Choosing Ken Smith or Alembic MK

[smuprof]

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!

[jacko]

My 2 cents (even though my country has a different currency). I've loved the sound of John patittucci's playing since his earliest recordings and he was the first ken smith 6 string i ever heard. Only trouble is, I think they're dog ugly. that said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder so I guess it's your decision.
 
Graeme

[smuprof]

Thanks, Graeme - got to agree with you on the looks.  Was just flipping through the web and ran across an MK 5 string featured on gguitars with the balance K body style and it is stunning - no contest on the looks.

[keavin]

Alembic is in a whole diffrent universe as far as sound is concerned. a Ken smith cant take you where an alembic Can.

[5stringho]

John,
 
For what it's worth, here's my 1 1/2 cents worth;
 
I've played KS basses, and they are nice, but they aren't Alembics. Had a buddy that owned a KS 6-string for a while, and couldn't wait to get rid of it. Didn't like the way it played. Also, I think the Wickersham electronics are superior to anything you can get on a Smith. Besides, the Alembics look better, and, Dude, they're Alembics!!!!  Good Luck, Mike...

[811952]

As Keavin says, the Alembic will take you places the Ken Smith can't.
 
John

[smuprof]

Just an update on the search.  Tracked down a Ken Smith dealer in Dallas (harder than you might think) and went and played two high end 5 string Smiths, neck-thru and bolt-on.  They are nice basses, but I just couldn't get excited about them and even through a very nice Eden rig, the tonal palatte seemed so limited compared to other basses, particularly Alembics.  Olie was kind enough to let me come play his Balance K 5 string just to be doubly sure, and that Alembic magic was there the moment I picked it up . . . so I bought a 5 string Mark King Balance K from Bass Central two days before Christmas!  
 
Pics and description are posted in the Swap Shop and Wish Lists topic under Wanted, Wishing, and Watching in a post named Wanted Mark King with Balance K Body Style.  Enjoy.
 
Thanks to Rory and Olie and everyone else for their input and help in finding the next great bass!

[hb3]

Kramer aluminium neck flying V? I had one of the fretless Kramers...not the V. The neck dive on that thing must be insane....

[smuprof]

Actually, the dang thing balances!  It is the only Kramer body style I ever played that balances.  It kinda makes sense if you look at it.  Short scale, the front strap attacheds where the neck meets the body.  Measure from that point to either the headstock or the upper wing and its about the same distance.  Very cool, so if you ever run across a Kramer Aluminum V, it should balance.
 
Now, if there were only some way to keep it in tune . . .

[j_gary]

Wise choice, I am a big KS fan. Had two 4's, two 5's and a six. Traded the six for an old Series I, sold one of the 5's to buy a Series II.
 
Smiths are a cool working bass, found Alembic to offer much more variation of tone, big power, and beauty.
 
Another big advantage is the people who make up the Alembic world, builders and buyers.

[erwin]

Or buy a Dingwall Prima...

[erwin]

http://www.dingwallguitars.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=119

[mele_aloha]

How does one play with those slanted fretts?

[erwin]

After 5 minutes, you don't know better. The scale length vary from 38 (low B) to 34 (high C). And because the 5 string has a scale length from 38, the sustain is....just great! Listed as one of the best sounding 5 and 6 string basses in the world. Thats why i have one to ;-)

[steve4765630]

A Ken Smith dealer in Dallas, huh? I bet you went to Larry Morgan Music in Dallas didn't you? They have some nice stuff, but are kind of gear snobs, so never take in anything that they don't carry or you might get insulted. Funny enough, I bought my Custom Epic 6 string there. I played both of those Smiths you talked about. They were very good, but like 90% of KS basses, they were a bit steril sounding. I thinks it's the preamp and pickups. If you put in some Lane Poors, Barts or Alembics I think you could liven up the tone a little. I am glad you went Alembic in the end. You will not regret it.