| Author | Message | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 671 Registered: 9-2005 |
Thanks, Dave. | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 512 Registered: 11-2004 |
Mark, I guess they pretty much nailed the disguised BTC didn't they? Looks KILLER!!! Hope you're feeling better and that the homeowner experience is treating you well. | ||
| jtussing
Intermediate Member Username: jtussing Post Number: 122 Registered: 12-2006 |
Wow. Love the grain and the omega! Great looking bass Mark! | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 674 Registered: 9-2005 |
Thanks, guys! Yeah, its looking pretty awesome, and I'm feeling a lot better today... still a little down, but much better than yesterday. I should be able to go in to work today. Yesterday I couldn't walk for more than a few minutes at a time... felt like everything was spinning. It looks like I won't have too much longer to wait, and I'm REALLY looking forward to getting this (of course)! I never played a Balance K, nor a Coco Bolo bass (other than an unplugged one for a few seconds); I've got high hopes/expectations for both. This bass, "Elana" is a replacement for my stolen Elan; it was designed to (A) replace that bass; (B) blow away that bass -in sound and versatility; and, (C) have a distinctly different sound than my exceedingly awesome 8-String Europa. I'm totally sold on the looks of the Balance K, and I've read enough raving testimonials here to be convinced that it may well be the most comfortable and ergonomic Alembic; and a lighter bass is also an attractive concept -my Europa sure ISN'T light! I'm dying to hear what it sounds like! I know there are a lot of people who are gung-ho on Coco Bolo for having a great sound, and it's definitely one of my very favorite woods for looks. And the fact that Alembic holds the Coco Bolo/Mahogany sandwich is such regard that they call it their "house recipe" is meaningful. So I spec'ed this with Coco Bolo on both the front and back, and spec'ed it BTC on both -to maximize the Coco Bolo sound. And then I tweaked the neck, upgrading one of the Purpleheart lams to Ebony, and swapping two of the Maple lams for Vermillion, and two others for Mahogany. Mica and Valentino both agreed that this would produce a great sounding bass with a very noticably different sound from my Europa. My Europas' sound is dominated by the 6 Ebony laminates in the neck -and then by the Maple lams and Maple body... an Ebony/Maple sound. The Ebony is so dominant it subsumes the Purpleheart sound; I can't hear the Purpleheart. I'm told this bass should have a richer and more complex sound, though not a boomy and thundrous as my Europa. I'm sure looking forward to finding out. Shouldn't be long, now! I hope I enjoy the sound of Coco Bolo as much as everyone else does. One thing's already clear... this bass is a formidable contender in the looks department! Take care, gang! P.S. Jim, again, I LOVE your Anniversery Electronics enhanced Balance K, it looks incredibly awesome! | ||
| artswork99
Junior Username: artswork99 Post Number: 24 Registered: 7-2007 |
What an amazing process to watch. Best of luck with the bass Mark! It is beautiful! Glad you're feeling better! | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 215 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Mark, Glad you are feeling better. Whatcha got, a flu bug? I have got to tell you from the heart, that is the best piece of Coco Bolo I have seen yet! I didn't think from looking at the pictures above that it was going to come out looking like that but man, all of the curves and knots are the in right places. These guys are amazing when you just let go and put the trust in them. Which by the way, I need to be doing alot more of. I'm not much for suggesting remedies but one thing that does make me feel better is just boiling some good ole fresh ginger and drinking it with a little honey and lemon. That's probably the only two cents I have and not even worth much. Anyway, good luck cuz, God Speed! Paul | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5425 Registered: 5-2002 |
It looks great Mark! Glad you're feeling better! | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 677 Registered: 9-2005 |
Hey thanks guys, I appreciate it! I'm feeling crappy still... and I've been going back and forth all day... but overall it's WAY better than yesterday -when I couldn't stand up for more than a few minutes at a time. Hey Paul, thanks for the advice! I actually happen to be fortunate enough to know (thanks to of my other half) about the wonders of ginger, honey and lemon. But it's great advice -which I also would share with others when the occaision arises. I dunno what it is... seems like either food poisoning or "summer flu" -which is kind of comical to try to conceptualize, considering where I live, and the temperatures here right now. Yeah, I'm extremely pleased with the Coco Bolo they selected for me. I'd have to say it's perfect -for what I wanted- or so close there's no point being dissatisfied and asking for something better. They nailed it with their first attempt... and what a great piece. I was resolved not to be too picky... as long as it was adequate for my needs, I wasn't going to ask for another selection; so I would've accepted something less awesome. But that certainly wasn't an issue! This board rocks. I love the figuring on both sides! The front looks awesome, with the lineyness in the center, and the figuring going out to match the curves of the body...! Exceptionally cool, as awesome looking as any Coco Bolo I've ever seen. The figuring on the back is different, Yin to the Yang of the front, with more swirls in the middle of the body. Interestingly, the front and back come from the same board, but (for those who may not have caught this on early posts on the subject) they are from the same board... but have the opposite (relative to each other) ends glued together for the BTC. This is pretty cool. It pleases me that the front and back are from the same board; and it provides both contrast and (yet) unity. Blah, Blah, Blah... yeah, I'm psyched! Thanks again for the support and positive thoughts, guys!  | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1292 Registered: 10-2002 |
Incredible grain patterns Mark. You're a lucky guy. Glad you're feeling better too. graeme | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 680 Registered: 9-2005 |
Thanks, Graeme! I agree, pretty incredible grain! | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 689 Registered: 9-2005 |
Wow, this is really just absolutely stunning!!! It's the "Pinoccio effect"... every time I look at it, it seems to get more awesome looking. It looks incredible now; but I know full well it'll look even more awesome when the finish is done. Of course, I'd love to see a shot or two of the back and neck... but NOT until after you get caught up with other FTC threads and things in general. This picture'll hold me for a while. And thanks again. Wow, the pickup routing sure is wide! I guess my dimensions were slightly too wide for a 5-string pickup to work. Uhm... this is a hollowbody, right? (Not that I'd suggest doing anything if it were overlooked at this point.) I can see just a widdle thwip of "hollowness" next to the neck... although I recall the pictures in the "Archive through May 11" show at least one half of the body core being hollowed out in part. I'm just wondering, 'cause the pickups go out so far, and I don't see indication of hollowness -other than the one little strip. Just hidden away -probably/hopefully. Anyway, it looks great! I'm also really pleased with the overall shape. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but, that said, I find this shape -the Balance K- looks most attractive (to me) in the 5-string variety; the 4s I've seen look a little too slim for my tastes, and the only other 6 I recall seeing was too wide. I meant to ask for a "5 string body"... it was an important detail... and I think I spaced and totally neglected to mention it! But the body you gave it looks absolutely perfect, just what I had in mind! Thanks so much! Oh yeah, are there two different Balance K sizes, regular and 3/4 size? Or all all Balance Ks considered "3/4 size"? | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 4738 Registered: 6-2000 |
This has got the normal 5-string pickups on it. The 5-string and 6-string pickups are the same. It's only on very narrow 5-strings that we can use the 4-string pickups (like on flaxman's). The body is hollow, but most of that is out near the edge. Around the neck, we've got lots of business to take care of. There has to be a place for the pickups to mount, and to actually glue the body to the neck. Unlike many of our models, there's only one Balance K for 4-, 5-, and 6-string basses at this time. The 3/4 body is a different shape entirely. Glad you like how it's turning out. | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 690 Registered: 9-2005 |
Thanks Mica! | ||
| hifiguy
Intermediate Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 109 Registered: 10-2006 |
Beautiful bass, Mark. About a year ago I played a Blue Buckeye Balance K King Deluxe at Planet Bass here in the Twin Cities. Unquestionably the most comfortable bass I have ever played. Ergonomically perfect for 6'1" me. | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 692 Registered: 9-2005 |
Thanks for the word, Paul, good to hear another testimonial on the Balance K. While I was sold on the shape/ergonomics, I considered the Elan, Europa, Rogue, and even Scorpion shapes as well. I'm glad I made the choice I made. It continues to look more awesome each time I look at it. I'm REALLY curious about how it'll look with the finish finished... specifically, the color. It looks to be more the "orangy" Coco Bolo color... as opposed to the red variety; but I can't be sure until it's done. I prefer a lighter color just 'cause I know it'll get darker anyway as the wood ages. I can't wait to see the rest of it... the back and the neck... but I won't ask for more pictures for a while, 'cause I know Mica's getting caught up, and there are other folks who've waited a while and still don't have any new pictures yet. Besides, hopefully it'll just plain be done soon! | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1523 Registered: 2-2006 |
The top on this bass is going to be awesome Mark. I love the way the grain follows the body curves. I think the Balance K is the best looking body Alembic offers (IMHO). I only order the 3/4 for mine because the weight issue. Olie | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 694 Registered: 9-2005 |
Interesting. So... you're saying your "3/4" body is actually lighter than the Balance K? It looks heavier to my eye -at least in the pictures. Maybe it's a proportion thing. So the 3/4 body is lighter than the Balance K? Or were you saying the opposite... that you prefer the greater weight? I know some people prefer instruments with more mass... for increased sustain. At any rate, thanks for the positive comment; I'm just thrilled with how it looks. And of course, your Series in progress looks absolutely bitchin! The neck is awesome, and the Coco looks great too! | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1524 Registered: 2-2006 |
I already have a 3/4 and a Balance K and the 3/4 is much lighter. Then again my Balance k is a 5 and the 3/4 is a 4. I also don't have real long arms and the 3/4 puts the end of the neck closer to my body. I can't wait to see yours with a shine on it. I bet the grain really comes on then. Olie | ||
| 5stringho
Intermediate Member Username: 5stringho Post Number: 124 Registered: 11-2006 |
Hey, Mark!! Wazzup? Yer Bass is gonna B AWESOME!! I've been keepin' a low profile, but I HAVE been keepin' an eye on things ;)! Can't wait to see yer little Monster finished. Jim's turned out GREAT! I missed his first gig with it, but I hope to catch one soon. Yer neck, Coco, everything is spot on cool. Looking forward to more! BCOOOOOOL, keep me posted, Mike (the 'Ho)... | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 1637 Registered: 4-2004 |
gee i am famous? or is that infamous.....lol bal k's just hang on your neck and tell you how special it is..i love my wolf and despite whatever it weighs it doesnt feel like a ton./.. if i wasnt expanding the alembic line(lol) with my tribute bass i could easily have gotten another you;ll be very pleased (Message edited by flaxattack on August 22, 2007) | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 4788 Registered: 6-2000 |
Here's some shiny spray pics:    | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 517 Registered: 11-2004 |
Wow. | ||
| bassjigga
Advanced Member Username: bassjigga Post Number: 236 Registered: 8-2005 |
Yours is lookin great too 8SK! | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 714 Registered: 9-2005 |
WOW, thanks a lot for these latest photos, what a treat!!! I've been dying to see the back and the neck, but not wanting to ask -with all the things you have to do, and all the other folks here... so I didn't expect these; what a wonderful treat! And finding out that it's in the drill stage... it's just overwhelming! It looks absolutely stunning!!! The disguised BTC looks great on the back as well, and I love the look of the tummy contour and the pinstripes stopping at the neck -which also looks awesome!!! Every aspect of it looks awesome, as good as I could've hoped for! I can't wait to see it with the continueous wood backplate on!!! I know it won't be much longer now. Thanks again to everyone at Alembic for all the love and care you've put into my replacement bass Elana! | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 1649 Registered: 4-2004 |
lovely shade of red mark great layouts by bob again... love the squigglies by the bridge pu and the taper running up the spine on the back | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1307 Registered: 10-2002 |
looking really sweet Mark. love the neck laminates. graeme | ||
| jtussing
Intermediate Member Username: jtussing Post Number: 126 Registered: 12-2006 |
Beautiful bass, Mark! Love the swirly coco! - Jim | ||
| crgaston
Senior Member Username: crgaston Post Number: 415 Registered: 11-2005 |
Great neck! It really darkened up nicely. This thing is going to sound like a freight train! | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 715 Registered: 9-2005 |
Thanks for the nice comments, everyone! Yep, it's shaping up to be a unique and exceptional beauty... just like I want! I'm looking forward to joining the Omega Club, Coco Bolo Club, and Balance K Clum -all in one fell swoop! Thanks again, all. Mark! | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 718 Registered: 9-2005 |
WOO HOO!!! I just got the word today!!! When I got home, there was a message on my machine from Bass Central, a "courtesy call" advising me that my bass "should be finished and ready to ship" "around the 10th"!!! I can only assume Alembic contacted them with this info, and expects to have it completed by or around that time!!! Obviously, this is extremely exciting, and I'm extremely psyched at the thought that this stunning beauty should be in my hands in only/just about two (more) weeks!!! I want to thank all the club members here who shared their thoughts and opinions with me -especially in the very beginning stages of the project, when I was seeking advice about exactly what to get. I'm very pleased I decided to get Coco Bolo on both the front and back, and to have it bookmatched to center on each; and I appreciated the input on that, and on all the other aspects of the instrument -especially (also) getting the Balance K body with the Omega. Just another two weeks or so... that's not much longer to wait!!! Boy, it sure looks like it's going to be an absolute knockout!!! And the pictures never do 'em justice... I can't wait to hear how it sounds... I know it'll sound as great (or ever better -to the extent that's possible) as it looks... but still, I can't wait to hear the famous Coco Bolo sound -which I should get to the max, since I've got it BTCered on both the front and the back. Thanks again, all, for your interest, support, and feedback... and thanks again to the wonderful staff at Alembic for making these wonderful instruments possible... for transforming our ideas into reality, and doing it so perfectly and lovingly!!! It's been an absolute pleasure, and I apologize for any time(s) when I've been a pain in the butt! I tried real hard to behave myself this time, and be nothing but patient and supportive. I thank you for bearing with me through the occaissional changes/additions. You folks are the best, thanks again! |
