Question about short scale Essence

[Spidysf]

Hello there, late on this thread so hopefully someone can help. New here and had a question. Does anyone have experience with 30.75 scale essence and the sound/tone difference between a 34 scale? Thank you

[rv_bass]

Welcome!

I think that might be a tough question, and I wonder if it has more to do with neck and body woods and strings than scale length. 

I don't have an Essence, but my Series basses have different neck and body woods, and while they all have a distinctive Alembic tone, they all sound unique.  That holds true regardless of scale length for my basses.  I use flatwounds, but my basses sound much different with round wounds on them as well.

[JimmyJ]

Hey Timothy,

I agree with Rob.  String type, wood type, and electronics packages make more of a difference than scale length.  Think of it like this; if you take a 34" scale bass, put a capo on the 2nd fret and tune down one whole-step, that's a 30.75" scale.  So the result is - if you use the same gauge strings you'd have slightly looser string tension and it would be a bit easier to bend the pitch.  But the sound would be very similar.  It comes down to personal preference.

Jimmy J

[Spidysf]

Thank you for the reply. I am looking at one that is on the other side of the country is why. I have owned an essence back in 92 ( great bass! Crisp clear and great bottom end as well). I have read in many web notes that short scale basses can be lacking clarity and depth on the low end? I'm only familiar with 34 or long scale. Of course this is an Alembic so it would be hard to fathom anything negative. However I like round wound and tighter strings ( things that can be remedied). Bass I'm looking at is mahogany body maple neck/top and ebony fret board. Basically I'm buying bling but a beautiful bass so can it really be that much different sound wise from my regular scale essence? Forgive me if I'm sounding naive I'm just not rich enough to buy it and totally regret it, again an Alembic so maybe I should say more of what I'm accustomed with. 🙄
Thank you RV_bass
Just read yours JimmyJ thank you as well
Sounds like it's totally doable!

[edwardofhuncote]

I'm guessing you must be looking at the one LowEnd Bass Shop has... that, plus short-scale Essence basses are not super-common. 

I'll all but guarantee you, it will lack neither clarity, nor bottom end. If you are not used to short-scale basses though, it will take some getting used to... you mentioned having another Essence; chances are it was a 34", regular long-scale. Like Jimmy J. says, capo two frets and tune down, that'll get you an idea.

Me personally, I love the short-scales... all my Alembics are medium-scale, but the Guild Starfires are really comfortable to play. Absolutely no problem with getting lows.

Welcome to the Alembic Club! Good luck on that deal. 

[Spidysf]

Thank you, and yes your dead on "low-end" that is the beauty! Great response in this place of fine taste 🥳 . Appreciate the help. I will make an offer.👍🎄⛄

[rv_bass]

Tone is a personal perspective, I think, as is low end, kind of depends on how you would like it represented and how it is EQed on the bass and amp, and if your cab is colored or not.  That said, my short scale Series I sounds to me to be warmer and fuller in the lows than my long scale basses, it's actually quite a monster   But the maple in the neck and top of the Essence you are looking at will likely add a little clarity to the tone overall.

[Spidysf]

Thanks Rv_Bass
My offer wasn't excepted ( bass on lowend.com )Only reason I didn't go higher is because I'm thinking I would have preferred a 34 ( I can be totally off but just what I'm use to). My offer was 3000 out the door which includes the 125 for freight. They are asking 3650 with frieght. Your thoughts on that price?
Thanks

[edwardofhuncote]

A Club Member here has just listed a really pretty all-maple Essence long-scale in the Classifieds at $2500 + shipping. You'd be dealing with International, (from Italy) but it could be just your thing. If you are patient, an Essence model can be had for $2000-$2500 on a private sale, sometimes less. You just have to snag them before the deal-flippers do. I'd just keep watching.

[HyAlembicK]

I have one on the west coast I'd sell for 1800 plus shipping all maple 34 in scale. It has an extra filter too!

Nick

[edwardofhuncote]

Having done bizniss with Nick [HyAlembicK] before, I will tell you there ain't much finer on this Board. 

[Spidysf]

Thanks all, would be interested in talking with you Nick! I'm about an hour north of Truckee. Going to the bay the 28th as well. Close?
Thank you
Again to all the fine folks as well!

[pauldo]

I love it when things work out!   

[edwin]

I'll vouch for Nick, too. A fine player and a wonderful human being.

[hammer]

I don’t know the condition of Nick’s bass but he has a great reputation here and his price is much more in line with the value of an Essence than what they are asking for at Low End.