| Author | Message | |||
| bassmanbt65
New Username: bassmanbt65 Post Number: 1 Registered: 12-2015 |
Sweet Vintage 1976 Alembic Short Scale Series I Bass Serial number 76-544 CONDITION: 100% original Alembic parts, all in superb condition. This bass has been treated with exceptional care over the years. Other than scratches on the gold plates on the back, you would never believe it was 40 years old. The beautiful wood is in amazing condition as you can see from the photos. A local bass luthier was astonished by the condition of this instrument Ð and was especially blown away by the nice fingerboard and frets. I talked to Susan at Alembic and she indicated that at the original ownerÕs request the nut was altered by Alembic themselves a few years after the original build. I purchased this bass from a pro out in L.A. IÕm going the 5-string route, and hoping to build a short-scale like this one but with a high C. ELECTRONICS: The Series One electronics sound fantastic and need no further explanation since this is an Alembic discussion board Ð you all know that the series electronics are the Cadillac of electronics. And yes, I have the original stereo box and cable. WOODS: I love the look of this bass but IÕm not an expert on woods. So I have a call into Alembic and theyÕre going to send me the Òbirth certificateÓ spec sheet with all the various woods used in this build. PLAYABILITY: The playability is the most amazing thing about this bass. You could probably blow on the fingerboard and it would fret the note perfectly for you. :-) I like my action extremely low with no buzz and this bass delivers. John Entwistle would be proud! The combination of the short-scale neck and phenomenal action equals playing perfection. PRICE: I talked with Susan and Mica at Alembic, and they indicated that to build this instrument today would cost $17,900 (retail). IÕm selling it for $4700 plus shipping (ships in SKB hard shell case). Several bass experts have told me that that is a great deal for this instrument. Let me know if you have any further questions. You can contact me at: bctviking@yahoo.com Have a Great Christmas Guys! Bryan PS - photos coming on separate thread (I have to figure out how to make them a smaller size) | |||
| bassmanbt65
New Username: bassmanbt65 Post Number: 2 Registered: 12-2015 |
Pics..    (Message edited by mica on December 19, 2015) | |||
| bassmanbt65
New Username: bassmanbt65 Post Number: 3 Registered: 12-2015 |
More pics... | |||
| bassmanbt65
New Username: bassmanbt65 Post Number: 4 Registered: 12-2015 |
Distance view  | |||
| bassmanbt65
New Username: bassmanbt65 Post Number: 5 Registered: 12-2015 |
more pics   (Message edited by mica on December 19, 2015) | |||
| dela217
Senior Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 1165 Registered: 6-2002 |
That is just beautiful! | |||
| pasewark
Advanced Member Username: pasewark Post Number: 277 Registered: 4-2003 |
I would love to rip out those electronics and put some sweet DiMarizos in there said no one ever. | |||
| moongerm
Advanced Member Username: moongerm Post Number: 319 Registered: 8-2013 |
Lol! | |||
| bassmanbt65
New Username: bassmanbt65 Post Number: 6 Registered: 12-2015 |
For those who have been asking about the woods used on this beauty... WOODS: Body Ð Walnut top and back with a Mahogany core Neck - Maple, Beach and Purpleheart Fingerboard Ð Vermillion (Padouk) with mother of pearl inlays Peg head - Vermillion (Padouk) | |||
| bassmanbt65
New Username: bassmanbt65 Post Number: 7 Registered: 12-2015 |
Front/Back Close Up   | |||
| bassmanbt65
New Username: bassmanbt65 Post Number: 8 Registered: 12-2015 |
Strap Lock  | |||
| bassmanbt65
New Username: bassmanbt65 Post Number: 9 Registered: 12-2015 |
I received the Replacement Value Statement from Mica at Alembic. I've attached it below since it contains specs on the bass. One note of correction from my earlier posting. Susan at Alembic had told me the cost to build was $17,900. Mica has it listed at $16,800. Perhaps that's the difference in retail vs actual cost... not sure. Either way, these babies are not cheap to replace!
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| bassmanbt65
New Username: bassmanbt65 Post Number: 10 Registered: 12-2015 |
Back of neck  | |||
| bassmanbt65
Junior Username: bassmanbt65 Post Number: 11 Registered: 12-2015 |
 | |||
| sonofa_lembic
Intermediate Member Username: sonofa_lembic Post Number: 108 Registered: 5-2014 |
I looked this bass over a couple of months ago when it was for sale in North Hollywood on Craigslist. It is a nice bass and is in good condition. The action was also quite nice on it. It sold the day after I turned it down, and I suspect you bought it from the guy who bought it that day. If you care to know what he paid, I can let you know. | |||
| bassmanbt65
Junior Username: bassmanbt65 Post Number: 12 Registered: 12-2015 |
Being a newcomer to Alembic, It appears my asking price for this instrument is too high. I received some faulty information from several sources and paid too much for this instrument when I bought it. Thanks to Trevor (sonofa_lembic) for bringing this to my attention. Anyway... I'm going to knock $500 off the price and see if that generates more interest. Current price is $4,200 (or best offer). Bryan | |||
| bassmanbt65
Junior Username: bassmanbt65 Post Number: 13 Registered: 12-2015 |
As for the stereo box and cable, here are the pics... Yes, it's the original, old-school power cable and stereo cable, but it's all in good working order.   | |||
| poor_nigel
Advanced Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 399 Registered: 11-2009 |
Does this bass have side LEDs? | |||
| bassmanbt65
Junior Username: bassmanbt65 Post Number: 14 Registered: 12-2015 |
Nope. Sorry. Did they make those back in 1976? I'm a newbie to the whole Alembic scene, so don't have a clue when they started doing the side LED's. | |||
| bassmanbt65
Junior Username: bassmanbt65 Post Number: 15 Registered: 12-2015 |
Did a little research, and it turns out the great John Entwistle requested LED's for his bass when he went on tour in 1975-1976. Very cool! But you Alembic experts probably already knew that... :-) | |||
| bassmanbt65
Junior Username: bassmanbt65 Post Number: 16 Registered: 12-2015 |
I've had several interested parties, but no solid offers yet... so I'm going to reduce the price on this baby one last time. Dropping another $250 off my asking price. $3950 and she is yours. Let me know if you're interested, or if you know someone looking for a deal on a Short Scale Series One. Merry Christmas guys! Bryan | |||
| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 402 Registered: 11-2009 |
E-mail sent. | |||
| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 403 Registered: 11-2009 |
Ah screw it, it's Christmas, I'll just take it. | |||
| enzo
Senior Member Username: enzo Post Number: 548 Registered: 4-2009 |
LOL, Merry Christmas! | |||
| bassmanbt65
Junior Username: bassmanbt65 Post Number: 17 Registered: 12-2015 |
SOLD!!! Merry Christmas and THANKS to all of you guys for being patient with a newcomer to the Alembic world. Trevor and Thomas are clearly experts on used Alembics. They didn't tell me what I wanted to hear, but they were candid and extremely helpful. This is a special bass and it will be in good (and apparently very large) company in Thomas' collection. :-) | |||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4835 Registered: 6-2002 |
Yes bassmanbt65, poor_nigel has a good bass collection and a good eye for a good bass. One of his collection is now on the other side of the pond and with a an extremely happy and fortunate owner....... ME! :-) | |||
| rv_bass
Junior Username: rv_bass Post Number: 45 Registered: 8-2014 |
Congrats, that's a beautiful bass!  | |||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 2334 Registered: 2-2005 |
Congrats Thomas. Looks like a very nice bass. Keith | |||
| bassmanbt65
Junior Username: bassmanbt65 Post Number: 18 Registered: 12-2015 |
I'm glad she's going to someone who appreciates a classic. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I think she has a classy, subtle attractiveness... nothing over the top, but the reddish color of the Vermillion fingerboard mixed with the aged purple heart (which typically turns red over time) make the woods compliment nicely on this baby. Also, the bass is well balanced - the walnut top and back and mahogany core combined with the lighter neck/fingerboard woods offset the neck tilt that can occur with this body style. And IMHO the action is amazing! Got me in trouble trying to play too fast. I think I annoyed my band members trying to play like Stanley Clarke... I do a lousy imitation, BTW! :-) It's been a joy interacting with all of you Alembic aficionados - it's like a family around these boards and I plan to stay connected. Trevor is helping me as I make decisions about which direction to go on a 5-string with a high C (my favorite set-up). Now I just need to sell some of my other gear so I can afford the upgrade. :-) Merry Christmas to All! Bryan | |||
| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 404 Registered: 11-2009 |
I got some old Steinberger gutz with original EMG pickup (With SS on the backs!!!) that will fit in this puppy nicely! I got a new Dremel for Christmas, so eight string here we come!!! My neighbor's kids got a Barbie Sparkle Girl Factory for Christmas and asked me if I wanted to play with it. So I guess it is refinish time, too - Orange sparkle is my fav!!! Maybe red and yellow hotrod flames! This bass is gonna be awesome! Merry Christmas to one and all, and bless us everyone! Am I soooo burned out that I have my holidaze mixed up?! | |||
| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 405 Registered: 11-2009 |
Actually, I do not believe I will touch anything on this bass. I really like it just the way it is. I did sincerely mean the stuff about having a wonder Christmas and being blessed. So let's do that for the whole new year coming. | |||
| poor_nigel
Senior Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 409 Registered: 11-2009 |
This bass is as good as the seller claimed it to be. Not a bit of checking in the finish or a crack anywhere to be found. It needs some polishing, and I will replace the pickups with the old style ALEMBIC ones from this bass: http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/99963.html?1410968434 Might also swap out the bridge and tail piece as I do not 'collect' basses and the ones from my 'used to be a four string' are much better than the ones on earlier Alembics. The nut is not scalloped, so if it goes to the shop for its minor electrical problem I posted about in Trouble Shooting, I'll ask that an adjustable nut be installed - Again, they are just better. The neck is razor thin - petite, tiny, almost not there at all easy to play. It does have a hand-cut silver sheet metal logo. It is a very light bass, perfect for old men with AS, whose backs no longer can take a lot of prolonged weight added to them. Goes from a very bright sound to deep with a nice growl sound. Just amazing for such a tiny instrument. All-in-all, a great bass and a wonderful sound ya only get from series electronics. Seller was great to deal with, too. So happy camper story. | |||
| toddharris
Senior Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 424 Registered: 7-2008 |
Congratulations Thomas. Sounds wonderful. Can't wait to see it with the old style pickups! Todd |
