Darling bass questions

[bob_g]

First post from a new club member: From searching through previous posts, it seems as if the Darling bass is considered at least informally to be an official model, especially with medium or short scale lengths, and with an established Signature electronics configuration and its own dedicated serial number codes ("J" or "JB").  So a couple of questions;

1. Does anyone know why the Darling bass isn't listed among Alembic's other standard models?  (Or maybe this is a Mica-only question?)

2. Can anyone compare the Darling bass to, say, the Europa in terms of ergonomics, playability, neck width, and weight?

Thanks very much for any feedback.

[lbpesq]

Hi Bob, and welcome to our little club. 

As for your first question, Alembic doesn’t really have “official” models and discontinued out-of-production models.  They are truly a custom builder and will build any model they ever made, as well as just about anything new you can come up with.   The “products” section does list some models, and not others.  But just because you don’t see something there doesn’t mean it isn’t available.   

Regarding your second question, I’m sure one of the bass playing members will stop by and provide some insights.

Stay safe,

Bill, the guitar one

[JimmyJ]

Hey Bob,

Welcome!  I've never tried a Darling so I can't comment on the ergonomics.  But as Bill tgo says, Alembic is a custom shop so you can specify things like the neck width.  And the weight would depend on what woods you choose.  There are almost too many choices!

I'm sure Mica could describe some of the basic differences between body shapes so you might try emailing her directly.  And there is likely somebody in here who plays a Darling bass so stay tuned...

Jimmy J

[bob_g]

I wonder if it would help if I rephrased my second question:  All other things being equal, what factors or considerations would lead one to choose a Darling guitar body shape for a bass over, say, a Balance K (or now, I guess, a Balance B) shape that’s presumably already been optimized for bass?

[lbpesq]

That one I can answer, Bob:  Because you like the shape better. 

Any Alembic instrument will be incredible, both artistically and functionally.   And you can get just about any electronics package in any shape, with the exception that some bodies aren’t thick enough for Series electronics.   I’d suggest playing as many different Alembics as you can.   I realize this sounds easier than it is as Alembics can be hard to find.   If you aren’t near a dealer, perhaps there are some players in your area that would let you check out their Alembics.  Of course the current pandemic may pose an obstacle, but this won’t last forever.  (Fingers crossed).

Bill, tgo

[hammer]

Hello Bob.


I agree with Bill and Jimmy, it comes down to a balance between functionality and aesthetics and these are both very personal. I have six or seven Alembics at this point (I’m not sure if I can count the one I purchased in December but haven’t seen yet). Several of these are Series basses, one a Europa, and a number of Signatures. Personally, I prefer the small bodied instruments over the larger standard points, the SC body shape over the Europa, and the custom 3/4 body shape I had built over all the others. For some reason, I just don’t like the Excel and Essence body shapes but I have absolutely no idea why. They just are not aesthetically pleasing to my personal tastes. But the necks on most of my basses are quite similar and that’s probably more important.


I seriously considered having a Darling bass made when I had my custom built but chickened out because it had yet to be done. As a short scale bass I think it would work and look very nice.


The aesthetic part of the equation you can solve by just looking at Alembic basses online. Be careful to not get thrown off when see something done in woods you are not considering, however, as I personally think most body shapes look better in some top lams than others.


The functionality part is really going to come down to your getting an Alembic into your hands and having a chance to play it. When you do, you will be amazed but also likely find that the body is only one piece of the equation with the neck probably being more important.