How hard is it to get used to classic taper neck?

[zortation]

I've played Fenders all my life and was curious...I've never played one with the classic taper. I like to play some Jazz--maybe transcribe the odd horn solo once in a while  --and I guess playability is important to me.

Can anyone who's switched over this way provide some insight? I'm looking at a possible Elan purchase (stock model I think).

[edwardofhuncote]

The only Fender product I ever had is on loan to a guy at work here, but I can tell you of all the basses I currently have, or have ever had, the Classic taper of my Persuader is my favorite. It does take a little getting used to, (especially if you are a hard-headed old upright player like me) but once you do, it's a very natural feel.

I thought so much of it, that it was at the top of the priority list when we ironed out the specs for my custom fretless build.

Club Member Joey, (bigredbass) has some keen insight on that feature as well.

[bigredbass]

If you're used to 4-string Fenders, it's not that different than a P-Bass neck, as the nut width is wider than a Jazz, typically, 1.75" to 1.5".  If you've always played a Jazz (or Ric) it may feel a bit wider.  Of course, Alembic will make any nut width you want, as well as the other neck dimensions.

I see it more obviously on the fives (or more).  Mine are a 2" nut by a 2.5" 24th fret, so there's not a lot of flare at the high end.  It's different on an Alembic, as the 24-fret fingerboards typically place the octave and higher frets further clear of the body than a Fender or MusicMan shape with a 20 or 21 fret neck.  I've seen some Yamahas and others where the string spacing is a lot wider at the top of the neck than at the nut.  Alembic can do that too.

I preferred the classic taper as the strings are virtually parallel all the way up the neck, kind of like a classical guitar.  Just suited me better.  Again, though, it's just not a radically different feel from a traditional Fender layout for most guys.

Joey

[keith_h]

After playing a Jazz Bass since the early 70's I had no problem adapting to the classic taper. In fact it was one of the requirements when I had my Series I built. If you are concerned about the classic taper Alembic has a comfort taper that is very close to the neck dimensions and string spacing on my JB.

[rv_bass]

I have a classic taper on my Series I. When I first played it, it kind of reminded me a of a Les Paul neck.  Odd at first, but now I really love it!  Try to find one and check it out if you can.

[David Houck]

My recollection is that when I switched on four string from the comfort taper to the classic taper, I didn't really notice much of a difference; and after the switch, my main four string basses were classic taper.  My first six string had comfort taper, which for me was too wide; and when I ordered the six string that's my main bass now, I ordered the classic taper.  It's perfect for what I'm doing.

[ojo]

Though you mention necks, I think you may have more of an issue with reach/muscle memory when switching from Fenders. The upper horn on many Alembics stops at the 14th fret, and the lower horn is also shorter. I have found that the body tends to sit a little more left than Fenders. On my Epic, I used to constantly be off by two frets if i wasn't paying attention. The Rogue is better, but it still sits differently.

Apologies if you don't care about this aspect of the Alembic ergonomics.