Author Topic: 1980 graphite neck Series 2 in Europe  (Read 331 times)

Bob_Ross

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Re: 1980 graphite neck Series 2 in Europe
« Reply #15 on: June 15, 2023, 03:22:31 PM »
Just to offer up some more 1st-hand experience with graphite-necked basses:

I currently own three (none of which are Alembics) and they all required some major work at some point in their lives.

In the short term (e.g. from season to season) graphite is wonderfully impervious to the sort of weather conditions -- or clumsy user-error -- that can wreak havoc on wood necks. But over many years (unless the neck was explicitly designed with the foresight to avoid this specific issue) the fingerboard material invariably expands/contracts at a different rate than the graphite, and this causes bowing and/or warping. Repairing that is neither easy nor cheap.

The good news is, if the repair is done by a competant qualified luthier familiar with graphite necks, the instrument winds up better-than-new.

Despite all that, I could never not own at least one graphite necked bass. I could also never not own at least one wood necked bass. I like the variety...and the contrast.

Back on target: Yep, that Series II is a beauty! But I'd want to examine it in person before even consider making an offer. Once bitten twice shy...and I've been bitten thrice!

dannobasso

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Re: 1980 graphite neck Series 2 in Europe
« Reply #16 on: June 15, 2023, 06:54:33 PM »
I have 3 Status headless basses. 2 Mark Kings (5 and 6) and a 5 string Streamline. I also have 2 4 string builds with Moses necks along with 2 Steinberger guitars and a half a dozen guitars with Moses necks. I absolutely love them. I always regret that I passed on a series 2 Black Alembic graphite years ago. Someone had it refinished to natural I believe.
I hear Rob Greene of Status isn't making new basses for the time being. They don't sizzle like our beloved creations but I love them. Stability

jazzyvee

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Re: 1980 graphite neck Series 2 in Europe
« Reply #17 on: June 15, 2023, 10:49:48 PM »
The bass is showing as sold. I did ask the seller to add some photos of the electronics so that i could see if they are original. They look much newer than my 1980 series bass so i wonder if it has a noise upgrade resulting in a new board. Anyone here grab it?
The sound of Alembic is medicine for the soul!
http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_ktwins.html