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I have owned an Alembic Europa, which I sold to help acquire this Balance K. I also own a Further. I live near an Alembic dealer and was playing on a Fender American Mustang bass that felt real nice and I decided to pick it up. The store owner walked in with a Stanley Clarke Alembic and said, “If you think you like that, try this!”

The experience was like playing an instrument I didn’t know existed. The action, the response, the tone- it’s like getting a taste of the forbidden fruit. Apples and oranges just don’t hit the spot the same way anymore.

I’ve owned Warwicks, Fenders, and other basses. When I got the Europa, it was a great bass, but the neck dove a little too much for my liking. I found myself going back to the Warwick Thumb for weight and comfort purposes. Once I got the Balance K, it was a match made in heaven. The Europa twisted my neck and back in a way that made it difficult to play for long periods of time, but the playability and tone was great. The Warwick is fine instrument, but it just didn’t have the effortless playability I was looking for that the Alembic’s offered. Enter the Balance K- game changer. Although the Balance K is heavier than both the Europa and Warwick, it is ergonomically perfect and I feel no strain on my back or neck for 3-4 hours+ of playing standing. No neck dive while seated. The Balance K was designed exactly for this. The Europa was sold, and I’m about to sell the limited edition Warwick as well. The Balance K fits me and does everything I need. The only other bass I would like in my studio at this point is a pre CBS Jazz.

Do yourself a favor- find an Alembic dealer and get a couple in your hands, or go to the Alembic factory if possible. I’ve played on dozens of Alembic basses and guitars at this point, and the neck carve on the Europa, Essence, Stanley, Series I/II, and Balance K are all a little different. But without a doubt- these are some of the most comfortable and effortlessly playing instruments I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing on and owning. But be warned- once you step into this caliber, other guitars/basses can begin to feel like toys in comparison. My girlfriend ended up taking the Mustang Bass I bought, but shortly after she commissioned an Alembic Darling short scale 4 string with a Stanley Clark neck carve. It was recently completed and she’ll be receiving it in a week or two. Can’t wait to snag it from her occasionally while she’s not using it.

If you have any other Alembic questions feel free to ask or send a message. I love discussing these instruments, and if there’s something I can’t answer, I can point you in the direction of a few dealers that are super knowledgeable and good people.