I have replaced the batteries in my 07 MK 5-string 3 times, still distorting.  
Any advice before it goes to the shop?

Do you have side LEDs on the bass? Make sure you are replacing the battery in the main battery compartment (behind the controls).

Dear Mica,
I am going to build a statue of you at my place.
That was it, 1 more 9v in the control cavity.
My 1st Alembic (obviously), back in the game!
I can't wait to play her tonight at my 1st rehearsal with the Jazz Police (original material 19-piece big band).  
Thanks a ton! A metric ton!

Coool,
 and welcome basspresso...love to see some pics of your MK when you get a chance,
 
cheers,
Elwood

A word here:  Unlike previous axes I had with EMG's which slowly 'faded to black' as the 9v's died, both my Alembics distort like the cheesiest el-cheapo distortion pedal you ever heard when it's new battery time.  
 
I think this is actually some not-spoken-about-in-public trick that Ron built into these things, so WHEN you hear this, IT'S BATTERY TIME.  And as Mica said, check the LED battery too.
 
J o e y

The first thing I always notice is that I'm hitting notes harder to get the same output.  
 
  ...then as Joey says , a sound  akin to a (newer) fuzzface in a blender  
for about 20 seconds before it fades away.

The SIMS leds I had fitted a couple of years ago run off the same battery as the pre amps, when they dim which is much before the distortion then I change the battery out... a built in power meter!!!

If you are new to Alembic, remember that it can deliver some real hot signal to Amp if trim pots are set to full gain, James... But I would consider checking PUs conections first, anyway.
 
(Message edited by mario farufyno on March 24, 2011)