Quite possibly the most iconic of all Alembic shapes, the Stanley Clarke Signature basses are fashioned after the Series I basses that Stan has performed and recorded with since 1973. The Signature models are designed to share the physical characteristics with these Series I basses, with electronics that offer simpler operation and a lower price.
The first thing you notice when you pick up a Stanley Clarke Signature bass is how easy it is to play. That's largely due to something small, the short scale length. At 30.75 inches, the scale length is exactly what Stan plays, to the surprise of many. When the frets are closer together, your fretting hand can enjoy a less stretched postition at the lower frets, which is a joy for those with small and large hands alike. There is also the added benefit that playing quickly can be even quicker when you have over three inches less space to travel compared to a standard long scale bass. That can make it possible to play some music that before was only in your head.
The Stanley Clarke Signature basses are also natural choices when you want to tune tenor or piccolo style. But don't think for a minute that this little bass can't handle standard tuning like a champ. Any preconceived ideas you may have about short scale basses through your past experience with other makers will be reset once you play an Alembic short scale. It's an entirely different beast, and it's a beast of tone to boot, with plenty of low-end and sustain.
The Standard and Deluxe versions are similar - the pickups, electronics, feel and size are in fact identical. Where they differ is in the wood choices and lamination patterns. There's no better Alembic value than the Signature Deluxe if you are a fan of our house wood, since that model has Coco Bolo on both the top and back. The necks are the same size, and both have Maple as their primary wood. In addition to the Deluxe model having both front and back body laminates, the Deluxe also adds two laminates of Purpleheart that run the length of the neck.
Brown Basses are a nod to Stanley's second Alembic bass, serial number 80 (the first one was stolen shortly after he got it). It's the bass from the cover "If This Bass Could Only Talk" and his original Brown Bass solidified his love affair with short scale that has continued with his forty-plus years with Alembic. There are decorative departures from the other Signature basses, like the 1970s template for the body and the placement of the pickup selector on the lower horn. Just like serial number 80, Brown Basses use Mahogany as the primary neck wood for a more rounded and warm tone. Simple three-piece body construction is elegant paired with the traditional hand-rubbed oil finish. You'll notice the electronics are different from the Deluxe and Standard versions, with individual volume controls and a stereo/mono output.
Alembic is the original custom shop, and these standard features are but a springboard for your own ideas. Every aspect of our basses are made under one roof, and nearly any feature can be custom made to your specifications.
