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sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 4021
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 2:10 pm:   Edit Post

Here is 73-32 ,
A picture is worth a thousand words . I will present these pictures first with words to follow.

73-32 wall of sound spkrs
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 4022
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 2:15 pm:   Edit Post

73-32 wall of sound spkrs back
enzo
Senior Member
Username: enzo

Post Number: 442
Registered: 4-2009
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 2:17 pm:   Edit Post

Goodness gracious, almost edible! Graham cracker body with caramel center.
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 4023
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 2:21 pm:   Edit Post

73-32 hammered brass plate
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 4024
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 2:23 pm:   Edit Post

73-32 tail piece
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 4025
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 2:29 pm:   Edit Post

73-32 body detail
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 4026
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 2:33 pm:   Edit Post

73-32 logo
edwardofhuncote
Senior Member
Username: edwardofhuncote

Post Number: 285
Registered: 6-2014
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 2:54 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 3:18 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 3:44 pm:   Edit Post

Fantastic Wolf!:Congratulations! I love the Birdseye too.
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 4027
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 4:26 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 4:43 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 4:59 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 5:01 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 5:09 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 7:27 pm:   Edit Post

Perfect match for you sir.
Is that CVQ?
Congrats Wolf.
dead_head
Member
Username: dead_head

Post Number: 78
Registered: 5-2014
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 7:31 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 8:28 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 8:47 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks Enzo, indeed " Molto Gustoso ! "
slawie
Senior Member
Username: slawie

Post Number: 753
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 8:58 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2015 - 9:28 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, March 27, 2015 - 7:32 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, March 27, 2015 - 8:44 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, March 27, 2015 - 8:57 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, March 27, 2015 - 9:34 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Monday, March 30, 2015 - 7:30 am:   Edit Post

Ohhhh, what a bass! Wolf, Enjoy that beautiful creature!

art
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 4045
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Monday, March 30, 2015 - 7:58 am:   Edit Post

Art , Thanks !
rv_bass
Junior
Username: rv_bass

Post Number: 12
Registered: 8-2014
Posted on Monday, March 30, 2015 - 8:37 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Monday, March 30, 2015 - 10:11 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Monday, March 30, 2015 - 6:17 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks, Wolf, very nice!
toddharris
Advanced Member
Username: toddharris

Post Number: 372
Registered: 7-2008
Posted on Monday, April 27, 2015 - 4:22 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Monday, April 27, 2015 - 9:38 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2015 - 8:00 pm:   Edit Post

73-32 rebirth

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
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2015 - 8:42 pm:   Edit Post

Brilliant ! Those are some very useful additions.
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 4234
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Friday, May 29, 2015 - 9:38 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Saturday, May 30, 2015 - 8:33 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Saturday, May 30, 2015 - 9:40 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Saturday, May 30, 2015 - 9:43 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Saturday, May 30, 2015 - 10:12 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Saturday, May 30, 2015 - 9:47 pm:   Edit Post

Glad to see the update! Congrats Wolf!
rv_bass
Junior
Username: rv_bass

Post Number: 30
Registered: 8-2014
Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2015 - 6:20 am:   Edit Post

Wow, that is just a beautiful bass!
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 4242
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2015 - 12:31 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks Harry & Robert !
moongerm
Advanced Member
Username: moongerm

Post Number: 209
Registered: 8-2013
Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2015 - 12:36 pm:   Edit Post

Most excellent Wolf! Love it!
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 4243
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Sunday, May 31, 2015 - 12:52 pm:   Edit Post

Thank you Brian!
edwardofhuncote
Advanced Member
Username: edwardofhuncote

Post Number: 394
Registered: 6-2014
Posted on Thursday, June 11, 2015 - 12:58 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, June 12, 2015 - 11:46 am:   Edit Post

73-32 & Friend
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 6091
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Friday, June 12, 2015 - 12:27 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, June 12, 2015 - 12:47 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, June 12, 2015 - 1:17 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks Wolf, you're too funny!
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 4263
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Friday, June 12, 2015 - 1:55 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, June 12, 2015 - 10:32 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Saturday, June 13, 2015 - 10:45 am:   Edit Post

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.

Alembic pf5
rustyg61
Senior Member
Username: rustyg61

Post Number: 1690
Registered: 2-2011
Posted on Saturday, June 13, 2015 - 11:32 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Saturday, June 13, 2015 - 11:43 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Sunday, June 14, 2015 - 7:02 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Sunday, June 14, 2015 - 8:48 am:   Edit Post

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

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