Mk new balanced k model ...opinions : good or bad ?

[dubalbal]

i plan to purchase a new instrument , what do you think of this new balanced k model ? thank's folks

[bsee]

I played one and found it very comfortable, but do not own.  There are only a few actual owners of them at this point, so your pool of experienced players will be quite limited.  I don't know if you'll be able to find any over there, but they have started flowing into dealer inventories in the US over the past few months.

[kevin_k]

It's a matter of personal preference.   If your main concern is balance and you are planning on 5 or more strings, then I highly recommend it.  I had a 32 scale 5 string 3/4 body MK that never balanced by itself past 3:00.  If you are going for a 30 scale 4 string bass, then I don't know if it is a necesasry option, unless you like the body style itself.
 
Later,
 
Kevin  

[bassman10096]

I have one and like both the aesthetics (a lot) and find it's one of the most comfortable basses I've played.  Mine's a medium scale 4 string, so balance was not a big issue in my choice.  However, this bass is a lot easier to lug around on a strap than a standard (full-sized) point body.  Of course it balances perfectly, but it feels lighter than my old J bass and the contours seem to fit my body and my movement perfectly as well.  
I have nothing but good experience with it so far.  Very comfortable to play standing and sitting.  I think it looks better in person than in pictures.  Looks somewhat smaller in person than on the screen.  Hope that helps a little.
Bill

[rklisme]

Alain
 
I never play standing up but mine has me standing again! I am going to have to do something about my gut though never new that it was such an intrusion until now. I have a four string and I am having a six string built as we speak. Mine are both long scales. I also own a Essence and find that the feel is somewhat simular but not quite the same. I love it, if only it would love me back!
 
Rory

[palembic]

Bonjour Alain,
 
les K-balance sont plus petit.
They are smaller although brothet Rory already has pointed out to me in another post that his Balance K 6 string is quite voluminous.  
I am used to play the old-fashioned standard body and as you've probably read around here: one has to get used to that.
I played an Essence 4 of a Dutch friend and a 5 of another Dutch friend and I felt really uncomfortable with the soooooooooo small body 4 string. The 4 string Orion was better. There was also a Spoiler involved but that bass had a mdium scale neck and ...well ...THAT was uncomfortable to me too.
It's all in the habits.
Okay ...I REALLY try to call you ASAP and than you have to come over to my place.
Well ...I only have 1 Alembic but ...you could TRY.
 
Paul the bad one

[dubalbal]

Thank's folks , i really appreciate your comments , so helpful . Well , i placed my order today with a mark king new balanced k model series 2 electronics , purpleheart laminated , 7 pieces wood neck , blue laser led's side and front switchable on/off separately or togheter, superb walnut , heart omegacut , 32 scale and 4 strings...did i forget something ?
 
I just hope the body isn't too small , i actually own a spoiler . I'm a slapper and also play rock and i want to have the feeling to have  something in hands . I hope i made the good choice ...My order is placed but my 50% money deposit tommorrow or next week , so if someone wants to make me change my mind for a regular body ( heavier ) , please tell me before it's too late...!!!
 
Thank's again folks  
 
ps : I thank Edwin van huik for his advices and paul to have recommended him to me  .!!!
 
Paul , you scared me with what you said about the new k-body . May be you are confused with a mark king k model at soundstation store , if so i don't like this model either. MK new balanced k model are pretty new i guess and you can find one magnificent number at bill-bassman 10096 , super bass , i really love that shape . Can you tell me if you talk about this model too when you say you disliked it ? Tkx paul . We have to fix a rdv !!! come and eat at my home !!!!!!!

[bsee]

If you want heavier, here are a few thoughts:
 
See what they can recommend for a heavier body core wood and/or laminates.  The Series 2 electronics are pretty heavy as well, but they require the carving out of a lot of that body wood.  You might also request a more massive brass bridge block.

[poor_nigel]

Hi Alain.  You probably have six weeks, or more, before they actually begin work on your new bass.  I believe people have changed their mind on minor and major points of design and materials during this period, and no harm done.  I also believe that the Balance K was designed to be lighter than standard bodies.  However, as Bob suggested, this can be altered by choice of core woods (Purpleheart core verses mahogany, etc.) or by requesting that spots normally hollowed out be left solid.  Also, you could request a thicker body, like older Alembics had, where all the electronics are on one side, leaving the other side solid, and thus heavier.  The staff at Alembic are very interested in making just what you want, so will discuss and accommodate changes before the actual building begins.  I hope your new bass is everything you ever wanted in a bass.

[dubalbal]

Poor nigel , thank's  for your explanations . I don't really want a thicker body  , the fact is that i'm a bit worried of the little distance between the top of the first mic ( close to the fretboard )and the top of the body , if you see what i mean ...there must be , as seen on picture from bassman superb bass , may be five centimeters...In fact , i wouldn't like to have the impression to play on a steinberger... ( remember this little body ? )...

[poor_nigel]

Alembic will accommodate whatever you need on the pickups and body, as long as no plutonium is involved.  I obviously don't know what you mean in your post above.  I keep a Steinberger for warming up on the way to gigs and they are indestructable and wash off easily, should the mood of the bar I am playing in turns unsavory.  
 
Bill's bass is an extreme beauty.  However, the body is too small for me.  I bet it balances perfectly, but I am more comfortable with a larger body.  Everyone is different, afterall, and that is one of the better reasons to get an Alembic.  It seems best for you to contact Mica and go over your issues, and I am sure she will get your bass just the way you want it.

[dubalbal]

thank's poor nigel...i'll think about plutonium...or a hand surgery to have 12 fingers at the left hand and 6 thumbs at the left...bye ... it's 22h30 here in belgium and my wife has a strong apetite for...her favourite bassist , so : let's go !!!

[wideload]

You know...Alembic is next door to a countertop distributor. Could an Italian marble Alembic be the next big thing?
 
Larry

[bassman10096]

Hi Alain:  Everyone has shared good information and opinions.  I hope this is some help to you.  Both Nigel and Bob made points about the weight of any Alembic depending on the particular woods used and also on whether the body is hollowed out or left solid.  My bass was hollowed out, both to save weight and to make room for the Series electronics.  However, others have had basses built solid and in heavy woods.  This could easily make several pounds difference in the bass's weight.  Depending on the woods used, it would also affect the sound and sustain.
 
I agree with Poor Nigel:  In my experience, Mica or Val can best help you sort out your preferences and suggest the best ways to get you the bass you are looking for.  I would not delay in talking to them.  Though there is often some time between your order and the beginning of construction - it will help the Alembic folks help you if they know you are still finalizing your choices.  I think most customers change something (I changed a lot of things) after ordering.
 
Lots of luck figuring out how to find your best fit.  Keep us posted on your progress.  Above all - have fun!  I never anticipated how enjoyable ordering and deciding on a bass (in that sequential order) would be.
 
Bill

[poor_nigel]

Check this bass out.  It looks kind of like a full-sized Balance K.  Beautiful bass, too!
 
http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/1240.html?1038074746