than some of our other basses. They tend to be bassier and woodier sounding, a credit to the primarily mahogany neck and oil finish. These features were modelled after Stanley Clarke's personal Brown Bass, Alembic #80.

Brown Basses are plenty clear and like all Alembics have excellent sustain. The Signature Standard and Deluxe use maple as the primary neck wood and have an overall brighter tone naturally.

rickyrbass · « **Reply #10 on:** November 03, 2003, 04:58:53 PM »

You guys have been a big help. The bass is on its way, I will let you know how it turns out. Thanks!