| Author | Message | ||
| samsamaha
New Username: samsamaha Post Number: 1 Registered: 4-2015 |
Well, it's been 10 years since I had my Orion Fretless stolen from my car, along with a Spector NS2... I replaced the NS2 with an NS4 not long ago, but that wasn't hard, as I was able to find a good one for $3K... but it took some saving, selling of other basses, and other things and I finally mustered the money to get a new MK4 Signature Deluxe... here is the link to it... http://planetbass.com/shop/alembic-mark-king-deluxe-4/ For now I don't have too many questions for this esteemed and seasoned group of users but I do have a couple.. Why is it that the tuning keys on this bass have the "Gotoh" name on the back and not the big "A" that I've seen on some basses, is this an option? or can I order those keys directly? Also I'm not used to a bass with a front mounted 1/4" jack... anything I need to know so as not to cause myself problems? Is a 90 degree angled cable a bad idea? I've got a nice Mogami Platinum with the silent plug but I dont' see that they make one for 90 degree input. Thanks for the advice! | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4460 Registered: 6-2002 |
Welcome to the club and also sorry to hear you had a bass stolen. I also have my alembic with a jack on the front and I prefer to use a 90 degree angled jack plug as I think it puts less strain on the socket if it gets pulled or you accidentally tread on the lead. But I think really it's personal choice. In fact i use right angled jacks on my strats too. The tuners are an option when they are ordered. You can order Gotoh or Schaller check the quote generator. http://www.alembic.com/cgi-bin/quote/quote?model=King+Deluxe I would think you could order some from Alembic with the A if you desire. | ||
| lidon2001
Senior Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 546 Registered: 4-2005 |
Hi Sam, beautiful bass. Tuners, one can probably assume there were none available when time came to install them, but they are the same tuner. As for future availability, you would have to ask Mica by phone, email, or she might give an answer on this thread. Top mounted jack, yes, on rare occasions tops have cracked due to abuse or accident. 90 degree will help, as will routing cable through strap when used. It is something to be aware of and take relatively simple preventive measures. G&H makes 90 degree silent 1/4 plugs. T | ||
| lidon2001
Senior Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 547 Registered: 4-2005 |
What Jazzy says too, lol. Timing is everything. | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Senior Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 302 Registered: 6-2014 |
Saw your pics on TalkBass, and was going to send you a note to check in here too. =) Glad to see you found this forum! I use a right angle plug adapter on my bass, so in case of a cord incident, I'm not faced with a jack repair, just plug it back up. | ||
| samsamaha
New Username: samsamaha Post Number: 2 Registered: 4-2015 |
Well, folks thanks for the info! I do want the "A" tuners.. I think they look soo much cooler! I had left a voicemail on the Alembic business line earlier this morning, but I think they must have been closed for an extended Easter break maybe as I never heard back. I will try and order those later. Otherwise this bass looks perfect and I can't wait to play it... funny, normally I would never buy a bass sight unseen, much less for $10K... but with the reputation of these and my prior experience, I had no hesitation.. I'll report back when I get it on Wed. | ||
| samsamaha
New Username: samsamaha Post Number: 3 Registered: 4-2015 |
also a follow up question gents.. What's the best way to protect the brass on the bridge hardware on these? I recall on my older bass it was tarnished as I bought it used and maybe the person before me didn't apply any care.. Is there anyway to preserve that shine? or is that just a normal process as a matter of age? | ||
| samsamaha
New Username: samsamaha Post Number: 4 Registered: 4-2015 |
lol, dang it, I can't edit a post or I would, so sorry for the 3 part replay... Another question... Can I use the Schaller Strap locks on this? I know Alembic likes to use screw receivers instead of direct screw into wood, so that would be a problem, right? what is the best way to get a strap lock on this bass if the Shallers don't work? | ||
| slawie
Senior Member Username: slawie Post Number: 765 Registered: 8-2002 |
1. Always best to speak with the factory live. 2. People here recommend V05 hair lacquer. Go figure 3. I have Schaller strap locks on my Essence and series I small standard directly screwed into the wood. Welcome back to the fold. Looking forward to your posting pics. slawie | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1676 Registered: 11-2004 |
In terms of the tuners and getting in touch with Alembic- if you don't hear back, just give 'em another call. I've always been able to catch Mary or Susan or Mica on the phone. Whoever you get will be a blast to talk to- you'll be glad you made the call. Check out the FAQ section on brass cleaning a protecting. Pretty sure there is a thin clear coat sprayed on the brass to protect it, but there are some tips on polishing and protecting the brass in the FAQ. You shouldn't have any issues on a new bass and as long as you keep the brass clean (wipe down regularly with a clean cloth), it should stay shiny for you for awhile. Alembic does use the threaded inserts on most parts on the bass, but I'm pretty sure it's just a standard wood screw used on those classic strap pins. You should be able to just swap out the ones that are on there with the Schallers. If the screw size is smaller on the schallers, I'd just use the dab of glue + toothpick in the hole trick, then screw the Schaller screw in there. Welcome back to Alembic- that's a lovely MK. | ||
| samsamaha
New Username: samsamaha Post Number: 5 Registered: 4-2015 |
Sweet, thanks a bunch guys... I've ordered the gold schallers via amazon! They're a must have IMHO. I'll try and call them back tomorrow... | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2362 Registered: 9-2002 |
Dynamite MK, I hope your Spector is thick-skinned enough to not take it personally when it gets ignored for a while. Let's see here . . . The 'Gotoh' label keys are the same GB-7's that Alembic has monogrammed with the 'A' imprint. When you get up with Mica, these are interchangeable with yours. They do run out from time to time, and use the 'generic' Gotohs like your bass has (my Spoiler is in the same boat). The front-mounted input jack is their standard practice, and reaches all the way back to their beginning. They originally began repairing basses and guitars before producing them, and the 'Point' body was designed partly to prevent the bass from being stood up (and then falling over and breaking something), leaning against the amp, it HAD to go in a stand. The front-mounted jack was the same mind-set, much harder to break vs. the side jack. Any good right-angle cable will work fine if you prefer one. Polishing the brass . . . . now on your bass, the keys are gold-plated (do NOT brass polish them!). The bird tailpiece is brass, but coated in clear poly, like the truss rod cover, no need to polish them. This leaves the bridge and the adjustable nut, which you can and will polish if you want them bright and shiny. After you use whatever you prefer (lost of guys here use FLITZ)for brass polish, to keep that shine, a small dab of Alberto VO5 hair dressing (the old-school stuff in the toothpaste-style tube) will maintain shine for a long time. For the threaded bits, I prefer one of the firearms wonder lubes, BreakFree CLP. The VO5 and the BreakFree are utterly harmless to finish and electronics, and a little goes a long way. You want to leave the parts ever so slick to the touch, the way you'd leave a gun after cleaning. Just a touch with a wetted toothpick on the screws and threads will last a long time. For plated parts, car wax (NOT polish, which has ultra-fine compound in it), is the way to go, the one thing that will remove those fingerprints that won't go away on tuner buttons, etc. Tread lightly, though, that gold plate is thin ! I use Meguiar's Instant Detailer for guitar polish. And all Alembic ebony fingerboards are unfinished, so you will need good lemon oil to oil your fingerboard twice a year. Amazing the list of 'Hints from Heloise' guitar maintenance I've collected . . . . To replace the strap pins, after you remove the old ones, break off small wood dowels or toothpicks in the hole with Gorilla Glue, let it set up, and install your new screws/buttons into the holes and you're good to go. Nice axe, Congrats ! Joey | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4461 Registered: 6-2002 |
I hope that order comes back right because I'm surprised that amazon have the tuners with the alembic "A" as I was under the impression that , that bit was a customisation specific to alembic. (Message edited by Jazzyvee on April 06, 2015) | ||
| samsamaha
New Username: samsamaha Post Number: 6 Registered: 4-2015 |
Jazzyvee... wow, thanks for all the good tips! Yeah, the Amazon order is for the Strap locks.. I have to get with Alembic about getting the tuners still.. As for the cleaning and care, I appreciate the info, and also found and book marked the "FAQ" on here with much the same advice. Yep, you're right, the Spector, no slouch is going to get a bit jealous when he's ignored... as is my Fender master built jazz.... but in due time they'll become my 2nd and 3rd favorite and get over themselves! ;) | ||
| growlypants
Intermediate Member Username: growlypants Post Number: 127 Registered: 3-2011 |
Congrats on a beautiful bass! (I've got an MK5 which just has the plain brass back plates - yours makes me wish...!) | ||
| samsamaha
New Username: samsamaha Post Number: 7 Registered: 4-2015 |
well, managed to get in touch with a Mary who was going to leave a message for Mica to call me back about the keys... BTW, why are the Schaller a $200 option but the Gotohs just included in the price? are they that much better or just not their usual hardware so a "Special order"? | ||
| hifiguy
Senior Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 445 Registered: 10-2006 |
Gorgeous bass! Planet Bass is up in my neck of the woods, the Twin Cities. Enjoy!! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8489 Registered: 6-2000 |
We prefer an older version of the Gotoh tuners, with the concave posts and smaller button. We have them decorate with our Alembic A. The Schallers will not fit in the holes drilled in your peghead, the holes are too large. We changed from Schaller tuners to Gotoh tuners in the late 1980s. We prefer the finer gear ratio on the Gotoh tuners, but it's personal preference and we will special order Schallers if a customer requests on a custom build. We do not carry any in inventory. And sometimes, we run out of the custom Gotoh tuners before the new shipment comes in - then we have to use regular ones, but they all function just great. I have to dart out a little early today, but we can talk tomorrow if you want to get the "A" tuners on your bass. The bass should have come with Schaller straplocks installed and the ends for the strap. | ||
| samsamaha
New Username: samsamaha Post Number: 9 Registered: 4-2015 |
Thanks for chiming in Mica... I left a message with Mary today so I'll try and call you tomorrow. I'm going to be home all day waiting on Fedex to drop her off... Then I'll be sure to register it online at your website. I definitely want to get the A tuners... I had a similar problem when I bought my Spector ... my inner OCD monster, what can I say? I'll call you tomorrow (or today depending on when you read this) to order those tuners. and that is GREAT news that the strap locks are already installed! That's 1st class! | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Senior Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 488 Registered: 6-2012 |
Welcome back! It's always nice to come "home". And - belaboring the obvious - nice bass! |
