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zomnius
New
Username: zomnius

Post Number: 1
Registered: 9-2013
Posted on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - 7:20 am:   Edit Post

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
pic of alembic mark king
pic of alembic evh

[edited for picture alignment]

(Message edited by adriaan on September 12, 2013)
funkyjazzjunky
Senior Member
Username: funkyjazzjunky

Post Number: 878
Registered: 5-2007
Posted on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - 7:55 am:   Edit Post

Welcome to the Alembic Club
cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member
Username: cozmik_cowboy

Post Number: 1563
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - 8:11 am:   Edit Post

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
Moderator
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 1899
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - 8:15 am:   Edit Post

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
Moderator
Username: artswork99

Post Number: 1900
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - 8:25 am:   Edit Post

And welcome back to the bass world!!!
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 1898
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - 8:26 am:   Edit Post

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
New
Username: zomnius

Post Number: 2
Registered: 9-2013
Posted on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - 11:20 am:   Edit Post

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 thé 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
mk


[edited for picture alignment]

(Message edited by adriaan on September 12, 2013)
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 3418
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 - 5:59 am:   Edit Post

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
Senior Member
Username: cozmik_cowboy

Post Number: 1566
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 - 7:46 am:   Edit Post

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
Advanced Member
Username: peoplechipper

Post Number: 365
Registered: 2-2009
Posted on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 - 8:40 pm:   Edit Post

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
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 3609
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 1:09 am:   Edit Post

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
thelonious
New
Username: thelonious

Post Number: 2
Registered: 2-2016
Posted on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 - 11:18 pm:   Edit Post

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
Senior Member
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 1816
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Thursday, March 31, 2016 - 3:13 pm:   Edit Post

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
Moderator
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 3319
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 31, 2016 - 3:32 pm:   Edit Post

IIRC, the white one has indeed been refinished as natural.
edwardofhuncote
Senior Member
Username: edwardofhuncote

Post Number: 907
Registered: 6-2014
Posted on Thursday, March 31, 2016 - 6:29 pm:   Edit Post

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

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

Good luck, however you decide. =)

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