Series 1 on the Bay

[carsbybigd]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alembic-Series-1-bass-guitar-good-used-condition-/331815148478?hash=item4d41b95bbe:g:aZgAAOSwZtJW-GS1

[adriaan]

Slightly worried about one of the details Top is Amboina burl and the back is walnut......go figure.... - that sounds like Jerry's custom currently under construction rather than this 1977 beauty.

[FC Bass]

And all original Not sure about this, but the filter pots don't look familiar to me...

[edwardofhuncote]

When I saw those ads posted I was curious what the sharper eyes of this board would observe with a better look at the innards. (this is my *education*, see?)  
 
That said, I didn't think it was unusual for an earlier Series instrument to have a different top and back laminate... I just don't recall but a couple times seeing burled amboyna being used. Like Adriaan said, most recently in Jerry's build thread. If it's true, I'd think that would make this bass a little more collectible. It does look unusual.

[mica]

I think the filter pots could be original - these Bourns pots were used for a short time, but the aluminum rivets would shear off if you hit the knob hard enough, as seen in the photo. It still works OK usually.  
 
I have my doubts as to Burl Amboyna for the top. Granted, the photos are not entirely descriptive, but I would wager the top is either Maple or Myrtle, with what looks like a cluster burl in the images provided. Keep in mind this finish has yellowed quite deeply, so the color is not a clue.
 
Also, a 1977 would have a satin finish, so the dullness is expected - and a few slightly shinier areas from use if it got some.  
 
As Gregory noted, differing tops and backs (and peghead veneers for that matter) were actually quite the norm for this time.

[FC Bass]

Ah, thanx Mica! :-)
Also thanx for clarifying the question about the silk string wrappings in the other thread and sorry for posting in the wrong sub-category, my body/mind is still recovering from the Misfits experience last weekend :-)
 
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on March 29, 2016)