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exclusibass
New
Username: exclusibass

Post Number: 1
Registered: 5-2011
Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2011 - 6:38 am:   Edit Post

I'm new to the Alembic world. I've been playing bass for 30 years and have always wanted an Alembic and I think I'm going to take the plunge. This is a picture of one I'm looking at. Could anyone tell me what model this may be? Is it a Mark King series? Also, does anyone know an approximate ball park range for this series? I understand that varies a lot by condition, just didn't want to get ripped off too badly.
adriaan
Moderator
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 2798
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2011 - 6:58 am:   Edit Post

Hi John, welcome to the Club!

That's a very nice looking bass there. It is the Mark King (or "Large Body") model, but in the 3/4 size variation and with an omega cut-out. Three neck laminates (purpleheart by the looks of it) is an upgrade for a 4-string.

Top wood is difficult to say given the distance and the lighting: quite probably walnut, but could even be quarter-sawn zebrawood.

Electronics are clearly Signature. The "series" moniker is for the top-of-the-line instruments, with high end electronics and an external power supply.

Looks a lot like a 32" medium scale.
pace
Senior Member
Username: pace

Post Number: 715
Registered: 4-2004
Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2011 - 8:05 am:   Edit Post

Welcome John!

The 3/4 MK has to be one of my favorite body shapes. As Adriaan pointed out, the bass has Signature electronics. The only question would be whether it is a "Signature Standard" or "Signature Deluxe", only difference being a rear laminate. Guessing by the neck recipe, I'd say it's a Deluxe, but since practically every Alembic is made to order, you never know!!!!
exclusibass
New
Username: exclusibass

Post Number: 2
Registered: 5-2011
Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2011 - 9:10 am:   Edit Post

Wow!!, I'm amazed at how well you guys know your Alembics. Thanks so much for the info. I hope to be a proud owner soon.
skyboltone
Intermediate Member
Username: skyboltone

Post Number: 123
Registered: 11-2010
Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2011 - 10:07 am:   Edit Post

That wouldn't be quarter sawn would it? I would call that rift sawn or flat sawn. I'm open to correction. In fact the word sawn now has me worried; sawed? (let's see here, action begun and ended in the past would be past participle. Turns out both are correct according to Miriam though Webster may disagree) I worry too much eh? Beautiful bass.

Dan

(Message edited by skyboltone on May 14, 2011)
adriaan
Moderator
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 2799
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2011 - 11:36 am:   Edit Post

Oh dear, yes - Dan you're quite right: it would be flat-sawn.
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 1688
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2011 - 11:51 am:   Edit Post

Tulip wood top?

Keith
groovelines
Senior Member
Username: groovelines

Post Number: 683
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2011 - 12:46 pm:   Edit Post

Olie O's has two 3/4 scaled body basses and I gotta say both are extremely comfortable to play.

My vote is for tulip wood. Nice top whatever it may be.
seventhsunbass
Junior
Username: seventhsunbass

Post Number: 15
Registered: 4-2011
Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2011 - 3:17 am:   Edit Post

Welcome, John, from a fellow engineer though not elect. You will find, as I have, a wealth of info from the users here and quite possibily the kindest folks in any forum on the web. I believe this is the one for sale @ the Guitar Center in Santa Clara, California listed as: USED ALEMBIC CUSTOM BASS W/ TULIPWOOD TOP, no? If so, kuddos to Keith. I was looking for one there as well but stumbled on a Rogue in TX that struck my fancy. Enjoy.
gtrguy
Advanced Member
Username: gtrguy

Post Number: 368
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2011 - 7:12 pm:   Edit Post

You might be able to get a nice series one used for less than they (GC) want.

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