Author Topic: Balance of the Series One Long Scale (Read 210 times)

ttc · « **on:** June 12, 2009, 07:49:50 PM »

I own a 1986 series I with a 34 inch neck. It was made with an exaggerated top horn that I have always disliked, preferring the classic series one standard point shape.

I am thinking of having Alembic remove the excess part of the horn to return the bass to the standard point shape, but have been told that the bass might become heavy at the head (peghead droops towards the floor) and thus harder to play if this change were made.

Can anyone who owns or has played a long-scale (34 inch neck) series I standard point shape please let me know what the balance is like?

Thanks and regards,

ttc

57basstra · « **Reply #1 on:** June 12, 2009, 08:01:10 PM »

Hello Thomas, welcome to the board.

I have an early '80s with the exaggerated top horn. There are more of them around than you would imagine.

A longtime Alembic club member -- who has owned in excess of 20 Alembics -- told me he also has a Series bass with the extended top horn. He says it is the best sounding bass he has ever owned.

The long horn is the way mine was made and I think it is the way the instrument is supposed to be. I would ask you to think about the integrity of the style, era and scope of the bass before you have it reconfigured.

At first look at my bass a good friend of mine (guitar player) said .....That looks like something handed down to Moses from God... He had never seen, or contemplated, the Alembic logo.

Again welcome aboard!

pacificshine · « **Reply #2 on:** June 13, 2009, 12:51:26 AM »

I have a Series I and a Series II, both standard point bodies and 32 scale, both balance perfectly. I have played an extended upper horn 34 scale Series I which also balanced well, so I believe that shortening the upper horn on your instrument will cause a neck dive. I don't know how bad, but apparently, going from a medium scale to a long scale can make a difference. My recommendation: Don't change a thing on your bass especially if it balances correctly.

mike1762 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 13, 2009, 03:16:28 AM »

I have a Standard Point Series I Long Scale. It is a bit neck heavy. Additionally, it hangs toward the neck thus making it quite a reach to get to the first positions. It plays very comfortably sitting, but I honestly don't think I could gig with it because of these 2 problems.

oggydoggy · « **Reply #4 on:** June 13, 2009, 09:48:43 AM »

Greetings. A good wide strap will cure all Balance issues with a standard point 34 scale. At least it did for me. With any bass you need to find your hang position for that instrument.
Teige,
My advice would be if you dis-like the extended upper horn, Find a new bass. Every Alembic is constructed in the shape in which the build team intends.
Best of luck.

ttc · « **Reply #5 on:** June 13, 2009, 12:41:06 PM »

Many thanks for all of these helpful postings.

Regards,

ttc

pauldo · « **Reply #6 on:** June 13, 2009, 08:17:11 PM »

Teige,
If you have any pictures of your Series I you should post a couple.

We really like to OOHH and AAHH over beautiful instruments here. :-D

chalie_holmes · « **Reply #7 on:** June 15, 2009, 05:22:27 AM »

I echo Mr. Pauls' sentiments!
Photos please!

georgie_boy · « **Reply #8 on:** June 15, 2009, 05:57:12 AM »

I've got a 76 Series 1 point body (see profile pic)
With a wide strap....a STRAPP 4, it balances great around the 13.30 hrs position, and even at about 12.5 lbs, I can play a 3 hour gig with her.
I'm only 5ft 6, so a big Alembic is probably a lot more fight for me....but I still manage just fine. Thanks to Malthumb's suggestion.......If the low F is a bit of a struggle.just slide the body back on your hip a bit, and you can reach it just fine........sort of works fine for me!!
Thanks Malthumb!
Where there's a will..........there's a way!!

(Message edited by georgie_boy on June 15, 2009)

georgie_boy · « **Reply #9 on:** June 15, 2009, 06:00:11 AM »

Just thought I'd mention,
For bigger guys........contact JACKO and MPISANEK on the site for their opinions.
They are 2 big guys, but never seemed to have this problem.
They've both played my bass, and would like to hear their comments on the balance issue.
G

(Message edited by georgie_boy on June 15, 2009)

David Houck · « **Reply #10 on:** June 15, 2009, 05:29:05 PM »

Hi TTC, welcome to the board! I have a 34 Standard Point body 4 string that was fine for me. But the extended horn point bodies do balance better. For me, an extended horn on a 34 Series bass makes it a bit more valuable because of the better balance. Thus, if cash flow allows it, I would recommend finding a classic Standard Point bodied Series I that you like, comparing the two, and then keeping the one you like best. Or just keeping both!

ttc · « **Reply #11 on:** June 22, 2009, 11:16:14 AM »

In view of all the sensible advice above, I decided to leave the bass unaltered and get a second hand standard point Series I with a 32 inch neck.

When I obtain the proper camera I will post pictures.

Thanks again!

Kind regards,