| Author | Message | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4021 Registered: 5-2009 |
Here is 73-32 , A picture is worth a thousand words . I will present these pictures first with words to follow.  | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4022 Registered: 5-2009 |
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| enzo
Senior Member Username: enzo Post Number: 442 Registered: 4-2009 |
Goodness gracious, almost edible! Graham cracker body with caramel center. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4023 Registered: 5-2009 |
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| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4024 Registered: 5-2009 |
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| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4025 Registered: 5-2009 |
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| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4026 Registered: 5-2009 |
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| edwardofhuncote
Senior Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 285 Registered: 6-2014 |
That's a beauty Wolf! Interesting that the neck lams and headstock veneers closely resemble 73-39. | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 1574 Registered: 6-2002 |
Stunning ! You must be a happy man ;) I knew I'd seen a similar tailpiece, http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/84774.html?1282495288 Congrats, she couldn't have a better home. elwood | ||
| moongerm
Intermediate Member Username: moongerm Post Number: 151 Registered: 8-2013 |
Fantastic Wolf!:Congratulations! I love the Birdseye too. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4027 Registered: 5-2009 |
Gregory , Thanks , I will try to find a pic of 73-39 Elwood , Thanks . Yes , the same tailpiece is also on my Starfire ! What a rare coincidence that another one would cross my path like that ! Brian , Thank you . The maple has a warm glow to it as well in person . | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 1485 Registered: 1-2005 |
Wowie-zowie!! That's a beaut! Love the classic shape of the horns, the lighter colored pickups, and the unusual tailpiece! So interesting that it's like your Starfire! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4028 Registered: 5-2009 |
Harry , Thanks . The " Tailpiece" incident indeed seems to have a certain Magical Alchemic Mystery to it. Perhaps it is in my destiny. Just like Karma. | ||
| mtjam
Advanced Member Username: mtjam Post Number: 280 Registered: 11-2011 |
Excellent! I really like the look of the neck. Those cabinets in the background are cool, too. They should also have a thread of their own! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4029 Registered: 5-2009 |
Rob , The neck is different then any of my other Bass's but is wonderful . One of these day's I will have an equipment thread and include some of those " note worthy cabinets". | ||
| slawie
Senior Member Username: slawie Post Number: 750 Registered: 8-2002 |
Perfect match for you sir. Is that CVQ? Congrats Wolf. | ||
| dead_head
Member Username: dead_head Post Number: 78 Registered: 5-2014 |
Wow, that's beautiful, Wolf. You keep it in really nice shape. Have you had it since new? | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4031 Registered: 5-2009 |
Slawie ,Thank you ! The CVQ type mod to the PF-5 electronics appears to be functional . The Bass sounds good in most environments except for heavy RF /EMI fields as seems to on par in some cases with PF-5 electronics regarding noise interference. I am planing to bring this Bass to Alembic soon for Mr. Wickersham to examine and advise and do what he thinks would be advantageous for the PF-5 circuit. Rob /(dead head) I have recently received this instrument . (Message edited by sonicus on March 26, 2015) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4032 Registered: 5-2009 |
Thanks Enzo, indeed " Molto Gustoso ! " | ||
| slawie
Senior Member Username: slawie Post Number: 753 Registered: 8-2002 |
The headstock; Is that an optical illusion or would the E string be better wound from the other direction? Inspect the underneath of the pickups (they are the same shape as mine). I doped the bottom up with some epoxy to strengthen the mounting tabs as they had cracked the casing because of over-tightening. I hope the mothership visit proves fruitful. slawie | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4033 Registered: 5-2009 |
Slawie, The E string on the other direction would be stick over the side because I am already just making it with my string choice which seems to work. Notice how far back the tail piece is , as a result my choice of Dean Markley Blue Steel # 2670 XL40-95 strings can fit .They actually intonate correctly ( but they are long scale on a short scale bass ! ) . It is playing in tune way all up and down the neck everywhere.  Thanks for the advice for the preservation of the pickups, I will check as you advise. Wolf | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Senior Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 288 Registered: 6-2014 |
This was the thread on 73-39 Wolf: http://alembic.com/club/messages/395/194059.html?1424665127 There's pictures within the old ad link (at the top of the thread), and some discussion of the wood combinations on down near the bottom. I had my eye on this one for a restoration project but (thank goodness) another Club member bought it with that same purpose in mind. IIRC, they were planning on sending her back to Alembic for a proper restoration... so it may already be there when you visit. I'm quite fascinated by these early Alembics... the subtle differences between each one especially the first couple hundred instruments, makes them so distinctly individual, yet so obviously related. Yours is yet another beautiful creation. (Message edited by edwardofhuncote on March 27, 2015) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4034 Registered: 5-2009 |
Gregory , Thank you very much for pointing my eyes to the 73-39 thread. Yes ,I remember this one ! I too am still fascinated by these early Alembics for several reasons ; for the reasons that you mention but also because I remember walking into Alembic when the location was at 60 Brady Street in San Francisco and seeing these then new instruments displayed in all their glory for public view. In 1973 when Alembic #73-32 was born I was 17 years old and just graduating from High School and I was full of questions for the nice folks at 60 Brady St. about these instruments. I had just purchased my Alembic modified Guild Starfire Bass's from a then musicians union bass player who played in some of theater pit orchestras in town and I my self already had a bit of the Alembic curiosity. Who knows, I may have seen my 73-32 on the wall at 60 Brady St in 1973 . Surely her previous owner protected her well over all these years and as soon as he presented her to me I had a Deja-Vu ! I felt that elation of pleasent past experiances , like those that make your heart smile . (Message edited by sonicus on March 27, 2015) | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 5996 Registered: 7-2004 |
I can report that 73-32 sounds great too! Wolf brought her over for a jam shortly after he recently acquired this lovely old bass. A really sweet instrument. Bill, tgo | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4035 Registered: 5-2009 |
Bill, That was her first real jam with me playing her . I was really pleased about how she played. A swell time was had for sure ! Wolf | ||
| artswork99
Moderator Username: artswork99 Post Number: 2037 Registered: 7-2007 |
Ohhhh, what a bass! Wolf, Enjoy that beautiful creature! art | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4045 Registered: 5-2009 |
Art , Thanks ! | ||
| rv_bass
Junior Username: rv_bass Post Number: 12 Registered: 8-2014 |
Hi Sonicus, As others have noted, very beautiful bass, the color and shape are unique and wonderful! Can you explain the function of the two white dots? Thanks, Rob | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4046 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hello Rob, The two "white dots" are where a technician had installed other controls for the previous owner. I intend to have a "master volume" and a "stereo/mono switch" installed in their place by Alembic soon as part of her "Alembic Mothership Health Check Up." Wolf | ||
| rv_bass
Junior Username: rv_bass Post Number: 13 Registered: 8-2014 |
Thanks, Wolf, very nice! | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 372 Registered: 7-2008 |
Oh, oh, oh... Just shoot me - it's stunning. Congratulations Wolf and know how terribly happy for you and jealous of you I am at the same time ; ) Todd | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4119 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hello Todd ,Thank you so very much. I dropped her of at the Mother Ship last week for some work . I will have an update with more pics at completion. (Message edited by sonicus on April 27, 2015) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4233 Registered: 5-2009 |
 Here is my promised update; Where the upper hole cover was is now a master volume and where the lower hole cover was has become a stereo/mono switch. I am immensely grateful to everyone at the " Mother Ship" for the energy and forthcomingness to facilitate the " Rebirthing" of 73-32. You are the BEST ! My sincere thanks to Mr. Ron Wickersham , Mica , Mary and everyone else that played a role . I love this instrument ! Wolf | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 1614 Registered: 6-2002 |
Brilliant ! Those are some very useful additions. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4234 Registered: 5-2009 |
Elwoodblue , thanks I thought so as well . "That seems to be just about right !" | ||
| dela217
Senior Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 1158 Registered: 6-2002 |
I really like not having a brass plate under the pickup selector. Looks much cleaner to me. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4236 Registered: 5-2009 |
Michael, Thanks . The topic of a decision to use the brass plate under the pickup selector was discussed when I initially brought the Bass to Alembic for review. I went with the advice and suggestions given to me from her creators regarding that. Wolf | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Advanced Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 375 Registered: 6-2014 |
Looks great Wolf - Congratulations & Compliments! The 2nd one is going to be a Custom order with a lot of vintage features, but if I ever have a 3rd Alembic, it's going to be a vintage Series bass... I was very seriously considering buying one (#73-39) for restoration a few months ago, but hesitated. Again... Wow - what a bass! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4237 Registered: 5-2009 |
Thanks Gregory. I look forward to seeing the process of your custom with vintage features. I have thought of such a process for my self as well at some point perhaps. Wolf | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 1517 Registered: 1-2005 |
Glad to see the update! Congrats Wolf! | ||
| rv_bass
Junior Username: rv_bass Post Number: 30 Registered: 8-2014 |
Wow, that is just a beautiful bass! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4242 Registered: 5-2009 |
Thanks Harry & Robert ! | ||
| moongerm
Advanced Member Username: moongerm Post Number: 209 Registered: 8-2013 |
Most excellent Wolf! Love it! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4243 Registered: 5-2009 |
Thank you Brian! | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Advanced Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 394 Registered: 6-2014 |
Hey Wolf, next time you have the battery box open on ol' #32, would you mind posting a picture? Every time I look at this thread, that Maple just blows me away... the color is just amazing. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4261 Registered: 5-2009 |
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| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 6091 Registered: 7-2004 |
Ah yes, the early Alembic Dino option. The Mothership's version of "put a tiger in your tank". Bill, tgo | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4262 Registered: 5-2009 |
Bill , YES , that it is . The Dragon upgrade would be the current new option ! Part of the traditional history of options . Wolf | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Advanced Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 397 Registered: 6-2014 |
Thanks Wolf, you're too funny! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4263 Registered: 5-2009 |
Gregory, Thanks , I finally seem to be getting over the dire affliction of being humour challenged . Being Alembicised has been a great aid in achieving that emotion . ! If Mr. Spock would have had an Alembic Bass he too would have become humorous. I can see it !!!!____ Spock in a Jam with a Series II , with a BIG GRIN on his face ! " Live Long And Prosper " Wolf | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1688 Registered: 2-2011 |
WOW Wolf, how did I miss this thread? Congratulations on acquiring this gorgeous piece of Alembic history! Is this a Series bass? If so, where is the hum canceler? Do you know the history of the bass? If only Spock could do a mind meld with this bass, the stories it could tell! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4266 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hello Rusty. Thanks! Yes, this Bass was born as a " PF-5 circuit " type Series Bass. The "hum canceler" in this early design is in the body cavity.  | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1690 Registered: 2-2011 |
Cool! Did they do any modifications when you sent it back to the Mothership? | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4267 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hi Rusty, A master volume and a stereo/mono switch were recently installed at the Mothership. Wolf | ||
| poor_nigel
Advanced Member Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 383 Registered: 11-2009 |
Hey Wolf - As usual, day late and dollar short. It is light? Maple core, or birch? I love these small, older basses, so can see why you are so happy with it. I like to see these in the hands of those I know really appreciate what they have, so it will be well taken care of. I wish you all the best in your new union. Note: A lot of the reason it took me so long to post on this is because I stupidly upgraded to Windows 8.1 which is the worst thing a sane man can do these days, except - Well, we'll leave politics for elsewhere . . . | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4268 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hello & Thanks Thomas! From what I recall when Mica inspected and viewed this Bass in person she said , Oak Core , Maple top and back. ( My Thanks to Mica , Mary, Susan & Ron on that day). Wolf |
