| Author | Message | ||
| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 414 Registered: 7-2003 |
This is the bass from the two posts at the links below, and all questions should be directed toward Teri, the actual seller. http://alembic.com/club/messages/395/12517.html?1094424504 http://alembic.com/club/messages/393/12546.html?1095009480#POST24920 The bass will be sold on eBay. Here are some pictures and the best description I can give on each. From the pictures posted here, you can see its excellent condition.  This is what I consider a prime example of an early Alembic long scale, Series I bass in flat sawn zebra wood, fronts and backs, with a standard point body. An obviously well-cared-for beauty! From Mica's post of its build: "This is one of the old files - it's actually a 3x5 index card with some scant information. Here's what we know: Series I Long Scale Bass top and back: Zebrawood core: Koa neck: Maple/Beech/Purpleheart fingerboard: Ebony inlays: mother of pearl veneers: Zebrawood birthday: December 1, 1976 special order directly to original owner We've not heard from this instrument since we built it. Bet it has a big warm tone!" | ||
| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 415 Registered: 7-2003 |
 It has the old style trus rod, bridge, brass pickup selector on toward lower horn, and tail piece that actually is made of walnut with a thick brass top. The maple and purpleheart neck shows the deep yellowed aging of this instrument, but I have seen no checking at all in the full sized shots. Wonderful! | ||
| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 416 Registered: 7-2003 |
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| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2128 Registered: 6-2000 |
It's so great to get to see all these old basses again. Thanks for posting the pics! The pickups are much newer than the bass, and the hum canceller is stitting proud to the surface, which may or may not be as it was originally. I've seen a few old pictures with the pickup mounted that way. It's also possible that the pickup has become loose, and may need to be reglued in place. | ||
| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 417 Registered: 7-2003 |
I am suspecting the center strip in the neck is the beech Mica listed.  This is an interesting picture. The logo is the old hand-cut silver one that shines like chrome when polished up. Old style string nut and the chrome Schallers look brand new, though in the other shots they are obviously the originals, as the screws are located beneath the machines, and not to the side, as on the newer ones. The fretboard looks to be made of Macassar ebony. At first I thought it was some kind of powder or reflection, but then I got the larger shots and I don't think so. Someone please correct me, if I am wrong here. Frets look great and not a mark visable on the headstock! | ||
| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 418 Registered: 7-2003 |
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| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 419 Registered: 7-2003 |
 Zebrawood on the back of the head and a good shot of the old Schallers. | ||
| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 420 Registered: 7-2003 |
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| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 421 Registered: 7-2003 |
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| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 422 Registered: 7-2003 |
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| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 423 Registered: 7-2003 |
 Here is a close-up of the middle humcanceller that Mica mentioned, and it does look to have come loose. Would this merely need to be glued to secure it? If so, what type of glue should be used? This is the last picture. If I find any pictures of this bass in its case, or of the case, itself, I will post them. I believe the power supply and cable are lost, but replacements can easily be gotten, especially cables. Both can also readily be made. Contact Teri at teri.west@btinternet.com as he has the instrument there to look at and answer your questions. (Message edited by poor_nigel on November 17, 2004) | ||
| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 424 Registered: 7-2003 |
Found em! Obviously the original case - blue/blue and looks very good+ for a 28+ year-old case.   | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 2129 Registered: 6-2000 |
Just use superglue, as the bond can be easily broken if it ever needs replacing. Never use epoxy - major surgery is required to remove a humcanceller that's been over-secured. | ||
| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 425 Registered: 7-2003 |
Since this is soooo easy to do, I am sure it will be fixed before it hits the block. Thanks Mica! | ||
| godoze
Member Username: godoze Post Number: 61 Registered: 10-2004 |
That bass has my name written all over it. It reminds me of the first alembic I played when i was 10 years old...way back in 1977 ! | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 478 Registered: 3-2004 |
Yep, but it looks to be in the UK as well, so you're going to find it pretty expensive for US delivery. | ||
| godoze
Member Username: godoze Post Number: 64 Registered: 10-2004 |
Ah, I didn't see that bit of info. Would the elctronics need to be upgraded in this ? | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 483 Registered: 3-2004 |
If they are original and you live/play in an area with a lot of electronic devices, then there could be a noise problem. Do a search on the boards here and you'll probably find mentions by Mica of the likelihood that you'll need it. There was some percentage chance that the electronics would need upgrading, and I don't remember what it was. Maybe try terms like "series electronics upgrade" and see what shows up. | ||
| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 441 Registered: 7-2003 |
This bass is being put on eBay early in December, with an ending date of the 12th. Anyone interested can have their fun then. | ||
| dela217
Senior Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 483 Registered: 6-2002 |
That is a beautiful finish on that one indeed. If it were a small standard, it would definately be in my future. |
