Author Topic: Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)  (Read 484 times)


bbd

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Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
« Reply #1 on: August 28, 2006, 05:43:50 PM »
Can I get some more learned opinions on this bass please. I am in Australia and it would be easy to buy. I am only new to Alembics having just one, an Epic 5 string, but now I've had a taste would like a 4 string as well. Can someone explain the power supply setup, can it just operate on batteries or must it me plugged into the power supply all the time? Excuse my ignorance with these things but one must start somewhere. Roger

alembic_doctor

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Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
« Reply #2 on: August 28, 2006, 05:49:13 PM »
you can do the battery thing, but you don't get the full functionality of the instrument.  It really makes a difference.  And I think the older Series 1's really suck down a pair of 9volts in a few hours.  My dad's '78 Series 1  Kills a pair of 9vilts in about 4 hours.  
 
But I will tell you, There is nothing in the world that souds like an Alembic Series I or II.

longhorncat

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Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
« Reply #3 on: August 28, 2006, 07:41:30 PM »
I wouldn't bid on this bass unless you plan on picking it up in person.  
That seller has never sold anything on eBay.

dwmark

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Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
« Reply #4 on: August 28, 2006, 07:45:49 PM »
I had a few conversations with Susan and got the idea that Ron (and she) never intended the Series electronics to be powered by anything other than the power supply.  I've run it with batteries and it seems fine, but I'm sure I'm missing something.  So, factor in the cost of a power supply (which you can buy) and go for it if that works for you.

series_iii

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Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
« Reply #5 on: August 28, 2006, 07:46:13 PM »
i'll second that.  i only use batteries for my headphone practice setup, live i use the power supply.  
 
nothing sounds like a series I or II.  20th anniversary electronics are close.
 
i'd ask alot of questions about this seller.  his rep isn't bad, but he hasn't sold in some time.  if you really want this instrument, i'd consider an escrow house.
 
myself,  i'll only do an internet alembic deal with a known club member or an established dealer.
 
this doesn't scream scam but i'd be very careful.

bbd

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Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
« Reply #6 on: August 28, 2006, 08:34:08 PM »
I hear you what you are saying about the seller, having not sold anything etc. I am rather apprehensive about the whole thing. I have emailed him re shipping etc and he's been very responsive and 'seems' genuine. Thanks for the info about the power supply, that really helps and I feel clear about how they work now. I will ask for the serial number next from him. Thanks again guys, I mean it. Roger

lbpesq

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Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
« Reply #7 on: August 28, 2006, 10:09:38 PM »
On an older Series instrument, when you use the batteries/1/4 jack, only the neck pickup works.  On newer Series instruments the instrument works the same on batteries - both pickups work, but the batteries will run out fast.  Also, I don't know if an instrument with LEDs will light up with just battery power.  If it does, the batteries would get drained even faster.
 
Bill, tgo

effclef

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Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
« Reply #8 on: August 29, 2006, 04:56:14 AM »
Roger, here's the small DS-5 supply included with this bass from the auction pictures. Note the Asian characters behind it - this may indeed be somewhere in Asia and not a scam. There are also three Gibson Thunderbirds in one of the shots, too. But again, be careful.  
 

 
Effclef

gtrguy

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Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
« Reply #9 on: August 29, 2006, 10:23:10 AM »
I have been in contact with the sellor for months about this bass. It looks legit and you can see my post about 78 1249. However, you never know till you have it in your hands!

bbd

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Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
« Reply #10 on: August 29, 2006, 10:29:58 PM »
Well spotted effclef, I saw the Gibson's but did not notice the Asian characters. I knda tend to think all is legit with this bass and the seller. It's sad that we tend to trust people less just because of a few bad apples,I refer mainly to those filthy Chinese scam artists doing the eBay rounds.

FC Bass

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Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
« Reply #11 on: August 31, 2006, 09:33:25 AM »
Is that a Coco Bolo fretboard?

 
Or maybe Macassar Ebony?
 
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on August 31, 2006)
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'83 Spoiler
'88 Spoiler
'99 Orion 5 fretless
'10 Elan 5
'23 Series II Europa 5

FC Bass

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Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
« Reply #12 on: August 31, 2006, 09:42:39 AM »
According to the serial # request, it's Ebony:
Serial number request # 78-1249
 
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on August 31, 2006)
Damaged Justice, Dutch 'tallica tribute: Facebook, Youtube

'83 Spoiler
'88 Spoiler
'99 Orion 5 fretless
'10 Elan 5
'23 Series II Europa 5

olieoliver

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Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
« Reply #13 on: August 31, 2006, 09:45:06 AM »
The cabinet in the photo of the power supply looks like and old VOX.

gtrguy

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Well here's a nice looking old gal (1978 S1)
« Reply #14 on: September 01, 2006, 09:26:36 AM »
I may be wrong about the serial number too. It was my best guess.
Bye, Dave