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corny
New
Username: corny

Post Number: 3
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 6:20 am:   Edit Post

Hi,

Being the new owner of a long scale Mark King standard I wonder if I'm the only one who experiences the neck really as LONG.

My previous bass was a Fender Jazz. The necklength of that bass was the same, but since the bridge on the Alembic is positioned a little
more to the left and since the upper horn is shorter, the peghead on the Mark King seems miles away, even though I have pretty long arms.

It is not that I can't reach the left side or so, but it certainly doesn't encourage you to use the lower range as I did with the Fender.

Is this just a matter of getting used to or are there more players who experience this?

I found out that hanging my bass a little higher helps a bit.

Kind regards,

Cor.

811952
Advanced Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 274
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 6:32 am:   Edit Post

Hang it high and don't play blues in F. And enjoy...
John
desmosteve
New
Username: desmosteve

Post Number: 1
Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 6:52 am:   Edit Post

Hello yes I have also experienced the length of the neck after using my stingray for a few years the Alembic seemed so much longer I wear mine quite high and it still not easy to get to that bottom F still the sounds makes up for any inconvenience.
Also on the subject of the mark king standard this is the bass I have too and was wondering what the control knobs actually control as I never got any info with mine, there is 4 rotary control which one is volume and there is 2 small flick swithches one of the rotary one has a middle position and the other 2 dont I guess thats the balance and the others are EQ but what are the flick switches for sorry for being a bit of a gimp but any help to understand will be very much appriciated.
Thanks Steve H
lowlife
Intermediate Member
Username: lowlife

Post Number: 137
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 7:05 am:   Edit Post

Corny:
I recently purchased a used MK Standard with a 34" scale neck. The 34" neck is (I've discovered) not the problem as much as where the measurement begins. On mine, it begins about 4" or so inwards from the point, which pushes everything out so it seems like a 38" neck. I also have a 34" scale Spoiler, but it begins only 1.5" from the end so it's much easier to play.

Steve:
My controls are Volume, pickup pan, low pass filter, low pass filter. The 2 little switches are 'Q' switches. Usually they are 'on' in the down position, and I use then for slapping & snapping.

By the way, I'd like to welcome both of you to the club.

Ellery (Lowlife)

(Message edited by lowlife on October 15, 2004)
pookeymp
Intermediate Member
Username: pookeymp

Post Number: 169
Registered: 7-2002
Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 7:48 am:   Edit Post

Hi Cor,

You're definitely not alone, Brother. I had a 5-string Mark King built for me in 2002 with a 34" scale neck. And while all my basses are 34" scale and I have no problem with them, like Ellery said, the reach on the Mark King is much further out due to the body size and where the measurement of the neck starts in relation to the body.

I gave it a chance and tried for about a year and a half to get used to it, but the strain in my shoulder at gigs where I was playing in first position regularly was not going away, so I just sold my Mark King a few months back. I hope to be able to replace it soon with a short-scale Stanley model, but, with a new baby coming in another month, and now the need to buy a home (need more room)...it won't happen anytime soon. I'm actually hoping by mid next year...we'll see how it goes. I do miss the tone and the beauty of that bass.

I would definitely give it some time and you may become accustomed to it. Many guys have no problem with it. I'm 5'10" with an average reach and for me it was a problem, but my 16-year old son, who is 6'3" had no problem whatsoever. And, I know other fellows my height who don't mind the reach...so it really all depends on you.

Good Luck!

Mikey/
glocke
Junior
Username: glocke

Post Number: 20
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 8:09 am:   Edit Post

Ditto...I mainly play fender jazz basses. I got my first alembic (a series 1) a year ago after wanting one for a loooong time...

It is defintely a different beast. I am hoping I will get used to it. In the meantime I am looking around for a used medium scale Mark King or series so I can see if I would be more comfortable with that...
the_mule
Advanced Member
Username: the_mule

Post Number: 286
Registered: 1-2004
Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 10:38 am:   Edit Post

Hoi Cor, for comparison: I'm really only slightly more comfortable with the 32" scale of my EVH and Elan. As the 34" Orion was my first Alembic, I played it very intensively AND exclusively then, and I therefore get used to it very fast after playing it a while. I now can switch easily between those two scale lengths. So IMHO you don't have to worry, you'll get used to your MK, just play it like there's no tomorrow!

Wilfred
davehouck
Senior Member
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 924
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 11:07 am:   Edit Post

Steve; as Ellery said, you have a volume, balance, neck pickup filter, neck Q switch, bridge pickup filter, and bridge Q switch.

Basically, the filter control is a low pass filter; as you roll it back it lowers the point at which it passes low frequency signals and blocks high frequency signals. To quote Mica, "the range is from 350Hz-6KHz. Wherever you set the filter, only frequencies below that cutoff point are passed." The Q switch works in concert with the filter and provides an 8db boost at the cut off frequency you've set with the filter. When the switch is off you get a flat response up to the filter setting. Again to quote Mica, "the Q affects mainly the attack portion of the note".

(Message edited by davehouck on October 15, 2004)
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 672
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 11:15 am:   Edit Post

I like my medium scale balance K just fine. The neck is pushed to the left as you all described and that is an adjustment. But with the scale length 2" shorter than standard (@ 32"), and wearing it high, it's pretty good. I happen to like the accessibility of the upper ranges a lot, so that's a benefit to shifting all to the left, I guess. All that said, I've not found 34" scale standard body Alembics very easy to play.
Bill
geddy
Junior
Username: geddy

Post Number: 25
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 11:45 am:   Edit Post

It's all in the body shape. A 34" orion is MUCH easier for me to play than a 30.75 small standard body.
hollis
Senior Member
Username: hollis

Post Number: 421
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 12:49 pm:   Edit Post

I'm a little confused... (okay, okay, a lot confused, but a lttle about this)...
Apparently common wisdom is to hang the bass high to help with scale length.... That seems exactly the opposite of what works for me. If I sling the bass lower, and tilt it upwards, the low range seems closer to my reach.....hmmmmm
lowlife
Intermediate Member
Username: lowlife

Post Number: 139
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 1:10 pm:   Edit Post

I tried it up in my arm pit,and down by my belt level. I tilted it up, down and all around. I'm not confused, just sad. The bass is a work of art with an amazing range of tones, but I'm terribly uncomfortable while playing it and in the sitting position, it's only marginally better. I guess that it's time to sell it.
Contact me directly if anyone here is interested.

Ellery (Lowlife)
bsee
Advanced Member
Username: bsee

Post Number: 348
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 1:21 pm:   Edit Post

Hollis, lower with a lot of tilt will make the upper registers easier to reach without extending your arm so far, sort of like playing an upright. The down side is that it creates an awful angle for slapping or use of a pick if you're into those styles. The high position tends to be very comfortable for the picking hand as well. To each his own. What really matters to me is that I can get a comfortable wrist angle. I can get this from the high position in spite of having to play with a bit more arm extension, and I really like the position for any right hand technique I want to use.

Ellery, I am sorry to hear that the bass isn't working out for you! I think you should have no problem finding a buyer. Those front laser LEDs are really cool. Good luck with your sale!

-Bob
hollis
Senior Member
Username: hollis

Post Number: 422
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 1:25 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks Bob,

The fog is lifting a little....
bigredbass
Advanced Member
Username: bigredbass

Post Number: 316
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Friday, October 15, 2004 - 10:29 pm:   Edit Post

Whether or not you master the 'hang' of the traditional Alembic Point/Omega body in long scale, only time will tell.

ALL of us have gone through this. After a few months, I found the spot where I was comfortable
with it. (I'm 6"1", and I wear a 44" size coat, and playing in F or B-flat in first position is a little bit of a stretch.)

I have also found that mostly I need to play it every day to keep my 'reach' trained in muscle memory. If I go a week or two, it takes me a little while to find my 'spot' again, and my wrists remind me of the time off. For me, my best fit is about like the pictures you see of Jimmy Johnson, a little up from horizontal.

But, everything has an upside. I learned on my five string to play lots of second position, and really learned a lot more about second than I EVER did before. And the shape allows SO much of the neck to be free of the body, something I really feel confined about on virtually anything else.

But that shape IS Alembic to me, so I taught myself to accomodate it. When I play something else, they seem so short, and the body gets in the way really quick.

J o e y
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic

Post Number: 1690
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Saturday, October 16, 2004 - 2:14 am:   Edit Post

Playing Bonnie who's a 5 string girl Series Omega cut body with a XXXXXWide neck was a problem in the beginning but I was used to the MK.
I have to follow Brother Joey on his "finding the way on Standard bodies". Problem: those basses have no upper horn. Other types of basses are balanced by bringing the bass equilibrium more to the neck side. A standard body is balanced by bringing the whole guitar to your "fingerboard" arm.
First: I AM 1.89m tall ...it helps.
Second: I play with Bonnie pushed to the right. I may SOUND unnatural but for me it isn't any more. Was never in fact. It naturally happens by putting your right arm further "into" the body
I show it on a recent picture.



We play frequently tunes in C and C sharp (for Iris' voice) and I never had a problem. I never got used to the medium-scaled Persuader I had (only for 2 weeks BTW)

Paul the bad one
bigbadbill
Intermediate Member
Username: bigbadbill

Post Number: 129
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Saturday, October 16, 2004 - 4:35 am:   Edit Post

Paul, I never get tired of seeing pictures of Bonnie, she really is a stunner.

With regards to the question, I actually find the opposite. I learnt to play on a Rickenbacker, which has a neck similar to the classic taper, and which also sits away from your body ever so slightly. When I first tried Fenders I couldn't get used to the way that the upper end of the neck sits so far in towards your right arm. I play a lot in the middle/upper registers, and it just felt unnatural to me. I've still never got used to it, which pretty much puts Fenders off limits to me. When I first played the Alembic standard body, I had no real problems with it at all. It DOES sit a way away, but for me it feels quite comfortable. In fact just before I ordered my Triple O I played another Triple O and a Rogue to make sure I could deal with the shape (visually it was what I wanted) and I actually found the Triple O much more suited to me; the Rogue (lovely as it was) felt like it sat in completely the wrong place. That was also one of the problems I had with my Sei basses, which is why I no longer have them. If it doesn't feel natural I guess you just have to try and get used to it; if you can't you may be better off with something like a Rogue, which appears to sit much more in Fender territory (to me at least; the esteemed Rami would probably be best equipped to advise here seeing as he appears to have dozens of both! Lucky man! :-))
811952
Advanced Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 280
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Saturday, October 16, 2004 - 5:59 pm:   Edit Post

The unique placement of the bridge on Alembics makes it considerably easier to play like either John Entwistle OR Jaco, in my opinion. The lower registers may take some mild gymnastics to reach, but everything else is *right there* like no other bass I've ever played. Hanging it high is my way of dealing with it, though my brother (who has played my Series I a great deal) tends to hang it just about where he hangs his other basses and doesn't seem to have any problems getting around on it. He and I are both in the 5'8" range. I usually smile when I play too, even in F...
John
811952.jpg
davehouck
Senior Member
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 931
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Sunday, October 17, 2004 - 8:17 am:   Edit Post

By the way; I believe it is illegal in most areas of the southern US, Kansas City and Chicago to play blues in F.
rogertvr
Advanced Member
Username: rogertvr

Post Number: 263
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Sunday, October 17, 2004 - 9:45 am:   Edit Post

Hmmmmmm, this is an interesting topic. Being the owner of a custom, I found that I've had to compromise my head on what is normal regarding playing postition. The way the Dragon's Wing hangs fits my body, so I can either accept that the nut is where it is, or if that's too far away (marginal sometimes), I remind myself that moving the position of the bass won't fit my body. See this thread - http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/9431.html?1097927662 - you'll see that the straplock position has moved to be very near the bridge on examples after my own. I've tried holding my own bass in the position that the strap lock is currently in and that does not suit me at all.

Each to their own - it's a very personal thing. And when you're a bit fat like me, getting the straplock pegs in the correct position is errrrr.....worth doing!

Cheers,

Rog
rraymond
Intermediate Member
Username: rraymond

Post Number: 149
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Sunday, October 17, 2004 - 10:47 am:   Edit Post

Being kind of on the dinky side at 5'7", I struggled mightily with my 13lb Orion 5'er which I had made with a Std Pt body, and bubinga top. It's heavy and unwieldy! I tried all the above: raising it up, lowering it down, tried various straps including that weird harness-like job, but for me, weight training is what did the trick. Within a couple of months I found I could play it for an hour with no problem. Now, I take it out on 4 hour gigs and can end the night not feeling like somebody dropped an anvil on me.

My recently acquired Balance K, Pinot, feels light as a feather and hangs righteously in the zone for me. Man, I'd like to have a Balance K with Series electronics in it, maybe someday.

Blues in F, that's just a backdoor into jazz, right?

(Message edited by rraymond on October 17, 2004)
davehouck
Senior Member
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 933
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Sunday, October 17, 2004 - 11:22 am:   Edit Post

As long as you call it jazz, then it's ok.
corny
New
Username: corny

Post Number: 4
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Monday, October 18, 2004 - 2:37 am:   Edit Post

Hi there boys 'n girls (hey, where are the girls in this discussion group?),

I've been practising all weekend and it's true. It IS a matter of getting used to it. Maybe my body length helps too (I'm 6'4"), but the main thing is to have your bass hang around your neck 24 hours a day (a bit awkward in bed though).

Cor.
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic

Post Number: 1696
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Monday, October 18, 2004 - 2:49 am:   Edit Post

"lang zallum leeve ...lang zallum leeve ... hehehe ...weer een vogel voor de kat".

In other words ...Cor got himself another healthy addiction as some of the brothers like to say.

Yeah ...that "sister" thing.
Good question.
Most of them are more of the workin' kind than of the chatting kind.
Check out the beautiful Midus at
http://alembic.com/cgi-bin/alembic-club/board-profile.cgi?action=view_profile&profile=midus-users


Paul the bad one
davehouck
Senior Member
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 935
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, October 18, 2004 - 6:38 am:   Edit Post

To begin with, a quick perusal of clubs, album covers, etc. should indicate that the percentage of women who play bass or guitar is quite low. That being said ..
Some of the women may be posting in a manner which doesn't indicate anything about their identities other than the fact that they are Alembic owners, and some may not be posting at all, because they want to be treated as fellow musicians and not as objects to be ogled at in a public forum with such phrases as "check out the beautiful ..". While some women may take comments like Paul's to be complimentary, and some may even appreciate such comments when made in a public forum, other do not. In the past I have spent quite a lot of time in internet discussion groups on usenet; and that experience made evident to me why many women avoid groups such as ours. It is my opinion that women would be more likely to join such groups if they were treated as equals, i.e. in our case, if they were treated as fellow bass players and fellow guitar players. If you start discussing the relative beauty of women in this group, then you'll drive away many who might have considered sticking around.

Sorry Paul; I just woke up and haven't had my first cup of coffee yet.
corny
New
Username: corny

Post Number: 6
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Monday, October 18, 2004 - 7:21 am:   Edit Post

Politically all of this is very correct of course. Still I understand Paul's reference to Midus. Just look and find the differences.ManWoman Hee, nix persoonlijks he Paul:-)
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic

Post Number: 1698
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Monday, October 18, 2004 - 7:33 am:   Edit Post

Absolutely right Dave! There is although no offence or whatever negative thought or patronising in my mind.
I am a defender of women bass-players and in fact I think that they are in lots of cases better bass-players than the "real man".



Paul the bad one


OTOH I think you are an enchanting man too you know ...just as a male object spoken!!!
Hehehehehe
mdrdvp
Intermediate Member
Username: mdrdvp

Post Number: 131
Registered: 7-2002
Posted on Monday, October 18, 2004 - 7:35 am:   Edit Post

I found one major difference. On the first picture is a fan behind the person, on the second picture there isn't. Time to go home Cor.

Manfred
corny
New
Username: corny

Post Number: 7
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Monday, October 18, 2004 - 7:43 am:   Edit Post

BTW, here's a picture of me in a live situation.

Yep, time to go home. Sorry all for messing up the thread.

Cor.
davehouck
Senior Member
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 938
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, October 18, 2004 - 8:00 am:   Edit Post

Cor; I wouldn't say that you "messed up" the thread. You asked where the women were, and I, clumsily enough, attempted an answer. Your question brought up an issue that I think is worthy of reflection by all of us, the level of respect with which people treat each other in society; and thus I appreciate your asking the question.

Paul; Hah!!! Enchanting is not the word I would have used <g>.
811952
Advanced Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 287
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Monday, October 18, 2004 - 8:47 am:   Edit Post

I personally think you're all pretty hot. Especially Corny, though he does remind me of Paul for some reason. I'd hit it.
John
p.s. Dave, the issue you bring up is an extremely important one to me as well. Gender discrimination and sexual harassment have no place. So forgive me for making light of it, but I've seen pictures of your rack and simply couldn't resist..

(Message edited by 811952 on October 18, 2004)
corny
New
Username: corny

Post Number: 8
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 1:57 am:   Edit Post

Just for the record. Here are some more cool bass playing sisters I know.

http://pages.ivillage.com/jazzibass/

http://www.rhondasmith.com

http://www.annamarie.us/main.htm

Corny.
adriaan
Advanced Member
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 353
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 2:46 am:   Edit Post

"I've seen pictures of your rack" - let me whip out my dictionary, because I seem to remember 'rack' has a meatmarket connotation (or two) - well, Merriam-Webster OnLine (http://www.m-w.com) does not mention any derogative usage. Anyway, it made me laugh.
shellfish
New
Username: shellfish

Post Number: 6
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 4:18 am:   Edit Post

http://www.lynnedavis.com
lowlife
Intermediate Member
Username: lowlife

Post Number: 140
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 4:45 am:   Edit Post

Bob, you were right. I had no trouble selling the MK Standard. One of the members of this club emailed me directly and he is now the new, proud owner of this beauty, which will be shipping out today. It deserves a good home and I'm glad that it's still in our family.
Ellery (Lowlife)
811952
Advanced Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 289
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 8:07 am:   Edit Post

Adriaan, Dave, Corny, Paul(s), I really, really do try to keep the puns and double-entendres to a minimum, so please forgive me when I'm confronted with an opportunity and simply can't resist anymore. And yes, some time ago Dave posted a picture of his rack, and yes, it was nice. And yes, you're ALL beautiful people, even the ones who don't have laser LEDs all down the neck... :-)
Ellery, glad you found a new home for your lovely bass. What perchance do you fancy replacing it with, out of curiosity?
John
lowlife
Intermediate Member
Username: lowlife

Post Number: 141
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 8:24 am:   Edit Post

John,
Thanks for asking. Based on my current experience, if the tail-piece is off-set in more than 1.50 inches, then I'll be looking for a short scale. The actual model I hadn't thought about, but a comfortable body style will certainly play into the picture.
So..........if anyone has a short scale 4-string laying around collecting dust, I can offer it a good home. Contact me directly.

Ellery (Lowlife)
811952
Advanced Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 290
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 8:37 am:   Edit Post

I would think a Rogue would be the answer, since the bridge is in a much more conventional location, the upper horn is plenty long and the waist is offset. The short scales sure are nice, but I would miss the tight low-end and ringing harmonics that come from higher string-tension. Best of luck finding one you like..
John
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 2018
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 11:14 am:   Edit Post

Balance K body also does a good job of shifting the bass to a more Fender-y like position.
ox_junior
Intermediate Member
Username: ox_junior

Post Number: 186
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 11:45 am:   Edit Post

Whoops! Double-posted...

(Message edited by ox_junior on October 19, 2004)
ox_junior
Intermediate Member
Username: ox_junior

Post Number: 187
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 11:47 am:   Edit Post

Lynne Davis! I used to take lessons from her. She is an amazing bassist and a great person. Thanks for the link.

As for the long-scale issue: Like Paul (I can't believe I'm admitting to doing ANYTHING like Paul, but...) I too have the strap basically up against my neck. Need to reach for that F on songs like 5:15 but it's just a matter of getting used to it. But I am SORE when the gig adrenaline wears off.

Guess I just need to build up the constitution of an...um, well, an Ox.

Mike
bonesrad
Junior
Username: bonesrad

Post Number: 31
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 12:20 pm:   Edit Post

I purchased a used Series II 5 string a few years back thinking it was going to be "the bass". But unfortunately, this first position stretch proved to be too much for me. My solution was to sell it and I ordered a custom Europa 5 string with Series I electronics. In my opinion, it's one of the best balancing basses I've ever played. Needless to say, I've found "the bass".

Bones

811952
Advanced Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 294
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 12:25 pm:   Edit Post

The soreness issue caused me to trade with my brother for a Steinberger L2A for a few years back in the '80s when I was playing several hours a day. Almost immediately, I discovered that the Alembic fit more with the way I position my hands when I play, so we eventually traded back. I contend that playing an Alembic is an aquired taste, much like beer, and like beer, its absence is sorely missed once you're used to it. I do get a bruise on the lower part of my right pectoral (I think) when I play a lot, but it's worth it for all the other extremely nice things the bass does for me. Strangely, I haven't had any tendonitis or carpal tunnel issues playing the Alembic, even with the sometimes extreme wrist-bending to get that low F, whereas my Conklin with it's comfy contoured body gave me pains in my entire left arm. And to me the Standard Point is THE classic Alembic shape...
John
lothartu
Member
Username: lothartu

Post Number: 59
Registered: 8-2003
Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 3:30 pm:   Edit Post

I actually just parted with my Series I of 13 years to finance the purchase of a MK Standard Balance K Omega.

I had all the same issues as others have had so I finally decided to "bet the farm" and just go for it and replace the bass.
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic

Post Number: 1707
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 3:49 pm:   Edit Post

I just tested it last monday on rehearsal with Blue Stuff. Luc -the singer- has a very low sounding voice (Tony Joe White) and I find myself regularly playing the low C-schemes on Bonnie.
Really ...piece o'cake.
Ok ...Broomstick is easier but ...well ...not THAT much.
YOu get used to it.

Paul the bad one

BTW the ORIGINAL Balance K body is done on a 3/4 body. I wonder what a full scale Standard Omega will look like with a Balance K design. As you all know the "Balanced point body" exist already some time. The Balance K ("K" for Kevin the original client where it was designed for ...so he got the most signatures bass of the non-signatured HA!!!!) has an extended upper horn.
corny
New
Username: corny

Post Number: 10
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 - 12:11 am:   Edit Post

Paul,
Being impressed by your rig I wonder if you play on public occasions now and then in Belgium. I live close to the Belgian border and I surely would like to see and hear you and your beautiful Bonnie through the F1-X and all the other gear in your rack. Please notify me.

John,
1. Thanks for the compliments. You make me blush.
2. About the higher string-tension on a long scale: If you imagine 2 extremes, a 10 meter long string and a 20 cm long string, I would say that it would be easier to push up the middle of the long string with one finger than pushing up the short one. So there would be less tension on the long string, or not?

Cor.
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic

Post Number: 1710
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 - 1:41 am:   Edit Post

Hi Cor,

welcome ...by all means!

Check out:
www.drive-band.be
That's the fastest way to check where we play in Belgium. Most of them are on public occasions.
The other band BLUE STUFF is not so frequently on scene. Unfortunaltely the following 2 gigs are private venues.
I save your E-mail adress and I'll let you know.

Paul the bad one
ajdover
Intermediate Member
Username: ajdover

Post Number: 134
Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 - 3:56 am:   Edit Post

All,

Read this thread with great interest. I own a Spyder and a Europa, so I think my perspective runs the gamut. On the Spyder, the low F is the only note that is difficult for me to reach (I'm 5' 8" tall). I will say that you really have to reach way out on the neck, though - my arm is damn near fully extended to get to the lower registers. Like everyone else here, though, the tones are truly worth it. I have noticed that I tend to have the bass itself extending at about a 30 degree angle away from my body when playing it - thing this is due more the body shape than anything else. And the Spyder is heavy. Real heavy. But for some reason, it doesn't really bother me. Must be due to my years of walking around in the woods with a rucksack! A wide Alembic strap helps as well. I imagine Mike and Oliver can comment more comprehensively on the Spyder, though - they've gigged with theirs more often (particularly Mike).

My Europa, on the other hand, is more comfortable to play. The weight is just about right for me, and the tones, well, nothing short of amazing. I have no problems reaching anything on the neck. I bought it because I wanted the Alembic sound and quality in a Jazz Bass-style package, and the Europa was pretty close body-style and playability-wise. I thought about an Orion (which is basically a set-neck Europa), but I really liked the idea of a neck-through design, and the electronics (if you've never had the opportunity to mess with the quick tone change switches, do so at your earliest opportunity). Superbass Steve made it possible, and it's just a beautiful instrument.

Regards,

Alan
811952
Advanced Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 295
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 - 8:58 am:   Edit Post

Cor,
You're welcome. You're one damn sexy piece of humanity..
As for the string analogy, it isn't valid unless the two strings are of the same gauge and tuned to the same pitch. The longer string will have exponentially more tension when tuned to the same pitch as the shorter. Try using a capo or some such to stop the strings at the 2nd fret, then detune the bass to EADG at that fret and you'll see what I mean. Floppity floppity flop.. Rami has one or more killer 36-inch scale basses and will attest to the benefits of extra-long scale. I have a Lakland with a 35-inch scale, and while it sounds nice and tight I do have more difficulty popping on it because of the string tension. That and the fact that I don't pop worth a darn, but I digress... :-)
I think it would be funny if we all popped in on Paul TBO the same weekend for beers and a jam. Of course I haven't made it up to see Smokin' Dave yet, and he's only an hour or so away. Maybe someday soon...
John
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic

Post Number: 1713
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 - 9:16 am:   Edit Post

Cool ...a garden full of yapping bass-players trying to convince each other what that other knows for a long time already!
Hehehehehe ...and basses ...lot's of basses ...and pictures ...and we can only play on crappy amps. So we do a contest for the best sounding bass on the most crappy amp!!
Mmmmm ...and brother Alan will make brontosaurus-ribs in spicy suace for the bunch ....
and yams from Mica

well ....
811952
Advanced Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 296
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 - 9:22 am:   Edit Post

Crappy amps! I love it. Obviously you've found my soft spot!
adriaan
Advanced Member
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 355
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 - 9:22 am:   Edit Post

Paul,
If you start going like that we really have to move this thread to the "Dreaming for Now... " section.
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic

Post Number: 1714
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 - 10:12 am:   Edit Post

heeehooo ...brontosaurus-rib IS LONG SCALE ...and seen the dimesions of our garden you can do long scale talking with the bunch of Alembi-wackos present!

Oh well ...just dreaming indeed!!!
corny
Junior
Username: corny

Post Number: 11
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 - 11:58 pm:   Edit Post

Guess you're right about the string thing Dave. Good thing I never attempted to study physics.

And Paul, I'll have Flemish fries with lots of mayonaise with the ribs please.

Cor.

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