Alembic Guitars Club

Connecting => Swap Shop and Wish Lists => Seen on craigslist, eBay, and elsewhere => Topic started by: series_iii on August 27, 2006, 06:41:27 AM

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: series_iii on August 27, 2006, 06:41:27 AM

http://cgi.ebay.com/Alembic-Series-One-1978-Bass-Anvil-Case-DS5-Power-Unit_W0QQitemZ190025187276QQihZ009QQcategoryZ4713QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
 
too bad it's in singapore.

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: bbd on August 28, 2006, 05:43:50 PM

Can I get some more learned opinions on this bass please. I am in Australia and it would be easy to buy. I am only new to Alembics having just one, an Epic 5 string, but now I've had a taste would like a 4 string as well. Can someone explain the power supply setup, can it just operate on batteries or must it me plugged into the power supply all the time? Excuse my ignorance with these things but one must start somewhere. Roger

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: alembic_doctor on August 28, 2006, 05:49:13 PM

you can do the battery thing, but you don't get the full functionality of the instrument.  It really makes a difference.  And I think the older Series 1's really suck down a pair of 9volts in a few hours.  My dad's '78 Series 1  Kills a pair of 9vilts in about 4 hours.  
 
But I will tell you, There is nothing in the world that souds like an Alembic Series I or II.

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: longhorncat on August 28, 2006, 07:41:30 PM

I wouldn't bid on this bass unless you plan on picking it up in person.  
That seller has never sold anything on eBay.

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: dwmark on August 28, 2006, 07:45:49 PM

I had a few conversations with Susan and got the idea that Ron (and she) never intended the Series electronics to be powered by anything other than the power supply.  I've run it with batteries and it seems fine, but I'm sure I'm missing something.  So, factor in the cost of a power supply (which you can buy) and go for it if that works for you.

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: series_iii on August 28, 2006, 07:46:13 PM

i'll second that.  i only use batteries for my headphone practice setup, live i use the power supply.  
 
nothing sounds like a series I or II.  20th anniversary electronics are close.
 
i'd ask alot of questions about this seller.  his rep isn't bad, but he hasn't sold in some time.  if you really want this instrument, i'd consider an escrow house.
 
myself,  i'll only do an internet alembic deal with a known club member or an established dealer.
 
this doesn't scream scam but i'd be very careful.

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: bbd on August 28, 2006, 08:34:08 PM

I hear you what you are saying about the seller, having not sold anything etc. I am rather apprehensive about the whole thing. I have emailed him re shipping etc and he's been very responsive and 'seems' genuine. Thanks for the info about the power supply, that really helps and I feel clear about how they work now. I will ask for the serial number next from him. Thanks again guys, I mean it. Roger

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: lbpesq on August 28, 2006, 10:09:38 PM

On an older Series instrument, when you use the batteries/1/4 jack, only the neck pickup works.  On newer Series instruments the instrument works the same on batteries - both pickups work, but the batteries will run out fast.  Also, I don't know if an instrument with LEDs will light up with just battery power.  If it does, the batteries would get drained even faster.
 
Bill, tgo

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: effclef on August 29, 2006, 04:56:14 AM

Roger, here's the small DS-5 supply included with this bass from the auction pictures. Note the Asian characters behind it - this may indeed be somewhere in Asia and not a scam. There are also three Gibson Thunderbirds in one of the shots, too. But again, be careful.  
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/395/30994.jpg)
 
Effclef

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: gtrguy on August 29, 2006, 10:23:10 AM

I have been in contact with the sellor for months about this bass. It looks legit and you can see my post about 78 1249. However, you never know till you have it in your hands!

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: bbd on August 29, 2006, 10:29:58 PM

Well spotted effclef, I saw the Gibson's but did not notice the Asian characters. I knda tend to think all is legit with this bass and the seller. It's sad that we tend to trust people less just because of a few bad apples,I refer mainly to those filthy Chinese scam artists doing the eBay rounds.

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: FC Bass on August 31, 2006, 09:33:25 AM

Is that a Coco Bolo fretboard?
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/395/31030.jpg)
 
Or maybe Macassar Ebony?
 
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on August 31, 2006)

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: FC Bass on August 31, 2006, 09:42:39 AM

According to the serial # request, it's Ebony:
Serial number request # 78-1249 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=6227)
 
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on August 31, 2006)

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: olieoliver on August 31, 2006, 09:45:06 AM

The cabinet in the photo of the power supply looks like and old VOX.

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: gtrguy on September 01, 2006, 09:26:36 AM

I may be wrong about the serial number too. It was my best guess.
Bye, Dave

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: olieoliver on September 01, 2006, 09:46:47 AM

Is that bye or buy, Dave.
 
(I'm glad it's in Singapore. It would be way too tempting to me if it were in the US.)

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: gtrguy on September 05, 2006, 10:59:51 AM

Believe me, I have been looking at this one for a while. I am still looking for the right series one.

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: bbd on September 06, 2006, 06:39:34 AM

Well Dave, I bought it, Kenny the seller, sent loads of new photos of the electronics etc. I hope to use an escro house to seal the deal. It all seems very legit. Shall advise the eventual outcome. Roger

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: olieoliver on September 06, 2006, 07:06:39 AM

Congrats Roger. That's a real good price too.

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: gtrguy on September 06, 2006, 10:20:27 AM

I think it's a great deal on a great bass! How much is the shipping?

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: bbd on September 06, 2006, 08:58:19 PM

Hi Dave. The seller has a quote around $350, it needs to go with DHL or Fedex as it's way too heavy & big for the regular postal service. Still, a nice series I for way less than 3k is pretty good. He says it's great to play, just great. Roger

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: gtrguy on September 07, 2006, 01:42:44 PM

Wow, that's a deal. I thought I had a pilot friend who was going there and could pick it up, but it never worked out. Congrats!

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: bbd on September 08, 2006, 06:07:10 AM

It should be here by the middle/end of next week. The seller could not have been more helpful, sent loads of photos. Will post a pic. Took delivery today of the MK Deluxe from Green Square, David, the owner delivered it personally on his was to a conference. Great guy, GREAT Bass. Now I truly can see what all the fuss is about. It makes me weep, the quality is out of this world and the sound, clear as a bell, just to die for. I truly thought I would never own an Alembic, now I can't get enough of them. Will have a total of 4 when the series 1 & Persuader arrive. Looks like there will be a few Fenders of mine going up on eBay shortly.

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: 57basstra on September 08, 2006, 08:29:02 AM

Congratulations, Roger! PLay a few hot licks on your basses, especially the Series, for me!

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: gtrguy on September 08, 2006, 08:53:13 AM

Way cool! Now you have to make it to California and tour the factory!

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: bbd on September 15, 2006, 06:12:35 PM

Well the above Series I bass arrived yesterday, it is stunning and in excellent condition. A beautifully aged piece of craftsmanship. The sound is gorgeous and warm, like playing an old friend. This is a definite keeper and an absolute delight to play. I feel very privileged to own her. Roger

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: effclef on September 16, 2006, 04:29:16 AM

With all the Asian-eBay-scams lately, I am very happy to hear this was the geniune article, Roger! Congrats and enjoy it for a long time.
EffClef

Title: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
Post by: gtrguy on September 16, 2006, 09:20:45 PM

Wow, that's great! Now if I could just find one!