Mark King Signature Deluxe

[BrotherDan]

Greetings...

I am working with the fine folks at Alembic to configure and launch my Mark King Signature Deluxe 5-string fretless bass.

I am eager to hear your advice on similar builds you may have in your collection(s).

Thanks,

BrotherDan    😎

[edwardofhuncote]

Welcome Dan. 

This is the Edward of Huncote Signature Deluxe custom fretless 5-string, "Chain-Links". She's my dream-come-true, and I very seldom go to a gig without her. She'll be two years old next month.

If you can dream it, Mica's crew can build it. Go man, go. 

[BrotherDan]

Edward,

Thanks for your welcome and rapid post.

A quick question....
Did you opt for any side markers on the neck of your fretless bass?
I will opt for no LEDs and am considering (with Susan’s encouragement) side rails on the neck, but no other types of fret markers.
I play the double bass (of course...no markers) and also have an NS Design 5-string bass with side dots, though not at every fret position.

Thanks,

BrotherDan 😎

[edwardofhuncote]

Highly recommended; sidelines!

(mine are white holly, also no leds, just bronze dots)

[BrotherDan]

Thanks Edward...that helps...

Do you have brass hardware?
If so, how often does it need polishing?


BrotherDan 😎

[edwardofhuncote]

All hardware is brass except for the tuning machines and straplocks; they are stock gold-plated parts. I've not yet had to polish the brass parts on this bass, but it's an annual event for many of us. 

[hammer]

It's definitely worth the money to opt for the three-way neck and bridge Q switches rather than the two way. They allow for a bit more subtlety when changing tone. When I had my deluxe built I went back and forth regarding both continuous wood back plates and the LEDs and went with both. Given the cash I was spending for my dream bass Susan convinced me that I'd regret going with the brass backplates and she was correct (as usual I might add). As for the LEDs, I'm not a double bass player and when we are playing out I'm typically standing on parts of the stage that are not well lit so with my aging eyes having the LEDs has made it a lot easier.

[BrotherDan]

Thanks Edward and Mark...

I am planning on going with the continuous wood back plates...
I will check into the bridge Q switches...

Still deciding which type of plating, if any on the hardware.
I am likely to go with gold plating.
Amortized over time, the added expense would be more than offset by the visually balanced feng shui.


BrotherDan