Author Topic: Short scale (Read 458 times)

rusty_the_scoob · « **Reply #15 on:** July 19, 2010, 09:35:35 AM »

I played my new shortscale Starfire reissue at my gig on Saturday and loved it. It sounded huge on stage and is very expressive. The band loved it too. Huge bottom, and getting enough top end is no problem too. I'm a shortscale convert after 13 years of nothing but 34.

adimanto · « **Reply #16 on:** July 22, 2010, 03:27:28 PM »

hi pierre my moyher also from switzerland,solothurn ,biberist,we can meet if you wnat!

adimanto · « **Reply #17 on:** July 22, 2010, 03:39:06 PM »

a short scale or not a short scale... i have to say that that sound amazing me,but i', afraid to make the wrong choose,30.75 or 34 mmmm that's the question...someone have say to me that the small body have problem of balance and neck dive,is this true?

hieronymous · « **Reply #18 on:** July 22, 2010, 04:27:10 PM »

I haven't experienced any neckdive problems with mine - I use a thick Alembic leather strap. I find it very comfortable:

The previous owner also said he thought the balance was fine both standing and sitting. Mine is a 5-string, but I don't think the difference would be significant. Wait for some more responses...

While I'm at it, thought I'd post some soundclips:

bass & turntable jam

isolated bass track - both tracks through MXR M-82 bass envelope filter

another bass & turntable jam - played with a pick

and a video played fingerstyle

(Message edited by hieronymous on July 22, 2010)

(Message edited by hieronymous on July 22, 2010)

mike1762 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 22, 2010, 04:40:16 PM »

I have a short scale SC, medium scale Spoiler, and long scale SI. I prefer the short and medium scale: you can really motor scooter around on them. The neck dive issue depends on the body style... it's a problem with a small body (SC), but wouldn't be an issue with a body style incorporating a longer upper horn. You learn to make adjustments which will compensate for the neck dive, but it's there. I have the same issue with my Standard Point Series I (they have a short upper horn as well). If/When I ever have one built, I'll go with a short or medium scale with a Balance K body.

pierreyves · « **Reply #20 on:** July 23, 2010, 12:37:04 AM »

hi adimanto, I did a proposition, did you read it ?

svlilioukalani · « **Reply #21 on:** July 23, 2010, 03:20:54 AM »

Something to consider when looking for a short scale Alembic is the string spacing. I never had a problem with the shorter neck. It just makes it easier to get around. I never found that big of an issue with string tension. Yet there is a difference.

Complicated right hand techniques, are much more difficult with the tighter string spacing. For a pick player this may be an acet. But it?s difficult to double thumb when the strings are too close together. I only use my Persuader Vector, 32 inch scale, for studio work. Of all my 24 basses I like its sound the most. But I can?t funk on it as well as the others Alembics.

Don?t fear the short scale. I have 8 of em. Fear the bad sounding Basses Like the basses that gave the short scale basses a bad name. Exambles I own of this are the Gibson EB-0, stock fender Mustang or Musicmaster, or old Guild basses.

On a side note, would new or better tone pots save the dead muddy sound of a Gibson EB-O?

adriaan · « **Reply #22 on:** July 23, 2010, 05:14:58 AM »

As far as I'm aware, string spacing will be the same for long, medium or short scale. If you do a lot of slapping, the comfort taper option(vs. classic taper) probably best suits your requirements.

We have seen the odd Alembic with extremely narrow string spacing.

mike1762 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 23, 2010, 05:55:21 AM »

I love that 6 string Spoiler. It's one of the 1st instruments I really lusted after when I first joined the Club. I think Danno has a similar instrument. I wonder how the B feels on a 32?

Going back to the small bodied short scale: in addition to neck dive, mine hangs nearly upside-down if I take my hands off of it. I've thought about somehow weighting the rear strap button area. All that being said... I love the bass. Hell, I have a tattoo of it on my arm!!!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30752435&l=cc7aae66cf&id=1617812050

dannobasso · « **Reply #24 on:** July 23, 2010, 09:35:31 AM »

The b is fine. You find that when you play shorter scales you can really fly. Alembic can do whatever scale and width you want. I traded my SC deluxe but I have Alembics in 31, 32 and 34 scale with al types of spacing and can move rather easily between them.

Here an even narrower spacing.
http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/12244.html?1259637800

mike1762 · « **Reply #25 on:** July 23, 2010, 01:07:03 PM »

That's the one... do you still have that bass?

dannobasso · « **Reply #26 on:** July 23, 2010, 09:56:37 PM »

Yep. had it since 87. Play it in rotation at home, not black enough for my gigs.

mike1762 · « **Reply #27 on:** July 23, 2010, 10:09:37 PM »

LOL!!! It's a beauty.

2 guys at a music store (actual conversation):

1st guy: Hey man, what kind of guitar do you play?
2nd guy: Red.

dlbydgtl · « **Reply #28 on:** July 26, 2010, 07:55:29 PM »

Very cool! Thanks for the input. someday i hope i can meet one of you with a 5 string short scale so, i can try it out; if you would be so kind. lol John
Mike. A drummer and a bass player both get in the same cab. who's the musician? .... The cab driver (not a True story.) btw i decided upon another 34 scale.

(Message edited by dlbydgtl on July 26, 2010)