Wow, this is really just absolutely stunning!!!  It's the Pinoccio effect... every time I look at it, it seems to get more awesome looking.
 
It looks incredible now; but I know full well it'll look even more awesome when the finish is done.
 
Of course, I'd love to see a shot or two of the back and neck... but NOT until after you get caught up with other FTC threads and things in general.  This picture'll hold me for a while.  And thanks again.
 
Wow, the pickup routing sure is wide!  I guess my dimensions were slightly too wide for a 5-string pickup to work.
 
Uhm... this is a hollowbody, right?  (Not that I'd suggest doing anything if it were overlooked at this point.)  I can see just a widdle thwip of hollowness next to the neck... although I recall the pictures in the Archive through May 11 show at least one half of the body core being hollowed out in part.  I'm just wondering, 'cause the pickups go out so far, and I don't see indication of hollowness -other than the one little strip.  Just hidden away -probably/hopefully.
 
Anyway, it looks great!  I'm also really pleased with the overall shape.  Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but, that said, I find this shape -the Balance K- looks most attractive (to me) in the 5-string variety; the 4s I've seen look a little too slim for my tastes, and the only other 6 I recall seeing was too wide.
 
I meant to ask for a 5 string body... it was an important detail... and I think I spaced and totally neglected to mention it!  But the body you gave it looks absolutely perfect, just what I had in mind!  Thanks so much!
 
Oh yeah, are there two different Balance K sizes, regular and 3/4 size?  Or all all Balance Ks considered 3/4 size?

This has got the normal 5-string pickups on it. The 5-string and 6-string pickups are the same. It's only on very narrow 5-strings that we can use the 4-string pickups (like on flaxman's).
 
The body is hollow, but most of that is out near the edge. Around the neck, we've got lots of business to take care of. There has to be a place for the pickups to mount, and to actually glue the body to the neck.  
 
Unlike many of our models, there's only one Balance K for 4-, 5-, and 6-string basses at this time. The 3/4 body is a different shape entirely.  
 
Glad you like how it's turning out.

Thanks Mica!

Beautiful bass, Mark. About a year ago I played a Blue Buckeye Balance K King Deluxe at Planet Bass here in the Twin Cities.  Unquestionably the most comfortable bass I have ever played.  Ergonomically perfect for 6'1 me.

Thanks for the word, Paul, good to hear another testimonial on the Balance K.  While I was sold on the shape/ergonomics, I considered the Elan, Europa, Rogue, and even Scorpion shapes as well.  I'm glad I made the choice I made.
 
It continues to look more awesome each time I look at it.  I'm REALLY curious about how it'll look with the finish finished... specifically, the color.  It looks to be more the orangy Coco Bolo color... as opposed to the red variety; but I can't be sure until it's done.
 
I prefer a lighter color just 'cause I know it'll get darker anyway as the wood ages.
 
I can't wait to see the rest of it... the back and the neck... but I won't ask for more pictures for a while, 'cause I know Mica's getting caught up, and there are other folks who've waited a while and still don't have any new pictures yet.  Besides, hopefully it'll just plain be done soon!

The top on this bass is going to be awesome Mark. I love the way the grain follows the body curves.  
I think the Balance K is the best looking body Alembic offers (IMHO). I only order the 3/4 for mine because the weight issue.
 
Olie

Since I've settled on my electronics package -Signature electronics with Q switches upgraded to 3-position & a single pair of master bass & treble controls- I'm posting my control layout preferences in this thread -where they belong (more than in the other thread... or at least as much.
 
First of all, I'll be easy to please.  The second and third options you offered Shim (see his control layout thread) are all adequate).  But I'll start with my #1 ideal configuration.  Copied from other threads, here it is:
 
..........NECK...............BASS  
..........FILT................CONT  
..........KNOB...............KNOB  
.................................  
.......................N..........  
.......................Q..........  
.................................  
......MAST.......................BLEN  
......VOLU.........LED.........CONT  
......KNOB.......................KNOB  
.................................  
.......................B..........  
.......................Q..........  
.................................  
..........BRID...............TREB  
..........FILT................CONT  
..........KNOB..............KNOB  
 
Obviously, the LED switch should be disregarded, as my bass doesn't have LEDs.  The setup is similar to my 8-String: two rows of three knobs, with the center knobs in each row slightly farther away from each other, and the Q switches centered in the area/space between the center 2 knobs, and the pairs on either side.
 
The row of (neck) filter, volume, (bridge) filter would be closest to the strings, while the (other) row of bass, blend, treble (the 3 knobs with center dentents) would be closer to the edge of the body.
 
Being symmetrical/even/non-irregular is important -whether this configuration is selected, or another is selected.
 
Now this is my ideal, but -as I said- some of the other ones you offered Shim are fine.  For clarification, my next most desired configuration would be what you posted in your post 4038 in his control layout thread; my third most desired configuration would be in your post 4044 (same thread) WITH THE MINOR MODIFICATION of REPOSITIONING THE 2 q SWITCHES TO HAVE THEM CENTERED BETWEEN THE CENTER PAIR OF KNOBS AND THE OUTER PAIRS TO EITHER SIDE.
 
All three of these choices are very similar, of course.  I'm much less fond of the first option you offered him (your post 4032) and in your posts 4108 and 4110.  I don't like these.
 
So, these are my 3 preferred choices -in order of preference.  Hopefully at least one of them will work.  As long as any of them will, cool!  If not, please get back to me when convenient and communicate the challenge/issue.
 
It looks to me like the jack shouldn't be a problem in any case.  Ideally, I'd prefer for it to be outside the perimeter of the knobs.
 
Oh yeah, something I was thinking about asking for was to have (just) the two center knobs (volume & blend) be the older/larger style knobs.  I'd love to see a mockup at your convenience when it's close to time.  I envision it as looking cool in my head... but maybe in reality it would look goofy!
 
Thanks, Mica!

Interesting.  So... you're saying your 3/4 body is actually lighter than the Balance K?  It looks heavier to my eye -at least in the pictures.  Maybe it's a proportion thing.
 
So the 3/4 body is lighter than the Balance K?  Or were you saying the opposite... that you prefer the greater weight?  I know some people prefer instruments with more mass... for increased sustain.
 
At any rate, thanks for the positive comment; I'm just thrilled with how it looks.  And of course, your Series in progress looks absolutely bitchin!  The neck is awesome, and the Coco looks great too!

I already have a 3/4 and a Balance K and the 3/4 is much lighter. Then again my Balance k is a 5 and the 3/4 is a 4.
I also don't have real long arms and the 3/4 puts the end of the neck closer to my body.
 
I can't wait to see yours with a shine on it. I bet the grain really comes on then.
 
Olie

Hey, Mark!!
 
Wazzup? Yer Bass is gonna B AWESOME!! I've been keepin' a low profile, but I HAVE been keepin' an eye on things ! Can't wait to see yer little Monster finished. Jim's turned out GREAT! I missed his first gig with it, but I hope to catch one soon. Yer neck, Coco, everything is spot on cool. Looking forward to more!
 
BCOOOOOOL, keep me posted, Mike  (the 'Ho)...

gee i am famous?
or is that infamous.....lol
bal k's just hang on your neck and tell you how special it is..i love my wolf and despite whatever it weighs it doesnt feel like a ton./..
 if i wasnt expanding the alembic line(lol) with my tribute bass i could easily have gotten another
you;ll be very pleased
 
(Message edited by flaxattack on August 22, 2007)

Hey Mica, upon further consideration I will NOT be considering asking you for the two old style knobs for the two middle knobs.
 
I realized, upon thinking about it, that it would impose an extra and unnecessary challenge for whoever drills the holes for the electronics; I'm already asking for a symmetrical layout; and having to consider the additional factor of the differing radius' of the different knobs... it's too much.  I'll just keep it simple, and ask for all six of my knobs to be the same type, the standard knobs you use currently.
 
Thanks again, Mark

So is this sort of what you had in mind?

(apply your labels from post 693)
If the orientation is right for you, I will make an exact layout for drilling, since your bass is ready to drill.

Here's some shiny spray pics:

 

 

Yes, ma'am, that's EXACTLY what I had in mind!!!
 
Thanks, it looks absolutely AWESOME!!!
 
Now please excuse me, I need to go wipe up some drool...