The blue LEDs have a different voltage requirement from the other colors. While we can easily mix the red, green, and amber colors, the blues can't be.

Hey Bradley,
 
Do you mean get the larger one than the smaller balance K? Mine is a 5 string.
 
Also what do you mean neck dive? Is there a difference in the balance and the balance K?
 
Thanks, Paul

One last question then Mica,
 
Is there a standard point that is in between balance and balance K? In other words, are the sizes, Balance (largest), Standard (medium), Balance K (smallest) in this body style?
 
Thanks, Paul

Now I am seeing the difference Bradley. I just went and looked at Jim's balance K and then looked at Michael's balance. I see the cutaways are offset differently near the lower neck. Are you saying that the neck dive happens more with the balance K? It seems like it would occur with the balance. Could you elaborate please?
 
Thanks, Paul

Hi Mica,
 
I am really sorry about this but now I finally, finally finally, see the difference in the balance and the balance K. I couldn't figure out what was going on as I compared and looked at other basses. Now I see the difference near the lower neck where the cutaways are.
 
I am glad that we are where we are because I caught this before it was to late. I am glad that Michael just happen to email me and congradulate me because it caused me to go back and look at his bass one more time.
 
Yes His is the bass body the I want. I now know what the difference is. So please change my order as long as the neck that you have started for me is OK with this change.
 
I do want the balance with the pistol grip. Not the balance K after all.
 
That is why I started a new thread here so that you would take note. There is no need for me to now talk to Susan as this is my final answer.
 
The only other thing that we will now have pending is the gold logo which I am pretty sure that I want. If you could just get me that price then I will probably give you the go ahead on it and we will be set.
 
Thanks again, Sorry for the confusion.
 
Paul

Alright, Paul. Also, you should notice that the Balance Point (the one that Michael's is based on ) is a bit w-i-d-e-r in the body.  
 
The neck can accept just about any body at this point.
 
I'll let you know as soon as I hear from the jeweler on the gold logo.

You've got the size progression correct!

Awesome Mica, Thank you.
 
I am aware of the wideness as that is somewhat of the reason that I like that design. So thanks for letting me know that.
 
I have a sort of lump in my throat as I know that I am making a big decision but I just really love the look of that bass and those lines are what attract me more than the K.  
 
So again I appreciate it and thanks for checking into the logo also.
 
I trust that you have a nice piece of Quilted Coco Bolo for me.
 
We are narrowing this down to a really nice bass and I appreciate your patience with me in making up my mind as we go. The forum has been very helpful for me.
 
Paul

Just for terminology's sake:
 
The balance is the large standard with offset upper horn.
 
The balance K is like a 3/4 standard with offset/extended upper horn.
 
The balance K and balance models should have about the same amount of neck dive.  Maybe the nod goes a little to the balance K.  Your mileage may vary, due to playing position, etc.
 
Your earlier post (126) suggested you were also looking at the standard model, which I, personally, would not recommend-- the balance model would, ahem, balance better.
 
Whatever you do, get a nice, suede backed 4 strap.  Makes all the difference in the world.  The bass will stay put, and your shoulder will thank you.
 
Lastly, don't underestimate the value of a trip to the mothership-- $400 roundtrip from Maui would be cheap insurance.  You can pick out woods in person, and really see what the basses feel like.  It really helped me feel a lot more confident that I was getting the bass of my dreams.
 
Bradley

From my personal experience, my balance body does not neck dive at all. Granted I use a wide Alembic strap, wear the bass fairly high (fusion geek style) and my neck being a 33 scale doesn't stick out quite as far, but I haven't really noticed any discomfort relating to neck dive. Possibly, the extra weight of the Coco body helps that side of the fulcrum too?
Mike

By the way, have you any idea of what kind of look you want from your Coco top? Each piece is so individual. They vary from a deep dark chocolate brown to wild reds and oranges! From totally straight grain to something you might find on a bowling ball! So if you haven't seen alot of coco it might be worth it to make that trip considering what's at stake.

Hey Bradley, I just noticed your post about the Balance K not looking right on a 4 string and I totally agree which is why I went the route that I did. Too skinny around the front pickup for me. Looks great with the extra neck width of a 5 string though. My original concept was to have Alembic do a custom body template for me that would have given me something in between a full balance and and the K body with a carved top! For no reason other than I just plain ran out of money, I was forced to make some compromises. Ah well, maybe on the next one.

Thanks, both of you!
 
Uh just a quick response to jlpi, I have quilted Coco Bolo coming so the way it sounds is that it's going to be one of the last pieces they have so there isn't much choosing there although I agree with Bradley that if I could I would love to go and visit cuz it is my dream.
 
I wish I could explain to you guys in a shorter version why this didn't happen but the main reason is that I have been in a long trial in LA due to the death of my father (which has nothing to do with ordering this even though it seems). I tried to arrange to go north on occasions but due also to the fact that I have a 3 year old in Hawaii where I live and the trial dates kept changing, etc., see, it gets deep!!!
 
Is all I can say at this point is that I am still working on flying up north to visit but that is why I have been depending so much on you guys to help me just get the order going as it is so lenthy, etc.
 
I know I have been very grouchy through all of this and thank you for sticking it out with me, by the way.
 
I must go now again but just another thing I agree on is the balance K even looked a little to skinny for me even with the 5 string so I have reverted back to because of your both your help to the balance with pistol grip.
 
I will contact a little later as I am being swept back into the the the hhhheeeellpppp!!!

My condolences over the death of your father, Paul.

Hi Mark, and thanks. I can change the last post by removing both and say all of your help now that you are back. How is your house coming by the way?, you must be busy? Congradulations!  
 
As you can see I am changing over to the balance body as I just wasn't happy with the slimness of the balance K and in a way it's been good that they hadn't developed the pistol grip yet for the balance K as it gave me time to think this over and make the change.
 
I really like the body shape of Michael's Lefty as I am a lefty also it has been an influence on my decision here to make the change. There are a number of things about Michaels bass that I really admired. So good job Michael and Thanks!!  
 
I am really tired now so I have to go to sleep but thanks again guys and I'll talk to ya tomorrow.
 
Goodnight, Paully