Author Topic: Former Alembic Craftsman Bass? (Read 122 times)

jazzyvee · « **on:** March 20, 2007, 11:16:56 AM »

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190094659546&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:UK:1#ebayphotohosting

Jazzyvee

tbrannon · « **Reply #1 on:** March 20, 2007, 12:48:43 PM »

I saw this auction last night....The bridge obviously reflects Alembic and I'm intruiged by the tailpiece- I'm sure others have used similar designs previously(?), but it's new to me.

I've read several threads here on the forum that discuss the Oasis connection with Alembic. I can't remember how the two are connected (and can't get the search function to work here at work), but there are several threads floating around where this builder has been discussed.

Interesting fretless board as well- bound and lined~

adriaan · « **Reply #2 on:** March 20, 2007, 01:52:53 PM »

To me, the bridge reflects Gibson - Ripper and consorts. Nice variation, with what looks like wooden saddles.

The lines on the fretless fingerboard are a bit oversized!

dela217 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 20, 2007, 06:03:33 PM »

I think the only Alembic connection is that Gary Cooper(I think that was his name) used to work for Alembic. And Gary Cooper was the founder of Oasis.

I have never seen that type of bridge on an Oasis. I thought that the bridges on these basses were originally made by Stars Guitars. This does not look like anything Stars would have done. BUT this may be one of the later models. The serial number does not follow the usual Oasis pattern. Also Oasis had HI-A (now Bartolini)make the pickups for their basses without the logos on them. This one has the HI-A logos.

There are not too many of these around. I am guessing around 200 max. I have only seen 4 and I look for this sort of stuff.

Michael

(Message edited by dela217 on March 20, 2007)

jeffk · « **Reply #4 on:** April 25, 2007, 10:34:46 PM »

This bass is up for sale again at that auction site; it appears that the reserve wasn't met in the previous auction.

I've agonized over buying it -- Gary was my uncle. I've decided to let it go, as I'm building my own fretless bass. I'm using tools from his shop, and the wood at the center of the neck was from Gary's stock. The bass promises to be beautiful. (I'm using my Essence as a guide -- can't get a much better model than that!)

Michael, I have some family photos that show this type of bridge on another Oasis. I've many other photos of Gary's work (along with some pictures taken during his time at Alembic), including a very wild guitar and a stunningly beautiful electric 5-string violin. I'd be more than happy to share them.

Feel free to email me for more information, but let me forewarn you that I'll be slow in responding -- I leave for a research trip to a small Canadian arctic island in two days, and won't have time to scan the photos beforehand. I'd also be happy to share photos of my project bass, of course.

Cheers,

Jeff

David Houck · « **Reply #5 on:** April 28, 2007, 05:39:01 PM »

Hi Jeff, welcome to the board. If you want, post a message in the introductions section. And yes, we love looking at pictures! Oh, and don't forget to pack a sweater for your trip North.