Author Topic: Balance point and Standard point (Read 283 times)

robochrist · « **on:** July 01, 2013, 01:47:23 PM »

Am I to understand that the only difference between these two shapes is the size of the upper horn?

FYI the balance point is not the same as the balance K...

adriaan · « **Reply #1 on:** July 01, 2013, 03:12:38 PM »

The original Balance was pretty large, check out this one. The story behind the Balance K shape can be read in this Featured Custom page.

mica · « **Reply #2 on:** July 01, 2013, 03:31:19 PM »

I should really make a page that illustrates these body shapes.

Balance Point is an earlier example of taking the classic Standard Point shape and making it happier balancing at long scales and with more than 4 strings. Standard Point bodies were originally designed for 32 medium scale basses and they preform really well there.

The Balance Point is bigger in every dimension compared to the Standard Point, which is already a pretty big body.

Next was the Balance K shape, that included an offset cutaway and slenderized body. It addresses the neck balance and the weight issues quite beautifully to my eye.

I'll find some pictures to illustrate this a little more.

hifiguy · « **Reply #3 on:** July 01, 2013, 03:41:39 PM »

I played a Balance K King Signature four-string up at Planet Bass a few years ago. Best ergonomics of any bass I have ever played. I like a 1:30 - 2:00 neck angle and it was spot on. Everything fell perfectly to hand, and it's a truly beautiful shape to boot. Yum.

robochrist · « **Reply #4 on:** July 01, 2013, 03:52:22 PM »

Oh wow thanks mica...yeah, I am in love with that balance point design. I'm actually a bit surprised it isn't still offered as a regular model, but yes, that's what I want!

A comparison chart would also be a great idea too...

(Message edited by robochrist on July 01, 2013)

tbrannon · « **Reply #5 on:** July 01, 2013, 05:23:29 PM »

I too, would LOVE to see the body sizes side-by-side.

Perhaps even just use the standard templates? I'm always curious about how big an Essence vs Elan vs Rogue vs Epic... etc.,

mtjam · « **Reply #6 on:** July 02, 2013, 10:31:49 AM »

I've always wondered how the Stanley body compares to a Distillate, and how an EVH compares to an Orion...

tmimichael · « **Reply #7 on:** October 20, 2013, 11:34:04 AM »

Hey guys...my Series II is a Balanced Point body, although it has a Heart Omega cutout. As Mica says, it is the balanced version of the original Standard Point body style for longer necks and 5-6 strings. My is a 5 string, and as per her suggestion when we were designing it..it balances PERFECTLY.

robochrist · « **Reply #8 on:** October 20, 2013, 03:49:48 PM »

Beautiful. But what does Alembic consider long?
34 inch or 35+ inch scale?

tmimichael · « **Reply #9 on:** October 20, 2013, 04:41:46 PM »

Typical scale lengths are short-30, medium-32, and long scale at 34. Extra long is 35, and there are some XXL 36 ones around as well. According to Mica, the original standard Point body was designed to balance properly on a medium (32) scale. When we were talking about body shapes, she suggested the Balanced Point because I have a long (34) scale and 5 strings. In addition to the body shape being a bit bigger, the upper horn is longer so the strap connection is a bit further up the neck, and so it balances properly.