Ursus:  IMHO, the balance K's have the best general ergodynamics of the Alembic bodies I've played (Standard, small standard, Bal K, Spoiler).  However, the reach issue is noticeable on the Balance K (as it is on standards).  I owned a 32 balance K and found the reach surprisingly long, compared to the 32 Spoiler I had before. When I finally got to measuring, I found the medium Bal K had about the same reach as a full scale Jazz.  It's a matter of how far the bridge sits from the butt of the bass.  It was never a problem for me, but I can imagine a long scale Bal K might feel like a bit or reach (I have smallish hands, so holding proper position on lower frets can be a challenge).  Like Mike, I have a BB and it just fits like a glove.  Ironically, I don't like other basses in anything less than long scale, but the short scale on the BB just feels like the right scale to get the most out of my hand techniques with all that tone sensitivity.  Good luck with whatever you decide.  
Bill

Logically, a Rogue, Elan, or Europa would have the bridge set at almost the back of the body, and the strap lock of the front horn of my Europa sits between the 13th and 14th frets, further forward than on a Balance K model.  I have zero issues with reach on my 34 scale Europa.  My standard Series bodies (Both older ones, which means their necks stick out about an inch less from their bodies than the newer ones do) are a noticably harder reach on the first fret, but not too bad, once you are used to it.  The Europa balances perfectly on a wide or narrow strap, and has easy reach, as good or better than a Balance K in my opinion - Hey, unless you own one, it is hard to get a play on one, your right!  I do think they are spiffier body shapes, as I really like Omega cuts.  But for playing ease, I would have to bet the above mentioned shapes may be a touch easier to play than a Balance K.
 
(Message edited by poor_nigel on May 21, 2011)

Got a burst of energy and edited the first line out of above post.  It was not stated properly and might have offened someone.  I'm not on a strong regiment of pain killers anymore, so I have no excuse for being rude these days.  Damn!  It's tough working without a net.
 
(Message edited by poor_nigel on May 21, 2011)

Tom:  You got the design implication relating to bridge placement exactly right.  You never hear about balance issues with Fender basses, do you?  Bridges just about hanging off their butt ends is why.  The converse of the long reach issue is also true:  Full-on short scales (think EBO and Mustang) with bridges relatively close to the bottom of the body tend to make playing far up the scale uncomfortable, as your wrist is forced to bend backward and (in my case) the forearm runs into my gut!  Anyone for lap bass guitar?

Hmmmm... now I'm rethinking the idea of a Balance K.  Long reach (and neck dive) was the reason I got rid of my Standard Point Series I.  I probably could have dealt with the neck dive, but chasing the end of the neck was exhausting.

Jonny and I made an even swap: I sent him money and he'll send me the bass (LOL).  We'll see how I get along with the Balance K design.  If you see it back up for sale in a couple weeks... there ya go!!!

Congrats Mike!  Hope that you like it. Art

Mike, you're definitely becoming one of the most experienced Alembicians here...Series standard, brown bass, now balance K.  Awesome variety of electronics and shapes to have fiddled with!  Hope the b.K. suits you well...

That is a better than average MK, to say the least.  New pictures and more reports are awaited.  Congrats on acquiring such a pretty bass!  I definitely want to know how it plays for you.

It should be here Thursday.  As luck would have it... I'm off Thursday!!!  So we'll have some alone time.

She's here!!!  It has a STUNNINGLY beautiful top and I love the Heart Omega.  The balance is purrrfect.  I've gotten used to my short scales (poor me!!!) so the long scale definitely seems long, but the reach is not that bad (certainly not the issue I was having with the Standard Point).  Interestingly, it is noticeably lighter than my Brown Bass (the BB is thicker).  I'm not the set-up junkie that Joey is, but I do enjoy performing the initial set-up on an Alembic: within an hour or so I had it just the way I like it.  As many advances as Alembic has made, the one I think we take for granted is the adjustable nut.  Being able to tweak that end of the neck can really make a ton of difference.  I've always used 95s on my long scale basses, but I may try a heavier gauge (they feel really thin after using 105s on the BB).  The electronics somehow seem more responsive than on my SC Standard... the SC has a Maple neck while the BalK is Maple and PH, so maybe that's the difference???  I know it's just day 1, but I think this will be a keeper.  I'll post pics when I have a little more time.

Congratulations !

Mike, Glad to hear it was good for you upon arrival.  Again, congratulations!