| Author | Message | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 259 Registered: 7-2008 |
I am offering what may be the most perfect playing and sounding, lightweight series I basses to come on the market. It is a Koa Series bass that had been neglected and hung in a barn for over 15 years and the owner gave up on restoring it. I bought it for $2000 and sent it to Alembic for a restoration that cost $2000 more. I also bought a brand new DS5R power unit which is included in the original package, unused. I am also including the original stereo cable and new case from Alembic. The restoration included a gorgeous re-finish - I hate glossy glass-like new finishes on old basses and this finish is silky smooth, fast and perfect - the folks at Alembic did a perfect match for the original satin finish. They also re-fretted and restored the ebony and abalone on the neck - it is dead straight, and has the lowest action imaginable - perfect. All the brass plates were replaced as were the pickups. All replaced parts are included. The bass was given a new G and G form fitted case. Finally, the bass weighed over 11lbs when I got it. I discussed ways to lighten it with Mica and she offered 3 suggestions which worked to the tune of a 9 lb series I (who else has one that light....) Exchange the original tuners for lightweight gold hipshots, replace the brass bridge support with a koa wood one. And last, shave down some of the excess wood at the bass of the neck and thin it down a bit - perfect. Again, all original parts are included. Since the serial number was shot on the original wood fretboard area under the last fret, Alembic engraved the truss rod plate with a new number which is 8210 (stand for 1982 with 2010 restore) LSN (lost serial number) 1 USA. For all intents and purposes, if you can purchase this bass, you will be getting an un=played, dead mint, gorgeous flamed Koa "brand new" 1982 Series I bass, that is lighter than almost any other, sounds and plays amazing, comes with a new case, new DSR5 power pack and cable for well below half of what you would pay to have a new one built. Mica told me that when her father happened by as she was playing, he commented on how great the bass sounded (she also said he rarely does that!} I waited nearly a year and a half for the restoration and it is an amazing job. I will let this run here til Thursday and if there are no takers, I will list it in eBay for a larger audience. I just bought a near mint 56 P-Bass from the bassist for Alabama and you can imagine what that cost - need to pay for it. Here is a link to more pictures on the site. Please write with any questions. Price is non-negotiable - includes tuners, parts, cable, power pack and shipping - if you know what these cost, you know this is priced to sell and is a bargain for anyone who has the interest and the means to acquire it. Sorry, no International sales. USA only Todd http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/80943.html?1278296056  (Message edited by toddharris on August 23, 2010) | ||
| artswork99
Moderator Username: artswork99 Post Number: 1264 Registered: 7-2007 |
Todd, That is really such a beauty! Good luck with the sale and if you should change your mind and want to possibly trade let me know (I know you're paying for the new acquisition). Best, Art | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 261 Registered: 7-2008 |
Took the trip to Nashville and back this,weekend and bought the P Bass from Teddy Gentry, founder, bassist, vocalist producer of Alabama. Here is a picture of the bass and Teddy and I. Very good trip!  | ||
| ursusaltered
New Username: ursusaltered Post Number: 9 Registered: 5-2010 |
I'll buy it jonnydecker@hotmail.com | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 262 Registered: 7-2008 |
e-mail sent and awaiting a call to confirm. Terms are personal check, money order, certified check or PayPal if you cover the 3% they charge. I am paying shipping for both the bass and DS5R. | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 263 Registered: 7-2008 |
Bass still available. I can be reached on my cell at 631 807-9038 | ||
| pas
Advanced Member Username: pas Post Number: 242 Registered: 3-2003 |
Medium or Long scale? | ||
| speicky
Senior Member Username: speicky Post Number: 412 Registered: 3-2005 |
Todd mentioned in another thread that this beauty is a long scale  (Message edited by Speicky on August 24, 2010) | ||
| speicky
Senior Member Username: speicky Post Number: 413 Registered: 3-2005 |
fingers too fast for my brain .) breathe, breathe... (Message edited by Speicky on August 24, 2010) | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 264 Registered: 7-2008 |
I am told that payment is on the way, so it appears the bass has sold. Thanks to all who inquired. Todd | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 265 Registered: 7-2008 |
Bass is still available. The buyer above just backed out. It is a long scale bass. This is a good opportunity. If I do list it on eBay, I will sell the DS5R separately. Priced as a package and with the parts it is a great deal. | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 268 Registered: 7-2008 |
Have had questions about what parts were replaced and included with the bass (the originals that is). They include the two back plates, the 5 knobs, the tailpiece, the brass bridge support block, the brass nut, the brass ring that goes around the pickup selector, the two pickups (1 of which is dead) several screws,and the original tuners. A good group of spare parts! See picture below. Todd  | ||
| enzo
Advanced Member Username: enzo Post Number: 236 Registered: 4-2009 |
Folks this is a fantastic opportunity and a great deal. After a major refurbish like this, the bass is like new. Too bad I'm in a selling mode otherwise I would jump on it. | ||
| lozbass
Junior Username: lozbass Post Number: 13 Registered: 5-2008 |
PM sent | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 269 Registered: 7-2008 |
The Bass has sold. May be offering the DS5R. Thanks to all who inquired. Todd | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 475 Registered: 11-2008 |
That was one of the fastest sales I've ever seen... And it would've been faster if I had the money!!! Congratulations on the new bass Todd. Greg | ||
| pace
Senior Member Username: pace Post Number: 604 Registered: 4-2004 |
I thought Alabama only played Peavey?!?! lol..... Congrats to whomever purchased the Koa restore.... The bass is factory fresh at a fraction of the cost of a new SI, and Todd is a great guy to do business with (thanks again for that F2-B!!).... Having just had a refurbished '75 SI guitar come back from the mothership, I can attest to the DEAL that this bass is..... all the best!!!!! -Mike | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 270 Registered: 7-2008 |
Hi Mike, Thanks for the kind words - the feeling is mutual. Your ears should have been burning on last Saturday. When I met Teddy Gentry and he was talking about his pedal steel playing friend, I told him that I had played with you in Manhattan and enjoyed your pedal steel. Hope we can play again soon. If you want to book in NYC, I can book you for a Friday or Saturday gig at the old Roadhouse, now Uncle Mike's in Tribeca. It's a great room. Best regards, Todd | ||
| molan
Junior Username: molan Post Number: 48 Registered: 6-2009 |
Lovely looking finish - going to a very good home as well | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 271 Registered: 7-2008 |
I am glad to report that the bass is going to a new and good home. If anyone is interested to know more about the messages on this board, I'd encourage them to write directly to those who posted them via PM. A few posts unrelated to the sale have been removed and rightly so. The bass is sold and shipment is pending. Best regards to all - make love, not war! Todd (Message edited by toddharris on August 30, 2010) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1246 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hello Todd , I am glad that your sale of the Bass went well . I would like to chime in and state that Todd was an exemplary seller during our transaction when I purchased his SF-2. He met my concerns with the highest level of sincerity. | ||
| lozbass
Junior Username: lozbass Post Number: 14 Registered: 5-2008 |
This bass is now with me and I'd like to take the opportunity to thank Todd publicly for his help throughout the transaction. First, the bass is staggeringly beautiful and everything that Todd said about it is absolutely true. The restoration is amazing and of a standard that we've come to expect from Alembic: the bass is indistinguishable from new. Also as we'd expect, the bass sounds absolutely phenomenal - it gave me a massive smile. Beyond the bass, I can't express fully what a great pleasure it was to deal with Todd. As you'll be aware, the bass wasn't originally offered for sale outside the US. I managed to convince Todd of my integrity and he agreed to ship to the UK. Unfortunately, the transaction was not trouble-free. My bank managed to mis-enter crucial transfer data and the funds were delayed significantly. When that issue was resolved, an intermediary bank demanded return of the funds to my account (not at my behest I should add!) Todd handled all of this hassle with great calmness, politeness and patience and via serious effort and constant communication, all of the problems were resolved. Todd was a true gentleman throughout and his forbearance, honesty, integrity and friendliness are fully worthy of the greatest credit. All is now well and I'm enjoying a truly stunning instrument. Thanks Todd - a pillar of our community! | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 276 Registered: 7-2008 |
Hi Lawrence, thanks for taking the time to write and the very kind words you've written. I'm glad that your opinion of the bass mirrors mine - would have loved to have kept her, but Alabama and Fender intervened! More importantly, it is a pleasure knowing you. Look forward to meeting one day, Todd | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 1253 Registered: 7-2003 |
Glad this bass got a good home where it's appreciated. What an opportunity to own a vintage Koa S1 that's mint and much lighter than the run of the mill. Use it in good health, Loz. |
