Author Topic: Koa 75 Series small body on Ebay (Read 212 times)

toddharris · « **on:** October 14, 2009, 07:16:02 PM »

Lovely looking - I'm, drooling...
http://cgi.ebay.com/1975-Alembic-short-scale-Koa-core-Series-I_W0QQitemZ190341914569QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item2c51431fc9

dela217 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 14, 2009, 07:24:54 PM »

I'm tempted.

lembic76450 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 14, 2009, 08:39:37 PM »

It seems that the finish does not match the build card.
Also non-original selector switch.
Very nice looking just the same..

eos35mm · « **Reply #3 on:** October 14, 2009, 09:47:13 PM »

Why is the bridge at an angle?
Sure doesn't look like a satin finish, looks glossy to me.

David Houck · « **Reply #4 on:** October 14, 2009, 10:22:47 PM »

Not only is the bridge angled but the saddles appear to be at the back rail. My guess is an owner was having trouble getting it intonated and had Alembic install a new bridge block with the bridge angled to get the E side saddles further back. One might assume that new saddles with slots cut at the appropriate angle were also installed. On the other hand, it also seems possible that someone other than Alembic might have done this. I would imagine Alembic could install a new bridge block, remount the bridge and put in new saddles.

adriaan · « **Reply #5 on:** October 15, 2009, 01:19:17 AM »

And there's an extra pot on there - master volume?

dela217 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 15, 2009, 03:36:03 AM »

The angled bridge seems like a 1975 thing. I don't know why it was done, but lots of instruments from 75 had the factory slanted bridge. Check the showcase for 1975 instruments.

I asked about the extra knob and switch. He replied saying that the toggle switch was stereo/mono, but didn't mention the extra knob. I was hoping the switch was for LED's.

It is also possible that the bass started life as a satin finish, but from the years of use has been buffed to glossy again.

Michael

keith_h · « **Reply #7 on:** October 15, 2009, 05:06:55 AM »

I think they just changed the knob on the selector switch. I've done the same thing on my Series being built by having the pointer knob replaced by a round knurled knob.

Keith

sqidboatcommander · « **Reply #8 on:** October 15, 2009, 10:58:44 AM »

hi all,

I am the seller. yes, that extra knob is a master volume knob. let me know if you have any other questions. . . sad to have to let the last of my Alembic collection go, but I am sure the new owner will be in bliss. wonderful instrument.

pace · « **Reply #9 on:** October 15, 2009, 05:35:36 PM »

Its a beautiful late '75... Curious if the finish was done at the factory, if / when an electronics upgrade was ever done (was a master vol an option in '75?). If all that info jived, the frets were good, and it came with a power supply, I'd pony up 5K for it.

rockandrowe · « **Reply #10 on:** October 15, 2009, 06:32:10 PM »

I love this bass. dela217, where can I find 1975 pictures? I am curious about the bridge also.

Thanks

adriaan · « **Reply #11 on:** October 16, 2009, 06:39:28 AM »

Going down the Showcase for Series I instruments, you run into these ...

75-149 guitar - bridge not really slanted

Hieronymous's double-neck - both bridges slanted

75-251 long scale Small Body fretless - one-piece bridge, slanted

75-246 long scale Large Body - bridge not slanted

... and there will be more further up or down that thread.

Most of them have the older bridge design with the U shaped base, but for instance 75-A051 - Unusual Omega has the current type. I'd guess they must have been experimenting with the bridge design that year.

(Message edited by adriaan on October 16, 2009)