(x) Serial number 8911 - Year 1996

[EnzoMietta]

Hi,
Here in Italy there is a nice offer regarding a used Alembic bass with the serial number 8911, apparently dated 1996.
It could be a Mark King signature bass, but not sure.
The electronic installed should be the Epic one.
Before purchasing I would like to have some confirmation.
Thanks in advance
Ciao
Enzo

[jazzyvee]

That is an interesting one, epic electronics, MXY pickups which are not standard on a Mk signature and a through neck. It could be a custom but the best guide would be if you can get the full serial number. The first two digits will be the year, then you should have one or two letters which will tell you what alembic considers the model to be.  You can check that here. http://www.alembic.com/support/reference.html
But keep in mind that alembic is all about custom building so anything is possible.  All the best if you decide to buy.

[edwardofhuncote]

Very cool Custom. 


I love that little knot on the lower bout of the top. I know of one other Alembic, a quilted maple Essence that shares this birthmark feature in that same spot. I wonder if they came from the same board? 

*it was a flamed maple Essence; this one- https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=5277.msg61868#msg61868  Different tree, same spot.

[EnzoMietta]

Hi,
I finally have the full serial number: 96MW 9911 and some additional photos I'm attaching.
The price requested is 2800€. What's your thinking?
Thank you very much in advance for your suggestion.
Ciao
Enzo

[mica]

Hi Enzo,

Here's the details on this bass:

top: Quilted Maple
accent: Purpleheart
body: Mahogany
body shape: Standard Point
neck: 3-piece Maple with 2 Walnut pinstripes
scale: 32" Medium
fingerboard: Ebony
inlays: Pearloid (plastic) ovals
pickups: MXY4
controls: "Epic" volume, pan, bass, treble, mono output
finish: Polyurethan satin natural (like an Epic)
originally made for: Kenman, Switzerland
birthday: May 16, 1996

The serial number is funny - might be one of the only ones like this. I *think* it's an attempt to combine a Mark King Signature (the M) with an Epic (W) but it's really neither one! Today we would serialize this a what it is, C for custom.