Author Topic: Balance (Read 302 times)

piers_williamson · « **on:** March 07, 2011, 05:27:55 AM »

I have a left handed Mark King Standard Bass. Compared with the other basses I own (Jazz and Musicmans), I find my Alembic is relatively neck-heavy. Whilst it's the same scale length as my other basses, the headstock extends a further two or three inches at least. I wondered whether there was anything I could do to weight the body more (e.g. replacing the plastic battery compartment cover with a brass one)

mikedm · « **Reply #1 on:** March 07, 2011, 05:59:34 AM »

Hi Piers, and welcome to the club. The common answer around here is to use a wide strap, say about 3-4 inches. And if possible one that has a suede, or unfinished leather back for added grip.
The tail piece and bridge position relative to the bass' body (especially for your MK) when compared to most other basses is pushed forward, thus extending the reach for first position. You may also need to adjust the bass' playing position a bit to bring the head it closer to you.
I needed to make similar adjustments with mine and all was well afterward.
You could try the brass cover, but the MK is heavy enough. I try the other two first before going to the trouble of having a brass cover made.

terryc · « **Reply #2 on:** March 07, 2011, 09:34:15 AM »

piers..welcome the club.
I own a MK but it is medium scale so I can reach the first fret, I once tried a full scale MK and I couldn't reach the first position(as I am short a**e LOL)
As groovelines says I would avoid the brass cover as it is already a very heavy bass. The strap idea is one to go for I would say

mike1762 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 07, 2011, 02:53:20 PM »

I had to reluctantly part with my Standard Point Series I for the same reason... I just couldn't get comfortable with it. The neck-heaviness I can deal with, but the reach thing was something I couldn't overcome.

thumbsup · « **Reply #4 on:** March 07, 2011, 07:14:41 PM »

I have a MK Balanced and no problem with first position but it is also a load. The wide leather stap helped tremmendosly!

rjmsteel · « **Reply #5 on:** March 07, 2011, 07:52:52 PM »

Where or which manufacturer, these days, are you guys purchasing your wide leather straps from? I need a new one.

Recommendations anyone?

eligilam · « **Reply #6 on:** March 08, 2011, 06:20:38 AM »

I've got 4 Italia leather straps on all my basses. Really high quality, good looks. Check out their website. They're frequently offering buy-one get-one deals.

www.italiastraps.com

rjmsteel · « **Reply #7 on:** March 08, 2011, 06:37:55 AM »

Thanks Will. Those DO look nice.

Are other club members in agreement? Any other possible recommendations? Chicago area dealers?

sonicus · « **Reply #8 on:** March 08, 2011, 07:03:27 AM »

Check it out;
http://alembic.stores.yahoo.net/straps.html

sonicus · « **Reply #9 on:** March 08, 2011, 07:14:08 AM »

The http://www.italiastraps.com/
Are good ! I have some as well. In fact they look quite a bit like the Alembic strap . The suede backing and slick leather backing feel different to wear ; just to let you know. The suede has an anti slide feel to it that can be good or bad depending on what you want.

bassthang · « **Reply #10 on:** March 08, 2011, 07:45:38 AM »

Maybe replace the tuning machines with Hipshot Ultralites? That should reduce the headstock weight.
Someday I plan on doing that with my Distillate.

lbpesq · « **Reply #11 on:** March 08, 2011, 08:42:39 AM »

The Alembic straps are made by Moody. You can buy directly from Moody (without the Alembic logo), at moodyleather.com. The design of Italia and Moody are very similar as the guy who does Italia used to be partners in Moody and took designs with him when they split up. I've found the Moody straps to be far superior. Better leather, straighter stitching, and the Italias I got were thicker and difficult to fit over the
pin. The Moody straps are definitely more expensive but, as we all know well around here, you get what you pay for.

Bill, tgo

sonicus · « **Reply #12 on:** March 08, 2011, 08:56:53 AM »

That is good to know Bill . I really did notice that the Italia were a bit thick and difficult to install my Schaller Strap locks on .Next time I will try a Moody.

rjmsteel · « **Reply #13 on:** March 08, 2011, 09:35:14 AM »

I noticed that possible issue on the Italia straps regarding the pin hole, actually right away, from the pictures of their products on the web site. I ordered Dunlop strap locks on my soon to be completed custom (bass) and was obviously concerned about that.

Bill I appreciate the heads up on the product quality with the Moody, (and the history too).

Thanks to all!

sonicus · « **Reply #14 on:** March 08, 2011, 09:50:24 AM »

After I had the Italias ( or other strap) ,I made it work but stretching and honing a bit and letting the compression of the strap lock hardware help do the work . After a few days I tightened the nut a bit more and applied BLUE locktite #242. Beware of the RED#241 for this application because it might be do difficult to undo with out heat.

Author Topic: Balance (Read 302 times)

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