Neck Balance

[drz]

I would like to get a little feedback on neck balance.  I read the most recent thread on this issue and wondered, which six string model/models will allow the bass neck to point naturally at about 2 o'clock.  I just cant stand a neck heavy bass.  I have an Epic 6 and I am happy with it. When I purchase my next bass, it will be a neck through model and I dont want to deal with anything that is neck heavy.  Do you think I am just freaking out?  Nevermind that question.  Any suggestions?

[rami]

All Alembics with a long upper horn have great balance. I suppose the longer the horn, the better the balance. My Rogue 6 (36 scale) has a neck that would visually scare the heck out of anyone, but has magnificent balance.  I wouldn't freak out if I were you.  The only Alembic model that I've heard of with neck balance issues is the short scale small bodied Series I or SC model.  I own a short scale Series I, and I personally have never noticed the problem.
 
Good luck and remember, try before you buy!
 
Rami

[goatfoot]

I think the Rogue body shape is perfect for extended range basses.  I play a 36 scale custom with the Rogue shape and I have absolutely no balancing issues at all and I love the taughtness of the B string.  
 
When I have my 6 string built it will be 36 scale, 5A maple top & back, series II, with a custom body shape blending the Standard Point and Rogue bodies.
 
BTW, I've now had the opportunity to play my new Brown Bass.  I love it!  And I find no balancing issues with it as well.  In fact I find it even more comfortable to play standing than sitting.  I wear the strap up high and rest my right forearm on the body and I don't have to support the neck with my left hand at all.  This, together with the short scale, the satin finish on the neck and the thin neck width gives this bass a supper fast neck.  Wow!
 
Kevin

[daveski1]

Ive just bought a sc deluxe and if you wear it high slap it hard and play fingerstyle off the back pickup its just a dream and as i also have a mk model that ive owned for 5 years i nearly always go for the short scale small bodied stanley just get one you will not be disapointed.

[jazzyvee]

I've had my small bodied SC Deluxe for just over a year now and it's an incredible sounding instrument and a dream to play. You do get used to the neck balance and the fact that the body does tilt forwards slightly from the top as well. It's not an issue for me anymore.  
1,2 to the bass....!

[son_of_magni]

Just thought I'd check in on this topic with my first thoughts on my 6-string MK fretless.  This is my first Alembic and I must say that I find myself pulling the neck back up just about every chance I get while I am playing it.  It is a bit of an annoyance especially while playing a long solo.  I refuse to believe that part of the job of the left hand is to keep the instrument in proper playing position so I will have to find another solution for this.  But I suppose with a 6-string it should be no surprise.  I wonder if anyone has ever tried moving the left end strap mount to another location...
- Karl

[waggaboy]

Check this out.  It worked perfectly for me on my SC Deluxe... I got the short strap, adjusted it so the neck side is tight, the other is a little loose -- I jammed the X on the back to make it stay...
 
http://www.slider-straps.com/STR/bassclose.html

[bigbadbill]

I definitely will have to look into that strap, although I'm not sure what'd look like on stage. Certainly looks invaluable for rehearsal though...
 
With regards to the balance issue, I'm definitely with Rami and Kevin in that I feel a Rogue would be the way to go, although most of the other shapes balance reasonably well. The balance on those is great.

[son_of_magni]

It looks like there should be a place to put a .38 PPK on that thing too...

[bassman10096]

Not to mention the flash bangs and interstellar communication gear...That is one serious looking strap!