(x) Marc King Signature Deluxe 2007 - 07MK13817

[black_prince]

Hey guys, the 07 MK 13817 USA recently became MINE!
It's my first Alembic so please explain the electronics and how they work to me. They are different to any other I had. I understand rhe setup is the original one. So any piece of history you can share with me is highly appreciated!
Thanks in advance
Pete

[edwardofhuncote]

Welcome to the Board Peter, and congrats on your new bass. This post from the FAQ section should help you understand the controls of Signature models. (provided they aren't a custom set)
 
http://club.alembic.com/Images/16271/16368.html?1320955206
 
We love pictures of Alembics here, so please post us some in the Showcase thread when you have time.

[s_wood]

Pete:
 
Welcome to the club!  Mica will eventually dive in here and tell you all about the history of your bass.  
 
As far as the electronics go, the big difference between Alembic electronics and almost everybody else's is that Alembic uses low pass filters (LPFs) for tone control instead of the more typical bass-mid-treble setup.  If your MK has standard electronics, you have one LPF control (a knob) for each pickup, as well as one Q switch for each pickup. (The other 2 knobs are pickup pan and volume).
 
Here's the deal: the LPF is adjustable so that it rolls off all of the frequencies that are higher than the selected point (it passes the lower frequencies).  The Q switch, when engaged, introduces a boost in the frequencies around the cutoff point you've selected.  There are lots of more detailed explanations in various places at the Club site.  Start here: http://club.alembic.com/Images/16271/16376.html?1107726471   Also, there is a ton of useful information about the care and feeding of your Alembic at the FAQ nand Must Read section of the Club site.
 
The best way to get a handle on the whole filter thing is with your ears. Pan to one pickup. Hit an open string and rotate the LPF knob for that pickup and listen to the tone change.  Then, flick the Q switch and do it again.  When the Q is in the on position you'll here a pretty noticeable whaa sound.. Then, repeat with the other pickup.  You'll quickly see why Alembic electronics are incredibly versatile.  Lots of usable tones in there!

[black_prince]

Thanks guys for the help! It's easier now to understand what I am playing around with! My ears do not pick up the high frequencies as they used to, back in the day - one of the reasons I am starting bass now...so not all the intricacies might be audible to me. Still, I can only set up the bass like I hear and like it, eh?

[mica]

Hi Pete,

Here's what I can tell you about your bass:

ser no: 07MK13817
model number: MKLB4
model name: Signature Deluxe
top: Coco Bolo
accent: Maple pinstripe, Purpleheart laminate, Maple pinstripe
body: Mahogany
back: Coco Bolo
body shape: Balance K Omega with tummy and elbow contours
construction: hollow core
neck: 5-piece Maple and Purpleheart
scale: 34" long
fingerboard: Ebony
inlays: abalone ovals
side markers: Red LEDs with amber @12/24
pickups: AXY4
controls: volume, pan, filter x2, Q-switch x2, LED on/off, mono output
finish: polyester gloss with satin neck feel
originally made for: Bass Central, FL as a custom order
birthday: November 27, 2007

Have fun!