Classic taper shape versus Comfort

[KR]

I'm a big fan of the '70s Series Bass neck shape. I have two of them and they are consistent in the way they play even though the front to back depth of them is different; one is more shallow and one is a little chunkier front to back. I think what I like about them is that the front to back depth doesn't increase dramatically in the upper register as much as on a Fender style or other more typical necks. Does the Comfort taper reflect this consistent front to back depth like the Series basses or does it mimic more of a Fender style? I was anticipating that the Comfort taper would be different only in the neck width at the nut and 24th. I'm so used to the Classic taper and how quickly and effortlessly I can play it that I'm concerned that I'm getting towards Fender style territory with a Comfort neck and I don't really want to do that.

[rv_bass]

I’ve always preferred the classic taper.

[KR]

Rob, right. I decided to go with Classic taper today. I don't want to experiment at this point because I'm able to play what I feel easily on the Classic taper. Will Gunn and I are getting things wrapped up on my Custom worksheet.

[edwardofhuncote]

Good call.

[KR]

Greg, I'm sure the Comfort plays really great, but I'm going with what I know and what's working for me. At this stage I don't play any of the other basses in my collection because they simply don't play effortlessly or sound like my Alembics. There are worse dilemmas, lol.

[rv_bass]

Good choice, Keith.  I love the feel of the thinner and flatter 76 bass necks.  I also like the feel of the neck on my 73 bass, which is very similar to my 67 Starfire neck, but as a long scale version.  Your bass should be fantastic!

[edwardofhuncote]

Well Keith, as you know, with a Custom build there's a bazillion things to think about. I wouldn't overthink this one though... you already know what you like, stick with it. You might even let the shop take some measurements from your favored Series bass neck profile when they're ready to whittle it down. But I can tell you from experience, when they did my Custom fretless, I asked for them to replicate the profile of my Classic taper Persuader 5-string into a fretless, and they absolutely nailed it. The only way I can tell them apart in a blind test is that the fingerboard edges are carved-under on the fretless, and squared-off on the older bass. It's just how they were made back then. There's a tactile difference between the finishes. That's it. The necks are otherwise identical.

I do know what you mean about those old Series bass necks though. I played a show right before Christmas with old 77-621. It's like that bass was just made to fit in my hand. If I were going to commission another new build, I would certainly model the neck after it.

Happy New Year... Looking forward to seeing your bass come together!

[diptixon]

I previously owned a 4 string Alembic and always felt the neck width/depth and profile came from the Rickenbacker world as opposed to the Fender one. Wonder if the 4001  was actually the basis for the neck shape on Alembics?

[KR]

The 1977 4001 I have is in the Alembic meets Gibson territory. The 4001 is a nice playing neck. Alembic has common sense mixed with technology in their neck designs; this makes for a fast and comfortable neck. For me it's hard to play other necks after spending a lot of time with my Series basses because the other designs aren't as effortless to play.

[cozmik_cowboy]

You might even let the shop take some measurements from your favored Series bass neck profile when they're ready to whittle it down. But I can tell you from experience, when they did my Custom fretless, I asked for them to replicate the profile of my Classic taper Persuader 5-string into a fretless, and they absolutely nailed it.

I have played Bill's '61 (or 62?) Strat and Woody, whose neck was modeled on it, and i can attest to their abilities in that area.

Peter

[keith_h]

I see you have already made a decision but here is my belated 2 cents.

I have both tapers on my Alembics. My long scale Orions both have the Comfort taper. The widths, string spacing and feel are very close to those on my 76 Jazz Bass. Since I was coming from the Fender the necks felt very natural to me. My short scale basses  have the Classic taper which I like quite a bit. While the neck is wider at the nut I find them more comfortable to play and feel I have to reposition my hand less as I go up the neck when compared to my comfort taper basses. Mainly because of familiarity I would stick with the Comfort taper if I were to build another long scale bass and Classic for shorties. So my take is since you like the Classic taper on your other basses stick with what you know unless you have an opportunity to spend some time with the other neck profiles.

Don't forget that Alembic can recreate the neck profile of one of your current basses if you find you really like one over the other. They would need the bass for measurements and I'm sure there would be an up charge but where there's a will there's a way.

[KR]

Indeed. The Classic works for me and I'm going to stick with it and not mess with success. Thanks for the input all.

[sonofa_lembic]

OK, let me throw a monkey wrench into the discussion.  For 46 years, I have been an unwavering proponent of the classic taper.  I like the 1.75" nut and the feel of the D shape carve of the classic neck.  But.....recently, I have been using a Stanley Clarke Signature with the 1.5" nut, and I am finding it to be quite comfortable, and it makes playing difficult lines much easier.  I was playing "Ain't No Stopping Us Now" on the gig last weekend, and the bass line has a bit of a hiccup in it that can be challenging at a higher tempo.  I was using the narrow necked bass, and was surprised to find that it was vastly easier to grab those notes than with my wider neck basses. So.....while I hate the feel of a modern Jazz bass neck, Alembic's interpretation is actually very natural feeling and helpful for technical playing.  Maybe you should give it a try before finalizing your decision.

[KR]

I have Jazz basses, and find them easier to pull things off than when playing my P basses. I usually bring a J style for any jobs that aren't safe for my Series 1's. But, I still find myself most comfortable on the Classic taper; it just feels so consistent all the way from the nut to past the octave, and I don't feel bothered by the spread at the nut. I just love what Alembic does with their necks. 

[rv_bass]

My favorite is the shape of my 73 bass, it’s like a long scale version of my ‘67 Starfire neck.