Author Topic: Choosing Alembic MK or Ken Smith (Read 504 times)

smuprof · « **on:** December 09, 2006, 02:29:07 PM »

I don't get to post often, but I thought this was a question worthy of this group (although I expect a bit of bias).

I have an 84 Exploiter, along with a mid-80s Kramer Aluminum neck Flying V. Started playing 5 string on a Peavey US Millennium and want to get a nicer 5 string now.

Played a MK at the factory a year ago with the balance K body and ebony stringers and LUVED it (thanks to Val for taking the time to show me around).

So, I've been saving for a MK 5 string, thinking that would be a nice addition, keeping the high-end instruments Alembic, but . . .

I've gotten really interested in the nicer Ken Smith bases. It would give me a wider range of sound and playing options and still make a nice collection, but I haven't had as much experience with the Ken Smith instruments (no dealers in Dallas).

Ever since I get to play a mentor's Alembic in high school, there's nothing like the sound or playability, but therein lies the rub - it is a distinct sound, and maybe the Smith would be a nice alternative. I can always whip out the Exploiter (everybody loves to see that body).

SO . . . any thoughts on the BSR Ken Smith basses, differences in sound, playability, string spacing, (I'm sticking with neck-thru regardless), etc. Would love to hear from people with experience with both basses.

Many thanks for your help!

lbpesq · « **Reply #1 on:** December 09, 2006, 03:21:08 PM »

John:

As a guitar player, I know nothing about Ken Smith basses. I can, however, give you some info on Alembic, as far as playability and string spacing. The simple answer is that you can get anything you want. You can provide the neck and string dimensions. As an example, for my in progress custom Further guitar I brought my '61 Strat (my favorite neck among my guitars) to Alembic and they copied it. I expect there will be someone else around here shortly with more info. Good luck with your search and enjoy whatever instrument you decide upon.

Bill, the guitar one

smuprof · « **Reply #2 on:** December 09, 2006, 04:19:13 PM »

Thanks Bill - you are definitely in the minority here as a guitarist. Cool story about the Strat - I know I'm not going to improve on the Alembic playability - just trying to decide if I want to stick with the Alembic sound or try something different.

rklisme · « **Reply #3 on:** December 09, 2006, 06:02:42 PM »

John

At one point I had three Ken Smiths at once along with two Alembics and the playbility of the Ken Smith was sweet but it was very limited tonally. When I did A/B in a band setting the group always prefered the Alembic. I think you will have more versatility on a Alembic than a Smith but other than that Smith's are sweet instruments. Tough choice, good luck with whatever you choose!

Rory

smuprof · « **Reply #4 on:** December 09, 2006, 06:31:34 PM »

Thanks, Rory! I was hoping to hear from guys like you who've played both regularly. What Alembics were you playing then with the Smiths? It also seems to me the Smiths have a wider string spacing in the upper registers - easier to play one or the other?

Thanks again!

rklisme · « **Reply #5 on:** December 10, 2006, 08:22:40 AM »

John At the time I was playing a maple Balance K Alembic 4 and a Essence 4 with Europa electronics and Fat Boy pickups! I would say the spacing on my 6 string Smith was about the same as the spacing on my 6 string Balance K I have currently. It seemed I could never achieve the tone I was looking for with my Smith though. It could have been several factors at work though, like wook choices, fingerboard, etc. Anyway, I hope this gives you a little insight to your quest and if you are interested in a 6 string Alembic mine is currently available. Rory

inthelows · « **Reply #6 on:** December 10, 2006, 09:26:57 AM »

Nice bass! Is that low B to hi C and series II ?
How long have you had this one?

smuprof · « **Reply #7 on:** December 10, 2006, 12:36:45 PM »

Hey Rory -

Thanks for the follow-up. Why are you selling this one and what are you replacing it with?

What are you asking for your six string? You can email me directly at jterry@churchillterry.com.

Many thanks again.

rklisme · « **Reply #8 on:** December 10, 2006, 01:41:27 PM »

Normand

You are correct in that it is B to hi C, however it is not a Series II. It is a really custom Balance K with anniversary electronics, bass and treble boost and cut for each pickup, LED's and it is new. It took over two years to build and I just received it in November.

inthelows · « **Reply #9 on:** December 10, 2006, 02:37:53 PM »

I was trying to figure out the electronic arrangement..many thanks. For whatever reason it did not work for you I'm sure someone will take it off your hands. That was a long wait to be turning it loose so soon. Looks are killer.
NLP

bob · « **Reply #10 on:** December 10, 2006, 09:06:30 PM »

I may have missed it, but I don't believe I've ever heard Rory suggest that this instrument didn't work for him. Might just be that his priorities changed or something, but that's not really our business.

It's very difficult to imagine that anyone looking for a 6 string Alembic Bass could be disappointed with this one.

lbpesq · « **Reply #11 on:** December 11, 2006, 12:03:45 AM »

I think Rory is just too smitten with his Series Bass.

Bill, tgo

rklisme · « **Reply #12 on:** December 11, 2006, 08:58:25 AM »

It is a beautiful bass and the neck is the best I've played. The tone is nothing short of amazing with a clarity and richness that only a Alembic can produce. The more I play it the more I enjoy it, this bass rocks! I am actually thinking of keeping her and letting my Blonde Series I go. I am trying to down size a little since I am not playing very much these days!

Rory

inthelows · « **Reply #13 on:** December 11, 2006, 11:28:58 AM »

Tough choices!!
bob.. I meant it more as a figure of speech..I was not trying to imply something was amiss!!
but that's not really our business I know, but I am the curious one

Sorry if I offended your eyes with my typing.
I have had and let go of many a bass and guitar in that constant search for THAT SOUND. I'm happy with my Spoiler! When the time is right I'll make a move.
Still that 6 string is so sweet!!!
NLP

bob · « **Reply #14 on:** December 11, 2006, 01:17:36 PM »

No problem, NLP, I wasn't offended. I figured it was probably just a casual statement, but someone else reading it might have just gotten problem? subconsciously stuck in the back of their mind, which wouldn't be right.