| Author | Message | ||
| northcountry
New Username: northcountry Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2015 |
I purchased this bass from a fellow musician in LA about 25 years ago. I play acoustic almost exclusively now...it's been out of my gear closet once in the past 9 years. Everything works well and it sounds beautiful. Any idea's about what it's worth? Thanks!    | ||
| gtrguy
Senior Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 957 Registered: 9-2004 |
Looks like a nice short scale in very original condition. Depending on if you have the blue box and what the finish is like, I think they go for $3,500 to $5,500 in the good ole US of A, and maybe somewhat more if they are in exceptional condition. Is the finish checked and does it have the original case and power supply and cord? People are always looking for a short scale series, too! | ||
| flpete1uw
Senior Member Username: flpete1uw Post Number: 576 Registered: 11-2011 |
Wow! That's very similar to my 75 Series. Beautiful Koa top. What's the sn#? Mine is 75-215. Pete | ||
| northcountry
New Username: northcountry Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2015 |
Thanks for the quick reply! I do have the blue box, it's original cable and the original case. (The case is in pretty bad condition). There is no finish checking on the face or back of the instrument just a small portion on the neck where it connects to the main body of the guitar. Thanks again for your advice! | ||
| northcountry
New Username: northcountry Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2015 |
They're brothers  75-219....would love to see a picture! | ||
| llobsterbass
Intermediate Member Username: llobsterbass Post Number: 130 Registered: 5-2004 |
Isn't that a zebrawood top, rather than koa? | ||
| flpete1uw
Senior Member Username: flpete1uw Post Number: 577 Registered: 11-2011 |
Cool!! http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/188363.html?1393506241 And better shot of the Koa, still not worthy of she really looks like. http://alembic.com/club/messages/394/222007.html?1448073070 | ||
| northcountry
New Username: northcountry Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2015 |
Wow! love that second picture...sweet bass! | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Senior Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 689 Registered: 6-2014 |
It's weird how often this happens here... often two sequential serial numbers or like this time just a couple apart. There's a whole thread here somewhere on the fabled birdseye zebrawood. I seem to remember Mica saying there were just a handful of instruments with wood from that log. Like eight or ten IIRC. (Message edited by edwardofhuncote on November 23, 2015) | ||
| flpete1uw
Senior Member Username: flpete1uw Post Number: 578 Registered: 11-2011 |
Greg, Really like your basses grain textures on the Koa top. Classic! My bass has red orange streaks in it that my cheap $100 camara can't seam to capture. To bad you don't find much use for your Series but if you list it here I'm sure it will find a good home. Heck I'm tempted myself! Pete | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4601 Registered: 5-2009 |
A beautiful instrument ! I love it . Wolf | ||
| pas
Advanced Member Username: pas Post Number: 306 Registered: 3-2003 |
The top wood on the bass pictured in this thread is zebrawood. | ||
| flpete1uw
Senior Member Username: flpete1uw Post Number: 579 Registered: 11-2011 |
Paul, Looking closer at it (I'm on an IPad) You might be right, I stand corrected sir. Looks like it is the same Birdseye Zebrawood as well. I guess I have Koa on the brain. Doooooh! | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4782 Registered: 6-2002 |
Years I'm searching for a series I or II shorty and as soon as I buy one, they all start to appear out of the woodwork..... :-( Excellent looking bass. All the best with the sale. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4602 Registered: 5-2009 |
What is the geological location of this instrument ? A response to the email address on my profile is encourged ! I am interested . Thanks , Wolf | ||
| pas
Advanced Member Username: pas Post Number: 307 Registered: 3-2003 |
Pete, That's one sweet Cocobolo Distillate you have! If it ever needs a new home, I've got dibs! | ||
| hammer
Senior Member Username: hammer Post Number: 796 Registered: 9-2009 |
When you do decide on a price for this, please PM me. I am very interested and since Jazzyvee just outbid me for a shorty from down under I've got one less Alembican who will be trying to get to your door before me. | ||
| hammer
Senior Member Username: hammer Post Number: 797 Registered: 9-2009 |
And I'm from the north country (Minnesota) Land of Prince, Husker Du, the Replacements, and of course, Bob Dylan. That should count for something. | ||
| flpete1uw
Senior Member Username: flpete1uw Post Number: 580 Registered: 11-2011 |
Wow, an elicit feeding frenzy! Paul, it took me to long to get everything right and that Distillate might go to my grave. However that Birdseye Series looks like it might find a new coop by Thanksgiving. ;-) Pete | ||
| gtrguy
Senior Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 958 Registered: 9-2004 |
I think this might have been made with the famous "That birdseye zebrawood" that Mica called it and was from a log that was used on several fine bass guitars around that era! | ||
| northcountry
New Username: northcountry Post Number: 5 Registered: 11-2015 |
Thanks guys...just opened up this thread as I was sitting down for dinner and had to smile...you guys have alot of fun together! We live in Grand Rapids MI...I spoke with a vintage guitar guy out of Malibu CA today, He's encouraging me to hold on to it...but this bass needs to be played. Will be making a descision in the next week or so. I really appreciate all your experience and encouragement! Greg | ||
| dela217
Senior Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 1163 Registered: 6-2002 |
I am VERY interested! I am sending you an email. Here's my contact info: mdlcrd@gmail.com | ||
| northcountry
New Username: northcountry Post Number: 6 Registered: 11-2015 |
Hello- some of you have asked for better pictures of the series 1...I took several this morning. All the best guys!       (Message edited by mica on December 19, 2015) | ||
| flpete1uw
Senior Member Username: flpete1uw Post Number: 581 Registered: 11-2011 |
Yeah Greg, That's it, "The Zebrawood" that's one sweet looking bass! Boy that would look nice hanging next his brother. Mine was cut from the same piece of wood. Thanks for sharing this! Pete | ||
| rockerdebassman
Junior Username: rockerdebassman Post Number: 43 Registered: 8-2015 |
Then, Pete, you'd have stereo-stereo basses! | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4784 Registered: 6-2002 |
Looks like Bocate to me. I have similar looking wood on my Europa 5. | ||
| eflat
Junior Username: eflat Post Number: 44 Registered: 11-2006 |
It is quite striking whatever wood it is, and the choice used for the head stock is pretty sweet as well. | ||
| sonofa_lembic
Intermediate Member Username: sonofa_lembic Post Number: 107 Registered: 5-2014 |
Yep, I am the "vintage guitar guy from Malibu". He just needed a quick rundown on what he had, and current values for used Series I basses. I hope you are able to find a home for it now that you have made up your mind to sell it. Unusual to have dot inlays in the fingerboard. | ||
| hammer
Senior Member Username: hammer Post Number: 813 Registered: 9-2009 |
Since a number of us are all VERY interested in Greg's bass the more salient question might be "where" will it find a new home. I'm hoping it stays in the Midwest. | ||
| poor_nigel
Advanced Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 394 Registered: 11-2009 |
I'm not much of a zebrawood, plain Jane chaser, but I do adore short-scale Alembics with Series electronics in them. They are no joke, serious players, good for most any style needed,and woods settled in for decades, so . . . . So solid bids around the $5,000 slide are no problem and all done deals called with me are just that. I've never pulled out of a done deal yet. However if Michael is in this game, deal me out. I won't step on his toes round here on a bass he is interested in. Seniority has it privileges . . . | ||
| northcountry
New Username: northcountry Post Number: 7 Registered: 11-2015 |
Ok... thanks for your patience . I was finally able to connect with Mica yesterday and got many of my questions answered regarding the bass... its history and more information on the wood that was used on the top...it's serial number is 75-219...the wood on the top is "THE" birdseye zebra. I've had four of you send emails expressing interest in buying the bass....and also offering lots of great advice. Thank you! What I've descided to do is invite anyone else who might be interested in this bass to send me an email in the next few days. Sunday and Monday, as I have time, I'll take more pictures of the bass, accessories, case etc. and send them out to all who have expressed interest. I'll then consider offers. To be honest it has been very difficult thinking about parting with this instrument...but I think its the right move. All the best! | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4810 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hammer feel free to bid at leisure, I'm standing aside from this one even though I love the look of it. :-) | ||
| poor_nigel
Advanced Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 397 Registered: 11-2009 |
If it is difficult for you to let it go, then don't. Sell it later when you are sure. Serious buyers will wait. | ||
| northcountry
New Username: northcountry Post Number: 8 Registered: 11-2015 |
Thanks Thomas! I'm feeling pretty good about it all...In many different ways you all have helped me make my decision...and over the next week if there's no longer as much interest in the bass...I'll hold on to 75-219 and become a more active part of the club.  (Message edited by northcountry on December 14, 2015) | ||
| rockerdebassman
Junior Username: rockerdebassman Post Number: 50 Registered: 8-2015 |
"if there's no longer as much interest in the bass..." Sounded like there was a lot of interest. Anyway, nice to meet you N.C. | ||
| northcountry
New Username: northcountry Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2015 |
75 219 has sold. Thanks! | ||
| poor_nigel
Advanced Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 400 Registered: 11-2009 |
Got an e-mail from Mica stating this bass has a maple core. I LOVE maple core basses! Notice the non-standard inlays on the fretboard - Cool! Another Goldilocks bass - Not too fancy, not too plain. OK, I might go nutz and get an inlaid logo and rays, as I have always wanted those. My five string would not 'fit' them, so I was rayless. Who can live in such a state, I ask you?! Maple core - Yeah!!! | ||
| rv_bass
Junior Username: rv_bass Post Number: 40 Registered: 8-2014 |
Congrats, beautiful bass! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4656 Registered: 5-2009 |
Thomas , Congratulations ! A maple core on a "Series Instrument " will be interesting. "High Definition Plus " perhaps ? My short scale Series I from 1973 has an OAK core I was told and she has a voice all her own . When she speaks ears perk up ( she is a keeper ). I wish you much happiness with your new Bass ! Wolf | ||
| flpete1uw
Senior Member Username: flpete1uw Post Number: 594 Registered: 11-2011 |
Hi Thomas and Congrats! The maple core will keep things on the brighter side. It took me a while to get used to my bass's maple core. Welcome to "The Zebrawood" club!! Best wishes, Pete | ||
| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 401 Registered: 11-2009 |
I sincerely miss AM 041 that has a maple core, maple in the neck, and quilted maple top and back. Almost entirely made of purpleheart and maple. Always so bright and harmonics were terrific. Plus that bass was the best playing four string I have ever picked up. I've owned 75-150 that had a birch core and Series I electronics. I am more than a bit curios as to how this will sound. However, first it needs some cosmetic issues taken care of at the factory, plus side LEDs put on and maybe the logo redone. It is the nicest Zebrawood I have seen, and I like its 'texture.' New case seems mandatory. That or a brand new guinea sack, as it is an Alembic, after all. . . One more bass to polish up, one more fretboard to oil - Fun! Thanks for the congrats. This old bass will be well cared for. |
