SC Deluxe - Out of Balance - Is there a fix?

[David Houck]

Thanks Greg; I've been looking forward to getting a set of TI's for a while.  So I'm going to have fun playing with 'em.

[bishopqdog]

greg the balance on the SC is quite different and not at all what I'm use to. I didn't know about the balance issue before I had mine made this year.  But, It's too beautiful to give up.  I've decided to live with it and not let a wonderful instrument slip through my fingers.  

[musikill]

I am learning to live with it but it does cause back problems if I don't get it just right - so I guess I'll have to see how it is in the long run.  I may end up selling it and looking for a series I or II or possibly a spyder.  Those look like they are well balanced.  I am OK with the SC as long as the back problems are minimal.  I have ordered a strap that has neopreme in it that may help with the slippage on the shoulder - I'll let the group know if this is an answer for those that find this bass to cause back problems.

[thebass]

I never played a SC but I recall playing with a guitarist who favoured the Gibson SG which has the same balance proplem. he solved it by attaching the strap to the lower horn instead of the upper horn. Looks a bit strange first but it solved the problem. May be this works for a SC model too ?

[musikill]

I gave that a thought a few days ago but decided that the problem would still be there simply due to the fact that the body is so small and there is nothing that can make up for the difference in weight.  I'm getting used to it but I have noticed that if I sit in a chair or stool it is fine, if I sit on a couch I have real neck problems after a few hours.  I shouldn't be sitting there for a few hours at a time but can't put it down!

[daveski1]

I bought the bass that big bad bill sold to a guy who sold it to me a week later cos he couldnt get used to it.Wear it high, very high and i find the problem doesnt come into the equation and having been playing a mark king model for the last five years i actually find the stanley clarke model a breath of fresh air as its incredibley light in comparision and the scale length means no more awkward stretches near the nut.Oh and anyone having problems with obtaining short scale strings dont bother i just string mine with what i use on the m.k.model,long scale 30,50,70,90 and they sound superb and i think are near impossible to buy in this gauge,short scale.

[bracheen]

I buy strings from www.juststrings.com  If they don't have what you're looking for good luck finding it.  They're pretty quick with delivery and have good prices.
Congratulations on getting the SC.  Hope things work out for you.  I have an Epic that doesn't have balance problems at all but it's still more comfortable when sitting to be in a firm chair or stool rather that the soft sofa.  If the chair has arms that also makes me sit awkwardly.
 
Sam

[mica]

I suppose it's obvious why we only make the Small Standard in a short scale (except of course for dela). The only alternate strapholder location I've seen work is like a folk guitar with the strap wrapped around the peghead.
 
You've got the ingredients we suggest going for ya: wide strap (especially one with a sueded surface toward your body), hold it up high. Of course, my old bass teacher would slap me if I practiced sitting on a couch, you aren't going to perform on a couch, are you? is what he'd tell me.
 
Slightly related: when you see Stanley play his personal short scale basses, they're usually at about 2:30 or 3:00 on the clock face for balance. So if it's 1:00-2:00 you're after, the Small Standard is not the best choice.

[musikill]

Thanks Mica,
I am making adjustments and may have found a strap that wil help.  It should arrive soon and if it works I'll let the group know.  the strap has strips of neopreme in it if I understand the construction correctly.  The neopreme should help with slippage.  I do love the bass and hope that I can make the adjustment - if I cannot I'll just have to get a Spyder or Series bass.  I will never change my mind about Alembics - always have loved these guitars.  I owned a 1974 or 75 (I think it was one of those years) F2-B pre-amp that I bought new.  This was before there was an Alembic bass if I'm not mistaken.  It may have been earlier but I don't think so.  I think I paid $350 at the time - it had the light blue case with black/red knobs.  Sure wish I still had it.
greg

[bigbadbill]

Hi Greg
Glad to see you're perservering; I really hope you can work it out.If not, I'm sure you'll find something else that suits Alembic-wise. I was so disappointed when I first started to notice the back/neck problems with my SC having wanted an Alembic (it was my first) for over 20 years and being so impressed with it in every other way; ironically I used to be heavily into weight lifting and once could have wielded a solid bodied MK no problem, but I couldn't afford an Alembic at that time. When I finally managed to afford one.... well, you know the rest! And Daveski, welcome and glad to hear you got my bass! I was really disappointed when the original buyer (really nice guy)decided he didn't like the bass, as I really wanted it to go to good home. I'm glad to find out that it has! All the best with the bass, I hope you love it as much as I did (but without the problems!)And yeah, I used long scale strings too.....  
 
Cheers  
Shaun
 

[waggaboy]

The harness instead of a strap as discussed in the Neck Balance thread is also an option...