Very short scale bass for a very short scale dude

[hieronymous]

If you can't try one first, it might make the most sense to buy one used. Keep an eye on the for sale forum here, or post in the wanted section. New Alembics lose their monetary value very quickly, but used Alembics seem to keep it. So if you get a used one and find that you can't get along with it, you can probably turn it around for about what you paid for it.  
 
Oh, I keep meaning to ask - do you like the Mustang? I had a reissue and thought it was a great bass. Too bad Alembic doesn't make a Mustang Activator! (Those are the replacement pickups - put a set in my Telecaster Bass and really liked the results)
 
Good luck!!!

[tommy]

I love the size of the mustang.  But  the highs vanish when playing in my band with it. No matter what the amp settings are (Gallien Krueger combo} each string has a different volume even after pick up adjustment. I purchased a RC Boost pedal to compensate and it worked a little better but the highs became crappy highs.. I'm absolutely spoiled from playing the series 1. Both from neck playability and the various sounds I was dialing in. With the Mustang you get a volume knob and a second knob for treble and bass.

[tommy]

Keith I measured it up against my Fender P Jazz and its about the same. One more thing, what is the width measurement across the body at the widest part. This Fender is 12.5  This really helps. The fender P Jazz fits me fine,  the only thing is the frets are wider than the mustang and the neck tappers drastically as you move towards the bridge. One of the problems I had when trying the series 1 was the width of the body. It was enormous on me! It also weighed a ton and  it was only a medium scale.

[keith_h]

The body looks to be about 13.5 at the widest spot.  
 
If I compare it to my Hagstrom 8 string, which is also a short scale, they both seem to feel pretty close in regards to reaching the lower frets and where they ride on the body. The Hagstrom body is a longer and is very close to an SG body style. It also feels pretty close in reach to my long scale Orions which have a Fender'ish body shape.
 
I don't care for the physical characteristics of the large body as I have a hard time reaching the lowest frets. This is even when I tuck the body under my arm. I don't have this issue with the small body.  
 
As Harry said the best would be to try them out. There a couple of Alembic dealers down your way. Mammoth Music in Vernon and Guitarsmith in Camarillo. I don't know if they will have any small body basses but they would be a good place to start. They should also be able to help you determine if the small body will fit you or not.  
You could also use this as an excuse to visit northern CA and stop by the mothership itself. They should be able to help fit you with just about anything.  
 
Keith

[tommy]

Thanks guys, I spoke with Susan in great length today and she had some great suggestions including making the  bass body like the little Darling  guitar, maybe with a shorter right wing... but a 28 scale with a pointed  bottom instead of the stinger. Also a  thin neck and  Anniversary electronics. I'm not doing the high extras or the top of the line exotic woods THIS time around. I'm  just trying to cut back on costs {ya know,I have a 3 year old} She explained the limitations such as weight distribution and cavity depth for the electronics. She KNOWS her stuff and will make it happen!

[tommy]

whoops, shorter left wing {or arm}.

[tommy]

Just to update this so far based on my latest order revisions, The modified Darlin bass is 28' scale with omega tail, maple finish with signature electronics.

[elwoodblue]

I'm looking forward to pics in the build discussion thread for your bass...sounds spectacular!

[David Houck]

I'm just now seeing this thread.  Sounds like a great project!