Author Topic: 1998 Epic 5 Bubinga (Read 474 times)

eastcoastepic · « **on:** December 03, 2003, 07:39:00 PM »

My incredible luck on Ebay continues...got this Epic 5 string, like new, with not a scratch on it!! This was my first Alembic, and I liked it so much, I went out and bought a new one (Signature Series). They sure build good stuff out there on the Left Coast.....

bracheen · « **Reply #1 on:** December 04, 2003, 07:23:05 AM »

Very nice indeed. Epics are such a perfect size and have a great sound. What were you playing before switching to Alembic?

Sam

eastcoastepic · « **Reply #2 on:** December 04, 2003, 12:59:16 PM »

Before my two Alembics, I had a Rickenbacker 4001 from 1978 thru 1981, but it developed necks problems, as I remember, that the truss rods could not correct, so I sold it in the early eighties,along with my fretless Precision that always had intonation troubles. My main bass has been a custom hand-made 4 string by a fellow named Phil Petillo here in central New Jersey. Just as you would do with Alembic, I supplied Phil with all my personal specs for the instrument, and he did a very nice job (www.petilloguitars.com). He has it right now, just freshening it up after all these years and I believe he will include it in the 'gallery' section on the website when it's done in another 3-4 weeks. The bass was born in 1980, of French Walnut origins, and was my only guitar for many years, although I was out of the local music scene during the nineties (business commitments). Now that I'm back, I wanted an Alembic that I could never afford years ago, and now, sheesh, I have TWO! I did not plan it this way, it just happened...........(no,really)...

palembic · « **Reply #3 on:** January 14, 2004, 02:20:40 AM »

I just went to the Petillo site.
Your bass is indeed in the Gallery-dep.
Now -with all respect and no offence- there ARE people who are calling Alembic coffeetables ...than this is definitely a juwelry-box.

Paul the bad one

mint_bass · « **Reply #4 on:** January 14, 2004, 04:40:04 AM »

i love my epic its perfect that looks like a bubinga top to me mine is bubinga i think that the bubinga is the perfect contrast to the mahogony back i agree with sam there perfect

eastcoastepic · « **Reply #5 on:** January 14, 2004, 12:57:37 PM »

Paul,
No offense taken...at the time, this guitar was something very out of the ordinary, as everyone had a mass produced Fender, Gibson, etc., but I had a real 'hand made' axe. It was produced by Phil who, for years, ran a one-man shop until joined by one of his sons recently. It's a rather nice bass, with excellent craftsmanship, but Alembic has an unrivaled team of artisans who turn out the most beautiful guitars known to man. Also, while it sounds very good, it does not have that 'Alembic punch & growl that my Epic & MK Standard have.
A 'coffee table'? Perhaps not, but a very, very nice 'jewelry box' indeed!
Chris

richbass939 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 18, 2005, 11:34:56 AM »

I just had the same incredible luck. I got a 98 Epic 5 with a bubinga top and in perfect condition. Just wondering, do the headstocks come standard with a burl bubinga laminate?
Rich

eastcoastepic · « **Reply #7 on:** March 18, 2005, 08:48:57 PM »

Rich, it's a small world after all. You are in posession of my first Alembic! Your pics are better than mine, but she is one in the same. No, I don't think that the headstock laminate on this bass is very common at all. I was amazed at it when I received her back in November '03. Quite unique, I believe. I parted with her only because I bought a fretless Orion 5 that was up for sale here in December '04.
Take care of her, and tell her that I miss her, OK?!
Best of luck....
Chris

richbass939 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 19, 2005, 07:10:52 AM »

Thanks, Chris. Do you know who the original owner is or who owned her for the 5 years before she was yours? I would like to put together an ownership history since we have only 7 years total to account for. There's a good chance that this one will stay in my possession for a long time. My kids are studying music and have already learned to appreciate Alembics. Don't worry about the care. I was lucky to get a 7 year old that is in almost perfect condition. She's getting the best care I can give her.
Rich

eastcoastepic · « **Reply #9 on:** March 19, 2005, 10:30:04 PM »

Rich, no, I do not know anything other than that 'Don R.' was the original owner and lived in Connecticut at the time. I don't believe that he registered her with Alembic, as Val indicated when I inquired about it in 10/03, so the early history is vague at this point. I was not happy about letting her go, as she has that signature Alembic set-neck punch that will set you back against your seat when you pull anywhere on that low B or E string, but I desired another fretless after many years without one, and found an Orion here in the club a couple of months ago. When/if I win the lottery, I will make you an offer you can't refuse to have her back...........
Chris

richbass939 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 20, 2005, 10:59:23 AM »

Chris, several things make me wonder whether this is the same bass. Was yours # 98W11271? I look at some rather distinctive spots (the 4 light spots that form a small curve from the tailpiece around the bridge on the B side) and think that it is the same. I see a few other features of the top (for instance, on mine, the light colored line from the tailpiece to the strap knob in line with the middle string) that look slightly different. The camera angle/light angle can certainly change the look of the light and dark spots. I also wonder about your selling it after Dec. '04 and its being sold again so soon. I didn't ask my seller how long he had it or where he got it. He lives in upstate NY so that's not too far from you.
Just wondering.
Rich

richbass939 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 21, 2005, 07:28:05 PM »

Chris,
I've spent more time than I should have comparing the pictures and I think you're right. I'm not sure what I saw that I thought was definitely different. There are just too many similar patterns to be two pieces of wood.
You are exactly right that it is in perfect shape. I'm very happy that I lucked into this one. I take very good care of instruments. However when buying a used one you accept it with all its flaws. This time I got to start with one that is almost flawless.
Rich