Alembic Guitars Club
Connecting => Swap Shop and Wish Lists => Seen on craigslist, eBay, and elsewhere => Topic started by: pmoran on September 30, 2005, 03:28:15 PM
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i don't know how to get the ebay links into a message here, but there is a '78 series I on ebay w/a cracked back. the pic of the back is kind of small and it's difficult to make the crack out but, man, it looks pretty bad to me. looks like it runs almost the length of the bass. dave, or anyone else w/more knowledge than me, can you guys take a look and tell me if this is a really serious problem that severely diminishes the sound of the bass? i don't have the slightest idea.
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better the back than the neck! I had a guitar that had a body crack...sent it to Alembic, and you just couldn't see it anymore.
I don't see an Alembic logo on this bass either. I did get the owner to send me photos of the electronics cavity - everything look a-ok in there.
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http://cgi.ebay.com/1978-ALEMBIC-SERIES-I-BASS_W0QQitemZ7354190209QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
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Here (http://cgi.ebay.com/1978-ALEMBIC-SERIES-I-BASS_W0QQitemZ7354190209QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) is the listing. I was looking at this earlier today. The text says that the body has a small crack, but doesn't say where. So when I was looking at it this morning, what appears to possibly be a crack on the back, I figured was the grain. But on closer inspection, I think it might indeed be the crack that the seller mentions; and if it is, then while it's not small, it doesn't run the length of the body. It only appears that way because the crack seems to be right in the grain. The seller also goes on to say that the crack has been oversprayed. I don't know what this means, unless it's been sprayed with a protective clear coat to keep moisture out of the crack. An unusual looking strap button has been added to the back of the body, which would probably need to be removed and filled. The pictures could be better. It's hard to tell much about the finish. The top has a lot of glare and what looks like polish buildup or grime, but it could just be the glare. I doubt that the crack would affect the sound. And yes, the logo is missing. I don't know what to think about this bass. The missing logo and the non-original power supply bother me, and it's hard to tell about the finish or how substantial the crack is (it's probably just in the laminate and not in the core and it probably wouldn't get any worse); but this bass might clean up real good and it probably sounds great. Sean says he's seen the electronics cavity and that it checks out, so it's probably not a clone. Like any series bass of this vintage, you have to keep in mind a possible electronics upgrade. Now that I've been staring at it a while, the upper portion of the back looks well worn. Again, it could be the picture; but it's starting to look worn to me.
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It's at Huber & Breese Music Store in Fraser, Michigan, a bit north and east of Detroit and not too far from my office. If anyone here is serious about it, I can go check it out. H&B is a sinfully delightful store. They are definitely straight up guys, too.
Peace,
James
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Hi James, Gary here. I stopped in and looked at this bass. She is a tired little cowboy. It appears the owner, original owner I'm told, treated her like a tool rather than a piece of art. The crack on the back runs the length of the body but seems to lay on the surface. There are marks and odd metal attachments on the body that may be covering old stap mounts. The neck pickup cutout has an odd dent along the top surface. Both pickups show ware or rub marks.It is being sold on consignment and the owner wants her gone. Has a hard shell case which is also tired.
She appears authentic and all there. I would call her a project or working instrument for someone with the proper skills. I think she could be bought for less than the asking price, at which some point would make it a deal for a Series bass.If anyone is interested Paul Huber is one of the owners who is fairly familier with the bass and can be reached at 586-294-3950. However, I think I would take James kind offer to look at the bass if one is serious, as he has the experience and knowledge to properly size up this old girl. She desperately needs a new home and caretaker.
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if you could convince the owner/store to sell for around $1500, I would think that's a great deal. you would definitely need to spend another $1500 at least, on repairing the crack, getting a new logo, and possibly upgrading the electronics.
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More like $2500 to $3K if all work is done by Alembic, and don't forget the going rate for used Series basses isn't much higher than that. It's a really cool bass--are my eyes playing tricks, or is the back purpleheart?--but I think the store got roped into a bad deal with her.
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I went and played this bass last week. Would've reported back sooner, but my internet cable took a hit.
Anyway, I'd recommend it to most A-clubbers. It definitely has some wear but it plays like a champ. Silent. I doubt it will need the upgrade, but that will of course depend on the buyer's location and level of electrical interference. When I played it in the store it was dead silent. Tone was really nice. I took my '87 Series I with me and A/B'd them. I still liked the tone of mine better, but the difference could have easily been attributed to string type and freshness.
When I came in, one of the shop owners was photographing it for a potential sale. I told him that I was checking it out for someone else who might be interested (true, but the guy is no longer interested). He said that if the person who was considering it didn't come through, he might consider $2K.
The crack is in the back laminate but does not appear to go through to the core. It has been poly-coated over, so you can't even feel it. I wouldn't be too concerned about the crack. The back is beat up in general. My biggest single concern is a rough area on the G-string side of the neck and side of the fretboard near the 1st and 2nd frets. It looks rough and is rough to the touch. Didn't affect playability, but then I only spent about 10 - 15 minutes with it.
The power supply and the cable are homemade but function perfectly. I was able to power my Series I with it. Everything worked fine, including my LEDs.
The repairwork, including the crack repair and poly-coated back were reportedly done by Mike Koontz. Mike is a legend in the Detroit area.
If I were in the market for a first Alembic, I'd probably pop $2K for it.
Peace,
James
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James-
Have you ever personally checked out the short scale Series 1 for sale at Elderly?
http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/55U-3464.htm
Frank
(Message edited by Yggdrasil on October 14, 2005)
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Frank,
I have not checked out the Series I Short Scale at Elderly. I only get out to Elderly about once or twice a year. Lansing is about 100 miles from my door. Huber & Breese is 5 miles from my office and about 25 from my house. If I make it out there any time soon, I will test drive whatever Alembics they have in stock.
Peace,
James
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I just purchased the Series I that was at Huber & Breese Music Store in Fraser, Michigan
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Thank you very much James for taking the time to check out the bass and report back here with your findings. Also, thank you Garry. I really appreciate the time you guys took to check out this bass!!
In talking to Paul Huber it turns out the bass was owned by the old bass player from Earth Wind & Fire. Not why I purchased the bass but it's nice to know some of the history behind the bass.
I should get my new Series I late next week depending on Customs and UPS. I can't wait, I've wanted a Series bass since I was a kid, I'm as giddy as a virgin at a prison rodeo.
Does anyone have an Alembic logo and name plate I can pick up (for the head stock) for this bass?
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Congrats Brian, she is hurt but still preforms. It looks like a working bass which I think makes it kind of cool. I own a Series but I'm often concerned about taking her some of the places I go. With this old warrior you can fly her without all the hand wringing. Notice the condition of many of the best sounding, most expensive Fenders? I think I would leave her just as she is if she were mine. If she powered EW&F I would strap yourself in before taking off! Enjoy!
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Giddy as a virgin at a prison rodeo? Well, there goes dinner...
Congratulations!
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Brian,
I'm assuming it was someone other than Verdine White. If it was Verdine White, I'd be kicking myself. He is definitely in my top 5 all time favorite bassists (Stanley, Marcus, Louis, and Nathan round out the gang o' five)and I would love to have any of his old gear. Come on, spill it....
and CONGRATS!!
Peace,
James
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Where do you find a prison rodeo, or virgin for that matter? Whats going on up there? Can I come to the next one?
Our Governor, Jennifer Granholm (Michigan) is a cutie from Canada. I must ask her if she has ever been giddy at a rodeo.
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Hi all and thank you.
James I phoned Paul Huber today to ask the name of the previous owner. I was misinformed when I purchased the bass, the previous owner was not from Earth Wind & Fire, but from Rare Earth. His name is Wayne Barracks. Sorry about the confusion. To me this really doesn't matter as I was after a great deal on a Series bass and I think I got one.
You make a very good point about not restoring the bass. The main reasons I wanted a Series bass is for the sound and the playability. I may restore it later on, but for now I'm thrilled I have a Series bass or will have as soon as UPS delivers it. I would like to get a bronze logo for the head stock (missing on my new bass), if any one knows of one that's available please let me know.
j_gary - I'm really looking forward to strapping my self in and taking off with the Series :-) Calgary has what they call the Calgary Stampede, it's a week long rodeo. Now the challenge is finding a virgin. I'm not familiar with Jennifer Granholm is she a hottie?
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Hi Brian, oh yea she is. I saw her about two years ago at the local community college. Looks like a cute blonde California girl. However, these last few years running Michigan have had to take a toll on her. It's amusing to see her sitting at some political function with a bunch of raggedly old sawhorses. She sticks out an Alembic at the local music store. She was born & raised in Canada. Made a name for herself as a sharp lawyer. ( Easy boy, she is married with children )
Now about virgins........... Nope, I got nothing.
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Brian, Alembic keeps a tight hold on logos so I doubt you'd find one except through a third-party somehow UNLESS you were willing to go to the factory or have the bass shipped there. If you send it to Santa Rosa to have the electronics upgraded at some time, they can surely add it.
Enjoy it!
Effclef
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My new Series I was delivered yesterday (I just came up for air now). It looks much better than the photos, thank god for bad photography. I cleaned the bass and polished it. It doesn't look bad now. Granted it's far from mint (several dings & dents), but on the up side I can take it any where and not worry.
When I first plugged it in it sounded very good. The strings had not been changed since Abe Lincon was in the white house though. I put new strings on the bass, and WOW!! I see now what the fuss is over the Series basses. The range of sounds that a Series I can produce is awesome. I've owned some nice basses in my time but the Series I blows them all away. Plus the action is lower than a snakes belly and no buzzing! I'm blown away by the quality and sound of this bass.
I just wanted to thank both James and j_gary again. I relied on your reports of the bass when I purchased it. It's soooooooooo nice to have fellow bassists who know Alembics, willing to go and check out a used Alembic for the club.
I'm still hoping I can find a Alembic logo and name plate (for the head stock) to replace the missing one on my new bass. If any one has one that they are willing to part with please let me know.
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Glad to hear she arrived safe and sound, and that it's love at first sight. The more I think about that bass I wish I would have been able to grab her. There is a certain street cred to that baby. It would be like if you were out in your shiny new Corvette feeling all racy and a guy pulls up next to you in a Dodge Viper all dirty & covered in brake dust from the track. Oh oh, excuse me, turn signal, gotta stop here at bridel shop.
Very cool bass, never see em in battle dress like yours. If I strolled into Lizzys on jam night and saw that rascal on the stage, I would keep my fancy new one in the case until it was safe. The no logo on her would only drive me crazy to see what and who she was. Take that girl out and lots of bass players are going to be bugging you. Big fun, enjoy!
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Brian-
There's an Alembic logo on eBay now:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ALEMBIC-BASS-GUITAR-RARE-BRONZE-LOGO-AND-SCRIPT-NEW_W0QQitemZ7361639367QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com/ALEMBIC-BASS-GUITAR-RARE-BRONZE-LOGO-AND-SCRIPT-NEW_W0QQitemZ7361639367QQcategoryZ4713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
Frank
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Mica asked the guy to pull the logo and he did. She did mention that they sell those logos at Alembic for $50 but that they prefer to install them.
Perry