1975 Dragon 5-string Series I

garyhead · June 13, 2026, 07:13:14 PM

Pardon me if this is old news, but I just ran across this today. A 1975-76 Series I 5-string!

Where does this fit in with Jimmy's first 5-string? Larry Robinson did the inlay. I've been in the club 20+ years and this is the first I've noticed it.

adriaan · June 14, 2026, 12:22:06 AM

Oh, it has been posted before, the "Dragon Bass" - 77-999.

https://club.alembicguitars.com/miscellaneous/video-!-prairie-sun-recording-1975-1976-alembic-5-string-bass-!/msg240402/#msg240402

https://club.alembicguitars.com/alembic-basses-guitars/anyone-know-of-this-custom-alembic-bass/msg25264/#msg25264

jazzyvee · June 14, 2026, 02:15:03 AM

I've seen this bass on line many years back and always loved it.

edwardofhuncote · June 14, 2026, 06:46:40 AM

I remember something about the weight being remarkable.

Nova Constellatio · June 14, 2026, 07:25:46 AM

I love the neck laminates on that bass (among other things).

pauldo · June 14, 2026, 01:50:51 PM

Sliding pickups! The array of tonal options is mind blowing!

xlrogue6 · June 15, 2026, 01:03:04 PM

I've worked on that bass a couple of times, my shop is literally around the corner from the previous location of Prairie Sun. Beautiful, but REALLY heavy.

xlrogue6 · June 15, 2026, 01:05:59 PM

Oh, and BTW Gary, Mooka lives in Portland these days, so that bass is a lot closer to you than it used to be. You can possibly connect with him on FB, he might be willing to let you have a look.

garyhead · June 15, 2026, 02:51:58 PM

Uh Oh.......780999 could keep 781000 company. Both have Larry Robinson dragon inlays. Both are boat anchors. Both have the same tailpiece.

garyhead · June 15, 2026, 02:58:08 PM

I'm not on FB. A trip to Portland would be fun..... I've been meaning to go see Will Gunn too. Maybe a Portland Mini Gathering.

xlrogue6 · June 15, 2026, 03:12:50 PM

OK, that serial number tie-in is just the kind of thing that would pique Mooka's interest.