Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Owning an Alembic => Serial Number / History Requests => Topic started by: Lara Lovely on September 07, 2023, 03:08:15 PM
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Hey all! I'm hoping to submit a history request on this beautiful bass that has found it's way into my world a small while ago!
My dad has handed this bass down to me as my first fretless bass as I'm moving out of the nest, it's rough around the edges, and I'm definitely looking to give this bass a lot of TLC. Maybe take it to someone who knows their way around older instruments. It sounds great though~
I think I read the serial number right, it's a little faded. My dad has told me that there's a lot of history in this bass. And I want to do right by it.
I'd love to learn a bit more about my new partner.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1084419189101563984/1149461741676286033/20230907_114846.jpg)
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1084419189101563984/1149461835179884615/20230907_113622.jpg)
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/656740684035784714/1149251625425309737/VideoCapture_20230210-124917.jpg)
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Wow, a Series I fretless, congratulations, hold onto that one! Take good care of it and play it well!
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Wow, a Series I fretless, congratulations, hold onto that one! Take good care of it and play it well!
Thank you so much! I definitely plan on it. I'm just trying to find the optimal strings to use for a fretless to maintain the fretboard at the moment.
I think I'm also missing the proprietary Alembic power supply for this model.
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The power supply is something you will want to get since the batteries will only last about 20 hours. They pop up for sale online now and then, or you can order one directly from Alembic, but I think there is a back order on them right now (DS-5 power supply blue box).
Strings are a personal preference thing, so try a couple types, although it could get expensive doing that. It looks like you have round wound strings on there right now. Some people like flatwound strings on fretless (and fretted) basses. There are a bunch of brands, Thomastic Infeld comes up a lot, as do Labella. Others may have suggestions too.
Also, the logo on the headstock is likely silver and can be polish up quickly with one of those fat pink erasers that you can get at a CVS, etc., works great.
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Beautiful bass.
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I'm just trying to find the optimal strings to use for a fretless to maintain the fretboard at the moment.
I think I'm also missing the proprietary Alembic power supply for this model.
Lara - try compression wound strings. They're typically my favorite on fretless as they've got a great tone with bite and growl (when desired) and they're easy on the fingers and the board. I use wither Ken Smith Compressors (beautiful purple silks!) or GHS Pressurewound. The Series I long-scale ends up needing a longer winding length than some standard 34" scale strings are made for. If you reach out to Jason at FretNation directly he'll know what will fit and get you a set quickly.
Also, that's a fantastic bass. In many ways, it'll be the nicest fretless you ever own. If it's possible, don't *ever* let it go. Play it and play it and play it. <3
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I'll suggest trying LaBella Gold White Nylon tapewounds, light gauge (50-105). I've used them for several years on my (non-Alembic) fretless, and I think they sound great. The flat nylon tape wrap should minimize fingerboard wear. I'm currently trying Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Rounds on that bass, they are good sounding strings but I'm not sure they're my sound, and I'll probably try them on another bass (maybe my fretted Alembic) and go back to the tapes on the fretless.
Some Alembic fretless players will likely come along to provide the definitive word, but my expectation would be that wear on the ebony (?) fingerboard may not be a big issue unless you have a heavier touch than your bass probably needs. If I were fortunate to have a bass like that, I'd play the strings that sound best and see how bad the wear is - if it's more than superficial marking, a visit to a luthier for a little leveling and some different strings would solve it.
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Strings are going to be a personal preference which you develop over time by trial and error. Flat- or tape-wound strings are a good choice as far minimum impact on the fingerboard but do you like the way they sound and feel? If not you should go with roundwound strings if that is what you prefer, it is about feeling comfortable and being able to express yourself when you play. If you are not comfortable with the feel or sound of the strings it doesn't matter how they affect the fingerboard.
One thing that is important with the ebony fingerboards is to apply pure lemon oil to them from time to time to keep the wood from drying out enough that cracks form in the fingerboard. Cracks are easy to fix with some ebony dust and glue but they are also easy to avoid in the first place if you take proper care of the ebony. Lots of threads archived here about cleaning and treating fingerboards but basically you wipe on the lemon oil, let it soak in and then wipe up any residue. If the board has not been treated in a long time it may take more than one application. Easy to do and the lemon oil smells really nice while you are working. Just be sure to use pure lemon oil with no additives, I get mine at a local Natural Foods store.
Cool bass and fantastic gift... play it in good health.
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While it's nice to protect the fingerboard from wear, it's not possible to insulate it entirely, and it's job is to interface between you and the instrument. Different strings will simply sound different, and even though we will all give you some suggestions, there's nothing like driving there yourself to evaluate. I've seen fretless basses with grooves worn in the fingerboard that still played phenomenally well. It all depends on how you play. Also in the very worst case, fingerboards can be replaced, and it's something we do when needed.
Flatwounds and tapewounds will protect your fingerboard, but they have a softer tone generally. This may be exactly what you're looking for! I think I'm in minority here, as I like the D'Addario Chromes flatwound strings (I use them on my fretted bass lots of the time). They have great flatwound tone, but they are higher tension like a roundwound. If you use a lower tension flawound, like the TI, you will definitely need to adjust the truss rod. If the string doesn't provide enough tension to pull some slight forward bow in the neck, you may need to have a heat bend performed on the bass. If the neck is very thick and rounded, that's more likely as the neck will tend to be more stiff, but again, you can to drive there yourself to find out.
I've also seen people using (gasp!) Rotosounds on fretless basses for an amazing tone. Yes, these will tear up the board over time, but if it's the right sound for you just do what you need to do.
We supply our CX-3 compression wrap strings on all basses, fretted or fretless unless there is a custom request for another string. They are a great general purpose string, and can handle a lot of different techniques.
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Thank you all for your input! I definitely think that I'm looking for a mellower tone than what I'm working with right now, as my fretted bass is really bright sounding already. I'll probably try out some different strings over time and settle into my groove!
I really appreciate all the maintenance tips, I was already looking into the Dunlop 6504 cleaning kit, (which comes with lemon oil!) to see if that might work for my purposes. But I did just place an order for some of Alembic's guitar cleaner as well~
I can't express enough how much the warm welcome means to me.
Also Mica, you said that worse case the fingerboard could be replaced, do you also offer general refurbishing or updates? If so, that's definitely something I'd love some information on.
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The "lemon oil" in the Dunlop cleaning kit is not the recommended type as it will contain some mineral oil which will (over time) leave a tacky residue. You're much better off with pure "essential lemon oil" from the health section as it will be fully absorbed into the fingerboard. It comes in small bottles, but you only need a few drops a time anyway.
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The "lemon oil" in the Dunlop cleaning kit is not the recommended type as it will contain some mineral oil which will (over time) leave a tacky residue. You're much better off with pure "essential lemon oil" from the health section as it will be fully absorbed into the fingerboard. It comes in small bottles, but you only need a few drops a time anyway.
Thank you for the information! I figured something like that would be the case.
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Welcome Lara, and Congratulations & Compliments on your heirloom bass. That's a pretty great way to start too, with a vintage Series I fretless.
Mica looks these numbers up as she has time, and I have a guess on what wood yours is, but I'll just wait and see. I can tell you, serial number 80-1661 is very close to one of mine, number 80-1684, which was completed Sept. 18th, 1980. Offhand, I'd guess yours is going to fall close to the top of the month. We'll see!
Don't get too worried about your bass; these things are built to last and mostly never need much. If necessary, a local luthier could dress up the fingerboard if excessive wear has become a playability issue. Just don't lose that serial number... write it somewhere inside the electronics cavity cover or something. Mostly, get it restrung with something that suits you, and play the splinters out of it.
When you have time, we love pictures... here's the Showcase Thread for Series I basses. You'll find a bunch of them here. https://club.alembic.com/index.php?board=681.0 (https://club.alembic.com/index.php?board=681.0)
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We do refurbishing and upgrades. We tend to be extremely conservative in recommended services, opting for pliability and function over aesthetics. It's hard to remotely evaluate, but we can have a phone conversation or email about your bass. Once it's here we would evaluate and see if our remote guesses were correct.
But first order is to play it lots and see what you notice needs attention. Serial number lookups should get some attention before the end of the month.
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I've been googling around the last few days trying to find a case that will fit it, it looks like everything is just an inch or two short. The bass measures about 49.5 inches long. Does anyone have any good recommendations for custom hard cases? Any and all suggestions are appreciated!
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Yeah, it's tough to find an aftermarket hardshell case for these basses that fits quite right. Will Gunn Guitars ordered me a new one for my Series bass that came with a very worn out roadcase. http://www.willgunnguitars.com/contact (http://www.willgunnguitars.com/contact) Best way to get Will is by phone.
Here is a recent thread on a hardside gig bag that fits a Standard Point body bass. These Reunion Blues 'Continental Voyager' cases look nice, looks like good protection. https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=27894.0 (https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=27894.0). It'll be cheaper than the hardshell case, but then, well... it ain't a hardshell case. That might actually suit you better, as those cases are huge. (won't fit most backseats)
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Hello, congrats, and btw you are going to love this group!
I am a newbie here and to Alembic myself, but the amount of shared knowledge and helpful people in this club is nothing short of amazing!
Enjoy that beautiful Series 1 bass! I do not own a fretless Alembic, but after experimenting with the sound of these electronics, I would imagine it would make an amazing fretless sound. These instruments are crafted incredibly well, and it really doesn't take much TLC to make them look and feel back to their former glory. Only problem is that once you get one Alembic, you start justifying getting another, and another... ;)
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The power supply is something you will want to get since the batteries will only last about 20 hours. They pop up for sale online now and then, or you can order one directly from Alembic, but I think there is a back order on them right now (DS-5 power supply blue box).
Strings are a personal preference thing, so try a couple types, although it could get expensive doing that. It looks like you have round wound strings on there right now. Some people like flatwound strings on fretless (and fretted) basses. There are a bunch of brands, Thomastic Infeld comes up a lot, as do Labella. Others may have suggestions too.
Also, the logo on the headstock is likely silver and can be polish up quickly with one of those fat pink erasers that you can get at a CVS, etc., works great.
Thank you for the eraser information! It worked like a charm~
Though it does seem that the G string tuning peg is missing half of the notch upon closer inspection. Must have happened years ago. That's something I should look into fixing yeah?
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1124157066274148412/1156378033213673482/20230926_135249.jpg?ex=6514c077&is=65136ef7&hm=b1c512865de379093e2b6549af6adc60f526050655e63e4c9d52c9b937fb93de&)
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Looks great! You should be able to easily find a replacement machine head for the G string. Others here will know the correct model.
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I had to change the machine heads on my 1980 series I bass and ordered them direct from the manufacturer in Germany.
https://schaller.info/en/machine-heads/290/m4-180-light?number=10300503.22.70 (https://schaller.info/en/machine-heads/290/m4-180-light?number=10300503.22.70)
However the headstock holes needed opening up for them to fit. I had to take it to a Luthier to get them to install them. It may be worth contacting Mica to see if the ones they have will fit the bass without modification.
Here is the thread that has the details of my experience. May be some use.
https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8329.45 (https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8329.45)
Failing that i have my old set and if you want to take the chance they may be less worn than the ones you have, i would be happy to send you the one you need, bearing in mind it will most likely be the same age as yours.👍🏾
Just checked and mine are gold not chrome. Let me look for them and if they are still in my spares box and you want them you can have them for the cost of postage.
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Noticing Lara's fretless Series bass has the same illusive white nut that my fretless Distillate had. I never knew for sure what it was, but it sure looked nice.
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Noticing Lara's fretless Series bass has the same illusive white nut that my fretless Distillate had. I never knew for sure what it was, but it sure looked nice.
My fretless '82 Spoiler has the same white nut. Nice to know it's potentially stock. I had figured it was a mod. Was it just a fretless thing?
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Is that a new set of Chromes? Are they close to the feel and tone you were hoping for?
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1124157066274148412/1156378033213673482/20230926_135249.jpg?ex=6514c077&is=65136ef7&hm=b1c512865de379093e2b6549af6adc60f526050655e63e4c9d52c9b937fb93de&)
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Is that a new set of Chromes? Are they close to the feel and tone you were hoping for?
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1124157066274148412/1156378033213673482/20230926_135249.jpg?ex=6514c077&is=65136ef7&hm=b1c512865de379093e2b6549af6adc60f526050655e63e4c9d52c9b937fb93de&)
Not exactly a new set, I've no idea if they've ever been replaced, (I don't think they have) I believe these are the ones that came with them.
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Hello again! I was just wondering if I could inquire on when the next batch of history requests would send through?
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Mica does these as a public service to Alembic owners when she has a bit of spare time. When that occurs is difficult to predict.
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Another one that Jesse couldn't locate in the files. We'll keep our eyes out for it.
Even without the file, I can be reasonably sure about everything except the top, which could be a few different things.
core: Mahogany
neck: Maple and Purpleheart
fingerboard: Ebony
nut: bone (typical for a fretless at the time)
As for the top, my first instinct is for Walnut. But the larger pores make me lean to Koa. Then there's the picture of the serial number and truss rod cover. There's a few reddish glints there that make me wonder if it isn't Vermilion that's very browned out, but it doesn't _quite_ look like that. Hopefully the file will reveal itself and we can solve this mystery.
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Another one that Jesse couldn't locate in the files. We'll keep our eyes out for it.
Even without the file, I can be reasonably sure about everything except the top, which could be a few different things.
core: Mahogany
neck: Maple and Purpleheart
fingerboard: Ebony
nut: bone (typical for a fretless at the time)
As for the top, my first instinct is for Walnut. But the larger pores make me lean to Koa. Then there's the picture of the serial number and truss rod cover. There's a few reddish glints there that make me wonder if it isn't Vermilion that's very browned out, but it doesn't _quite_ look like that. Hopefully the file will reveal itself and we can solve this mystery.
Hi Mica!
Thank you so much for the information, I really appreciate knowing even a little more than I did before.
Unfortunately, my dad who gave me this bass, has now passed on. However he did leave me with some very interesting information about how he acquired it. In 1980~ he attended the Namm Trade Show, and did purchase this bass directly from Stanley Clarke, who was helping run the booth at the time. I don't know if this information would help at all. Regardless, it's cool information I'd like to share even if not useful. There's also the chance that I couldn't read the serial right as it's mostly worn away from years of play.