Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Showcase => Signature Basses => Topic started by: olieoliver on March 13, 2006, 07:43:51 PM

Title: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 13, 2006, 07:43:51 PM
Here is my newest bass. I won't receive it until Weds but couldn't wait to post a pic. As soon as I get him home I'll post some pix of the brothers together. I am anxious to hear how the sig. elect sound verses the Euproa elect. on my other MK.(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/26221.jpg)
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: David Houck on March 14, 2006, 01:45:18 AM
Gorgeous!  Congrats!!
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: jacko on March 14, 2006, 04:26:04 AM
Superb maple olie. Congratulations and enjoy her.
 
Graeme
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: bracheen on March 14, 2006, 04:31:26 AM
Very, very nice, congratulations.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: jalevinemd on March 14, 2006, 07:37:58 AM
Beautiful quilt!
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 14, 2006, 07:44:53 AM
Thanks guys. I the love 3D look of the Quilted maple. This will also be my first axe with LEDs.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 14, 2006, 07:52:54 AM
On a side note. The sales guy at Bass central commented that he'd be afraid to play a bass of this caliber and value but would love to have one to show off at home. I just laughed and said  you don't buy a horse if you're not going to ride it and you don't buy a Harley and park it in the garage. Yes all three are great to look at but so much more enjoyable when put to use.  
I'm a player not collector.
 
(Message edited by olieoliver on March 14, 2006)
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: bigredbass on March 15, 2006, 11:31:41 AM
You tell 'em Olie.  These aren't trailer queens!
Plus it's worth every DIME when you pull it out of the case and people's mouths fall open like they've seen a UFO.  Never underestimate that big shot of pride (like an adrenalin rush) when you use it on the date.
 
No better feeling in the world.
 
J o e y
 
(Message edited by bigredbass on March 15, 2006)
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 15, 2006, 11:44:47 AM
AMEN Joey!
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 15, 2006, 06:35:37 PM
Hey Joey, I like that UFO analogy, Unbelievably Funkin?-Out, bass.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 16, 2006, 12:38:52 PM
Well the day finally came. The UPS man pulls up front opens the back of truck walks in my office and I sign his little pad. Excited I take and set the huge box on my desk ready to announce the arrival of my new baby. I slide the case from the box ever so gentley, I undo the latches, take a deep breath open the case  slowly ....slowly.....and ......................................................................
!!!!!!!!THEY SENT THE WRONG BASS!!!!!!!!!!!!  
They sent me a MK STD. Mine is a Deluxe. OH MY GOSH. Well after talking to Beaver @ Bass Central,I've sent this bass back and I'll have mine on Monday. But it will be a real LOOOOONG weekend.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: fmm on March 16, 2006, 12:54:12 PM
D'OH!
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 16, 2006, 01:15:12 PM
Somebody say a dirty word for me would ya!
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: mikedm on March 16, 2006, 01:23:36 PM
ordinarily, I'd think receiving an Alembic by mistiake would be a good thing! In this case, knowing what you were expecting I'd say you'd be justified in sending it back....
Ah, yeah, I think you sent the wrong bass. I ordered the Biggie Bottom 5 String Deelux with the cup holder and got this 'Olympic' thing instead....
 
Mike
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 16, 2006, 01:41:08 PM
The funny thing is Monday when they emailed my receipt I noticed then it listed the wrong bass and called them then. They assured me they sent the correct one and just wrote the invoice wrong. Me Thinks  D'OH also.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: mikedm on March 16, 2006, 02:16:30 PM
Makes it a Romans kind of weekend, Olie - patience and perseverance, then again I'm not the one awaiting delivery.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 16, 2006, 02:23:13 PM
Yea, at least I have my other MK 5 to play. And it's still pretty new to me anyway.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: David Houck on March 16, 2006, 03:26:20 PM
The guys at Bass Central must be a little distracted!
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 16, 2006, 04:16:30 PM
Hey Dave it gets worse. I get home tonight and check my Amex on line, they've billed me for BOTH BASSES. Double D'OH
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: lbpesq on March 16, 2006, 05:19:05 PM
Olie:
 
You're going to have a geat story to tell the grandkids someday.  
 
Paul, TBO's favorite mantra is: there will always be another one, there will always be another one, there will always be another one, there will always be another one.  In your case he is literally correct!   LOL
 
I'm sure once you get the craziness straightened out and open the box on Monday, all of this will quickly fade into the background.  
 
Bill, tgo
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 16, 2006, 05:53:35 PM
All will fade provided I don't have to pay for both Basses. LOL. I'm not worried though. I think Beaver is more upset than I. I think he's shocked that I haven't lost my temper yet.
When all is said and done I'm sure I'll do bussines with Beaver again. He's actually been real cool to deal with and as we say in the south He' done me right so far!!!!  
FAITH , HOPE, LOVE keeps it goin' on.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: palembic on March 16, 2006, 10:50:22 PM
Why not keep them both and be billed just for one?
Maybe you can get away with it, now THAT would be a D'OH. I bet those guys wouldn't notice.
 
PTBO
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: crgaston on March 17, 2006, 05:55:50 AM
...but then he wouldn't get to wear the stockings...
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 17, 2006, 05:58:47 AM
Paul,
In the words of George Bush senior ?wouldn?t be prudent?.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: adriaan on March 17, 2006, 06:25:16 AM
Olie,
 
Did he start off that comment with Read my lips? Don't take his word for it any other way!
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 17, 2006, 10:35:43 AM
DBl Post
 
(Message edited by olieoliver on March 17, 2006)
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 17, 2006, 10:36:23 AM
It should be here on Monday, If not we'll send Cheney on a hunting trip to Florida! HA
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 22, 2006, 08:04:34 AM
It's finally here! Better than expected too. The pictures on Bass Centrals web site shows the bass with plastic covers on the rear and it shows up here with brass. COOL.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: jacko on March 22, 2006, 08:11:17 AM
Perhaps the back view was of the bass they sent first time.  
 
graeme
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 22, 2006, 08:20:02 AM
No. The bass they sent first had a mahogony back this has a quilted maple. ????
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: jacko on March 22, 2006, 08:25:24 AM
Can't wait to see the pictures then.  
 
Graeme
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 22, 2006, 08:42:49 AM
I will try to post some tonight. I can't wait to get home a play it. HMM HMMM I think I feel my throat getting sore...might be the flu.... I'd better go home from work early...wouldn't want to give anybody else the FLU. ;-)
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 22, 2006, 09:05:18 AM
This bass has what looks like a toungue oil finsih on the neck. My other MK has a finished neck on it. WHat should I clean this neck with?
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: mikedm on March 22, 2006, 10:19:47 AM
Olie,
It's probably not a different finish, but instead where Alembic rubbed out the gloss/poly finish for their satin finish neck. Someone gave me a bottle of Flitz polish and I used it on my bass' glossy finished body and satin neck with equally fine results.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: lbpesq on March 22, 2006, 10:28:46 AM
Michael:
 
Are you sure you used Flitz polish on the body and neck?  Flitz is a metal polish for the brass parts.  I would suspect that it would be much too abrasive for the instrument body.  
 
Bill, tgo
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 22, 2006, 10:32:15 AM
Hey Michael, I believe you're right. I do like the Balance K body style better than my other MK. It is MUCH lighter. I can't wait to get home and play it. MAn is it 5 oclock yet!
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: crgaston on March 22, 2006, 12:02:27 PM
tick...
 
 
 
tock....
 
 
 
tick...
 
 
 
tock...
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: mikedm on March 22, 2006, 01:54:59 PM
Crgaston....you're right. that's what I get for thinking after the week I've been having I meant the supreme polish Alembic offers......shoot me please....
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: lbpesq on March 22, 2006, 03:54:48 PM
Hey, I ain't Crgaston and I don't believe in shooting.  Now go polish that bass and use some Flitz on the brass while your at it!  LOL
 
Bill, tgo
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: crgaston on March 22, 2006, 05:54:31 PM
Well, I've never been mistaken for a prominent California attorney before.
 
 
Hey Olie, don't forget to eat dinner!  You can't be passing out and dinging up you new bass!
 
Charles
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 22, 2006, 06:38:08 PM
Well I held out, even went by the gym on the way home and worked out for an hour. Ate dinner, then went into my music, tuned it up, plugged it in and I am now convinced that I have some more work to do on the 98 Mk with the Eurpoa elects I bought a month ago. This bass THUMPS!!!!
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: mikedm on March 23, 2006, 07:19:32 AM
Bill, tgo...see what I mean...it's been that bad. Charles, I hope you're not offended. I'd hate to mistakenly infer anything about another guy's shorter scale length and all...
 
Hey, Olie! When are you inviting me over? lol, I promise not bring any Flitz or anything else abrasive, how about a six pack of Barg's or A&W instead?
 
ok, I'm going to go get some sleep now before I mistake myself for someone else, too.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 23, 2006, 07:16:00 PM
Thats what I'm talkin'bout Michael! A SIX PACK (of rootbeer) a new Alembic and Hours on end in my Music Room! WWJD?........ ....tell me to  play it son...
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: mikedm on March 24, 2006, 09:47:59 AM
Root beer, the bassist choice.
 
ah, I need some sleep....
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 27, 2006, 09:24:20 PM
Hey Michael, I had to go on the wagon. No root beer for the next 4-5 weeks. Gotta loose a few pounds before I go on vacation!  LOL
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 27, 2006, 09:35:01 PM
Played this bass at church Sunday and WOW, it sounds incredible. But man I really got to clean up my playing you hear everthing! I have a F-1X coming in on Weds. and I am anxious to hear how it sounds through it. Not sure what kind of power amp to use yet. Any suggestions. I am leaning towards an SWR 750.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: 2400wattman on March 27, 2006, 09:55:43 PM
What cabs are you going to play through? How many speakers,ohm rating etc. Oh and I'm a Barq's man myself.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: jacko on March 27, 2006, 11:45:19 PM
The QSC PLX series are very good power amps that don't add or subtract anything from the tone. I'm using the PLX2402 that has the capability to put out 2400 watts bridged into a 2 ohm load. I'm running 2 channels into separate 4 ohm cabinets and still get 700 watts which is plenty loud enough for any of my gigs.
 
Graeme
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 28, 2006, 06:36:09 AM
Adam, I am playing through a 2x10 8 ohm & a 1x15 8 ohm , both SWR cabs. They are about 5 years old but still sound great. I currentlty have a SWR 750 amp that is also 5 years old. I will probably keep using the cabs but not the head. I want to use a straight power amp that doesn't altar the tone of the F-1X. I've used QSC before in my PA's and also on my bass rig. I have also used Crown. I think the Crown amps had a better sound but aren't as rugged and are much more exspensive to repair. I am leaning toward the SWR 750 power amp (no tone adjustment or pre-amp built in) because I have had excellent service out of the 750 head I have now.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: bkbass on March 29, 2006, 12:27:01 PM
Crown power amps are probly one of the most reliable amps in the world. Most every concert venue uses either crown or that company that sold out to Peavey. I can't remember their name. QSC is very good sonically with Alembic preamps/superfilters. Your cabs are fine but I would recommend adding a superfilter. This will give you the most flexibility tonewise and allow you either tube or solid state capability. I would stay away from SWR oops! I mean fender. There is nothing wrong with their product line but you are playing Alembic products now and it's time to wean yourself off of the off the shelf products.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 29, 2006, 09:36:08 PM
OK , I know most of ya'll have seen both of these either here or on Bass Central.  But I have both boys home now and just have to post pictures of my own.  It's really wild to see the similarities and differances in these two.  They may both be MK models but they play and sound totally differant.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/26752.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/26753.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/26754.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/26755.jpg)
 (Message edited by olieoliver on March 29, 2006)  (Message edited by davehouck on April 01, 2006)
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: tbrannon on March 29, 2006, 10:46:00 PM
Multiple Alembics and Harley Davidson in the same picture...
 
You could have probably incited a larger riot if you had placed a pint of beer in front of them, but I'm pickin' this thread is gonna get busy. =)
 
Looks like the one on the right went on a diet.  Very nice basses. I'm hoping to get my hands on my first in the next month or so.  Congrats.
 
(Message edited by tbrannon on March 29, 2006)
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 29, 2006, 10:58:16 PM
Speakin' of Harley...let me show off my other toys...
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/26760.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/26761.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/26762.jpg)
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: bob on March 29, 2006, 11:04:55 PM
How can you tell they're boys? (okay, I really don't want to start that, so let's just contemplate this quietly to ourselves, or not)
 
They are both beauties, and I can't decide which I prefer. While the flame on the K is exquisite, all that curly detail on the other is quite unique and spectacular.
 
You mention that they play, and sound, very different. Given the similar wood recipes, it would be great if you could comment on this further. It might also be nice to summarize the construction and electronics here, where we can see them side by side. For instance, it seems clear that on the left, we have a dummy hum canceller (not Series), but since I already screwed up once this week on electronics, I don't want to say anything more than that :-)
 
Congratulations, and enjoy, with or without the (root) beer.
-Bob
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: palembic on March 30, 2006, 12:30:40 AM
O-O  
Harleys, Almebics and beer ...
some people here gonna like that VERY much!
 
Paul TBO
 
Brother Paul the fake one (the artist formerly known as Dino) stop drooling !
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 30, 2006, 06:54:42 AM
The one on the left has the Rougue/Europa electronics and the one on the right has the Signature elects. Someone had mentioned to me that the Europa elects. were an upgrade and I assume better but I like the sound of the Sig. better. I'm sure the wood mass being smaller on the one on the right has something to do with the sound too. It being a lot lighter is also a plus. I'll get some clips recorded with both and upload them to my web site then I'll post the link here so ya'll can here them forst hand.
As for the playing differances, the one on the left has a custom neck. It is a little narrower at the nut and I believe a little wider at the body. It feels as though the neck is thinner (front to back) too. This gives it more of a Jazz bass feel which I prefer.(I was raised on a Jazz bass)But the body on it is pretty large so it is VERY HEAVY. Good thing I am not playing those 5 hour night any more, I'd look like Quasimodo LOL!
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 30, 2006, 07:19:53 AM
Bob, about the knowing if they're both boys. Well they do both sport a G string so I guess they could've been girls but they are both named Mark. And I won't even mention the fact that both have something at the end of the neck that is also synonymous with a part of the male anatomy.
But the main reason I call the both boys is, my wife would KILL me if I were to lay a hand on another woman! LOL
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: crgaston on March 30, 2006, 08:52:02 AM
Olie,
Better not let her see your profile pic!
 
Charles
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 30, 2006, 09:03:52 AM
She took that one. But what happens in Mexico......stays in Mexico!
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: crgaston on March 30, 2006, 10:11:30 AM
Que divertido!
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 30, 2006, 10:22:07 AM
Ah s?. La playa es donde est? en.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 30, 2006, 10:28:03 AM
Adoro d?as soleados en la playa y d?as lluviosos que juegan mi Alambique nuevo.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 30, 2006, 10:45:06 AM
Any body here use BagEnd cabs before. I am really thinking about replacing my SWR cabs and am trying to get some ideas. I also like the GK monitor style cabs. They would be great for stage.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: keith_h on March 30, 2006, 10:59:14 AM
Ollie,
I have a 2 Bag End 18 subs and ELF controller. I use them with a 2 X 10 (not BE) and have been happy. Our moderator Dave has the ELF and also has a BE 2 X 10 cabinet. I thought the setup sounded great. At 70 lbs or so the cabinets are a bit on the heavy side (10's and 18's).  
   
Keith
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 30, 2006, 11:05:13 AM
Weight won't be a factor since they will probably stay at my church and maybe I'll get some for my music room at the house too. I'm going to look around town and see if anybody has some I can try.
Thanks, Keith
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on March 30, 2006, 08:47:17 PM
I've uploaded a couple of mp3 clips of these 2 basses. I ran them both straight into my line in on my sound card (thats why there is only the left side of the stereo). I had bothe basses at full volume and both treble and bass at max. They sound very close the 98 MK is a little hotter. My playing is a little rusty so ya'll cut me some slack there OK. Click this link to hear them
http://home.comcast.net/~olieoliver/ (http://home.comcast.net/~olieoliver/)
 
(Message edited by olieoliver on March 31, 2006)
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: David Houck on April 01, 2006, 04:27:03 PM
Olie; even after downloading the PowerPoint Runtime module, clicking on the little speakers did not do anything.
 
What are the names of the two MP3 files; and are they in your main index directory?
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: hb3 on April 01, 2006, 05:28:23 PM
I use two Bag End 4X10s...it's great.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on April 01, 2006, 05:59:27 PM
I have to fix my web site Dave. Some can hear them some can't. I've emailed you the clips though.
 
(Message edited by olieoliver on April 01, 2006)
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on April 01, 2006, 06:56:51 PM
OK. I think I have my site fixed now. Try this link and you should be able to hear each Bass.
http://home.comcast.net/~olieoliver/ (http://home.comcast.net/~olieoliver/)
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on April 01, 2006, 09:31:53 PM
Hugh, I checked out your home page link on your profile. Whats up with the upside down US flag. Isn't that suppose to be used for a distress signal.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: hb3 on April 01, 2006, 09:46:47 PM
you're the second guy on this site to get pissed about that! that was photoshopped -- not at my request -- by my deranged webmaster. it was originally flying right-side up. the correct version used to be posted somewhere on the radioenigma.com website, but I can't find it now. man, maybe I should change it...
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: hb3 on April 01, 2006, 09:49:42 PM
oh yeah, here it is....
 
http://www.radioenigma.com/pv.html (http://www.radioenigma.com/pv.html)
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on April 02, 2006, 12:47:26 PM
Hugh, I wasn't pissed at all. I just didn't understand what it represented. I do know that in the military that represents a distress sinal. I did see the photo on the link and it was right. So I'm cool.
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: hb3 on April 02, 2006, 01:22:41 PM
maybe we need a political discussion thread here (kidding!!!!)
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: lbpesq on April 02, 2006, 01:47:29 PM
How do you know the flag wasn't right side up and everything else was upside down?  Or maybe the picture was taken in Australia?  LOL
 
Bill, tgo
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: David Houck on April 02, 2006, 05:54:55 PM
I like the sound on both clips!
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on April 02, 2006, 06:46:27 PM
Dave, Both basses sound very similar. The 98 is a little hotter than the 05 but the 05 has more punch when cranked up. I ran them straight into my sound card so the tone is right from the basses. I'm looking at an EMU 1820 PCI card and software for recording with my PC. Anyone here have any experience with EMU products.
 
(Message edited by olieoliver on April 02, 2006)
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: thumbsup on February 06, 2011, 11:04:55 AM
I just resontly aquired the MK Balance Quilted from Olin and loving it!
Thanks Olin
Steve
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/96146.jpg)
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: charles_holmes on May 08, 2011, 09:34:11 AM
Kudos! That's a beautiful axe you got there!
Stay low
 and keep outta treble!!!
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: rustyg61 on May 08, 2011, 06:32:55 PM
Stay low & keep outta treble!!! I love it! Great quote Charles!
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: olieoliver on May 08, 2011, 06:53:34 PM
Have to admit, I miss it but she's in good hands!
OO
Title: Re: 05 Mk Balance K
Post by: rustyg61 on May 08, 2011, 07:16:35 PM
At least she's still on Texas soil, you can go visit her!