| Author | Message | ||
| synthanalog
New Username: synthanalog Post Number: 3 Registered: 5-2010 |
Hello all, I recently purchased a 1978 Alembic project guitar and realized that I can't really afford to properly restore it. Hopefully I can find it a good home. Serial Number: 78 1215A Here are the details regarding what needs to be fixed: The guitar is missing pretty much all of the hardware except the hum-cancelling coil, bridge mounting block, and the tuners. The top layer of wood is delaminating from the front of the headstock around the edges. The center lamination that runs up the length of the body is bulging out a little (~1mm) from the back of the neck. This occurs about an inch down the neck from where the nut would be. Please see the pictures. Also, there are a couple extra small drill holes near the bridge and nut where the former owner had installed an after market bridge and locking nut. (tragic to think of) Over the rest of the guitar, there are slight cracks in the finish but, structurally the guitar seems solid. The frets are not too worn and appear to have a lot of life left in them. The neck appears to be straight. This is truly a beautiful guitar with a lot of potential. It seems like it will be a lot of work to restore but hopefully it will be a good opportunity for someone to get a classic Alembic for a good price. I'm think of selling it for around $1000. Please let me know if this is too high or too low. I would also consider trading the guitar for a nice acoustic.           | ||
| artswork99
Moderator Username: artswork99 Post Number: 1114 Registered: 7-2007 |
Joshua, Since you have asked, I do believe with the amount of work and funds necessary to bring this back that your asking price is high. Good luck with finding a good home. Also referred to at your CL ad here http://alembic.com/club/messages/395/79744.html?1273413222 Best, Art | ||
| synthanalog
New Username: synthanalog Post Number: 5 Registered: 5-2010 |
Hey Art, Thanks for the feedback! I'd definitely consider any offers anyone would like to make. Would like to see it go to a good home for a fair price. Thanks a lot, Josh | ||
| keith_h
Moderator Username: keith_h Post Number: 1611 Registered: 2-2005 |
Joshua, While I am not an expert on Alembic prices, guitars in particular, used early Series guitars seem to go for $3K to $4K. This price includes a hardshell case and power supply. Since the electronics need to be replaced and a new power supply is required their cost needs to be taken into consideration. You also have the refinishing issues and what appears to be delamination of the neck near the scarf joint. My thoughts are you are high on the price given the costs of these items and the used sales price. Regards, Keith | ||
| synthanalog
New Username: synthanalog Post Number: 6 Registered: 5-2010 |
Hey Keith, Thanks for the info. Perhaps around $500 would be more appropriate? Best, Josh | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 615 Registered: 5-2002 |
I'd spend that. | ||
| sjhoffma
Intermediate Member Username: sjhoffma Post Number: 146 Registered: 5-2008 |
Me too. $500 might be a little too good of a price. Thats less than a warmoth body and neck, with no hardware or electronics. | ||
| otis
Intermediate Member Username: otis Post Number: 171 Registered: 10-2008 |
Josh, I'll take that off your hands @ $500. I'm sending you an email right now. Thanks! Frank | ||
| otis
Intermediate Member Username: otis Post Number: 176 Registered: 10-2008 |
Guys, The guitar is on it's way to me, even as we speak. If anyone has any spare guitar parts, electronics, bridge, tailpiece, nut, electronics back plate, blue box, stereo cord, etc, please let me know! When I say spare parts, let me clarify- it looks an awful lot to me like a Series II, so Electronics-wise, that's what I'd need. From the knob, electronics layout, it sure matches up to my S2 6 string bass, so... Peace All;) Frank | ||
| crobbins
Senior Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 608 Registered: 6-2004 |
Somewhere I have an old 5 pin Cable you can have. It may need some work. | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 633 Registered: 5-2002 |
I'd be happy to chip in some soldering if you want to send the cable my way if neither Craig nor Josh has the soldering chops or desire to deal with it. | ||
| crobbins
Senior Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 609 Registered: 6-2004 |
Sure, lets see what Otis has to say......... | ||
| otis
Intermediate Member Username: otis Post Number: 179 Registered: 10-2008 |
Guys, The guitar will be here by Friday. Craig, if you could hook me up with that 5 Pin Cable, that would be great, it would be one less thing that I'd have to get. I will obviously pay for shipping. Craig, Edwin, I'll shoot you both an email with my address- let me know what shipping would cost, and I'll send you the money either via Paypal, or whatever method you'd prefer. Craig, let me know what you want for that Cable- again, if you're just giving it to me, great, if not, let me know what you'd want for it, okay? Edwin, let me know what you'd charge to fix that cable... if you meant that you're doing it gratis, that would be very much appreciated (but not expected!). Thanks, Guys! I have one less thing to worry about, now! Peace;) Frank | ||
| crobbins
Senior Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 610 Registered: 6-2004 |
I'll donate the cable. All I need is an address. | ||
| otis
Intermediate Member Username: otis Post Number: 181 Registered: 10-2008 |
Thanks, Craig!!! | ||
| crobbins
Senior Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 613 Registered: 6-2004 |
Frank, I listened to the sound clips. Sounds great, thanks....... | ||
| otis
Intermediate Member Username: otis Post Number: 183 Registered: 10-2008 |
Craig! Thanks for the kind words. We can't wait until it's finished. We've been working on 2 new songs the past 3 practices and we're really stoked about them. Thanks Again! Peace;) Frank | ||
| otis
Intermediate Member Username: otis Post Number: 184 Registered: 10-2008 |
Guys, The guitar arrived today. It is, indeed a Series II. The electronics layout is the same as my S2 Six String Bass, with the exception of the PUP Selector Switch, which is located on the bottom horn. I can see the LEDs on the side of the fretboard, not to mention that extra laminate, and the 5 piece body (which is probably not so much of an indicator as the things I've already listed...) It definitely will need tons of TLC to restore it to its full former splendor, but it's definitely worth it. Here's a few things that have passed through my mind. 1. Piccolo 6 String Bass (Ultra Short Scale) 2. Baritone Guitar 3. Ultra Short Scale (26") 4 String Bass (or piccolo 4!) (it measures right around the coveted 1 & 5/8 ") 4. Ultra Short Scale 4 String Tenor Bass... Not sure how it would function as a 4 string bass... the strings would need to be extra light gauge, for sure. Also, I'm of course thinking of just leaving it a guitar, restoring it, and keeping it as an alternate instrument... Let me know your thoughts, guys- I'm quite certain many of you will be chiming in very soon!!! Peace All;) Frank PS- I'll probably be starting a new thread, soon, and post pictures of the Restoration, step by step. | ||
| crobbins
Senior Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 648 Registered: 6-2004 |
Frank the cable was shipped to Edwin today. He will need your address though. |
