Author Topic: Series I Neck Depth.... (Read 196 times)

yogalembic · « **on:** May 23, 2012, 07:55:48 AM »

Can someone share thoughts on the neck DEPTH from early Series I basses?
I recently read a review from the late 70's, claiming the neck depth is rather substantial, liken unto an origianl P bass.

Width isn't an issue, but a baseball bat depth factor is.

I am more of a Fender Jazz guy, but also own a Squire Classic Vibe 60's P bass that is quite comfortable. It's neck is between a Jazz and the classic chunky D neck of a P.
Thanks....

811952 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 26, 2012, 11:50:57 AM »

Keavin's #12 has a neck so small it's almost unplayable. I mean it's both incredibly narrow and shallow. It's like a Jazz Bass at the nut, and doesn't get appreciably wider at the body. Of course, Keavin flogs the hell out of it quite well, but it's the smallest neck I've ever played.

My '81 is considerably beefier, but still quite slender and shallow compared to most other basses I've played and not as wide or deep as any Fender I've played.

John

yogalembic · « **Reply #2 on:** May 26, 2012, 04:28:19 PM »

Thanks much, John. Big help. As I understand, Alembics can can vary, and I'm a bit cautious of buying a car w/o a test drive, if you know what I mean.

Thanks again.....

yogalembic · « **Reply #3 on:** May 26, 2012, 04:28:25 PM »

Thanks much, John. Big help. As I understand, Alembics can can vary, and I'm a bit cautious of buying a car w/o a test drive, if you know what I mean.

Thanks again.....

811952 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 26, 2012, 05:34:51 PM »

Such is the situation with instruments built to customer specifications!

John

tbrannon · « **Reply #5 on:** May 26, 2012, 09:08:09 PM »

One of the nice things about purchasing a used Alembic is that if you take your time and get it for fair market price, you're pretty much safe knowing that if it doesn't work out for you, you'll get your money back (possibly less shipping, etc). I'd worry far more about the taper, nut width, string spacing, etc and less about a 'chunky' neck. Chunky necks can always be reshaped to fit what you want. In fact, for years, Stanley Clarke had his tech reshape the necks that Alembic built for him until they finally convinced him to just let them build it to his specs. Pretty sure the 'Dragon' feature custom details that story.

yogalembic · « **Reply #6 on:** May 27, 2012, 04:47:14 AM »

tbrannon.....another good point!
I recall trying out a Series years ago (Music Go Round) and was amazed/astounded not so much at the nut width as I was at the 2/24th fret width.

811952.....built to spec----made me grin! I was considering a Series I that had been modified and the 1/4 had been bypassed. While conferring with Mica as to reverting it back to stock, she suggested buying the modded one along with a stock Series. Then she threw in a smiley face.
Thanks MIca, but can I please walk before I run?!?!? : ))

Still pursuing my very first Alembic, dead set on a Series or Distillate. It only took me 60 years to get here, but I think I'm right on time!
Jay

keith_h · « **Reply #7 on:** May 27, 2012, 05:57:01 AM »

Jay,
The standard comfort taper on a 34 scale neck is very close to the dimensions and feel of a Jazz Bass.

On my short scales I prefer the classic taper. While wider than the comfort taper at the nut it also has less of a change in taper as you go up the neck. Front to back they are quite thin. Other than the bass neck being a little larger I would say the profile is similar to what I have on my Ibanez George Benson guitar.

I have also had the opportunity to play several 34 and 32 scale basses with the classic taper. I found the necks to be just fine as far neck width and profile. The only problem for me is the 34 large body basses are for the most part unreachable at the first fret.

Keith