| Author | Message | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 223 Registered: 7-2008 |
Sent this bass in for a complete restoration - gorgeous finish - super low action - some buzz on the low E which I'm working on - comes in at 9 lbs (successful weight reduction) - for all intents and purposes, a reborn 1982 flamed Koa Series I - thanks to everyone at Alembic, Todd    | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 224 Registered: 7-2008 |
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| artswork99
Moderator Username: artswork99 Post Number: 1147 Registered: 7-2007 |
Very nice Todd! | ||
| pierreyves
Senior Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 596 Registered: 11-2006 |
what work they did exactly ? | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1022 Registered: 5-2009 |
YES ________YES__________YES____________!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Classic Alembic Beauty !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | ||
| room037
Advanced Member Username: room037 Post Number: 321 Registered: 9-2003 |
The Koa top is KILLER ! Todd, Serial Number mystery is cleared or not ? Maybe The numbers on the pots and board are helpful for Mica. Eiji | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 722 Registered: 10-2006 |
Weight reduction? Do tell! Peter | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 226 Registered: 7-2008 |
In response to the questions above, the serial number could not be recovered so the plate is now stamped 8210LSN1 (1982 restoration in 2010 lost serial number 1). The bass weighed in at just over 11 lbs when I sent it which is far heavier than I can work with and in response to my inquiries, Mica suggested contouring the neck, replacing the tuners with lighter hipshots, and replacing the brass bridge support with a wood one. The result is an amazing 9.1 lbs light - does anyone have a large body long scale Series bass that is lighter? I wanted to match the hand rubbed oil type finish that was original to the instrument and which I prefer to a high gloss finish - with high gloss, I feel I'm playing on glass, with this, I can feel the wood and love it. It has been refretted and the neck is perfectly straight. All brass plates were replaced and the tailpiece was polished to new. Hat knobs and pointer knob were replaced. The missing Alembic logo was replaced. The sound is amazing and the stereo pickups give me an enormous range even before my superfilter. When the bass appeared on eBay and I saw the condition it had fallen into, I was anxious to see it restored bought it. Seems I am always buying and selling basses. My thanks to Mica, Mary and the Alembic family. (Message edited by toddharris on June 01, 2010) | ||
| pace
Senior Member Username: pace Post Number: 550 Registered: 4-2004 |
WOW Todd!!! I never saw the pics when it was on Ebay, so this is a real treat!!!! That Koa top is absolutely stunning!!!! Is that reach for the 1st fret tough compared to those shorties? | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 227 Registered: 7-2008 |
Hi Mike - I'm 5'9" and it feels incredibly right. I do like to work the bass - my short scales still feel like guitars to me! You'll love it when you play it. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 9433 Registered: 5-2002 |
Wonderful restoration! Congrats Todd! | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 241 Registered: 7-2008 |
Thanks Dave, I have kept 9 basses through my 34 years of playing (started at 16) and never thought a large body series I would suit me - always looked a bit to large for someone my height (5'9") but there is no getting away from the fact that this is the best feeling action and playing bass I've touched bar none. My Series basses are great, no mistake, but this one is the best. I highly recommend the weight reduction to anyone who has a large bodied series I that is over 10 lbs. Thanks Alembic!!! | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 260 Registered: 7-2008 |
Hi, this Koa Series bass is up for sale to help pay for the near mint 56 P bass I just bought from Teddy Gentry, the founder, vocalist and bassist for Alabama (see below) $4500 includes new case, new boxed DS5R, original stereo cable and all replace parts including pickups, brass plates (worn) and tuners. The listing is on the for sale section of this website. Todd  | ||
| tubeperson
Intermediate Member Username: tubeperson Post Number: 118 Registered: 5-2005 |
Hey Todd, as an audiophile, I must know what speakers did Mr. Teddy have behind him (his placement may not be so audiophile)? Also, If I read is correctly, you are in Suffolk county, NY. If so, where you be? I am from Nassau, NY. I'd love to look at that bass for possible bid purposes. | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 266 Registered: 7-2008 |
Not sure about the speakers - my focus was on the bass and conversation. The room is Chet Atkins old office at the old RCA studios on Music Way. Bass and parts still available. | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 267 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  | ||
| carsbybigd
New Username: carsbybigd Post Number: 9 Registered: 8-2014 |
I dont know if I could part with that Koa Alembic for a Fender. GLWTS. Beautiful bass. | ||
| toddharris
Advanced Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 391 Registered: 7-2008 |
The large body was not for me. Picked up a sc SIG dlx and a 73 small bodied series which are now my giggers. Playing tomorrow in Northport at Gunthers. | ||
| gtrguy
Senior Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 901 Registered: 9-2004 |
I think the short scale series rule for gigging! |
