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herbdavidguitarstudio
New
Username: herbdavidguitarstudio

Post Number: 1
Registered: 6-2008
Posted on Friday, June 06, 2008 - 8:27 pm:   Edit Post

We got a 1989 Elan 5-string in our store the other day without any information, and can't identify the wood it's made from. I've looked at the wood samples on Alembic's site and on this forum and can't conclusively tell what it's made out of.

Anybody want to offer their opinion?

Images here:

http://www.herbdavidguitarstudio.com/catalog/images/product_images_large/alembic_elan-5string.jpg

http://www.herbdavidguitarstudio.com/catalog/images/product_images_large/alembic_elan-5string_a.jpg

http://www.herbdavidguitarstudio.com/catalog/images/product_images_large/alembic_elan-5string_b.jpg

http://www.herbdavidguitarstudio.com/catalog/images/product_images_large/alembic_elan-5string_c.jpg

http://www.herbdavidguitarstudio.com/catalog/images/product_images_large/alembic_elan-5string_d.jpg

http://www.herbdavidguitarstudio.com/catalog/images/product_images_large/alembic_elan-5string_e.jpg

http://www.herbdavidguitarstudio.com/catalog/images/product_images_large/alembic_elan-5string_f.jpg
keurosix
Advanced Member
Username: keurosix

Post Number: 318
Registered: 10-2005
Posted on Friday, June 06, 2008 - 9:08 pm:   Edit Post

Wow, She's pretty. Top looks like Bocate, but could be any number of species. Try posting on "Owning an Alembic - Serial number / History Requests".
Here is link to top page:
http://alembic.com/club/messages/394/22072.html?1212796734
This is the difinitive way to find out.
Neck is Maple / Purple Heart and body should be Ash or Maple.
Kris
keurosix
Advanced Member
Username: keurosix

Post Number: 319
Registered: 10-2005
Posted on Friday, June 06, 2008 - 9:10 pm:   Edit Post

Back of body really looks like Maple.
Kris
tbrannon
Senior Member
Username: tbrannon

Post Number: 765
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Friday, June 06, 2008 - 9:31 pm:   Edit Post

I agree with Kris on the maple body- neck is maple with purpleheart stringers.

That top wood is lovely- you could convince me that it was flame walnut, Bubinga, bocate or schedua.... I'll bet you'll hear from Mica or somebody else who will be able to ID it before too long though.

Either way, it is stunning!!
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 1140
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Saturday, June 07, 2008 - 5:32 am:   Edit Post

The back is almost certainly maple. The top could be any of the several Toby mentioned. I'd vote for walnut - The regular size and coloration pattern of the long figures looks like bocate. But where the flames fold over around the waist in the second to last photo and the burls that appear on the right hand horn (same photo) just scream walnut to me. I love walnut when it gets that red/deep amber color. Of course, with my luck, it's a schedua bass (LOL). It's very nice looking, though.
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 1141
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Saturday, June 07, 2008 - 5:49 am:   Edit Post

Duplicate removed

(Message edited by bassman10096 on June 07, 2008)
3rd_ray
Junior
Username: 3rd_ray

Post Number: 33
Registered: 2-2008
Posted on Saturday, June 07, 2008 - 5:55 am:   Edit Post

My guess is walnut on top, maple on back, and maple/purpleheart on the neck.

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