Scale Lengths: Short, Medium, Long

[Rhythmdoctor]

Can anyone describe the difference between the scale lengths?  Tone? Playability? Feel?  I THINK I prefer a short scale but I'm not sure.  I'm hoping someone much more experienced than me can put some context and descriptions behind each so I can learn something new today

I believe my Spoiler, which is 31" (I measured from the nut to the middle of the 12th and doubled it) is considered short scale?  I love the playability of it. I'm looking for a Series 1 now and not sure if I should limit my search to only short scales (which is what I'm doing now).

Thanks!

[mario_farufyno]

I don't have any Alembic short scale but played some other short-scale basses over the years. Shorter strings usually mean lower tension and less high harmonic content, so the tone tends to be a little less bright (at least in non-alembic basses). I imagine string height setting may affect all this, but I feel lower tension strings helps improve speed along with some compromise in tone (again, my little experience with those resumes to some cheap short-scale basses, so keep that in mind).

[keith_h]

Alembic short scale basses have a scale length of 30 3/4 inches, medium scale are 32 inches and long scale are 34 inches. I suspect you have a short scale due to 31 being closer to 30 3/4 than 32 but you might double check the measurement.

I think scale has a lot to do with the body shape you are looking at. It isn't that the body style establishes a scale length requirement, other than the small body, but has more to do with player comfort. With rare exceptions small body basses will all be short scales. The large body will typically have  a medium or long scale neck. I don't know which is more common but suspect medium scale since the reach on a long scale large body bass can be uncomfortable for a number of players. I think you will find long scale necks will be the most common on the body styles with a longer upper horn.

I have both short scale and long scale Alembics. Both of my short scale basses have small bodies and I find them comfortable to play. One thing that is different compared to other basses is the natural position for the neck is lower closer to 3 o'clock as opposed to the more common 1 o'clock. To some folks this comes across as neck dive. I've found a wide suede backed strap and holding the bass higher on the body lets me keep the bass where I want it. My long scale basses are Orions which has a longer horn. These basses sit in the more traditional 1 o'clock position and due to the way my various basses hang the reach is similar to my small body short scale. I've played some of the other member's large body basses and found the reach on the long scale versions to be too long for me and the medium scale to be just about right. 

Another thing to think about is the neck itself. While there are totally custom necks most basses will have either a classic taper or comfort taper neck. I can't give a date but older instruments will have the classic taper. Newer instruments will have either the classic taper or comfort taper. Personally I prefer the classic taper on my short scale necks and comfort on my long scale. However I was the caretaker of a Series 1 for a short while that had the comfort taper so anything is possible. Here is a link to the neck information so you can get an idea of dimensions along with other general info on Alembic instruments. http://www.alembic.com/support/reference.html

[gtrguy]

I think a SS series is easier to play myself. As far as tone, I used to think a short scale could not possibly sound as good or better than a long. However, I no longer believe that. SS's often do not balance as well on a strap. It really depends on the individual instrument, which is why it's best to play before buying.

[StephenR]

Along with the ergonomic differences that have already been mentioned I found that both my small body med-scale Series bass and the med-scale Distillate I owned before that both tended to lean a bit forward when played using a strap. I have to "lock" the body against myself using my forearm. If you have an opportunity I suggest you play at least one or two other Alembics, preferably with different body shapes/scale lengths to start to get a feel for what is going to be comfortable to you. They are all slightly different. Since you are new to playing bass it also wouldn't hurt to try a few basses with different scale lengths even if made by other manufacturers.

To double-check the scale length on your Spoiler you may get a more accurate measurement if you measure from the nut to the bridge... I thought most of the Spoiler's were med-scale but your's certainly could be short-scale.

[dannobasso]

I have and have had short, medium, long and extra long Alembics including a 33 scale essence. I prefer the medium scale overall. The only model I experienced neck dive with was a short scale Stanley sig deluxe. I do use wide Moody straps for my basses to avoid some issues. Like others have already stated, try some different ones out if you get the chance.

[dela217]

I own short, medium, and long scale Alembics.    To me the difference in tone is more determined by wood selection than scale length.    For example, I have a short scale bass that I use as my main bass.   Zebra wood top and back, mahogany core, maple and walnut neck.    That bass sounds completely different from my other short scale with the walnut top!   To me it is a night and day difference.   I also have a maple topped short scale Alembic with a graphite neck.    That one sounds like a whole different instrument altogether.    Same scale length and electronics, but made out of different woods and a graphite neck. 

My medium scale Alembics are the same way.  My maple and mahogany bass sounds completely different from my Alembic with the walnut top and mostly walnut neck.   

Of course strings have a large effect on the type of tone you get too.    For example the difference between DR High Beams and DR Fat Beams on the same bass is very obvious.    Then of course if you go to a flat wound it is a completely different vibe and playability.   

I am not a very tall person.    So I mostly use the short scale and medium scale basses.   The long scale is just too much of a reach.    I say to go with the one that fits you the best and experiment with different strings for tone variations.

As far as balance and neck dive, you really have to approach it from playing that particular bass.    Not compare it to the way another bass hangs on you.    It is a different instrument.    I use the small body basses, but I position the bass so that my right forearm holds the bass perfectly.   Neck dive is not an issue at all to me.    I guess you could not do that if you are used to playing your bass in a lower position on the strap.    To me the weight of the bass is more of a consideration than neck dive.

Michael