lozbass

I'm on my second now, a recent acquisition following disposal of a NS5 XL a few years ago (one of the gorgeous water-cured redwood tops). The new one is a US bolt-on and the outstanding build is just as impressive as the NS5. Playability and tone are absolutely first-rate and the ergonomics suit me phenomenally well - the bass is a shorty with the slightly less sculpted rear body. As much fun as I've had with a bass in years - inspiring and begs to be played. I've not played any Spectors apart from US so can't really comment. US versions really are worth a try

If you're generally pleased with the EBO, you could consider some upgrades - a Supertone bridge would address your concerns with the limitations of the 3 point (though I've not experienced the same problems as some on here with the Gibson bridge), and DiMarzio offer a replacement pick-up that should offer more power and clarity and less 'mud' than the standard Gibson/Epiphone unit. That said, there is a better choice of short-scales around now and a Mustang may fit the bill and give you more options. If you're really flush, there are some fantastic high-end options for short-scale players (for example, Brian Eastwood, Lakland, Alembic, Spector) - these basses have none of the tonal limitations frequently associated with short-scale, and all of the benefits. As Bertbass suggests, a Danelectro could be worth a try - a bit of a hollow honk for me but I love the look and playability of the longhorn (and if you can stretch to - and find - a Jerry Jones, you can get a beautiful hand-built variant).

Stereo Alembics tend to pan left and right for neck and bridge pickups (it's possible to switch allocation). Some people suggest this is simply double mono and alternative approaches to stereo bass output exist. I haven't used a Ric (the other commonly seen stereo bass) so can't comment.

[quote name='jakenewmanbass' timestamp='1390152181' post='2341996'] I'm selling for a bunch of reasons. I'm recording more these days, and believe it or not I encounter snobbery about it all the time, people want things they are used to. Now don't get me wrong I'm still a devotee, but I can't afford at this point to keep so much money invested in what is for me a tool of work that doesn't produce a good return. So my plan is to sell this, arm myself with an arsenal of studio/producer friendly basses, then when I have recovered my 'pleasure bass fund' (which I can do by selling an upright that I will have no use for at the end of 2014) I will buy myself a second hand series Alembic. [/quote] sounds eminently sensible - is the MK to be advertised on here? Think you'll be pleased too with the Series (when the time is right) - may sound weird but another step-up from the already stunning Sigs.

Not much, well nothing, novel to add...just heavy, problematic balance and just the most beautiful tone in, what for me, are the most lovely basses on the planet (I realise others may disagree strongly). The Balance K represents an important development in terms of both balance and reach. If you want stereo, try Anniversary electronics (two volumes rather than pan too). If you want more of a Series-like tone, get an SF2. If you want real comfort, go for a Darling with sig, ann or series electronics (I'm assuming the bodies are large/thick enough to take that latter). Prices seem to hold-up well on the higher-end Alembics so a MK sig or similar isn't going to be cheap - what an investment though. Did I mention these are the best etc... Edited for a bit of an addition. Maybe slightly off-topic but I've been thinking about this quite a bit over the last 18 months or so. I've gorged myself on some of the world's most beautiful and desirable basses in the past 5-10 years. Only the Alembics remain (a few 'nostalgia' basses aside) - I've realised that opening the case of a new arrival - anything other than an Alembic - just leaves me feeling flat. I really struggle to get excited about the vast majority of basses - I've been spoiled and it feels like a bit of a shame.

[font="Calibri"][size="3"][color="#000000"]I had the very great pleasure of going over to Banbury to meet Pestie yesterday to purchase his gorgeous Spector Shorty. What an absolute delight – Mike is incredibly easy to deal with – honest, down-to-earth, and extremely friendly. Communications throughout the entire deal were perfect, with clarity, speed, trust and realism on both sides. The item itself is exactly as described – a perfectly mint Spector Shorty. A joy to play for the ten minutes that I had a chance, but I’ll enjoy it even more later when I’ve re-strung with a preferred gauge. The instrument just speaks quality throughout and is clearly the product of great skill and commitment on the part of its hand-builders. It’s also been looked after extremely well. Thanks Mike, I just wish that we’d had more time to chat! Deal in complete confidence with Pestie – he’s one of the guys that makes Basschat what it can be at its absolute best.[/color][/size][/font]

Brilliant - just what makes me smile about this community - perfect transaction (TE GP12 preamp) in every way. Really friendly and easy - just as it should be. Star.

Absolutely stunning Clarky - much darker walnut than mine with lovely figuring!