| Author | Message | ||
| s_wood
Intermediate Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 171 Registered: 5-2002 |
 This past Saturday, I finished the gig on 3 strings. Why? Because I broke the G string on the Music Man Stingray 4 string I borrowed from the guy in the next band 30 seconds into the first song of the set. Why was I playng a 4 string Stingray? Because my 5 string Series II fell off a guitar stand just before I picked it up to start the show, and when it hit the stage floor it decided to do a Steinberger impression.   This bass is -- was -- 7 months old. She is on her way back to Alembic for what I fear will be last rites. Luckily, she was fully insured through Heritage Musical Instrument Insurance against all loss and damage, so with any luck the claim will be paid without too much hassle and I will be able to replace her. Moral of the story: I already knew that gig bags sucked (see the Broken Bass in the Series II gallery). Now, I know that guitar stands REALLY suck. (Message edited by s_wood on January 08, 2006) | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 700 Registered: 6-2002 |
"Ooops" can't begin to describe it. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 2977 Registered: 5-2002 |
Steve; I guess you've already talked with the folks in the shop, but it looks to my layman's eyes that a scarf joint repair would make it good as new. | ||
| hb3
Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 65 Registered: 2-2005 |
I bet it's fixable. | ||
| s_wood
Intermediate Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 172 Registered: 5-2002 |
I hope you are right, and I am anxious to hear from the folks in Santa Rosa when they see the bass in a couple of days. I guess the question is does repair cost plus refin cost (which I assume will be necessary) plus reduced resale value make a repair foolishly expensive, as compared to a new bass with the electronics and parts from this one? I am surprised at how calmly I took the whole thing. Of course, smoke was coming out of my ears when it happened, but The Show Must Go On, right? Then, when I broke the string on the borrowed bass less than 5 minutes later (which is the first time in 30 years that has ever happened to me on a gig) I just laughed and relaxed...like the late HST said, "when the going gets weird the weird turn pro!" | ||
| hb3
Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 66 Registered: 2-2005 |
oh well, no one needs a G string anyway. [insert joke here] actually I saw some crazy bass from Japan that was a ONE STRING bass. I really, really wanted one. | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 537 Registered: 11-2004 |
I hope that it can be fixed or at least the insurance company comes through for a new one. Those pictures surely make your stomach drop to your knees. Rich | ||
| pinchdawg
New Username: pinchdawg Post Number: 9 Registered: 12-2005 |
Like something out of a bad horror movie........................very sad. Jim | ||
| 2400wattman
Junior Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 40 Registered: 11-2005 |
Hello Steve, could you direct me to where I could find out info. on that insurance company you mentioned? I know the feeling of things gone really wrong at a gig(this case is heart breaking & catastrophic) but I do believe this could be fixed with nothing to worry about. | ||
| hb3
Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 67 Registered: 2-2005 |
he's talking about http://www.heritage-ins-services.com/ I'd be interested in hearing how they come through as well. | ||
| hb3
Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 68 Registered: 2-2005 |
speaking of bad horror movies, that must've looked like some sort of squiggly alien chest bursting thing, what with all the strings flying and all... | ||
| keith_h
Advanced Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 303 Registered: 2-2005 |
Ouch. I really feel for you. I am sure that it can be fixed. Other than apologizing to the person you borrowed the bass from I don't think 3 strings is a problem. Remember that at one time Tony Levin was playing a 3 string bass on purpose. Keith | ||
| malthumb
Advanced Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 370 Registered: 5-2002 |
I know this is after the fact, but.......  Here's how I avoid such tragedies. Peace, James | ||
| worldfamousandy
Junior Username: worldfamousandy Post Number: 34 Registered: 3-2004 |
It can definitely be fixed. My headstock broke off several years ago, and they were able to repair it without much difficulty. After getting it back, it plays better than it ever has. They were able to do some beautiful (hardly visible) woodwork. My break was not as clean as yours looks to be, and they simply replace the headstock, along with the top 4" or so of the neck. Your bass will have a small "scar." As they say, "scars are tattoos with stories." | ||
| kungfusheriff
Senior Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 451 Registered: 8-2003 |
Aaaaargh! Good luck! Mine gets laid in her case... | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 966 Registered: 3-2004 |
Wow, does that suck! I've seen a few of those and had a couple lesser injuries to my own instruments under similar circumstances. Even so, I can't imagine the pain I would feel if my prize bass lost its head. From various FTC threads, though, it would seem that you have a few other nice instruments to get by with while you await a repair or rebuild. Best of luck in getting your insurance company to come through and then Alembic will do the right thing by you to repair the instrument or duplicate it as precisely as you could wish! Unless you developped a special bond with the instrument in th efew months you had it, I would probably opt for a rebuild rather than a repair. Then there will be all sorts of people bidding for the repairable pieces to this one... -Bob | ||
| bassfingers
Junior Username: bassfingers Post Number: 46 Registered: 11-2005 |
Steve, Really sorry to hear/see what happened to your Series 2.I had a Warwick Thumb 6 that met a similar fate.Once repaired however it was pressed straight back into service and played/sounded just as it always had.I'm sure the good folks over in Santa Rosa will do you proud so don't lose hope. In an attempt to cheer you up I managed to find a photo of the 1 string bass mentioned above.Made by Atlansia of Japan,it's a strange one alright!.  Strange or not,I'd love to try one. I hope things turn out for the best with your 5 string.Fingers crossed.Please keep us informed. Best Wishes, Simon. | ||
| pinchdawg
New Username: pinchdawg Post Number: 10 Registered: 12-2005 |
One string bass!!!!On floor laughing. LOL. Jim | ||
| pinchdawg
Junior Username: pinchdawg Post Number: 11 Registered: 12-2005 |
Still laughing, think of the solo possibilities. Thanks.tears in eyes. Jim | ||
| bassfingers
Junior Username: bassfingers Post Number: 47 Registered: 11-2005 |
Jim, 'Teen Town' would be a real bitch on this! :o).Still it offers a new take on the oft misquoted Zen Buddhism koan. "What is the sound of one string (slapping)". Simon. | ||
| pinchdawg
Junior Username: pinchdawg Post Number: 12 Registered: 12-2005 |
Hey Simon, I hear japan is going to try to compete with alembic this is a true series one prototype. lol, Jim | ||
| hb3
Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 69 Registered: 2-2005 |
that's it! there are many amazing basses on the website, but it's all in Japanese. I wrote the webmaster trying to find out if there was any way to see/play one in the states, but never got a reply. | ||
| hb3
Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 70 Registered: 2-2005 |
the only solution is alembic must design and market a one-string series two bass. | ||
| pinchdawg
Junior Username: pinchdawg Post Number: 13 Registered: 12-2005 |
Simon, Link please. | ||
| the_8_string_king
Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 55 Registered: 9-2005 |
My condolenensces; to call this a MAJOR bummer would be a MAJOR understatement. | ||
| bassfingers
Junior Username: bassfingers Post Number: 48 Registered: 11-2005 |
Hey Jim, Link?,no problem.The pic I posted was from a forum I came across having Google-ed 'Atlansia 1 string bass'. http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y76/Kanikar/atl-solo.jpg It also,not surprisingly,came up with Atlansia's site. http://www.atlansia.jp/ There's some examples of the truly weird and wonderful on there. One of the first issues of Bass Player magazine ran a review one of their basses,a shocking and tasteless display of over-indulgence (By that I mean it had FOUR strings!).It must have been good though,the reviewer was moved enough to buy it.Hope the links are a help. Best Wishes, Simon. | ||
| pinchdawg
Junior Username: pinchdawg Post Number: 15 Registered: 12-2005 |
Thanks Simon, Hey look your just two posts from becoming a member. Cheers, Jim | ||
| crgaston
Junior Username: crgaston Post Number: 44 Registered: 11-2005 |
Kungfusheriff said: "Aaaaargh! Good luck! Mine gets laid in her case..." Ummmm,...can we be expecting a little baby bass anytime soon?. | ||
| bassfingers
Junior Username: bassfingers Post Number: 49 Registered: 11-2005 |
Hi Jim, I didn't realise that a)I become a member after 50 posts,and b)I'm only 2 away.Or one after this.So now I'm getting really excited at the prospect.I don't know what to expect but maybe Mica and the guys monitor everybody's posts and when you get to 50.... "...Hi Simon,It's.....(Insert name of senior ranking Alembic person)..calling to welcome you as a member.Can I have your home address,we've got a Series 2 to send you......Excuse me?......No,we do it all the time to welcome new members.....Aw,you're welcome!.So,what address do we send it to?.....". Whaddya reckon Jim?,anybody said anything to you about it?. :o) Sincerely,without a snowball's chance in Hell, Simon. | ||
| bassfingers
Junior Username: bassfingers Post Number: 50 Registered: 11-2005 |
Jim, Meant to say thanks for pointing that out.1 more post and I'll.......... (You see what I did there?). LOL Best Wishes Simon. | ||
| jlpicard
Advanced Member Username: jlpicard Post Number: 314 Registered: 7-2002 |
Steve, I've got to give you credit for finishing the gig. If that were to happen to me I think I would be in a total catatonic state and someone would have to take me home, put me to bed and do a 24/7 suicide watch till I got it repaired or replaced!! It's very painful and frightening to look at those pictures. Did it fall backwards and hit right on the point of the back of the headstock or forward? As an amature builder, I'm curious because of how cleanly it peeled the back laminates off the neck. With all that laminating and Ebony, you'd think that the head would be stronger than that. I wonder, what kind of stand were you using so we can avoid that type or discard it if need be? | ||
| ajdover
Advanced Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 285 Registered: 11-2003 |
Steve, Wow, dude, that really sucks, and I feel for you. I can't imagine how I'd feel if that happened to one of my Alembics. I'd probably hunt down the responsible party (if needed) and throttle them within an inch of their life ... or make them play Warwicks for the rest of it :-) (note: not picking on Warwick owners here - they just happen to be one of my least favorite brands, so I figure if I gotta torture someone, a Warwick is the way to do it IMHO) I know when I use my Alembics on a stage or bandstand that they always go in a case when I'm not playing them. I might put them in a stand temporarily, but only if I'm standing right next to it. I guess I'm a little paranoid at something happening to them, but that's just me. Maybe there's a better stand system out there that might preclude this from happening again (other than a case)? Any suggestions, anyone? I truly hope your insurance company takes care of you. I know the good folks in Santa Rosa will. Best of luck, Alan | ||
| j_gary
Intermediate Member Username: j_gary Post Number: 170 Registered: 6-2005 |
Good grief Steve, what a shock. I had to get up and do an Alembic check after those photo's. For what it's worth, your story made me rethink my bass handling skills. Good luck with the repair. That Alembic can do such amazing things with wood, makes me believe they can fix her as good as new. | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 951 Registered: 11-2003 |
We all saw the results of Alembic craftsmanship when Mike's Spyder came into contact with his singer's slinging mic. I'll bet you would be hard pressed to find the damage after the repair. Sam | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1601 Registered: 9-2003 |
Steve, My condolensces. That's a really sweet SII with the Europa body, ebony lams, quilt maple w/burst finish, etc. All is not lost. Let Alembic fix 'er and see how you like it first...this one looks too d*mn nice to give up on just yet. As stated above, Mike Bisch's Spyder was severly damaged, and the repairs along with the upgrades he did, made it even better than it was, IMHO. Remember, your neck-through's headstock was joined to the neck via scarf joint originally, now they'll just move it down a little. It'll be visible (ck out Mike's Spyder repair thread for further edification), but Alembic does it in a way that it actually looks like it's supposed to be there. It's a conicallly-cut joint that looks just like the one's that Grover Jackson (did) on his neck-throughs. Cheers, Kevin | ||
| foth
Member Username: foth Post Number: 61 Registered: 12-2004 |
I'm sorry Steve! That's a horrible thing to have happen right at showtime. I think I'll be getting one of the stands that James reccomends. I first saw one in use at my new year's gig. Here's pics of Wayne's repaired headstock. There is an article in the November, 2005 Bass PLayer that mentions Dusty Wakeman's 3 string Rick Turner bass... no G string on purpose! | ||
| s_wood
Intermediate Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 173 Registered: 5-2002 |
The insurance company I use is Heritage Insurance. They specialize in musical instrument insurance. www.musicins.com Their policies are underwritten by St. Paul Travelers Insurance Co., and they covers all kinds of loss from theft or accidental damage. The insurance is very reasonably priced. I have always dealt with the owner, Ellis Hershman at 800-289-8837, and he has always been great. Of course, this is my first claim so we will see just how great he really is  Supposedly, they will either pay replacement cost or the cost of the repair plus devaluation (as a repaired bass will be worth less on the resale market). We'll see. Anyway, if anyone decides to check out Heritage Insurance for their basses (and you should) please mention my name (Steve Wood) as perhaps that will help things go my way. By the way, if you think you are safe with your homeowner's or renter's insurance you better double-check as many policies exclude instruments if you use them even once at a paying gig. About finishing the gig: I was playing with an original rock band called Prima Donna at a place in Philadelphia called the North Star, which is the most prestigious gig that an unsigned original band can play in that city. I am a sideman in that band, and I pride myself on being reliable and a team player. I would have played the gig through a veil of tears on a kazoo if I had to, but when I broke the string on the borrowed bass I really relaxed and started having fun because it was so obvious that I was just completely hosed. Plus, and this is the main point, compared to what Dela217 and everyone else in New Orleans and the US Gulf Coast has been through what happened to me isn't really even worth mentioning. Especially because I have insurance. So there are 2 morals to this story: 1. Guitar stands REALLY suck; and 2. Get your basses insured. Right now. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2946 Registered: 6-2000 |
Oh Steve - this is sad news indeed. It's very likely it can be repaired, but that doesn't make it hurt any less I know. I'm always one to look on the bright side: it's a chance to change the finish color if you want to since refinishing will be required. Let us know if your insurance company needs any documentation from us. | ||
| speicky
Member Username: speicky Post Number: 87 Registered: 3-2005 |
Steve, when I initially saw this thread I almost broke down myself. Such a lovely beauty, crashed in pieces... But I know everything will turn out fine with the repair, and I am glad you shared this accident with us. I learned from other threads what the elves at MARS (Magic Alembic Restore Shop) are able to perform. Christian (the faker) | ||
| hankster
Junior Username: hankster Post Number: 28 Registered: 6-2004 |
Steve, Condolences. This happened to me many years ago, when the headstock broke off my Gibson Les Paul bass. The repair worked beautifully, except for a small bit of missing inlay; I now have a rare Gibson "dotless i". | ||
| lidon2001
Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 70 Registered: 4-2005 |
Sorry to see that Steve. I spend many minutes gazing at your instruments. I hope the insurance works well. For another option, I got all 3 of my Alembics insured at full retail minus monthly special price from www.merzhuber.com which I found elsewhere on this site. I hope I never have to use it. T | ||
| wayne
Intermediate Member Username: wayne Post Number: 131 Registered: 5-2002 |
Steve- As my ordeal is well documented, I simply say trust Mica and the artisians in Santa Rosa (which you obviously do). It won't be exactly the same, but it will take an amazing ear to hear any tonal difference after the repair. As for appearence, no one in front will ever know. And anyone behind will have to look close. Even after everything, the Dark and the Light is still my favorite sounding bass. C-Ya..........wayne | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 835 Registered: 7-2003 |
Steve: Sorry about your misfortune. It looks like the scarf joint let go, probably saving your neck from more damage. It's definitely fixable. You may have seen this thread in the past, but here are the pix of Mike's Spyder getting a new headstock following an unfortuante injury: http://alembic.com/club/messages/631/12625.html. Take heart, it'll be back to playing good as new. Plus if your insurer will make you whole for loss of resale, then maybe the scar won't seem so bad. Whenever I get paranoid about damage to my basses, I eventually remind myself of something Mica said a while ago here. If I remember, she said the purposes of the scarf joint were: (1) to add strength against the pull of the strings and (2) to give the neck a fixable place to break when it is subjected to trauma - helping promote the survival of your instrument. She illustrated this by pointing out that, of all the Stradavarius (Stradavarii?) violins still surviving, not one has its original headstock. Kind of puts my paranoia into perspective... Bill | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1620 Registered: 9-2003 |
Actually, the scarf joint's purpose is to allow for the attachment of the angled headstock. Otherwise, the wood neck blanks would have to be huge in order to carve out the angled portion...with lots of waste. It's the LAMINATED construction that gives the joint it's strength. On the "lesser" Alembics, like my Orion, they use a volute (like a double bass) for strength in place of the lams. Remember, Alembic got their feet wet with instruments by performing repairs. A lot of those initial repairs involved busted headstocks...hence the Std. Point body genesis (i.e., forcing you to use a stand versus leaning the instrument on something...and having it topple over: the prime cause of broken headstocks). | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 836 Registered: 7-2003 |
That's a better way to put it: Added strength is a result of the joint. Otherwise, a lot of stock would be wasted. Plus it enables neck designs to avoid clunky volutes. | ||
| s_wood
Intermediate Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 174 Registered: 5-2002 |
Well, I know nothing about woodworking, but I'll tell you this: when I heard the crash, turned around and saw my bass on the floor in two pieces, my first words were not "oh, thank God my scarf joint gave way and prevented more drastic damage." I think my initial utterance was significantly more, well, colorful. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2965 Registered: 6-2000 |
Just had a little chat with Bob and Chip and James about the neck repair on your bass. Moving the scarf joint down is doable. Here's a picture of another instrument to show about where the new joint would wind up:  Each end of the red line is at the nut (it's a little hard to see the nut from this angle). It won't be like it was when it was first made, but it can be salvaged. I was also a little relieved when I actually saw the bass in person. My first reaction to seeing the pictures was along the lines of Steve's reaction, only I thought there was a faulty glue joint (the Ebony and Maple parts looks so clean and smooth). Of course, if I had used my mind instead of having my emotional reaction, I would have realized there isn't a joint where the break occured. But the straight-on angle made it appear like a smooth surface. Here's what I'm talking about:  In person, it was clear that the wood sheared. Mom is working up the quotes for vairous avenues of repair, there are several options. It will be up to you and your insurer to decide which way makes you whole. | ||
| s_wood
Intermediate Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 176 Registered: 5-2002 |
Mica & all Thanks for your compassion, advice and help. I gotta tell you: that close-up is ugly! | ||
| terryc
Junior Username: terryc Post Number: 27 Registered: 11-2004 |
The pics on the Spyder repair are unbelievable!! but if these guys cannot repair your bass then no one on this earth can. I am sure your bass will come back like new..they are great craftsman and I would not trust my Alembic to anyone else, if it ever needs attention I will have to ship it to the USA to them(I live in the UK). I heard once that Stan Clarke gave a local luthier one of his Almebics to re fret or something..no way..it goes back to the creators of the bass. Do Alembic ever do copies of Fenders ie in there exotic woods etc or does it break the copright law?? I would love(if I could afford it) a Jazz style bass with there build quality and electronics | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1625 Registered: 9-2003 |
They do and they have. The can't/won't copy the headstock design, which is copyrighted. Do a search...they did a couple of J-bass-bodied basses that they shipped to Britain within the last couple of years that were very nice. |
