| Author | Message | ||
| jix
Member Username: jix Post Number: 57 Registered: 1-2009 |
Hi all. Looking at buying this Series 2 from someone and wondering what you all think (if you can see anything I should be worried about from the photos). The top is Walnut, PF6 Electronics (as you'd expect) and it's a long-scale. There's a bit of buckle-rash on the back but other than that I can't really spot anything myself, but I know if any group of keen-eyed Alembic fans can, it'll be you lot.  Not sure yet whether the seller still has the original case, DS-5, cable & build sheet - have asked the q. Any advice readily welcome! Thanks very much for any help. All the best James    | ||
| karl
Intermediate Member Username: karl Post Number: 171 Registered: 7-2002 |
Looks an absolute beauty to me. I'm no expert on Series 2s, owning an SC Deluxe, but I can appreciate a beautiful looking bass when I see one! Doesn't appear to my eye to be anything amiss - the hardware all looks original, and the pickups are mounted correctly, for example. Incorrectly mounted pickups would be a typical first sign if something has been tampered with. The intonation looks a little weird (E string saddle way back, G string saddle way forward) but that may well change with a new set of strings or a change in action as you set her up to your preferences - nothing to worry about, I'd say. Cosmetically, along with the (minor) buckle rash, there's a little scuff/gouge maybe an inch long on the front, on the top horn, that you can make out in the first two pictures, but it doesn't seem to be anything major, and I wouldn't let it put me off if you're looking for something to play rather than hang in a museum. All in all, very nice - I'd love one like that myself. Hope your purchase works out! | ||
| jix
Member Username: jix Post Number: 58 Registered: 1-2009 |
Thanks for that, Karl. Haven't heard anything back from the seller on the questions I asked, but hope he gets back to me as think it could be a good Series 2. Will post what goes on with this one! All the best James | ||
| otis
Advanced Member Username: otis Post Number: 213 Registered: 10-2008 |
James, That Series II looks an awful lot like my friend Harold's S2 4 in walnut. Does it have side or front LED's? How far is the bass from you? Is there a chance you could meet up with the seller and test it out through either your rig, his rig, or on neutral ground at a music store? It would be worth the trip, to make sure everything is functioning correctly, get a feel for her, and see what your fingers, heart and soul tell you. I can tell you from experience that every Series II I've ever picked up, I've fallen in love with instantly. I have a S2 Six String Bass that Shawn C. of the Club was kind enough to sell to me, and it was magic from the first moment I touched it. Good luck in your quest because that's what it really is- a Series II is "The" Ultimate Bass, hands down. You won't be disappointed! Peace;) Frank | ||
| jix
Member Username: jix Post Number: 59 Registered: 1-2009 |
Hi Frank. Thanks very much for that. I'm not sure on the LED's - although looking at the front pictures it doesn't look like it has front LED's on it, and I thought most/all S2's had side LEDs....don't they? It doesn't have a separate battery compartment on the back (which could suggest no LED's but I don't think they run off the batteries anyway - only off the DS5), but I'm guessing that was something that came in with later Series basses as the other 70's & early 80's Series basses I've seen haven't had the separate battery compartment on the back either. I haven't heard anything from the seller for a couple of days so will be dropping him another mail on this (hoping it's still for sale!). Will post an update when I hear from him. I agree - an S2 is the ultimate quest for me. :D Thanks again James | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1090 Registered: 5-2009 |
This Bass looks to be quite desirable to me . Worth the high speed pursuit of friendly acquisition with immediate payment of funds,depending on how much. If you want her get her ; but make sure she is of the hands of the rightful owner first with a serial number check. | ||
| jix
Member Username: jix Post Number: 60 Registered: 1-2009 |
That's definitely a good point. I asked for the serial number in my last mail to the seller - hoping that the reason I haven't heard back from him is because it's a scam.  Comms up to that point seemed to be pretty genuine, so I'm keeping my fingers' crossed. Thanks again for all the advice everyone. James | ||
| slammin
Junior Username: slammin Post Number: 48 Registered: 10-2009 |
Wolf, Could you please tone it down a little? I'm wanting to be a member here but stuff like: "This Bass looks to be quite desirable to me . Worth the high speed pursuit of friendly acquisition with immediate payment of funds,depending on how much. "If you want her get her ; but make sure she is of the hands of the rightful owner first with a serial number check." C'mon... "This Bass looks to be quite desirable to me ." Then YOU BUY IT! "Worth the high speed pursuit of friendly acquisition with immediate payment of funds,depending on how much." Umm, "high speed pursuit of friendly acquisition" Give me a break, okay? "with immediate payment of funds,depending on how much." Duh? Folks, what about us normal folk that just love Alembic? Do you all think we drink tea with our pinkies extended? Lets get back to real life. No, I am not rich. But I aint broke either. Let's stop this snobbish crap. It is offending. Talk REAL. We are all the same; musicians... | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1094 Registered: 5-2009 |
@ slammin It appears that the fellow that is interested in the purchase of this instrument found my advice useful ! he thought it was a good point !!! I don't have my pinky extended when I drink , What are you inferring ? I let my wife read wife read your post and she just can not see what your complaint is here . I enjoy the English language and enjoy to be creative with it ! so what ? I do not think that I am better then anyone else either so what's your problem ? Every one is different and has their own style ; I don't have to like yours and you don't have to like mine and therefore I think that your personnel attack against me is counter productive to the harmony of this board so I will forgive you if you don't do it again. OK ? | ||
| adriaan
Moderator Username: adriaan Post Number: 2517 Registered: 6-2002 |
As your duty moderator, I have to step up and insert a little reminder of - well, you know, the usual stuff that you don't need to be reminded of, most of the time. I suggest that this thread returns to discussing that fabulous Series 2 pictured above - 'tis after all the stuff that dreams are made of. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1095 Registered: 5-2009 |
adriaan, I concur ! I was trying to be of service to jix to help in his efforts regarding the Series II as well. | ||
| slammin
Junior Username: slammin Post Number: 49 Registered: 10-2009 |
My most sincerest apologies to you Sir. I was in fact, out of line. Was a long day. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1096 Registered: 5-2009 |
OK ___ apology accepted Sir! An "e-hand shake" has been provided. I can dig it , we all have those long days from time to time . | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4475 Registered: 7-2004 |
"the stuff that dreams are made of" ... isn't that the Maltese Falcon? (love Bogey) Bill, tgo | ||
| poor_nigel
Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 95 Registered: 11-2009 |
The bass shown is a classic, off the rack, Series II, so chances are quite high it has side LEDs in red. Series instruments always (Always???) run the LEDs off the power cable, so no extra battery compartments. Side note - It is strange how ten people can read some thing written by someone, and get ten different meanings out of it. Back on the interest in the bass, I see nothing out of place with the bass, You do not see these come up very often, so if you want this bass, pursuit should be taken seriously, but make sure to cover yourself on the money end. It is a shame you cannot make out the serial number in the top picture. Is it 1718, 1748? It is shown in two pix. You have the original pictures posted, so maybe you can lighten them or darken them and make it out at the end of the fretboard. Then you can run a serial number check against stolen instruments, but if you wait to get a build look-up done on it, the instrument would most likely already be sold by the time the results are posted. | ||
| adriaan
Moderator Username: adriaan Post Number: 2518 Registered: 6-2002 |
Bill - always loved that turn of phrase. I was misquoting in commission, however: We are such stuff As dreams are made on; and our little life Is rounded with a sleep. The Tempest, Act 4, scene 1, 148–158 The internets teach me that Bogey indeed suggested this to John Huston for his last line in The Maltese Falcon. | ||
| jix
Member Username: jix Post Number: 62 Registered: 1-2009 |
Hi Everyone. I managed to have a good phone-chat to the seller today. Serial number is 81 - 1746 USA, so I'm going to see what Mica can find out about that. As the seller is travelling abroad for the next month and the bass isn't in the UK, I've a bit of time to see what Mica can find out about it. I had a good feeling from talking to the seller, though. It still has it's original case, all the paperwork (except the build-sheet, unfortunately), a relatively new DS5-R and a couple of 5-pin leads. It does indeed have red side LEDs. No dings, and just a bit of light scratching on it (as you'd sort-of expect on a 29yr old bass). Seller, also, mentioned that the electronics don't suffer from any noise, so it may not need to have an electronics upgrade on it. Will definitely be following-up on this (may mean a trip abroad to bring it back! ) Cheers James | ||
| adriaan
Moderator Username: adriaan Post Number: 2521 Registered: 6-2002 |
One minor thing with the tailpiece - it appears to be fastened with the original brass screws. There have been reports of failure with those - but they would be easy to replace (as a precaution). | ||
| mike13
Member Username: mike13 Post Number: 85 Registered: 11-2007 |
I,m the guy who owns this bass,it is not HG,s bass and it is not on the stolen list | ||
| otis
Advanced Member Username: otis Post Number: 214 Registered: 10-2008 |
Hey, Guys! One important point- though this bass does look like Harold's bass, there's 3 reasons that it couldn't be. 1.)It doesn't have an omega cut at the bottom, but a point. 2.)It has side red leds, Harold's doesn't 3.)It's in Australia! I just said it reminded me of his, but at the time I posted, I forgot for some strange reason that his has an omega cut, instead of the point. Beautiful Bass, and I hope that you are able to acquire that S2, James, it looks like an awesome instrument. Series I's are all well and good, but there's just something about those Series II's that's pure magic. Good Luck! Don't wait too long on the bass. If there's any way you can swing a trip to Australia, it would be worth it- part of the fun in acquiring these Series II's (and Series I's- when I purchased my S1 4, 1977, I drove 7 1/2 hours one way to Michigan) is the journey. I realize that's probably more than a bit unrealistic being that you're in the UK and Mike is in Australia, but I'm telling you, that's half the fun. Mine was only a 6 hour drive, one way, so it wasn't too hard on me, but a quest is a quest, no matter what the distance. No matter what way you decide to acquire the Series II, you're going to remember it for the rest of your life, trust me on that one. Peace;) Frank (Message edited by otis on June 27, 2010) | ||
| mike13
Member Username: mike13 Post Number: 86 Registered: 11-2007 |
Thanks for the nice words Frank,I,ll buy you a case of beer if James buys it !!!!!! Mike | ||
| jix
Member Username: jix Post Number: 64 Registered: 1-2009 |
Thanks everyone. Mike - it was really good to talk to you yesterday; thanks very much for taking the time to chat. Hope to be able to catch up if you make it back to London for a couple of days. Frank - I've already been looking today at flights to Australia. It would certainly make for an extra memory to go with the bass (and a v. good excuse for a holiday to Aus as I've never been before) Just need to sort out costs for the trip and the best time to go. Cheers James | ||
| otis
Advanced Member Username: otis Post Number: 215 Registered: 10-2008 |
Mike, Not a problem, at all, pal! You don't have to buy me a case- just fly me down there for a walkabout or something, LOL! James, that's AWESOME! That will certainly make for some great memories- while you're there, do a walkabout, and let me know what it's like. Also, say hello to my old Alembic 6- it was an Epic with Ebony neck lams that I affectionately called "Thunderstick." I sold it to a fella down there named Greg Hose- sound familiar, Mike- I forget exactly what part he's from, but, you never know! I don't regret selling that bass because it's how I acquired my Series II Six, but I wish that I could've kept it, it was an awesome instrument- one of my all time favorite Alembics, for sure! Guys, I hope it works out well for the both of you- take pictures of your adventure, James- document it, for sure, so we can see your quest as it unfolds. Boy, all this talk of quests and Series II basses is giving me the itch to play- gotta go, fellas!! Wish I could be there to watch/hear the fun! Peace;) Frank ps- Here's a link to a video of "Thunderstick" and I in action- enjoy!!! http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=39137519 (Message edited by otis on June 28, 2010) | ||
| otis
Advanced Member Username: otis Post Number: 216 Registered: 10-2008 |
James, one more thing- acquiring a Series II is like nothing you've ever experienced, before- it's an enormous undertaking, and the reason myself and several of the other members have used the word "quest" is because that's what it is- it's almost a religious experience in how profound a feeling you will feel when you first lay hands on your yet to be held new Series II. To quote Marvin Gaye, "Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby." Nothing else really even compares to a Series II- you'll understand when you hold it in your hands and play it through an amp- the sound is so crystal clear, you will hear every nuance of what you're playing- you will have to clean up your playing, trust me, I know whereof I speak- the first time I plugged mine in at practice, my drummer was like, "Hey, I can hear everything so clear! Boy, you're making a lot of mistakes!" Granted, you have to understand, I was a bit excited to play it through my rig, with my drummer, but still... you'll hear everything, James- be prepared, son! Peace;) Frank | ||
| marco555
Junior Username: marco555 Post Number: 21 Registered: 5-2007 |
Hey Otis, How are you? I was browsing through and saw you mentioning Harold. I have is new address in GA. if you need it. Next, I'm thinking about selling or customizing my '77 S1. My palms are large and the neck is becoming more uncomfortable for me. If you remember my "Jazzembic" it has anniversary electronics with 2 hummers. I put a P bass neck on it and it's perfect for me. I was thinking of customizing that, or doing something with the S1. What do you think? | ||
| otis
Advanced Member Username: otis Post Number: 219 Registered: 10-2008 |
Marc, Great to hear from you! I'm very well. I received an email from Harold the other day, so I'm good- I also have his phone number- he's just been busy with the move, so he hasn't had much time to breathe, let alone talk to us, though I did manage to get a reply on the email... What are you thinking of doing with the S1? That's a sweet bass! I just picked up Shawn Charniga's Series II Six String (after selling off my other 2 Alembic 6's, which was quite an endeavor!) and I have to tell you, while it was definitely worth the investment- that's just what it was- I have no cash for anything, lately, but I'm as happy as a lark with the S2 Six, it's the BEST Alembic I've ever had the privilege to own/touch, etc. It's the best sounding, playing, looking Alembic I've ever had, and I love it. I just wish I still had my maple topped Epic Six with the 5 Ebony neck lams- my drummer and I called that bass "Thunderstick" for obvious reasons. The low end on that bass was ASTOUNDING. If ever I find myself ordering one from Alembic- it's going to be a S2 with ebony neck lams- I love the low end and sustain you get with those! Yes, I remember the Jazzembic very well- very, very cool. Are you thinking of selling the S1 to fund a possible build- to your custom hand measurements? I really liked your style/sound- you had earth shaking low end on that S1, and great presence- I'd love to see you in a live setting, sometime! We're actually headed to NYC the end of September, beginning of October- we're playing at Uncle Mike's and (hopefully! MEANY Fest). Hopefully we can connect and catch each other's bands! Or at the very least you can give us your guided tour of NYC, I'm sure it's far more interesting with you than the so called "Pros"!!! Peace;) Frank | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 258 Registered: 7-2008 |
Hi Frank, Uncle Mike's is great - google B Side Banidts Long Train to see a clip of us there last week. The just lost their promoter and are in need of bands for Friday and Saturday nights immediately. If you e-mail me, I'll send the owner's number. Todd | ||
| mike13
Member Username: mike13 Post Number: 87 Registered: 11-2007 |
Well the deal is finalised,James is arriving next Sat the 25th I am taking the s2 to Sydney for him the dollars are in my bank!! | ||
| jix
Member Username: jix Post Number: 68 Registered: 1-2009 |
Mike's right - I'll be in Sydney a week tomorrow. Looking forward to the trip and getting to meet up with Mike. Like you said, Frank, part of the whole experience is having the trip as well (certainly not something you do every day - travel to the other side of the world for a bass!) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 9614 Registered: 5-2002 |
Wow; cool story! Congrats everyone! | ||
| hg30904
Member Username: hg30904 Post Number: 84 Registered: 6-2003 |
Hey Mike, since you sold my bass (just kidding), don't you owe Frank a case of beer? Foster's? Congrats. | ||
| otis
Advanced Member Username: otis Post Number: 229 Registered: 10-2008 |
Mike, I'm coming to Sydney to collect!!! I'll be there, next flight, Brother! James, Congrats, I'm really happy for you. You're doing the right thing! You'll remember this for the rest of your life. Peace;) Frank | ||
| otis
Advanced Member Username: otis Post Number: 230 Registered: 10-2008 |
Mike, Fosters, like Harold said. LOL!!! Seriously, congrats to both of you- I'm glad it worked out. Frank | ||
| mike13
Member Username: mike13 Post Number: 88 Registered: 11-2007 |
Thanks guys Mike | ||
| jix
Member Username: jix Post Number: 69 Registered: 1-2009 |
Thanks everyone. A definite part of the whole experience is having the support and friendly advice of everyone in the club. I really appreciate it - you're all quite a special group of people and I'm honoured to be a fellow-club member. Cheers James | ||
| jix
Member Username: jix Post Number: 73 Registered: 1-2009 |
Hi everyone, thought I'd just post a quick update on this quest. After a fun time on the other side of the world, both myself and the S2 made it back to the UK all safe-and-sound. Frank - you weren't kidding; the sound from the S2 is totally different to anything else I've played before; it's so clear and reminds me of a perfectly made bell that just rings and rings and rings. I thought that having an SF-2 in my rig was already giving me a lot of tonal range from my usual axe, but this has gone to a whole new level. Anyway - I'm no David Bailey with the camera, but have put a quick snap below of the S2 with the rest of the family (left to right - my 1st ever bass, a Yamaha RBX-200 fretless; Fender Jazz Deluxe, Mark King Limited Edition - no.3 of 42; '86 Persuader; '81 S2; 06 SC Sig; Status Kingbass Artist) Apparently I'm under v. strict instructions to buy no more!!! So if I want to add another one of these will have to go Thankfully, I've no plans for that just yet!! Thanks again for all the help, support and advice I've received from everyone in the club. I really appreciate it. Cheers James  | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1397 Registered: 5-2009 |
Great pic! | ||
| tmoney61092
Senior Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 584 Registered: 9-2008 |
me wants the Vector..... :-p. congrats! ~Taylor | ||
| mike13
Member Username: mike13 Post Number: 97 Registered: 11-2007 |
Hey James,good to see my old S2 in such good company glad your are happy with it Mike | ||
| enzo
Advanced Member Username: enzo Post Number: 259 Registered: 4-2009 |
Very nice collection! | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 2236 Registered: 6-2002 |
The bass 3rd from the left looks like an elan with a California body and neck and I think a mahogany body judging by the dark look at the edges. Accepting some perspective differences in the shot, the pic also shows how big the series II body is. Jazzyvee | ||
| adriaan
Moderator Username: adriaan Post Number: 2681 Registered: 6-2002 |
Nice collection! The Persuader has the Vector body shape. Like most Persuaders, it has the rounded truss rod cover, Activator pickups (any combination of P and J) and Vol/Vol/Tone controls. | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 433 Registered: 5-2004 |
The Persuader looks EXACTLY like the 88Persuader I had, took my forum name after and kick myself for selling. My god, it's a different year but looks like the exact same bass! I honestly miss that bass! | ||
| eligilam
Advanced Member Username: eligilam Post Number: 283 Registered: 2-2006 |
Does that Fender have LED's in the front or is that a trick of the flash photograph? | ||
| enzo
Advanced Member Username: enzo Post Number: 260 Registered: 4-2009 |
Yes, those are LEDs, no tricks It was the Mark King time with Fenders (short time). Like James states there are only 42 made in honor of Level42. | ||
| jix
Member Username: jix Post Number: 74 Registered: 1-2009 |
Hi all. Thanks for all those kind comments. I bought the Persuader just short of 20yrs ago and it was my main gigging and recording bass for many a year. Found it second hand in a shop on Denmark street in London, UK, and sold / cashed in just about everything I owned to be able to buy it! The shop I bought it from sold it as an Elan (even back then) as it happens and had no idea what each of the pots did - don't think they knew how to read Alembic serial numbers, let alone figure out the power of Alembic active circuitry! It's a lovely bass to play, medium-scale, and it does indeed have a mahogany body that all combines for a really punching sound (or some very low, dub-bass tones if you just put everything through the split p-style pups). As for the Fender - all of the 42 that were made came fitted with SIMS Custom LEDs on the front and side - not that surprising for a Mark King bass really The shaping of the neck isn't like a normal Jazz, though, as MK wanted it to be like the Alembics he had been using up until then so it does play more like an Alembic, but with a totally different sound. I've never gigged it (couldn't bring myself to take it on stage), but it's on a fair few bits of studio work. |
