Author Topic: Hi, new: mark king or EVH (Read 1436 times)

zomnius · « **on:** September 10, 2013, 07:20:55 AM »

Hi i am new oldbie playing bass from the eighties. Went on to vintage synths. But..... back to bass since couple of years. i have to choose between alembic mark king or alembic evh..... i know it is taste etc. but want to know you're opinion about the basses. differences worth / playability etc. mk is a 4 string 91 evh is a 5 string 91 custom cheers Z. Cheers Zom

[edited for picture alignment] (Message edited by adriaan on September 12, 2013)

funkyjazzjunky · « **Reply #1 on:** September 10, 2013, 07:55:53 AM »

Welcome to the Alembic Club

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #2 on:** September 10, 2013, 08:11:42 AM »

Can we get a straight-on shot of the MK body? That looks like some serious wood (which would be enough to sway me to it, even if the EVH didn't have the wrong number of strings).
Which really gives you the 3 questions you need to ask yourself:

1) Do you like natural or white more?

2) Are you more comfortable with 4 or 5 strings?

3) If the answers are in opposition (i.e. you like a white 4 or vice versa), which element is more important to you?

Nice dilemma to have, eh?

Peter

artswork99 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 10, 2013, 08:15:19 AM »

Welcome to the forum Zom! Two different styles for sure with similar electronics... are you comfortable on both a 4 and 5 string? How do they feel playing them, scale length, neck shape, etc.? Otherwise you'll have to acquire both

artswork99 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 10, 2013, 08:25:56 AM »

And welcome back to the bass world!!!

keith_h · « **Reply #5 on:** September 10, 2013, 08:26:15 AM »

I would try both out. In particular your comfort playing the first fret. For some folks on some body styles the reach to the first fret can be an uncomfortable stretch. While I have not played one just looking at the Mark King would lead me to believe I would have a problem with it due to the large standard body and the way they hang. I cannot speak to the EVH.

There are folks on the board that have had the opportunity to have played both so maybe they will chime in.

Keith

zomnius · « **Reply #6 on:** September 10, 2013, 11:20:54 AM »

I am a 4 string player, but own an 6 string invader, 2 cs jazz and thumb & streaker (i know but some have to go) never owned a 5. i like th? looks of the unique white evh (prn). But the MK is cool as well and more the classic alembic look 4 me. choices, choises the pic below is the mk in more detail

[edited for picture alignment] (Message edited by adriaan on September 12, 2013)

jacko · « **Reply #7 on:** September 11, 2013, 05:59:24 AM »

My vote would be for the walnut :-) It's interesting to see that shape listed as EVH. When I saw the title i was expecting a body like this although I see at least 2 others like this white one in the showcase section.

graeme

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #8 on:** September 11, 2013, 07:46:34 AM »

I can't find the posts to back this up, but I seem to recall seeing these referred to as EVH II & III, respectively; EVH I, IIRC, is like the white one but without the point in the cut-out. Can someone back me up (or debunk that)?

Peter

peoplechipper · « **Reply #9 on:** September 11, 2013, 08:40:51 PM »

Go with the MK, if nothing else it's a better looking bass...Alembic is all about the wood and that fifth string will just get in the way...Tony

jazzyvee · « **Reply #10 on:** September 12, 2013, 01:09:01 AM »

As much as I love natural wood on Alembics,the body shape of the MK is just not for me so I would go for the white bass and if I couldn't get on with the colour, (actually I like it and think it looks would look great with my all black bass), I'd get it refinished in a clear coat. As for the extra string, if it is in the way just leave it off. :-)
Or another option since the neck is quite slim would be to get a new 4 string nut, bridge and saddle. Keep the old ones in case you decide to move the bass on in the future.

Jazzyvee

Kanga Blue · « **Reply #11 on:** March 30, 2016, 11:18:44 PM »

I just got a 4 string alembic and am selling my StingRay 5.
If I want low notes I can drop D or use heavy strings to tune the whole bass to C or B.... there is only 5 semitones difference anyway.
I am digging the 4 much more and well Alembic is insane. My is also the Essence.... the cheap Alembic but still such class ... feels and sounds solid like Stanley Clarke does ..... hmmm YUM.

Less is More!

Presumably a friend of yours is selling these? Get the MK I reckon!

rustyg61 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 31, 2016, 03:13:14 PM »

If you get the EVH you do have the option of making it natural. When Alembic paints their instruments they put a clear coat on first so that the paint doesn't soak into the wood & it can be sanded down to the natural wood if you want to.

adriaan · « **Reply #13 on:** March 31, 2016, 03:32:50 PM »

IIRC, the white one has indeed been refinished as natural.

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #14 on:** March 31, 2016, 06:29:20 PM »

Ahhh, the (formerly) Polar White EVH resurfaces... I love that bass, even better in natural maple.

http://club.alembic.com/Images/395/197383.html?1409445204

Good luck, however you decide. =)