Getting used to long scale

[811952]

I personally think you're all pretty hot.  Especially Corny, though he does remind me of Paul for some reason.  I'd hit it.  
John
p.s. Dave, the issue you bring up is an extremely important one to me as well.  Gender discrimination and sexual harassment have no place.  So forgive me for making light of it, but I've seen pictures of your rack and simply couldn't resist..
 
(Message edited by 811952 on October 18, 2004)

[corny]

Just for the record. Here are some more cool bass playing sisters I know.
 
http://pages.ivillage.com/jazzibass/
 
http://www.rhondasmith.com
 
http://www.annamarie.us/main.htm
 
Corny.

[adriaan]

I've seen pictures of your rack - let me whip out my dictionary, because I seem to remember 'rack' has a meatmarket connotation (or two) - well, Merriam-Webster OnLine (http://www.m-w.com) does not mention any derogative usage. Anyway, it made me laugh.

[shellfish]

http://www.lynnedavis.com

[lowlife]

Bob, you were right.  I had no trouble selling the MK Standard.  One of the members of this club emailed me directly and he is now the new, proud owner of this beauty, which will be shipping out today.  It deserves a good home and I'm glad that it's still in our family.
Ellery (Lowlife)

[811952]

Adriaan, Dave, Corny, Paul(s), I really, really do try to keep the puns and double-entendres to a minimum, so please forgive me when I'm confronted with an opportunity and simply can't resist anymore.  And yes, some time ago Dave posted a picture of his rack, and yes, it was nice.  And yes, you're ALL beautiful people, even the ones who don't have laser LEDs all down the neck...  
Ellery, glad you found a new home for your lovely bass.  What perchance do you fancy replacing it with, out of curiosity?
John

[lowlife]

John,
Thanks for asking.  Based on my current experience, if the tail-piece is off-set in more than 1.50 inches, then I'll be looking for a short scale.  The actual model I hadn't thought about, but a comfortable body style will certainly play into the picture.
So..........if anyone has a short scale 4-string laying around collecting dust, I can offer it a good home.  Contact me directly.
 
Ellery (Lowlife)

[811952]

I would think a Rogue would be the answer, since the bridge is in a much more conventional location, the upper horn is plenty long and the waist is offset.  The short scales sure are nice, but I would miss the tight low-end and ringing harmonics that come from higher string-tension.  Best of luck finding one you like..
John

[mica]

Balance K body also does a good job of shifting the bass to a more Fender-y like position.

[ox_junior]

Whoops!  Double-posted...
 
(Message edited by ox_junior on October 19, 2004)

[ox_junior]

Lynne Davis!  I used to take lessons from her.  She is an amazing bassist and a great person.  Thanks for the link.
 
As for the long-scale issue:  Like Paul (I can't believe I'm admitting to doing ANYTHING like Paul, but...) I too have the strap basically up against my neck.  Need to reach for that F on songs like 5:15 but it's just a matter of getting used to it.  But I am SORE when the gig adrenaline wears off.  
 
Guess I just need to build up the constitution of an...um, well, an Ox.
 
Mike

[bonesrad]

I purchased a used Series II 5 string a few years back thinking it was going to be the bass.  But unfortunately, this first position stretch proved to be too much for me.  My solution was to sell it and I ordered a custom Europa 5 string with Series I electronics.  In my opinion, it's one of the best balancing basses I've ever played.  Needless to say, I've found the bass.
 
Bones
 

[811952]

The soreness issue caused me to trade with my brother for a Steinberger L2A for a few years back in the '80s when I was playing several hours a day.  Almost immediately, I discovered that the Alembic fit more with the way I position my hands when I play, so we eventually traded back.  I contend that playing an Alembic is an aquired taste, much like beer, and like beer, its absence is sorely missed once you're used to it.  I do get a bruise on the lower part of my right pectoral (I think) when I play a lot, but it's worth it for all the other extremely nice things the bass does for me.  Strangely, I haven't had any tendonitis or carpal tunnel issues playing the Alembic, even with the sometimes extreme wrist-bending to get that low F, whereas my Conklin with it's comfy contoured body gave me pains in my entire left arm.  And to me the Standard Point is THE classic Alembic shape...
John

[lothartu]

I actually just parted with my Series I of 13 years to finance the purchase of a MK Standard Balance K Omega.
 
I had all the same issues as others have had so I finally decided to bet the farm and just go for it and replace the bass.

[palembic]

I just tested it last monday on rehearsal with Blue Stuff. Luc -the singer- has a very low sounding voice (Tony Joe White) and I find myself regularly playing the low C-schemes on Bonnie.
Really ...piece o'cake.
Ok ...Broomstick is easier  but ...well ...not THAT much.
YOu get used to it.
 
Paul the bad one
 
BTW the ORIGINAL Balance K body is done on a 3/4 body. I wonder what a full scale Standard Omega will look like with a Balance K design. As you all know the Balanced point body exist  already some time. The Balance K (K for Kevin the original client where it was designed for ...so he got the most signatures bass of the non-signatured HA!!!!) has an extended upper horn.