Balance and the point

[Topi Aarnio (wyrtti)]

Hello all!
 
I've been dreaming of an Alembic for quite some time now and am getting closer to fulfilling my dream.
 
One of the questions remaining is that of balance. I really like the looks of the Balanced Point body, but am still unsure how well it balances, specifically with a 5-string neck.
 
Now, I could go the safe way and decide on a Rogue body (which, especially if made slightly bigger bottomed as when adding Series electronics, looks quite nice too), but something inside me still hopes that the Balanced Point would stay nicely put in it's place, even when pointed quite a bit upward (35-50 degrees).
 
I know there are people out there with Balanced Point basses and the excellent folk at Alembic probably have something to say on the matter too. So, How well does the Balanced Point balance in 5- or 6-string configuration?
 
Thank you,
Topi

[mica]

Our original Standard Point and Omega body shapes were designed as 4-string medium scale basses, and for the time (early 70s) were not considered neck heavy balancing at 2:30 on a clock face.
 
For 5 and 6 string configurations and extended scale lengths these shapes didnt' balance as well. So Mike and I worked out the Balance Point, a shape meant to look very similar to the original shapes, but with the upper horn long enough to balance in 5, 6 or more strings. Typically, these hang between 1:30 and 2:00 (maybe 2:30 on a 36: scale 6-string).  

[carlos shilinsky (shilinsky)]

Ive always wondering about a 6 string series 1 or 2, but i never find pictures of it, can someone put some if they have any?
 
  Happy New Year!!!!

[Paul Lindemans (palembic)]

Well MIca,
 
my SII 5 string is a more or less standard body (I know it's larger). The guitar has a fine balance but no balance point. You think it's because the wider body?
(See Bonnie in the showcase)
 
Paul

[mica]

The balance is primarily dictated by where the upper strap holder is. On the Balance Point, it's up much higher than on the Standard Point family of shapes. To make it look right, I had to make the body even wider.
 
I also don't have a problem with the way a Standard Point body balances in a 5-string, but many players perfer the peghead to be higher up. This month's Featured Custom is a Standard Point body 5-string.  
 
The first Balance Point was actually an Omega variation.