| Author | Message | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 180 Registered: 9-2009 |
Hey, as we get older it's only natural to be more aware of on maintaining good health. Besides from the recent thread I read on brass screws breaking, are there any other issues we who own older Alembics, must know? I am seriously concern as to what other retrofitting issues in support of maintaining a happy and healthy Alembic. PLEASE SHOW PICTURES  (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 12, 2009) | ||
| spose
Advanced Member Username: spose Post Number: 275 Registered: 5-2002 |
I own 76 294...I've had her over 20 years(tho I've known her for over 30 yrs). I have had one toggle switch replaced because the paddle of the switch broke off, not because the electronics didn't work. I had a re-fret in the 80's. that's it. I don't have the RF issues so I never did the electronic upgrade. as well, I have a hard case but always use my leather gig bag....still batting 1000! | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 548 Registered: 12-2004 |
besides changing battery cables & getting new resisters 20plus yrs ago old #12 has taken a licking and still kicking!  (Message edited by davehouck on November 09, 2009) | ||
| mario_farufyno
Advanced Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 313 Registered: 9-2008 |
Does this bass make phone calls? This is some upgrade! | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 1110 Registered: 11-2004 |
My MK is registered at 1993 so it is almost there but luckily no major issues. As an old mechanic once told me 'Anything that moves or heats up, wears out!' | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8888 Registered: 5-2002 |
"Anything that moves or heats up"; that's pretty much everything. | ||
| kungfusheriff
Senior Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 883 Registered: 8-2003 |
Pretty logical, considering that heat is motion. Back on topic: I'm in for two, with my pair of '82 Series 2 basses. | ||
| mario_farufyno
Advanced Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 318 Registered: 9-2008 |
Sorry, I've tried to be funny and didn't asked right... What is this Nextel thing in number 12? | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8891 Registered: 5-2002 |
If I recall correctly, it's a device to help track down a stolen instrument. | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 550 Registered: 12-2004 |
dave is correct it's like a tracking device GPS? or you can install one inside your bass case cause most basses dont have the cavity room like my old bass as you can see. | ||
| dwmark
Advanced Member Username: dwmark Post Number: 247 Registered: 1-2005 |
where can we get one? | ||
| mario_farufyno
Advanced Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 321 Registered: 9-2008 |
Wow, great idea! If I were smart I could bring that to Brazil... Nextel just operates mobile phone services here. | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 552 Registered: 12-2004 |
. (Message edited by serialnumber12 on October 21, 2009) | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 553 Registered: 12-2004 |
http://search.mywebsearch.com/mywebsearch/AJmain.jhtml?searchfor=portable+tracking+devices&st=kwd | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1732 Registered: 6-2002 |
Mobile phones make funny noises through my guitar when the phone is in my pocket. Does that nextel device interfere with your bass signal? | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 554 Registered: 12-2004 |
i often pickup noise/police signals so when ever im gettin wasted i leave my bass turned up with electronic devices near so i can listen in,i only leave it in the case i cut out a secret slot in my case's interior foam mainly cause a big body series bass wont fit in just any case/gig bag so if any one where to steal such a large bass they'd have no choice but to leave it in it's origional case. | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 555 Registered: 12-2004 |
 | ||
| the_mule
Senior Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 760 Registered: 1-2004 |
"Blondie"  March 22, 1983, so 26,5 years old. Had a major accident in her early years when a van drove right over her. Supposedly a roadie had placed the case or bag against the tour van and it only took a little bit forward and backward to hear some sounds one wouldn't want to hear coming from an Alembic. The headstock, neck and body were cracked but electronically there were no problems. I've heard this from a reliable source, who originally ordered and sold her, and looked after the repairs. She disappeared from view until I rescued her for a very pleasant price in a pawn shop, now 5,5 years ago. Foolishly let her go much too easily too soon but I was able to keep track and eventually managed to buy her back 2 years ago. Now, and especially with stories like that attached to her it's hard to imagine that I will ever be living a life without Blondie being close by. Wilfred | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 219 Registered: 9-2009 |
This is Toma_Hawk's big brother "Shorty". I found shorty back in 2007 in Atlanta Georgia at Guitar Centers. It was the fastest sale I ever made on anything. I bought my first Series I 23 years ago from Guitar Center's in San Francisco. I sold the bass, and it would be a 25 year sentience until nature would award me again. Being an electric guitar player, I had a pretty good distraction from thinking about basses. But deep in the back of my mind, for each year that went by without an Alembic to play bass, the pain of selling, only added fuel to a burning heart. Simply: I hated that I sold my first Alembic!!! So, the lesson learned here is: "it's ok to sell an Alembic as long as it don't take 20+ years to replace it." Not too long ago, shorty was almost sold, but I pulled back because this bass is truly more special to me than anything musical in my life. Of course, when his little Brother "Toma_Hawk" get's here, the joys of knowing sounds of the "vintage" and the "present" would be very special and a great thing for me musically. Playing and recording both, instruments measured differences -- is a reward alone. I can't wait to compile this study with both basses, to foster another level, and the next step to mastering "my-sound"...! Back when I was about to sell, I felt like Abraham when his faith was tested, and I called it off because of the great many voices in my head, and others who said (including my wife): "Hal, don't sell your bass!" It was my awakening. It pierced through me in a profound and meaningful way. I will never sell Shorty. This bass has more meaning and value to me, if given the opportunity, I would love to choose it next owner(s). I feel the same way about the Toma_Hawk. Both basses will not be up for sale.  (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 24, 2009) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 458 Registered: 5-2009 |
It is amazing that I felt empathy in your trepidation to sell shorty; to the point that those voices that you comment about were my words ( in meaning) DON"T SELL IT HAL ! I felt it because I did it once and regretted it .I think you did the right thing Hal. Wolf___ | ||
| nnek
New Username: nnek Post Number: 6 Registered: 8-2009 |
I found my series 1 in 1976 when a friend bought it and I tried the most marvelous bass I had ever played... it took 33 yrs to finally have it for my own after spotting it on Craigslist. Imagine my surprise to reunite with an old friend and finally own the only Alembic I've ever tried. Since my first playing through 33 yrs to ownership the bass has suffered a fire that took its' case, siezed the pickup selector switch and neglect that left it stored in a garage... not unloved but unplayed for many years. See the picture of 33 yrs of funk on the neck. You can barely see the silver inlay surrounding the abalone markers. Even so it sounded great dispite the old strings and I have been totally addicted to its' sound (with new strings) for a couple months now unwilling to give it up for much needed fret rehab, playing around the issues it has to the accolaides of bandmates... it is at the luthiers now and I hope to see it tomorrow.   (Message edited by davehouck on November 09, 2009) | ||
| nnek
New Username: nnek Post Number: 7 Registered: 8-2009 |
My apologies for the size of the pics... how do you edit to bring the string back in line? | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 469 Registered: 5-2009 |
Congratulations! I can imagine the sublime happiness that you must be feeling ! | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 233 Registered: 9-2009 |
This thread is most enjoyable to read. I believe it's really important to have a story behind the bass. It provides more substance to ownership and I find the story very intriguing. I hope more people add their vintage Alembics here... | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 561 Registered: 12-2004 |
 | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 562 Registered: 12-2004 |
 | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 563 Registered: 12-2004 |
I purchased old#12 from guitar center in San Francisco 1980....it sat on that wall for nearly a year or more & i figured if nobody wants it then this Mutherfucker's mine!    | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 235 Registered: 9-2009 |
What a trip, you were in SF with this Alembic. Man what a small world. #12 Are you originally from the Bay Area? (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on November 01, 2009) | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 564 Registered: 12-2004 |
Born & raised in the Fillmore / Haight Ashbury district graduated from lincoln High 1980! | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 565 Registered: 12-2004 |
check out this funky bass! http://www.georgeduke.com/ | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 1129 Registered: 11-2004 |
Sounds like Stanley but then again it could be anyone these days..very in the pocket. Davehouck....'...heats up and moves' yep everything in the world as we know it, nothing is invincible from friction and heat..even the sun will eventually 'wear out'. nnek..you bass needs a double or triple dose of lemon oil to clean it up..looks like a really neat bass. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 236 Registered: 9-2009 |
Man, my first steps to an education was at John Muir Elementary (Pre-School) in San Francisco. That was in 1969. I was listening to Jimi and watching Playboy After Dark and Dick Cavett's -- watching Miles, Sammy, Dizzy, Sarah, Sinatra, Dinah and other true musicians make sound for my young ears. My Dad played Jazz Sax in those days to pay bills and to complete his education at UC. Man those were some very difficult, but most remembered times in my life. The music was the best ever. I hope to meet you someday #12. | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 566 Registered: 12-2004 |
I went to john Muir Elementary from 1965 to 1970.........my dad also played jazz sax in those days in the chitlin circut/tenderloin jazz clubs. | ||
| nnek
New Username: nnek Post Number: 8 Registered: 8-2009 |
My bass was ordered through 8th street music in 1975 and layed down the bottom for "Dem Bones" until they disbanded. When I first played it, my two basses were a Guild Starfire and a 69 Frettless P-bass... neither one came close to this Alembic that my friend Paul had purchased, but then neither did my budget.... terryc you will be happy to know I cleaned and dressed the fretboard with lemon oil right after that picture. The silver inlay at the 7th fret has lost about a third of the inlay. I'm anxious to see if my luthier could address that issue. Also I don't see silver inlay on the position markers of any other basses when I look through pictures...did they discontinue it? | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 237 Registered: 9-2009 |
#12 now, this means we did cross paths and didn't know it. I my Good GOD in Heaven! Wow! | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 567 Registered: 12-2004 |
This was my Hit on KBLX (radio)back the day. http://mghost.musicgroups.com/sitephp/musicians/public/music.php?Music=kbarnes | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 241 Registered: 9-2009 |
KBLX was my one of favorite station in the mid to late 70's and early 80's. KJAZ was my favorite. KPFA was pushing Jazz at a cult level. Man, I had my tape ready to record whenever those stations aired. I have a lot of recordings I'd done over the years too. However, I was playing more of a rock guitar and not much bass. My focus now is bass. I want to come home to the Funk now. Theirs no other music that brings more happiness than Funk. Better yet, I don't call it Funk, I call it The "FAA-OWN-K" LOL! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8922 Registered: 5-2002 |
Kenn; beautiful bass! Congrats!! On your question of editing; I went ahead and edited the post for you, but two things you might find helpful: - In the upper right hand corner of your post there is a paper and pencil icon that for around 48 hours you can click on to edit your posts. - When you load your pictures, place a carriage return ("enter" key) after the text preceding the first picture and after each picture. | ||
| nnek
Junior Username: nnek Post Number: 16 Registered: 8-2009 |
Thanks for the education, that will make my future posts much more viewer friendly! |
