Author Topic: Nik's 33" scale 6-string (Read 1406 times)

the_mule · « **Reply #15 on:** August 29, 2004, 12:01:25 PM »

Nick, is there any particular reason why this 6-string has a 33 scale length instead of 32 or 34? I'm seriously considering a custom order of a 32 6-string, that's why I'd really like to know how you came to this 'compromise'..?

Thanks!
Wilfred

nick_bassman · « **Reply #16 on:** August 29, 2004, 01:52:51 PM »

Hey Wilfred

You hit the nail right on the head with the word compromise. I have for some while now been playing mostly my 36 scale AJ (see miscellaneous forum). Time and arthritis have taken their toll on my hands to the point where I'm having trouble playing some lines on the 36 due to bending fingers. I do have 35 basses too and have the same problem and just lately I have been noticing similar signs on my 34 basses as my fretting pinky is now developing an alarming bend !! I have a 32 four string and love the ease of this but I wasn't convinced by a 32 B string. So using some twisted logic I thought 33 would be a good compromise. I also found out that Matt Garrison plays a 33 five string tuned EADGC which he drop tunes to play a low B on and having seen him in action it seemed to work. Now I'm not saying that a 32 B string won't work, it may be very possible with an Alembic and a beefy enough string (and there's probably someone who does it with a light string) but I want to play with light strings.

All in all probably not a very logical criteria in some respects but when you are desperate to continue playing when your body is collapsing around you anything seems worth trying.

Cheers

Nick

the_mule · « **Reply #17 on:** August 30, 2004, 09:20:48 AM »

I'm sorry to hear about your personal reason for 'downscaling'. I've just got small fingers and have found the 32 scale the most comfortable to play (I also own a 30.75 and a 34). Thanks for your very clear and detailed answer. BTW, your bass looks great!

Wilfred

nick_bassman · « **Reply #18 on:** August 30, 2004, 09:56:50 AM »

Hi Wilfred

Thanks for your kind thoughts.
I think the bass will look cool too and it is only a few weeks away from my hands !!

Cheers

Nick

mica · « **Reply #19 on:** September 01, 2004, 12:28:45 AM »

Here's the bass with the larger pickups, ready for the calibration:

The satin finish turned out really nice, hard to tell in the pics. My dad's got Barry's to finish first, then 2 repair upgrades that have been patiently waiting. I'll let you know when we're doing something other than waiting.

palembic · « **Reply #20 on:** September 01, 2004, 12:41:01 AM »

LOve this design! Europa's are nice!!

Paul TBO

bassman10096 · « **Reply #21 on:** September 01, 2004, 03:55:10 AM »

Wow. Nice combination. The top looks great, the myrtle is very rich looking and interesting and the satin finish really works!

Congrats! Can't wait to see final pix on this beauty.

Bill

David Houck · « **Reply #22 on:** September 01, 2004, 03:56:05 AM »

The Walnut and Myrtle are both really nice! With the clean fretboard, Purpleheart lams and SII controls, this is a very nice Alembic!

nick_bassman · « **Reply #23 on:** September 01, 2004, 10:37:18 AM »

Hi Mica

What can I say but ........ wow !!!
That is looking so good. I'm really pleased how the myrtle and walnut go together and the finish looks great too. How does the inlaid logo look ?

Thanks for posting the pics !!

Nick

nick_bassman · « **Reply #24 on:** September 02, 2004, 02:51:44 AM »

Hi Mica

I just wanted to ask about the mono/stereo switch for the jack output. I couldn't see it (but then I could be looking I the wrong place), is this something your Dad sets up ?

Thanks

Nick

rklisme · « **Reply #25 on:** September 02, 2004, 03:43:01 PM »

Nick

I just saw your bass this afternoon and all I can say is WOW! I think you should be very happy to receive it! I hope you have a strong back if you plan on standing with it, it is a handful! I was there planning my next bass when I got the chance to see yours. I am sure you are counting the days.

Rory

nick_bassman · « **Reply #26 on:** September 03, 2004, 12:53:21 AM »

14,13,12 ........... no I must stop !!

I'm glad you like the bass rkl. Judging by the pics I'm going to be very proud. I'm guessing it can't be heavier than my Fodera AJ, at least I hope not !!

Cheers

Nick

palembic · « **Reply #27 on:** September 03, 2004, 01:16:04 AM »

I think I would also go for this body-style in stead the Balance K when choosing a 6 string. Although I would choose the front capping to be bookmatched to center.
Curious how you will like the sound!

Paul the bad one

nick_bassman · « **Reply #28 on:** September 09, 2004, 09:37:21 AM »

Hi Mica

Sorry to repeat I was concerned this would get lost in the huge amount of posts.

I just wanted to ask about the mono/stereo switch for the jack output. I couldn't see it (but then I could be looking I the wrong place), is this something your Dad sets up ?

Thanks

Nick

bassman10096 · « **Reply #29 on:** September 09, 2004, 09:52:21 AM »

Hi Nick: The stereo/mono selector is a switch on the DSR5 power supply. I believe battery powered operation (through the bass's 1/4 output jack) is always mono.

Bill