1981 Series 2

[adriaan]

Bill - always loved that turn of phrase. I was misquoting in commission, however:
 
                        We are such stuff
As dreams are made on; and our little life
Is rounded with a sleep.
The Tempest, Act 4, scene 1, 148?158
 
The internets teach me that Bogey indeed suggested this to John Huston for his last line in The Maltese Falcon.

[jix]

Hi Everyone.
 
I managed to have a good phone-chat to the seller today. Serial number is 81 - 1746 USA, so I'm going to see what Mica can find out about that.
 
As the seller is travelling abroad for the next month and the bass isn't in the UK, I've a bit of time to see what Mica can find out about it. I had a good feeling from talking to the seller, though.
 
It still has it's original case, all the paperwork (except the build-sheet, unfortunately), a relatively new DS5-R and a couple of 5-pin leads. It does indeed have red side LEDs. No dings, and just a bit of light scratching on it (as you'd sort-of expect on a 29yr old bass). Seller, also, mentioned that the electronics don't suffer from any noise, so it may not need to have an electronics upgrade on it.
 
Will definitely be following-up on this (may mean a trip abroad to bring it back!  )
 
Cheers
James

[adriaan]

One minor thing with the tailpiece - it appears to be fastened with the original brass screws. There have been reports of failure with those - but they would be easy to replace (as a precaution).

[mike13]

I,m the guy who owns this bass,it is not HG,s bass and it is not on the stolen list

[otis]

Hey, Guys!
 
One important point- though this bass does look like Harold's bass, there's 3 reasons that it couldn't be.  1.)It doesn't have an omega cut at the bottom, but a point.  2.)It has side red leds, Harold's doesn't 3.)It's in Australia!
 
I just said it reminded me of his, but at the time I posted, I forgot for some strange reason that his has an omega cut, instead of the point.
 
Beautiful Bass, and I hope that you are able to acquire that S2, James, it looks like an awesome instrument.  Series I's are all well and good, but there's just something about those Series II's that's pure magic.  
 
Good Luck!  Don't wait too long on the bass.  If there's any way you can swing a trip to Australia, it would be worth it- part of the fun in acquiring these Series II's (and Series I's- when I purchased my S1 4, 1977, I drove 7 1/2 hours one way to Michigan) is the journey.  
 
I realize that's probably more than a bit unrealistic being that you're in the UK and Mike is in Australia, but I'm telling you, that's half the fun.  
 
Mine was only a 6 hour drive, one way, so it wasn't too hard on me, but a quest is a quest, no matter what the distance.  
 
No matter what way you decide to acquire the Series II, you're going to remember it for the rest of your life, trust me on that one.
 
Peace;)
 
Frank
 
(Message edited by otis on June 27, 2010)

[mike13]

Thanks for the nice words Frank,I,ll buy you a case of beer if James buys it !!!!!!
Mike

[jix]

Thanks everyone.
 
Mike - it was really good to talk to you yesterday; thanks very much for taking the time to chat. Hope to be able to catch up if you make it back to London for a couple of days.
 
Frank - I've already been looking today at flights to Australia. It would certainly make for an extra memory to go with the bass (and a v. good excuse for a holiday to Aus as I've never been before) Just need to sort out costs for the trip and the best time to go.  
 
Cheers
James

[otis]

Mike, Not a problem, at all, pal!  You don't have to buy me a case- just fly me down there for a walkabout or something, LOL!  
 
James, that's AWESOME!  That will certainly make for some great memories- while you're there, do a walkabout, and let me know what it's like.  Also, say hello to my old Alembic 6- it was an Epic with Ebony neck lams that I affectionately called Thunderstick.  I sold it to a fella down there named Greg Hose- sound familiar, Mike- I forget exactly what part he's from, but, you never know!
 
I don't regret selling that bass because it's how I acquired my Series II Six, but I wish that I could've kept it, it was an awesome instrument- one of my all time favorite Alembics, for sure!
 
Guys, I hope it works out well for the both of you- take pictures of your adventure, James- document it, for sure, so we can see your quest as it unfolds.
 
Boy, all this talk of quests and Series II basses is giving me the itch to play- gotta go, fellas!!
 
Wish I could be there to watch/hear the fun!
 
Peace;)
 
Frank
 
ps- Here's a link to a video of Thunderstick and I in action- enjoy!!!
 
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=39137519
 
(Message edited by otis on June 28, 2010)

[otis]

James, one more thing- acquiring a Series II is like nothing you've ever experienced, before- it's an enormous undertaking, and the reason myself and several of the other members have used the word quest is because that's what it is- it's almost a religious experience in how profound a feeling you will feel when you first lay hands on your yet to be held new Series II.
 
To quote Marvin Gaye, Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby.
 
Nothing else really even compares to a Series II- you'll understand when you hold it in your hands and play it through an amp- the sound is so crystal clear, you will hear every nuance of what you're playing- you will have to clean up your playing, trust me, I know whereof I speak- the first time I plugged mine in at practice, my drummer was like, Hey, I can hear everything so clear!  Boy, you're making a lot of mistakes!
 
Granted, you have to understand, I was a bit excited to play it through my rig, with my drummer, but still... you'll hear everything, James- be prepared, son!
 
Peace;)
 
Frank

[marco555]

Hey Otis,
How are you? I was browsing through and saw you mentioning Harold. I have is new address in GA. if you need it.
Next, I'm thinking about selling or customizing my '77 S1. My palms are large and the neck is becoming more uncomfortable for me. If you remember my Jazzembic it has anniversary electronics with 2 hummers. I put a P bass neck on it and it's perfect for me. I was thinking of customizing that, or doing something with the S1. What do you think?

[otis]

Marc,  
 
Great to hear from you!  I'm very well.  I received an email from Harold the other day, so I'm good- I also have his phone number- he's just been busy with the move, so he hasn't had much time to breathe, let alone talk to us, though I did manage to get a reply on the email...
 
What are you thinking of doing with the S1?  That's a sweet bass!  I just picked up Shawn Charniga's Series II Six String (after selling off my other 2 Alembic 6's, which was quite an endeavor!) and I have to tell you, while it was definitely worth the investment- that's just what it was- I have no cash for anything, lately, but I'm as happy as a lark with the S2 Six, it's the BEST Alembic I've ever had the privilege to own/touch, etc.
 
It's the best sounding, playing, looking Alembic I've ever had, and I love it.  I just wish I still had my maple topped Epic Six with the 5 Ebony neck lams- my drummer and I called that bass Thunderstick for obvious reasons.  The low end on that bass was ASTOUNDING.  
 
If ever I find myself ordering one from Alembic- it's going to be a S2 with ebony neck lams- I love the low end and sustain you get with those!
 
Yes, I remember the Jazzembic very well- very, very cool.  Are you thinking of selling the S1 to fund a possible build- to your custom hand measurements?  
 
I really liked your style/sound- you had earth shaking low end on that S1, and great presence- I'd love to see you in a live setting, sometime!
 
We're actually headed to NYC the end of September, beginning of October- we're playing at Uncle Mike's and (hopefully! MEANY Fest).
 
Hopefully we can connect and catch each other's bands!  Or at the very least you can give us your guided tour of NYC, I'm sure it's far more interesting with you than the so called Pros!!!
 
Peace;)
 
Frank

[toddharris]

Hi Frank,
 Uncle Mike's is great - google B Side Banidts Long Train to see a clip of us there last week. The just lost their promoter and are in need of bands for Friday and Saturday nights immediately. If you e-mail me, I'll send the owner's number. Todd

[mike13]

Well the deal is finalised,James is arriving next Sat the 25th I am taking the s2 to Sydney for him the dollars are in my bank!!

[jix]

Mike's right - I'll be in Sydney a week tomorrow. Looking forward to the trip and getting to meet up with Mike. Like you said, Frank, part of the whole experience is having the trip as well (certainly not something you do every day - travel to the other side of the world for a bass!)

[David Houck]

Wow; cool story!  Congrats everyone!