Differences between: Alembic Series 1 and Stanley Clarke Signature

[Rhythmdoctor]

Can anyone explain the differences between these two models? I've been shopping the Series 1 for months now but I'm starting to consider the Stanley Clarke model as well. I want a short scale which is the main thing I'm looking for. They look to have similarities - both have 4 tone knobs. Are the knobs the same on both? The Stanley Clarke doesn't look to have the 5 pin power supply, assuming it just runs off a 9 volt like my Spoiler?

I'm just trying to learn and gather all the data needed to pick the right bass.

 

[Rhythmdoctor]

Or I might just stick with the Spoiler. It's not like I'm dying to spend $7k right now.

 

[El8ed]

There is a seemingly nice Series 1 short scale on Reverb. I know nothing about the bass, but just in case you missed it:
https://reverb.com/item/29759747-alembic-series-1-short-scale-4-string-bass-1990-clear-gloss

Alembic “Series" instruments and non-Series instruments follow very different electronics philosophies. The biggest difference being that Series pickups are true single coil with a dummy noise cancelling pickup to eliminate EM noise. The required noise cancelling network and the elaborate preamp make it more feasible to run them off external power supplies—hence the 5-pin cable. Non-series interments, just like your Spoiler have noise cancelling built into each pickup. Both have tone controls that comprise a filter pot and a Q-switch (variable control for Series II instruments) for each pickup. The Series basses have 2 volume controls and sometimes a master volume. The Stanley Clarke basses (other than the Brown Bass) have master volume and pan instead.
I own both Series 1 and 2 and non-series short scale basses and though there is a noticeable difference I would not kick any Stanley Clarke Signature bass to the curb ;-)
Hope this was not too confusing.
Cheers, Oliver

 

[El8ed]

Sticking with the Spoiler is certainly not a bad plan …

 

[Rhythmdoctor]

There is a seemingly nice Series 1 short scale on Reverb. I know nothing about the bass, but just in case you missed it:
https://reverb.com/item/29759747-alembic-series-1-short-scale-4-string-bass-1990-clear-gloss

Alembic “Series" instruments and non-Series instruments follow very different electronics philosophies. The biggest difference being that Series pickups are true single coil with a dummy noise cancelling pickup to eliminate EM noise. The required noise cancelling network and the elaborate preamp make it more feasible to run them off external power supplies—hence the 5-pin cable. Non-series interments, just like your Spoiler have noise cancelling built into each pickup. Both have tone controls that comprise a filter pot and a Q-switch (variable control for Series II instruments) for each pickup. The Series basses have 2 volume controls and sometimes a master volume. The Stanley Clarke basses (other than the Brown Bass) have master volume and pan instead.
I own both Series 1 and 2 and non-series short scale basses and though there is a noticeable difference I would not kick any Stanley Clarke Signature bass to the curb ;-)
Hope this was not too confusing.
Cheers, Oliver

I did see that short scale series 1. I don’t love the dark color though. It’s picking nits but if I’m gonna drop $7k it should check every box. Thanks for sharing some knowledge!

 

[Bob_Ross]

I always wondered why the Stanley Clarke Signature basses weren't modelled after the basses Stanley actually uses: All his Alembics are Series basses!

 

[jazzyvee]

I always wondered why the Stanley Clarke Signature basses weren't modelled after the basses Stanley actually uses: All his Alembics are Series basses!

I doubt many people would put down the new cost of a series bass for something that is called a signature. For that price you'd want a custom bass. The signature is a more cost effective option gives which gives you a taste of "that sound" and probably overall makes them more money in the long run. There is always the brown bass which is closer to the controls of the series bass visually.
I own both a signature and series bass and they are both incredible basses.My first was a new signature and at the time didn't appreciate that there was a difference. So when I did i saved up for a used series bass and I wouldn't want to part with either but if I was starting again knowing what I know now, I would go for a series used.

 

[adje]

Or I might just stick with the Spoiler. It's not like I'm dying to spend $7k right now.

My path started with an Epic, that doesn't have the filter. Next, I got a Spoiler that has the filter, but it had a pickup selector, which I found limiting being used to the panpot on the Epic, so I had the electronics changed to have the panpot, plus a 3-way Q switch, since I found the standard 2-way option a little too shrill for my liking - and I never really had the filter anyway else than fully open. Eventually stars aligned so I could order a Series bass, and to be frank having two volumes and two filters makes it so much more versatile, I actually use the whole range of the filters to get different sounds. I'd recommend the two filter Signature electronics over a single filter package like the Spoiler, and a panpot over a pickup selector.

 

[jazzyvee]

My path started with an Epic, that doesn't have the filter. Next, I got a Spoiler that has the filter, but it had a pickup selector, which I found limiting being used to the panpot on the Epic, so I had the electronics changed to have the panpot, plus a 3-way Q switch, since I found the standard 2-way option a little too shrill for my liking - and I never really had the filter anyway else than fully open. Eventually stars aligned so I could order a Series bass, and to be frank having two volumes and two filters makes it so much more versatile, I actually use the whole range of the filters to get different sounds. I'd recommend the two filter Signature electronics over a single filter package like the Spoiler, and a panpot over a pickup selector.

I agree, in fact i upgraded my signature bass to anniversary so that it operates the same way as a series bass and makes gigging basses more consistent. Still sounds different though, which gives me choice.

 

[Velvet Thunder]

This is a great video that explains the electronics on the Stanley Clarke. The series appear to be variations of these controls (dual volume, pickup selector, etc.) but I’ve never played one. I have the Stanley Clarke and this video was a huge help learning how to dial it in!

 

[s_wood]

All Alembic basses are made by the same people in Alembic’s Marin County shop. That means all of them are impeccably, well-made, and, when properly set up, play like butter. Most, excepting Epics and Excels, use neck-through construction. The primary difference between the other models is the electronics. The Series Bases use single coil pick ups with a dummy coil hum canceller (that’s the thing that looks like the smaller third pick up). The rest use one of several different dual coil humbucker designs. The Signature models, like the Mark King and Stanley Clarke, Use dual coil humbuckets and have separate filter and Q controls for each pick up. That’s pretty close to the Series bases, excepting the differences in the pickups. Most SC Sigs are short scale, and most MK Sigs are long scale. I say “most” because Alembic will vary almost any spec at a customer’s request, so while there may be a “typical” spec set it’s always best to ask the current owner for all details that matter to you.

Jazzy and I both own Series basses and Signature basses. I think we agree that although Sig and Series basses sound similar to each other, there is a difference in tone between the two. If you have ever played a bass with humbuckers that can be switched from parallel to single coil mode that’s a useful comparison. There is a subtle but real extra bit of clarity and crispness to the Series tone that makes them unique. Whether it’s worth the nearly 2x difference is price is a matter of taste and budget.

 

[adje]

Not exactly humbuckers, as Mica explains in the Must Reads section Link Removed
All the non-Series Alembic pickups are stacked humcancelling pickups, we don't make any humbucking pickups. Even the ones that look like single-coil guitars pickups are stacked humcancelling pickups. I associate humbucking pickups as designs with two magnetic core coils, and a flipping magnetic domain (the bucking part). Our design is much more simple with one magnetic core coil and one non-magentic core coil stacked and no bucking involved. I suppose in the world outside of Alembic the terms may be interchangable, though I feel the distinction is important because I don't believe the tone from our pickups is what most people would associate with humbucking pickups.

 

[s_wood]

Great catch! Thanks!

 

[jdthebassman]

I have a series one,my ? is what is the sound diffrence between the series 1 and the series 2.

 

[adje]

I have a series one,my ? is what is the sound diffrence between the series 1 and the series 2.

If you hear differences in sound between a Series I and a Series II, it's more likely to be because of differences in the wood recipe. The electronics are essentially the same, just that Series II gives you very precise control over the Q boost, it gives you the whole range between 0 and 15 dB, instead of fixed steps at 0, 6 and 9 dB.

 

[s_wood]

I have a series one,my ? is what is the sound diffrence between the series 1 and the series 2.

Basically, Series 1 and 2 are identical in sound except that the maximum amount of boost available at the filter’s selected resonant frequency is 9db with the Series I 3 position switch and 15db with the Series 2 CVQ control.

 

[Chickenwheels]

This is a great video that explains the electronics on the Stanley Clarke. The series appear to be variations of these controls (dual volume, pickup selector, etc.) but I’ve never played one. I have the Stanley Clarke and this video was a huge help learning how to dial it in!

This is a great video for Wal players, too.

 

[Velvet Thunder]

This is a great video for Wal players, too.

I’ve heard they are similar but haven’t played a a Wal… YET!

 

[Les Fret]

I’ve heard they are similar but haven’t played a a Wal… YET!

Although both Alembic and Wal use low pass filter knobs I think the frequency ranges differ quite a bit? I think an Alembic can sound much brighter than a Wal (without the pick attack engaged on the Wal) so I guess the Alembic frequency range is higher (but not as deep)? Not sure what the exact frequency range is of the Wal low pass filter?

 

[MuseChaser]

I have an Alembic Epic5 fretless. I'm not exactly a world-renowned professional electric bassist (far from it), but the variety of sounds available on even my Epic have me scratching my head as to what could possibly be gained that it doesn't already have in terms of flexibility.