Alembic Guitars Club
Connecting => Swap Shop and Wish Lists => Wanted & Wishing => Topic started by: KR on May 22, 2018, 12:48:45 AM
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Hi, I'm looking for a nice all original medium scale 70's Alembic, that is hopefully of a lighter weight ---if that's possible.
Thanks,
Keith
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Hi, Keith,
Check out Reverb, serial number 76-399 is up for auction. It is a purpleheart cap and back with a walnut core, neck through built of birch and walnut stringers. I've been eyeing this bass for a bit, but the scratch to buy it, and fix another, is not yet in hand, so check it out. The purpleheart has aged really beautifully, in my opinion (https://reverb.com/item/11645443-vintage-medium-scale-alembic-series-1). There was a build request for this bass that was posted to the forum ten years ago: http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=6325.msg67543#msg67543.
Reverb also has a more expensive medium scale series 1 from 1978 for $8K with a really complete package from the mother ship (listed as serial number "78-12187", but I read it as "78-1287", which makes a lot more sense given 76-399, above). It's claimed to have mahogany stringers in the neck, and has this great halcyon and burnish appearance. I am not sure about the price, but it, too, is a beauty. I didn't see a build history already listed here on the forum. The surfaces are a bit checked, so I am a little confused why this bass will be worth $8K unless someone pays that (re: "what the market will bear").
Reverb also has a shorty in burl walnut (https://reverb.com/item/9702095-alembic-short-scale-bass-series-1-1979-burl-walnut) for $6,316.27, and a long scale '77 series one, serial number 77-840, in "natural" for $6,250 (https://reverb.com/item/12252164-alembic-series-1-long-scale-1977-natural-superb-condition). It's for sale by the original owner who now has the hots for a Zon 6 and wants to sell this puppy. All original build records and some of the goodies are available. I didn't see an existing build request on the forum for this bass, but picture of the build records from Alembic show a schedua top and back, a mahogany core, the neck is maple with purpleheart stringers, ebony fingerboard, and dark vermillion veneer.
Searching only for "alembic series" pulls in a few other basses, but they are over the $9K mark, and I assume that some of the ones above may be less than feasible given your stated parameters.
eBay has this neat medium scale omega cut standard point from 1975 for $6,950 with the predecessor to the diagonal adjustment pickups, namely the "tab" pickups that were phased out shortly thereafter (https://www.ebay.com/itm/ALEMBIC-75-Series1-Omega-Cut-1-1975-good-condition/332658741829?hash=item4d74019245:g:GucAAOSwWDBbAgrW).
The 'Bay also has a long scale '81 that ends in 2 hours (it's 6:56 PST, as of now): https://www.ebay.com/itm/1981-Alembic-Series-1-Bass-Guitar/123134941643?hash=item1cab6a19cb:g:NFEAAOSwSY9a51fT.
And a short-scale '79 series 1 for $6,830: https://www.ebay.com/itm/ALEMBIC-SERIES-1-SSB-1979-Used-Electric-Bass-FREE-Shipping/173327878276?epid=5018221222&hash=item285b258884:g:ZHAAAOSwDvVa18zi
And another short scale, this one from '77 with an interesting top for $6,445.00: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1977-ALEMBIC-SSB-Series-I-Electric-Bass-Excellent-Condition-Vintage-Rare-wOHC-B5/332635524106?hash=item4d729f4c0a:g:3~EAAOSwM2RZgtbJ.
This '77, unknown scale length, is pick up only in Manhattan or Yonkers, NY for $5,995.00: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Alembic-Series-1-bass-guitar-1977-vintage-excellent-condition/332631716799?hash=item4d726533bf:g:aZgAAOSwZtJW-GS1.
Here is a medium scale 1980 series 1 (walnut/mahogany body, maple and walnut stringer neck) for $5,400: https://www.ebay.com/p/Alembic-Electric-Bass-MSB-1980/2161372089?iid=173318862221&_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D50999%26meid%3D569e376f690943078d53c7bc849dbb7e%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D173327878276%26itm%3D173318862221&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851.
And I am sure, despite all of the options not being exactly what you were looking for, there is most certainly a lot more out there to be found. Good luck!
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Hi Keith,
I have a 76 that I may consider selling. Let me think about it.
If I did sell it, it would be in the $4k range. Not sure what your budget is.
Also, where are you located?
As Zut mentioned, there are several options on ebay and Reverb but I assume you already looked there.
Happy hunting!
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Hi, Thanks. Send a pic please.
Keith
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I'm in So Cal
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I saw the 76 on Reverb---Not happy with the later Pickup added.
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Hi, I'm looking for an original 70's medium scale Series of lighter weight--if that's possible
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Zut8083, Thanks for all the info--like that 75 omega on ebay ---did you see the wacked out bridge saddle?
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Hey, Keith,
I did see the other-than-usual Alembic saddle; it's not what I'd have expected, honestly. But given that I am not an authority on Alembic products, just a broke fan, and the bass is listed by a Japanese seller/company at three different prices, as this seller does with all of their listings, I'm not sure what to think, so I'd be a touch wary, too. But, I think it's fairly legit; while I don't know nothing (Puddin' Tame), but there is another Alembic in this Forum thread with a similar bridge (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=16166.msg163004#msg163004 ). So, while I can't say "yeah" or "nay" to authenticity by sight or intuition, I want to say "yyyyyyyes...yeah?" I wouldn't necessarily buy a bass listed on eBay for three prices. That's a "nnnnooo...what the heck?" from me.
I just thought this bass and bunch of the others were worth a view for informational purposes, if you hadn't seen it already, and to facilitate conversation, as Jon mentioned. I hope you didn't think that I was trying to be a jerk or anything; I just meant to get the ball rolling with what I knew to be out there.
Also, since you're in SoCal, the San Luis Obispo to San Diego scene might have a bunch of "sleeper" medium scale series ones that would fit your ergonomic requirements of a bass. I figure it just, unfortunately, might take more time for these jems to show up on the market, and SLO or wherever isn't quite exactly right in your neck of the woods.
Good luck, Keith, and happy hunting.
-Zut
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Hello Keith
Most of the basses I've seem on eBay and Reverb recently are at best considerably overpriced and at worst way overpriced. That's why so many have been there for months if not years. I don't know the condition or model of what jWrite9 is considering putting on the market but the estimate he quoted seems a lot more in line with I'd call reasonable for a used upper level Alembic of that era. To give you an idea of what you can find if your patient, I've purchased three series basses in the last two years or so. A short scale for $4,000, a medium scale 1978 for $3,600, and a 1976 long scale fretless for $1,200. None of the bodies on any of these basses has a checked finish, the first two are in overall excellent condition and they are all in fine working order other than for an electronics upgrade I'm going to need to get for the fretless. I know the last price is crazy ridiculous for a Series bass in working order and that one is road worn, but it plays fine. The other Alembics I have other than a custom I had made were all in the $2000 to $3,000 range.
I think the one thing you are going to find difficult is locating a light 70s era Alembic bass. At that time I believe the majority of their production was Series basses though I think the Distillate was introduced in the late 70s. My lightest Alembic by far is a short scale Signature with a Stanley body but that model came long after the 70s. To be honest I'm not sure they made light medium Series basses at Alembic in the 70s or ever.
My advice is to be patient and check this message board and the Alembic Facebook page on a regular basis. Craigslist is also an option though you can never be sure with whom you are dealing. Best of luck. There's a bass out there with your name on it.
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Here is one on Craigslist in NJ. The headstock was cracked and repaired, but otherwise a nice looking bass. Likely from the 80s though, and a short scale.
https://cnj.craigslist.org/msg/d/alembic-series-short-scale/6578008406.html
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Thanks for the input, everyone. I know that a light-weight Series will be near impossible to find. Regular point or omega is fine with me. I'll keep checking in.
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Thanks for the input, everyone. I know that a light-weight Series will be near impossible to find. Regular point or omega is fine with me. I'll keep checking in.
What is that weight that you're actually looking for?
Are you familiar with Series I basses? Have you held one and played one?
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I've owned 3 series basses in the past. No specific weight but hoping to find a lighter one, if possible.
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OK then, my 76 is definitely not a "lighter one".
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Hey, Keith,
I had an idea, in short, look for an Alembic bass with a Geoff Gould carbon fiber/graphite neck/core or look into more efficient braces and straps to better wear the bass without fatigue. It may be useful if you weighed your current basses, and any that your pals might have, while you stand on a scale whilst holding them and comparing them to just what you weigh on the scale, and quantify what is comfortable to you?
Most full/medium-scale series ones that I recall being weighed are about ten pounds, short scale are around eight to nine pounds I think, and for reference a GGi5 was touted around 8 pounds, and that is a bolt on carbon fiber/graphite neck and an laminate top on an alder body. I think.
Also, have you looked into HOW you support your bass when you play, and what other straps and braces, etc., are available to help you play more comfortably? I don't know the scope, myself, of what options there are, but there must be more options than just Levy's and the like.
I dunno if this helps, but I thought I'd raise the Alembic carbon fiber bass option, and put the bug in the Forum's ear about how to better wear an Alembic so as it is a bit more lithe. Cheers.
-Zut
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Back then I think all Series were large bodied and heavy. Are you absolutely sure you want something from the 70s? The Series basses with SC bodies are a lot lighter but typically short scale (though I have seem a few medium scale customs).
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Thanks guys for the info---Definitely want a 70's medium series bass--I know it will end up being around 10 lbs as they mostly are. I will check out any bass offered for sale.
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Hey, Keith,
I stumbled on a common wood density table (https://cedarstripkayak.wordpress.com/lumber-selection/162-2/). If you had the weight of an Alembic Series and its known constitution, you could scale the weight of any new Series bass you find that is for sale with the table to see if, lacking a cited weight, if it would be comfortable for you. I don't know if the table helps, and I won't be heartbroken if you don't use this information, but since you seem pretty eager to find a Series bass, I just hope it is the best one for you. Cheers.
-Zut
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Thanks--or the bass could be placed on a scale--lol
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That, too. That, too. I think I am going to stop overthinking this. My apologies.
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::)
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Zut, appreciate it. Just having fun.
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Saw this bass for sale but the electronics squeal--watch video to the end and listen
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Keith-
Glad I didn't mess up. Have all the fun you wanna have.
Elwood-
Uh, does Sigma<Cat(s)>=Sigma a<n'|H|n>=a1<Cat1|AsymmetricBoxOperator|Cat2>+<Cat2|AsymmetricBoxOperator|Cat1>-2Jex<Cat1*Cat2>?
For a two identical particles, I vaguely recall there is an exchange energy due to the degeneracy of spacial coordinates, and I took a very rusty handed (17 years?) swipe at trying to figure out the Shrodinger Equation for cats who are not precisely constrained by the original premise.
I used to could do this, when I was a young man. All I can say with certainty, now, is that due to the lack of mess, and from being a cat owner due to means beyond my control, they didn't tunnel, and they didn't die, the rest is newer physics than Shrodinger intended.
If there were Bongos in the picture I could only suggest some sort of change of Reference Frame to the Strong Force causing the two cats to be localized in close proximity. But I really don't know for sure, I don't mess with physics much anymore. I don't have the constitution.
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Purchased this '77 on ebay today. Thanks for the replies.
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front
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Nice! Didn't realize I was bidding against you there. I think I was the second highest bidder.
All you need to do now is to send the preamp card into Alembic for the upgrade and you will be all set. No more squeals!
That squeal that the bass filter is making is a tell tale sign that the preamp card needs the upgrade.
I have had to have that done twice in the past for Series basses that I have owned.
Nice bass!
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Wow, sorry, sort of---lol.
Did you just send the card in without pickups?
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Sorry for what?
Yeah, just sent the card in. That is all they need.
I think the upgrade is $80 if I remember correctly.
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Cool. I'm joking about snaggin it from a fellow member
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I am glad you got it!
I certainly don't NEED any more Alembics.
What I was trying to say is that I am sorry I drove the price up on you.
I wouldn't have bid if I would have known you were bidding.
But hey, in the end it is all good news for everybody when a used Alembic sells for a good price.
That is a gorgeous bass. I love the color of the top and back. Very classy!
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Thanks. 4500 no tax is not bad considering the 6k and more that they are asking on many sites. It looks hardly played and is in great condition all around. I'm going to rotate the pots a whole bunch and see if that settles down the squeal issue.
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Congrats!
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Thanks. 4500 no tax is not bad considering the 6k and more that they are asking on many sites. It looks hardly played and is in great condition all around. I'm going to rotate the pots a whole bunch and see if that settles down the squeal issue.
That is very optimistic of you and I hope that works but my bet is that you will need to send the preamp card in to the good folks at Alembic.
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I try to think that way--ha. Either way it is an easy fix--- David, thanks.
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Beautiful bass, congratulations :)
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Thanks.
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Very nice catch. I was an early bidder on that one, too.
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It's in very solid, great condition, just will need frets pretty soon. I removed the squealing noise by working all the adjustable controls including the trims a couple hundred times, and used Caig fader lube on all contacts including the pickup connectors. I gigged with it today and will for the rest of the week. It has an aggressive sound, and I'm digging that; it's wearing Swing Bass strings 45-105.
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Nice pic!
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Congratulations & Compliments, Keith... that classic combination of maple on mahogany is hard to beat both sonically and aesthetically.
8)
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Excellent, glad to hear you were able to get rid of the squeal!
Are you in Vegas in that pic?
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Nice solution, Keith! Glad to hear the bass is at home. And I dig the stage clothes, you have a Hunter S. Thompson vibe going. Nice, again! Congratulations.
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Cool pic - don't fall back into the barista pit!
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Thanks guys. I've been playing bass for a living in LA for almost 40 years now and owned 3 Alembics back in the late 70's which I sold; so I guess this is number 4. Right now I'm working at Pala Casino inland of Oceanside Ca. This pic was just taken there, and yes Zut, I'm wearing -flares- lol.
I was lucky with the squeal removal.
This bass sounds real strong and articulate. I normally use a great sounding James Tyler bass on this gig, and the drummer was blown away by the sound of this Alembic---aggressive rockin' tone with the Roto Swing Bass strings.
On this gig I go direct into a Countryman DI with in-ears so you know it sounds raw and honest that way.
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And, for Zut
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HA! That's a good one, Keith. Good luck tonight in Oceanside!
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Keith,
I live in Bonsall.... not far from Pala. I can't make any shows shows the next few days, but if you have a schedule normally at Pala, let me know. Would love to come check it out live.
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Nice, Keith, lookin’ good! It looks like there is a thin layer of Purple Heart accent between the maple top and mahogany body, very nice bass!
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That added layer looks great. I finished my run at Pala Casino today. Interesting time playing and getting to know the bass; it's pretty much an aggressive rock sound and I like it, alot. I tried a flatwound set on it tonight for yucks but flats kill the wildness that this bass is capable of.
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tbrannon---I'll try to remember to post when I'm back at Pala; I play upright bass there a lot as well, so we'll see what comes next where I'm able to use the '77 Alembic there.
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...I play upright bass there a lot as well, so we'll see what comes next where I'm able to use the '77 Alembic there.
Hey... awesome, another gut-bucket player! Drop in here sometime too. http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=22703.0
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Well the bass is sounding great, but the bridge pickup is cutting in and out----if I push hard on the pickup housing it will sometimes start working again--also, if I tighten the upper pickup screws down a bit it will sometimes start to work--I plugged the bridge pickup into the neck pickup connector on the card and it acts the same and still cuts out. I plugged the neck pickup into the bridge card input and it works fine. So it is the pickup and not the card. How can I find a 70's bridge pickup? Crap.
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Also, moving the pickup wire where it meets the bottom of the pickup epoxy doesn't help and the wire is not coming apart-the wire into the pickup and into the card is fine.
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Hey Keith,
In another thread for the '76 purpleheart that just sold a week or two ago off of Reverb, Mica suggested in a linked thread that the optimal solution for the unmatched pickup wasn't buying a new pickup, but having two matching pickups made. This seems salient if the temperamental pickup you already have cannot be fixed so that is has the same voltage/current after its repair that it did originally.
Could you mail the pickups as per Alembic's mailing instructions, and see if the wonky pickup is salvageable with minimal intervention before ordering a replacement/replacements? Just a though. Good luck with the rehabilitation of your new Series 1. It's a looker!
-Zut
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Zut, thanks. I'll see what I can come up with