Author Topic: (x) 99MJ12015USA (Read 459 times)

hiramkhackenbacker · « **on:** June 07, 2011, 02:44:56 PM »

Saw it. Bought it. Now, what the heck is it?

Judging by bassbuddy's post I think we're looking at a Mark King Standard as our serial numbers are similar and only a few digits apart.

I'm new to the world of Alembic so would like as much information as possible about my new aquisition. I am told that the face is possibly walnut?

artswork99 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 07, 2011, 03:12:43 PM »

Warren, Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your bass. Here is a previous look-up with the information on your bass. Enjoy and Play it Healthy! Art

hiramkhackenbacker · « **Reply #2 on:** June 07, 2011, 04:36:50 PM »

Thanks for the speedy response and direction to the information about my bass.

The spec doesn't seem to mention anything about the LED's. Would they have been factory fitted?

Also, is the model referred to as a Mark King Signature, a Series II or something completely different.

Finally, should I register it via the link in the previous post?

Regards,

Warren.

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #3 on:** June 07, 2011, 05:51:25 PM »

Welcome to the board, Warren. It's a Mark King Signature Standard; a Series II is a different (if often similarly shaped) beast. Allow me to suggest a perusal of the Product Page as a starting point - very informative - and the Showcase section - also informative, and lots of bass/guitar porn.

Peter

adriaan · « **Reply #4 on:** June 07, 2011, 11:28:04 PM »

Warren, could you double-check the serial number? The earlier lookup of the spec sheet mentions a maple and purpleheart neck, whereas your picture shows a maple neck (with walnut veneers).

The picture is very nicely done, kind of mysterious and moody - wouldn't mind a clear view of that mighty top, though.

hiramkhackenbacker · « **Reply #5 on:** June 08, 2011, 12:57:06 PM »

Adriaan, unfortunately I cannot take credit for the previous picture as it was taken by the vendor.

I have taken quite a few photos today which are apparently too large in terms of file size to upload to this thread. Any tips on finding a way around that one?

The serial number on the front plate is definitely correct and it also matches the number stamped into the body in the control cavity.

Would it be worth a second check of the spec sheet at your end in case the wrong one was pulled first time around?

Also, the previous look up states the bass was born in Feb '99. The sticker on the control cavity plate is handwritten in gold pen with the following...11.5.99 then what looks like 4.B Y 6'1 then 947313 and a signature which I can't really make out, but the first name could start with H and the surname with S?

When you say purpleheart, what does that refer to?

Hope to hear more from you soon.

Warren.

(Message edited by hiramkhackenbacker on June 08, 2011)

hiramkhackenbacker · « **Reply #6 on:** June 08, 2011, 02:18:59 PM »

Another stolen picture I'm afraid, but it's definitely the bass I now own with a gold plated re-string!

(Message edited by hiramkhackenbacker on June 08, 2011)

adriaan · « **Reply #7 on:** June 08, 2011, 11:46:15 PM »

Warren, as I suspected, that truly is a marvellous top.

As much as I'd like to clear up the mystery and look up the spec sheet for you, the trip to the factory would take me halfway around the world, so I'm sure you'll understand that a more practical approach would be to wait a little.

The November date in the cavity, the all-maple neck and the front leds do suggest a different instrument from the spec sheet referred to earlier.

The 'purpleheart' I mentioned is a type of wood, and a maple-and-purpleheart neck would be mostly maple, but with two laminates (aka runners) of dark mapleheart running the length of the neck. In the pictures above you can see two veneers of walnut running the length of the neck - laminates are a good deal wider.

hiramkhackenbacker · « **Reply #8 on:** June 09, 2011, 05:11:25 AM »

Curiouser and curiouser...

Yes, I will be patient and await a post from Mica.

I've now done some homework and am now up to speed with purpleheart. I may be out of line here, but aren't purpleheart laminates only standard of the Signature Deluxe or can they be specified on a Standard too?

I've had the house to myself for the first time today since it arrived and I am truly amazed at the breadth of sounds available here. Now, if I can just find a case that it will actually fit inside!

mike1762 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 09, 2011, 06:25:52 AM »

Hey Warren
As I'm sure you are beginning to appreciate, Alembics are not cookie cutter instruments. Whoever commissioned the build can spec it out however they like. As such, instrument are often labeled as 1 model but seen to have more features of another. For example: I recently bought a MK Balance K Standard, but it has a Maple/PH neck (a Deluxe feature). The only thing keeping my bass from being classified as a full-on Deluxe is the lack of a back laminate. I THINK a LS Standard point will fit in a Coffin Case.

hiramkhackenbacker · « **Reply #10 on:** June 09, 2011, 08:01:28 AM »

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the information. It's clear to me now that each instrument is unique and I'm really glad I took the leap of faith (I bought it without seeing it in person).

I had a quick look at Coffin Cases. I'll have to get the tape measure out later and see if the standard Coffin will take it.

Regards,

Warren.

(Message edited by hiramkhackenbacker on June 09, 2011)

terryc · « **Reply #11 on:** June 09, 2011, 08:30:52 AM »

hiram...this is just a guess but looking at the LED toggle which is the same as mine I suspect that the LED's were retro fitted by SIMS in Kent

hiramkhackenbacker · « **Reply #12 on:** June 09, 2011, 09:26:14 AM »

Terry,

That possibility had occurred to me due to the LED's being missing off the previous spec sheet, which may or may not be the correct one.

However, I have a Status Empathy which has had the Sims treatment. I don't know if yours is the same, but my Status now has a separate battery compartment with a Sims cover. I've also seen an Alembic which has had Sims LED's retro fitted which also has a separate battery compartment. My MK doesn't have a separate compartment as the battery is in the Alembic control cavity. The cavity also doesn't look as though it's been added to.

If I could just figure out how to post a picture that's under the maximum file size, I would put up a photo of the control cavity. I've seen pages on this forum where people have posted loads of photos in one go. I wouldn't go as far as calling myself a technophobe, but am I missing something really obvious with this upload business?

FC Bass · « **Reply #13 on:** June 09, 2011, 09:58:39 AM »

Did you get my mail?

terryc · « **Reply #14 on:** June 09, 2011, 12:45:21 PM »

hiram..apparently when I talked to Martin a couple of years ago(has it been that long since I got mine fitted!) the modern LED's use very little current so he hooks it up to the jack socket(which acts as a switch when you plug the bass in) so it uses the same battery as the pre amps and adds an on/off switch. He will put a separate battery if you request it but says it is unnecessary. I remember earlier examples did have the separate compatment and plate.
Martin usually puts a signed sticker on the back of the cover plate(well he did with mine)