Paul's Custom Series II Mele Aloha

[mele_aloha]

Hey Bradley,
 
Do you mean get the larger one than the smaller balance K? Mine is a 5 string.
 
Also what do you mean neck dive? Is there a difference in the balance and the balance K?
 
Thanks, Paul

[mele_aloha]

Now I am seeing the difference Bradley. I just went and looked at Jim's balance K and then looked at Michael's balance. I see the cutaways are offset differently near the lower neck. Are you saying that the neck dive happens more with the balance K? It seems like it would occur with the balance. Could you elaborate please?
 
Thanks, Paul

[Bradley Young]

Just for terminology's sake:
 
The balance is the large standard with offset upper horn.
 
The balance K is like a 3/4 standard with offset/extended upper horn.
 
The balance K and balance models should have about the same amount of neck dive.  Maybe the nod goes a little to the balance K.  Your mileage may vary, due to playing position, etc.
 
Your earlier post (126) suggested you were also looking at the standard model, which I, personally, would not recommend-- the balance model would, ahem, balance better.
 
Whatever you do, get a nice, suede backed 4 strap.  Makes all the difference in the world.  The bass will stay put, and your shoulder will thank you.
 
Lastly, don't underestimate the value of a trip to the mothership-- $400 roundtrip from Maui would be cheap insurance.  You can pick out woods in person, and really see what the basses feel like.  It really helped me feel a lot more confident that I was getting the bass of my dreams.
 
Bradley

[jlpicard]

From my personal experience, my balance body does not neck dive at all. Granted I use a wide Alembic strap, wear the bass fairly high (fusion geek style) and my neck being a 33 scale doesn't stick out quite as far, but I haven't really noticed any discomfort relating to neck dive. Possibly, the extra weight of the Coco body helps that side of the fulcrum too?
Mike

[jlpicard]

By the way, have you any idea of what kind of look you want from your Coco top? Each piece is so individual. They vary from a deep dark chocolate brown to wild reds and oranges! From totally straight grain to something you might find on a bowling ball! So if you haven't seen alot of coco it might be worth it to make that trip considering what's at stake.

[jlpicard]

Hey Bradley, I just noticed your post about the Balance K not looking right on a 4 string and I totally agree which is why I went the route that I did. Too skinny around the front pickup for me. Looks great with the extra neck width of a 5 string though. My original concept was to have Alembic do a custom body template for me that would have given me something in between a full balance and and the K body with a carved top! For no reason other than I just plain ran out of money, I was forced to make some compromises. Ah well, maybe on the next one.

[mele_aloha]

Thanks, both of you!
 
Uh just a quick response to jlpi, I have quilted Coco Bolo coming so the way it sounds is that it's going to be one of the last pieces they have so there isn't much choosing there although I agree with Bradley that if I could I would love to go and visit cuz it is my dream.
 
I wish I could explain to you guys in a shorter version why this didn't happen but the main reason is that I have been in a long trial in LA due to the death of my father (which has nothing to do with ordering this even though it seems). I tried to arrange to go north on occasions but due also to the fact that I have a 3 year old in Hawaii where I live and the trial dates kept changing, etc., see, it gets deep!!!
 
Is all I can say at this point is that I am still working on flying up north to visit but that is why I have been depending so much on you guys to help me just get the order going as it is so lenthy, etc.
 
I know I have been very grouchy through all of this and thank you for sticking it out with me, by the way.
 
I must go now again but just another thing I agree on is the balance K even looked a little to skinny for me even with the 5 string so I have reverted back to because of your both your help to the balance with pistol grip.
 
I will contact a little later as I am being swept back into the the the hhhheeeellpppp!!!

[the_8_string_king]

My condolences over the death of your father, Paul.

[mele_aloha]

Hi Mark, and thanks. I can change the last post by removing both and say all of your help now that you are back. How is your house coming by the way?, you must be busy? Congradulations!  
 
As you can see I am changing over to the balance body as I just wasn't happy with the slimness of the balance K and in a way it's been good that they hadn't developed the pistol grip yet for the balance K as it gave me time to think this over and make the change.
 
I really like the body shape of Michael's Lefty as I am a lefty also it has been an influence on my decision here to make the change. There are a number of things about Michaels bass that I really admired. So good job Michael and Thanks!!  
 
I am really tired now so I have to go to sleep but thanks again guys and I'll talk to ya tomorrow.
 
Goodnight, Paully

[mauibassplayer]

Aloha Paul, I have reading all the posts' regarding your fine bass.  I am soooo happy that I knda know someone else here in Hawaii that is into Alembics.  I am trying to save for a custom myself, but it is going to take a while to get to that point, until then I am very happy with My Spoiler.  Much Aloha and regards, Ken.

[mele_aloha]

Hi Ken,
 
I e-mailed you the other day. I hope it came through although I have been so spaced out lately I hope I pushed the send button.
 
It's nice to know somebody over here also even though we are different isles.
 
I bet your spoiler is nice. I'm just looking forward to having an Alembic with two pick-ups on it as my Excel is so nice as it is compared to anything else.
 
It's amazing how lately I have been getting better amps, then speakers, and it just sounds nicer the better equipment I've been getting. I can't wait to put some new strings on it tonite or so.
 
It sounds so good now through my new ampeg all tube amp and accugroove speakers it's incredible what good equipment does for good equipment!
 
Keep in touch Ken!

[mauibassplayer]

Hi Paul, your equipment sounds really nice.  I am playing through a pre fender SWR Workingmans 300 with a pre fender Workingmans 4x10 bottom.  I am looking for something to round out the bottom, I was thinking of a Big Ben or a Son of Bertha, problem is none of the online stores will ship heavy stuff like that here.  There is a muaic store here called Bounty Music, they only have a Son of Bertha, not real sure what I am gonna do yet, but I am keeping track of your custom build bass.  It really sounds like a beautiful bass.  I can't wait to see it.  Are you in a band, or do you do recording or both?  I am in a kinda blues band called Blind Willy.  We have fun, play a gig here and there, I just put some new strings on my Spoiler, some GHS Brite Flats, I usually use GHS Progressives, but I wanted to try a flat wound to see how it works.  So far so good.  Take care, Ken.

[sixway]

Hi Ken and Paul,
 
I live on Oahu, so we've got the island chain covered! Paul, I've been watching your build with great interest - you're going to have one helluva bass when it's completed! Ken, like the flamed shirt. I usually where flame shirts myself. Us bass players have to do something extra to be recognized during the breaks, don't we?!
 
I've also been watching a friends build, who also lives here on Oahu. Check out Vance's bass... it's close to completion, and we're all eagerly awaiting the shipping announcement.  
 
Anyhoo, wanted to say Aloha, and hope to one day join the Alembic owners ranks...
 
Ian

[mauibassplayer]

Hi Ian, this is great, making new friends that love music here in hawaii.  I see your picture on your profile, what type of bass are you playing there?  What equipment do you play through?  I am going to check out Vance's build, someday I will do a custom build, trying to save for the day.  Aloha and keep in touch.
Ken.

[mele_aloha]

I wonder if:
 
1. My neck is being worked on-
2. My inlays are progressing-
3. My body is being built-
4. I have a estimate for my gold logo.