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Alembic Club » Alembic Basses & Guitars » Archive through November 22, 2013 » Balance point and Standard point « Previous Next »

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robochrist
Junior
Username: robochrist

Post Number: 11
Registered: 10-2009
Posted on Monday, July 01, 2013 - 1:47 pm:   Edit Post

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
Moderator
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 3038
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Monday, July 01, 2013 - 3:12 pm:   Edit Post

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
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 7998
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Monday, July 01, 2013 - 3:31 pm:   Edit Post

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
Advanced Member
Username: hifiguy

Post Number: 372
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Monday, July 01, 2013 - 3:41 pm:   Edit Post

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
Junior
Username: robochrist

Post Number: 12
Registered: 10-2009
Posted on Monday, July 01, 2013 - 3:52 pm:   Edit Post

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
Senior Member
Username: tbrannon

Post Number: 1570
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Monday, July 01, 2013 - 5:23 pm:   Edit Post

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
Member
Username: mtjam

Post Number: 58
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Tuesday, July 02, 2013 - 10:31 am:   Edit Post

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

Post Number: 45
Registered: 3-2010
Posted on Sunday, October 20, 2013 - 11:34 am:   Edit Post

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. My Series II
robochrist
Junior
Username: robochrist

Post Number: 14
Registered: 10-2009
Posted on Sunday, October 20, 2013 - 3:49 pm:   Edit Post

Beautiful. But what does Alembic consider "long"?
34 inch or 35+ inch scale?
tmimichael
Junior
Username: tmimichael

Post Number: 47
Registered: 3-2010
Posted on Sunday, October 20, 2013 - 4:41 pm:   Edit Post

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.

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