Standard Mark King 5 For Sale [SOLD]

[rmfarris]

For Sale: $7000
 
I love this bass.  The primary reason why I'm selling it is that I much prefer a 4 string to a 5 string bass; I just don't need the low B.  This Mark King plays and sounds gorgeous, everything you'd expect in an Alembic: huge versatility, big-ass boom, warm, vibrant, awesome.  I can only describe its condition as near perfect, and I can't describe any visual (or sonic) flaws.  Stats:
 
Cocobolo Top, Balance K Body, Omega, Tummy And Elbow Contours, Red Side LEDs, Abalone Inlays, Case
 

 
I'm not in a hurry to sell, so serious inquiries only, please.  I'm also not interested in trade.
 
Happy to send more pictures upon request.
 
Ryan
 
(Message edited by Rmfarris on April 17, 2014)

[charles_holmes]

If only it was a series I'd buy it because I'm in the market for a 5 string series.

[rmfarris]

Hi Charles - let me know if you change your mind as this baby is still for sale.

[rmfarris]

[charles_holmes]

Can it be switched to accommodate series electronics?

[rmfarris]

I'm not sure if electronics ca be switched, but you may want to reach out to Alembic directly to get an answer to that question.

[jazzyvee]

The problem that I've read about putting series into a non series body is the body thickness is not deep enough for the pots.  
But I wonder if you added a book matched to centre rear laminate that would be a practical way to get more depth, albeit a quite expensive way to do it.

[FC Bass]

Or a bowl cavity cover, though it won't look so nice...
Also if I'm not mistaken the pickup routings are deeper on non Series instruments, though it will not show it's not optimal. (iirc Series pickups are about half as thick as the Activators)

[sonicus]

How about a simple flat raised front mount control plate that is attached  to the top of the instrument with machine screws with threaded inserts. The plate could be ANY material  ; wood /aluminum or as you like it . I would choose brass personally . A nice surround shim could be fabricated from wood or other material.   The correct needed tolerances could be established and then the fitted plate screwed into the inserts.  The same could be done front mounted for the circuit board electronics with trim pots if needed on the upper half of the front  And there we have it . ____ It could look nice and retro style!   Is this too crazy ? Maybe ?     LOL

[jazzyvee]

A lot of possibilities although I would imagine the costs of any of our suggestions would, assuming the desire was there to do them, be quite steep as it's a lot of manual labour.  But I like the style of brassware on good O'l #12
 
 
Jazzyvee

[sonicus]

Jazzy , yes AWESOME # 12 ! ____ I remember back in the 1970s when I would wander in to Alembic's old 320 Judah St location and then later at 60 Brady St , seeing many fine examples of modified instruments with brass plates and new creations with the such. One of my old Guild Starfires had a brass control plate installed by Alembic on it already when I first purchased it as a teen ager in the early 1970s.___
 A completely retro brand new custom from Alembic with front mount brass plates would be indeed be Sweller then Swell in my eyes with big hat Raytheon knobs and all .  ( I must sound like a broken record with that comment)  LOL !   IF___ I had a custom build I think that might be the Bees Knees  for me in design______ I have a picture in my mind completely with specs and details.  ___California Dreaming Folks____!

[lbpesq]

Did someone say brass plate?
 
 
 
Bill, tgo

[tbrannon]

Jazzy-  
 
When I was planning my Elan build, I asked for a quote for the 'brass plate' on the front.  I sent Susan a few sketches and the quote I got back wasn't entirely unreasonable at all.  I vaguely remember it costing about the same as the ebony neck lam I had included in my bass and I think I essentially chose the neck lam over the brass plate.    
 
I have no idea how things have changed or if my memory fails me regarding the price I was quoted.  I also don't know how using the brass plate idea for series electronics (versus the signature I had) changes the ballgame.  It IS an interesting possible workaround for the increased pot depth requirement.  I'd love to hear Mica's thoughts on this.

[sonicus]

Yes , I would be interested in Mica's thoughts as well .

[sonicus]

 
Just a little brass plate on my  81 Distillate.