Wtb-Older Short Scale 4 String Alembic

[SuperstitiousHermit]

In the market for a short scale four string from the 70s-90s with a narrow/slender spacing and neck. I’m open anything but a SC or a fretless.  Budget is around 4k-8k. Thanks!

[pauldo]

Hi Hermit.
I have played an SC and found it very palatable.  What about an SC makes it a “no thank you” for you?

[SuperstitiousHermit]

Honestly, I don’t have a particularly good reason. This would be my first Alembic after eyeing them for over twenty years. I’m open to suggestion but the SC never seemed like something I’d like to start off with. I like the Stanley Clarke bodies that have more curvature though. I’m still learning quite a bit about the options. Any help navigating is greatly appreciated.

[hammer]

Well if your thinking short scale Alembics birthed 70-90s, it’s going to have an SC body regardless of whether you are talking about a Signature or Series I, unless of course it’s a custom job. More recently, both the Balance K (see Phil Lesh’s 6-string Balance K Series bass) and the Darling have been done in short scale versions. These are a lot more recent, however, than the 70s to 90s.

[jazzyvee]

You might also want to check out the brown basses too, which are based on Stanley’s earlier basses.
http://www.alembic.com/prod/stanley.html

[SuperstitiousHermit]

I’ve nothing against the body shape or any other aspect of the SC. I think I’ve just built it up in my head over the last couple decades that I didn’t want my first Alembic to be an artist model. I realize it’s kind of a silly reason but it’s just where my mind’s at.

[pauldo]

That is understandable.  Honestly any Alembic will make your dreams come true.  Their electronics and craftsmanship offer so  much variety that their tonal palette is vast… you WILL find you favorite color(s). 

[SuperstitiousHermit]

I bet!
Can’t wait!

[jazzyvee]

I’ve nothing against the body shape or any other aspect of the SC. I think I’ve just built it up in my head over the last couple decades that I didn’t want my first Alembic to be an artist model. I realize it’s kind of a silly reason but it’s just where my mind’s at.

When I was first looking for an alembic I wanted one like Stanley Clarke was using. However i didn't fully understand at the time the difference between the signature models and the series basses so i bought his Signature bass. I still think that is an incredible bass but after finding out from this forum what the difference was, I eventually managed to find a vintage Series I shorty in good condition which is even more incredible sounding. So yes go for your dream and try not to get distracted like I did..... it gets expensive :-)  All the best in finding your dream alembic.

[SuperstitiousHermit]

A nice vintage Series 1 SSB is dream ticket for sure.