Duncan,
I had a month to play this bass and I can honestly say that medium scale is THE way to go. Especially if you're buying standard point/omega body. I am really with it. I didn't adjust my playing style at all, it just made it easier to play. I used to try to spread my fingers with so much effort, now it's a breeze!
I am so greatful that company like Alembic exists. This company represents what this country is capable of doing.
Bob Lutz once said:
It's part of re-educating ourselves as Americans because we have collectively as a country what I call the 'good enough syndrome. There's a view in the States that if we're too perfectionistic we're being anal.
Alembic is a prime example of how being perfectionist is contributing to their success.
I have a lot of respect for Mr. Lutz (having to work in Auto industry, you hear a lot of good stuff about him) and his approach to manufacturing.....
Anyway, you really can't compare mass-produced product with 50,000 components with hand-build low-volume musical instruments, but approach can still be the same....
Just my opinion.....I'm just so happy that Alembic exists and I was privileged enough to purchase their instrument.
Takeo