| Author | Message | ||
| marcp
New Username: marcp Post Number: 1 Registered: 2-2011 |
A few years ago my wife inherited 3 Alembic bases. The cases identify them as a series II, BB and Stanley Clarke. They have been sitting in the closet for awhile and she has made a decision to try to sell them. Would appreciate any help on trying to identify them more uniquely and how best to determine their value.Would be happy to provide additional pics etc. Thanks in advance | ||
| pierreyves
Senior Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 754 Registered: 11-2006 |
Hi Marc and welcome here. First thing is to post a picture (good quality ;o)) of each bass. The size (weight) will not exceed 150 ko. If you cannot do it, you can send me by private mail and I will be able to reduce the size and post here for you. | ||
| tree63
Junior Username: tree63 Post Number: 15 Registered: 8-2010 |
yes, marc...if you post some pix it will help....welcome to the club...if you can't there are members who can help with jpg size... | ||
| jacques2956
New Username: jacques2956 Post Number: 2 Registered: 2-2011 |
hi marc welcome to the club we can help you with some pics | ||
| marcp
New Username: marcp Post Number: 2 Registered: 2-2011 |
Not sure that I have the picture posting worked out. Am I limited to 1 150K pic per post as I keep getting error messages. If Pierre or someone else would send an e mail address to marcptk@optonline.net I can send pictures and perhaps you could post them to the site. Thanks Again Marc | ||
| pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 579 Registered: 6-2006 |
Marc - For what it's worth: You must understand that these are the Rolls Royce's of instruments, if they were inherited through a family connection, selling them wouldn't be my first move. Try to learn and play one - your life will never be the same . . . | ||
| pierreyves
Senior Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 755 Registered: 11-2006 |
Marc, I send you email. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2546 Registered: 3-2004 |
Marc, If you offer your location and there happens to be a member nearby, you could get some in-person assistance. The Stanley Clarke and BB (Brown Bass) should typically be pretty similar, The woods will be different, but they should be the same size and shape. Barring any unusual options or damage/wear, they should also hold similar value. The Series II could be similar or very different in shape and size. The value will probably be higher, though maybe not if it is an older model. Pictures and serial numbers would help. You might start by posting serial numbers in the forum for that purpose located under the "owning an Alembic" heading. That will trigger the company to look up the origins and construction options associated with the instruments. That's a necessary step in setting a value that is fair both to buyer and seller. Worst case, the three instruments could be worth as low as $6K. Best case could be over $10K across the three of them. -bob | ||
| bob2
Junior Username: bob2 Post Number: 11 Registered: 2-2009 |
here are the pics from marc. the sc is 88sc4xx8 ; brown bass is 01bb1xx88 ; series looks older so the number is probably on the headstock or in the control cavity.       | ||
| crobbins
Senior Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 807 Registered: 6-2004 |
Nice. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2547 Registered: 3-2004 |
Okay, thanks for the pics. Here are some additional thoughts: The Brown Bass is custom.Looks like it might have the addition of a master volume control and it has an extra toggle, probably for neck LEDs? Looks like a pretty nice specimen. A back photo would confirm the LEDs, as could the owner by flipping some toggles. I would probably ask something in the vicinity of $4K, maybe a little higher. The SC has a large body inlay that could use a close-up photo. Otherwise, it looks pretty stock. That inlay could affect the value, possibly negatively. I can't tell what it is at this resolution. Maybe $3000-3500? The Series is actually a Series I, not a Series II. It looks to be pretty old and generic, plus it has had the tailpiece moved. At one point, there was a special cable and a small blue electrical box that were paired with this bass. If they are missing, replacement can cost several hundred dollars. In addition, a bass of that vintage could need a trip back to the factory for electronics cleanup. Probably $2500-3000 in this shape and without the electronic parts. If it hasn't already been done, all the back covers should be removed to check the health of any batteries left in the instruments. You don't want an old battery to fail and cause damage in there. Also, be careful if/when you sell these. Especially the older two. The older cases are fine for local use, but the foam may not be sufficient protection for shipping company transport. You may want to bubble wrap the instruments inside the cases for extra protection. My value estimates could easily be off by several hundred dollars. These three instruments all have features that make them unique in a way that could affect their value to a subset if the market. Good luck! -bob | ||
| musashi
Intermediate Member Username: musashi Post Number: 137 Registered: 5-2004 |
What is the serial number on the Series I? | ||
| slawie
Advanced Member Username: slawie Post Number: 320 Registered: 8-2002 |
That series II looks like a series I with LED's to me. Pity about the damage/drilling/relocation at the bottom of the instrument. Logo missing. Brown soap bars make it 1973-74 maybe? Serial number on that series instrument should be at the end of the headstock if at all. slawie | ||
| bob2
Junior Username: bob2 Post Number: 12 Registered: 2-2009 |
i double checked the email from marc, he said the sc has a decal on it. "The decal says John Entwistle Band" so, it's not an inlay. | ||
| room037
Advanced Member Username: room037 Post Number: 378 Registered: 9-2003 |
This series 1 SSB is # 75-150. SIMS blue LEDs on the finger board, Tail piece was removed far from bridge. Eiji | ||
| slawie
Advanced Member Username: slawie Post Number: 323 Registered: 8-2002 |
Here it is. http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/13368.html?1165501171 and here http://alembic.com/club/messages/393/10707.html from here http://painandgrief.com/aaa/fcbasssite/alembic/10.htm#75 1975 4 string shorts scale series I bass Koa top & back birch body ebony fretboard maple/walnut neck mother of pearl oval inlays According to the last owner, the bass was retrofitted with blue leds ( not by us) The tailpiece has been moved further down the body and a string tree has been installed between the tailpiece and the bridge. We think this was done so that regular long scale strings can be used. The tailpiece and the PF6 card were replaced here at Alembic in 1993. slawie (Message edited by slawie on February 20, 2011) | ||
| mike1762
Senior Member Username: mike1762 Post Number: 764 Registered: 1-2008 |
Hmmmm... anybody heard from poor_nigel lately? His profile says he last logged in 2/6/11, but I don't recall any recent posts. | ||
| kungfusheriff
Senior Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 951 Registered: 8-2003 |
Tom's always been a sporadic poster. All three of those basses look very familiar. 75-150 has been "in the family" for maybe 10 years, passing through several sets of hands in that time. I almost bought it myself on several occasions but could never quite make the deal work on my end. Tom started a thread that included a number of great, high-resolution pictures after he bought it from oggydoggy. That Stanley is familiar too. IIRC it was a member's eBay purchase and that decoration is a decal, not an inlay. marc, did the former owner of these instruments pass on? If so, may I ask who they were? | ||
| marcp
New Username: marcp Post Number: 3 Registered: 2-2011 |
The former owner was my brother in law James Belanger. He passed on about two years ago and left the basses to my wife. He was very fond of the basses. | ||
| poor_nigel
Intermediate Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 110 Registered: 11-2009 |
I actually have the back 'tail piece' for the Series I bass, somewhere in my parts boxes (Buried under who knows what, since I moved). I forgot to include it in the case when I sold it to James. I sold it to him for less than what I was asking, as I could tell he really wanted it. I consider Bob's estimate of worth of this bass spot on, with the variance of $500 for who happens to be looking for one at the time of sale, and of course where it is sold (Here, eBay, Etc.). It plays wonderfully and it sounds huge for the lightest bass I have ever held. It needs a trip to the factory for a refin, but we all know what that would cost. But think about what you would have when it was done?! It has blue SIMS LEDs front and side, and they did a very good job. They are much brighter than in any pictures I took of them. The bass would have been Shawn's, if he had not discovered mold under his carpets and had to do an emergency shift in funds. It is a dandy little bass. It just needs some love and care to get it back up to snuff in the looks department. There are lots of pictures and history known about this bass around this site and the Web. It is still listed on SIMS site on the last page of examples of his work, I believe. I do hope Lil Bass finds a great owner. Think 'as good or better than a modern Stanley Clarke Signature' in ease of playing, with the kick of Series electronics added. I've been sick a lot lately, so I am not doing much of anything these days. Just stopped by for a visit and was pleasantly surprised. | ||
| poor_nigel
Intermediate Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 111 Registered: 11-2009 |
Important note: The logo is made of silver and looks like it was hand made from a tarnished beer can. Look in the case. It will have three pins that fit in the three holes in the front of the headstock. It is so cool, as it is truly a piece of Alembic history, so you will definitely want to find it and put it on, especially if you want to sell the bass. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2550 Registered: 3-2004 |
Great to hear from you, TK - take care of yourself. Marc, we're all sorry for your loss. Here's hoping you can find fair deals that keep these instruments in the family. Let us know if you have that blue box and cable for the series bass. It will make a difference when you find an interested buyer. -bob | ||
| poor_nigel
Intermediate Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 112 Registered: 11-2009 |
Further note: I gave the blue box to the winner of an eBay auction many years ago for a Bass in Ireland? being sold for a deceased Alembic brother, the proceeds being given to his children. A member here bought the bass and got the blue box and cord. So I am pretty sure Marc will not have either. I currently have two rack mounts, but they go to two basses with S II electronics. If you cannot find a five pin cable, consider it owed on the original sale and I will send you one. I have a few laying around. Blue box, I cannot help you with. I was very sorry to hear of James' passing away two years ago, when his sister contacted me looking for information on the Series I. I thought she was going to keep the bass, but will be glad to offer any help I can. Take care. I'll also scrape up the brass bar that fits between the bridge and tail piece, as you can made it look a little better putting it back with long scale strings on it. I just moved away from the east coast, so I cannot get personal on any of this. Let me know your address, and I will send you what I have for the bass. Thank you. poornigel@comcast.net Oh, there should also be a suede Alembic strap custom made for the Series I, but it might have gotten lost or whatever. FYI. Note: If you keep this bass a year, I am sure my memories of it will tend to eat at me and I will offer you $3K for it next Winter/Spring, so please consider that a fall back offer. In that year, if you are a player (I know his sister plays music), you might just learn to love it like a couple of us who owned it a while did, and decide to keep it. There is no hurry to sell any of this stuff, and the market will be going up later, I am pretty sure. So taking your time will probably pay off either way. | ||
| kungfusheriff
Senior Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 952 Registered: 8-2003 |
Tom! Always good to hear from you. Wish your health was better, but there's something good to wish for, eh? marc, count me in with the chorus of condolences. At one time I was fortunate enough to have three Alembic basses, so I know how your late brother in law felt. Would loooove to take the old one off your hands, as it's actually light enough for me to play standing up, but it seems I've made the leap to 100% doublebass, so the instrument would not get the care and respect it deserves if it came to live with me. If time is not a factor, I urge you to take Tom up on his offer to buy it next year. I've always known him to be an honest and big-hearted person. | ||
| stoney
Senior Member Username: stoney Post Number: 486 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hi All, I'm the original owner of the Brown Bass. James and I worked out a trade for his long-scale Orion seen here: http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/37275.html?1298386849 On the Brown Bass I had Alembic install a master volume control and a bass cut/boost switch. It does not have side LEDs, that is a mono/stereo switch. This is one bass I truly wish I had back and have made the family an offer. I think we all have separation anxiety when we sell an Alembic and often talk about "rite of first refusal" etc when closing the deal. I spent a fair amount of time on the phone with James before and after the trade...lots of bass-talk and life in general discussions. He was a very nice man. As we are all just learning of his passing, I echo the condolences to the family. Respectrully, Stoney | ||
| stoney
Senior Member Username: stoney Post Number: 487 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hi All, I'm the original owner of the Brown Bass. James and I worked out a trade for his long-scale Orion seen here: http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/37275.html?1298386849 On the Brown Bass I had Alembic install a master volume control and a bass cut/boost switch. It does not have side LEDs, that is a mono/stereo switch. This is one bass I truly wish I had back for many reasons. I have made the family an offer. I spent a fair amount of time on the phone with James before and after the trade...lots of bass-talk and life in general discussions. He was a very nice man. As we are all just learning of his passing, I echo the condolences to the family. Respectrully, Stoney | ||
| marcp
New Username: marcp Post Number: 4 Registered: 2-2011 |
Thank you all for your messages of condolence. This is truly an emotional experience for me as I originally planned to hold onto the basses and give one to each of my children. However, knowing how much my brother enjoyed playing them and reading the posts here on this site I felt that they should be in the hands of those who can bring out their music. I appreciate the several offers made and would like to take some time to think about the offers and the advice of learning to play before I make the final decision to sell. Sincerely, Jane | ||
| dwmark
Advanced Member Username: dwmark Post Number: 282 Registered: 1-2005 |
have been away for a few days myself (at least away from this thread). TK (aka poor nigel) sent ME the blue box AND the suede strap. (i think you suggested the box was miswired, so i never tried it--not even sure which of my boxes it is, as i have a few). The strap is something i use a bunch, but if the balance of the universe requires that i ship it somewhere, i will. you know how i feel about how we are all just taking care of all of this alembic stuff, for each other and those that follow. my condolences to the family. and, TK, take care. dw | ||
| poor_nigel
Intermediate Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 114 Registered: 11-2009 |
Hey Bob and Shawn - Meant to say hi before, but my meds give me the attention span of a three-year-old sometimes. Hope you guys are doing great. I'll be fine later. It just a case of it sucks to get old, is all. David, long time no type. They have a DS-5R, so do not worry about the blue box, and they have a five-pin cable. I had two suede straps. You got one, and James got the other. If my memory serves me properly (HA!!!), the little blue box I sent you needs a wire hooked up/soldiered in place at the diode, or something like that. Something that anyone with basic electronical skills could fix in about five minutes, no doubt - So unfixable by me. It is complete, and a collector's item. Plus, it is a very cool thing to have! Fix it/Enjoy it. I am very glad you are using and enjoying the strap. That puts a smile on my face. Take care. | ||
| skyboltone
Member Username: skyboltone Post Number: 55 Registered: 11-2010 |
This is quite a thread. I've dropped a line to Jane through Marc. In any case, any one of the three basses would be of interest to me. (anybody looking for a nice vintage MSE E9 pedal steel?) I'm pretty new here, and of course don't know everyone, but without stepping on toes I'd like to back up TK's offer on the Series I. Sooner. Like any time. The Elan I bought from Bigsmitty is just too big for an old guitar player. I need a short scale and have been converted to Alembic for the balance of this life. I guess we all better get used to it, there'll be plenty of them in heaven. Harleys too. Dan | ||
| pace
Senior Member Username: pace Post Number: 680 Registered: 4-2004 |
Dan, Im assuming you meant MSA? Let me know which model, number of strings/pedals/levers, laquer/mica, etc... I'm always interested in mid-70's MSAs. | ||
| skyboltone
Member Username: skyboltone Post Number: 56 Registered: 11-2010 |
Reply sent to Pace | ||
| musashi
Intermediate Member Username: musashi Post Number: 138 Registered: 5-2004 |
Any one know the width at the nut, and at the end of the fretboard, of the Series bass (75-150)? Thanks. | ||
| musashi
Intermediate Member Username: musashi Post Number: 141 Registered: 5-2004 |
poor_nigel, Do you recall know the width at the nut, and at the end of the fretboard, of the Series bass (75-150)? Thanks. | ||
| poor_nigel
Intermediate Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 115 Registered: 11-2009 |
Since you directly asked me, and I feel it would be rude to ignore you - I will go ahead and answer this question to the best of my memory, although this is not my bass any more, and I would not bank on my memory, even with good odds given. 1.5" width at nut, strings center to center is 1 and 1/8". End of fret board is 2 and 1/8" and center to center of stings is 1.75". I think any further questions should be addressed to the owner of the bass, as I do not feel good answering these questions. Comfortably numb I am (medicine time, yum!), so I will retire now. Thank you. Have fun and take care. | ||
| musashi
Intermediate Member Username: musashi Post Number: 142 Registered: 5-2004 |
Thank you, poor_nigel. | ||
| marcp
New Username: marcp Post Number: 5 Registered: 2-2011 |
First, I would like to take a second to thank all the members for their kind support not only for the information on the 3 bases that my brother left me but for the very kind words concerning my brother Jim. It is a difficult decision to part with the bases that were such a big part of Jim's life. After careful consideration, I have deceided to go ahead and sell the Alembic Brown Base Serial Number (01BB688 Pictured previously on this thread). I will be keeping Stanely Clarke and Series 1 at least for now. I think the best way to proceed is for anyone who is interested in purchasing the BB, to send me an e mail with your offer to jptk@optonline.net prior to April 6. I will consider all offers that I recieve and make a decision by April 8th. In the interem if there are any questions concerning the BB, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will do my best to answer your questions. Once Again...Thanks to all Jane | ||
| aalias
New Username: aalias Post Number: 1 Registered: 3-2011 |
Hi being new to Alembics and wanting to buy one could / would anyone mind explaining the major differences between the brown bass, Stanley bass and series one? or perhaps point me to somewhere that would explain the main differences between Alembic Basses? thanks for any help in advance. | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 907 Registered: 10-2006 |
Hi Alfred; welcome to the board. To start understanding the models, try reading the Product Pages, the model electronic pages in FAQs, and, of course, everything in the Showcase section. Peter | ||
| aalias
New Username: aalias Post Number: 2 Registered: 3-2011 |
Hi Peter thanks for the info., I will do that. Alfred. | ||
| mike1762
Senior Member Username: mike1762 Post Number: 791 Registered: 1-2008 |
Aside from the electronic differences, the neck woods have the greatest influence on tone in neck-through instruments. Go here (http://www.alembic.com/info/wood_neck.html) for a great description. Peter's link will take you to a discussion of the various electronic packages. I will add that the Series electronics are just a different animal... you have to hear them to understand just how different they are. The only problem (aside from the cost!!!) is that you are tied to the power supply (or be prepared to change batteries... often). I had a Series I (a long scale Standard Point), but sold it because of ergonomic difficulties. I'd love to have a Series Shorty, but I'm pretty happy with my SC and BB. That Series I looks like it might have a BB neck recipe... I bet it sounds great. | ||
| aalias
New Username: aalias Post Number: 3 Registered: 3-2011 |
Hi Mike, thank you. I guess the best thing would be to compare a few when and if I can and see which ones suit me best. | ||
| skyboltone
Member Username: skyboltone Post Number: 68 Registered: 11-2010 |
Hi Alfred: They are hard to find in order to try. Depends where you are. Check out the list of dealers on the motherboard and make a road trip. You'll still be unlikely to find a Series to play. Lots of brown and SC though, as well as Essence, Epic, Persuader etc. Dan | ||
| aalias
New Username: aalias Post Number: 4 Registered: 3-2011 |
Yes I realized that it would be hard to find those basses to try them out after I'd written that. I've tried a series one a long time ago which was pretty amazing and I've already decided that the bass I'd like are the SC, Brown or series one, the others don't appeal to me. Thank you all for helping, though I've realized I've hiJacked Marc's post. I'm sorry Marc and good luck with selling those basses. Again thanks. | ||
| mg1125
Member Username: mg1125 Post Number: 88 Registered: 5-2010 |
Hi Alfred I noticed that you are interested on a Stanley Clarke bass and thought I will show off mine and offered here: http://alembic.com/club/messages/395/96815.html?1299705631 also let me know where to email the pictures.Thanks! | ||
| stoney
Senior Member Username: stoney Post Number: 490 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hello All, I was fortunate enough to re-purchase my Brown Bass (above) from Jane. See the whole story and photo here: http://alembic.com/club/messages/394/103536.html?1304419753 Stoney |
