Series II Fretless 8 String Bass

[32fron]

I had this listed on ebay back in 2004 and it didn't reach the owner reserve.  He has fallen on some financial problems and is trying to sell it again.  If you look in the serial number area you will find a lot more information and a link to the 2004 discussion.  Anyway he has lowered his reserve to $6000 and I am going to list it on ebay this weekend unless someone falls in love with it here before then.  Here are some photos more upon request.   The bass was discussed on previous thread.  It's here !  Valvil reported following records.   1982 long scale 8 string series II bass  walnut top & back  mahogany body  maple accent laminates  graphite neck  phenolic fingerboard  schaller tuners   Completed Feb 3 1982.  

 

 

 

 

 

  (Message edited by davehouck on September 18, 2006)

[32fron]

Maybe I should tell you where in the Owning and Serial number area.  This is the posting title:
 
822032US

[bigredbass]

Just when you think you've seen it all . . . I'm dumbfounded.
 
J o e y

[57basstra]

Wild, huh?

[alembic_doctor]

if only it had frets

[effclef]

http://club.alembic.com/Images/394/31335.html?1158363851
 
http://club.alembic.com/Images/395/12366.html
 
Above are links to previous threads mentioned.
 
I just love that velvety burl walnut!
 
EffClef

[32fron]

Thanks for posting the links for me effclef!!!  Now if you could find me a buyer

[crazykiwi]

oh good grief.  
 
I've been lusting after this very bass to match my Series 1 graphite for such a long time, but the timing is just so wrong for me.  I've just bought an ex-Cliff Williams Musicman Cutlass with the very, very, rare pre EB 3 bolt neck joint and through body bridge.  My paypal account needs time to recuperate - She cannae take anymoooore Cap'n!
 
O wailey, wailey, wailey...
...lackaday, lackaday, lackaday.  
 
I know its a long shot but I've got two Modulus Quantum 5's (matching fretted/fretless) and a Pedulla MVP5 on Ebay at the moment, if he would be interested in all three in trade?
 
(Message edited by crazykiwi on September 16, 2006)

[32fron]

No he needs the money plus his wife would kill him.

[crazykiwi]

oh well, guess it wasn't meant to be. Hope he finds a seller.  If not, keep me in mind for the future.

[series_iii]

ok i'll do a little tyre-kicking here.  i just bought an 8-string and i need another one like i need another hole in my head.  however...
 
where is this bass located?
 
how much does it weigh?
 
phenolic neck - does it have truss rods (i'm guessing not)
 
does it come with a power supply?
 
have there been any modifications to the instrument?  any recent work done on it?
 
how straight and level is the neck?  how is the action set?
 
what kind of strings have been used on it?
 
i'll take it from the wording of the first post that the asking price is $6K.  does that include shipping?

[32fron]

I will answer what I can and maybe you can help me with the rest:
It is in Michigan,  
will weigh it tomorrow or I will wake everyone up,  
the neck & rods I need help,  
it has its own power supply and cable,  
no modifications or work I don't think he used it much,  
neck is straight and level,  
action set need help,  
the strings are the ones from Alembic when it was built as far as I know.  
 
If you pay the $6000 we will ship it to you within reason, insured.  DHL seems to be the best to ship so far, but I would check USPS and I will not use UPS.

[kungfusheriff]

I'll chime in here,
I have a graphite-neck bass also from '82 and the neck remains straight and true despite the lack of a truss rod. Mine is a short-scale four-string, though, and is under a lot less tension than a long-scale eight-string so YMMV and all that.
Servicing the phenolic fingerboard sounds like a tin-plated bitch...the bass would probably have to be sent to Peekamoose for any surgery, even minor. My guess is the graphite necks are heavier than wood.
Still, Tim, you know you want it. Go 'head...

[series_iii]

Thanks for the information.
 
KFS, you know i want it!  but i'm only allowed to buy one alembic per year and my quota is up for 2006. plus i don't have the services of a trustworthy expert luthier near me any more (just moved fom seattle to denver) and i would be very hesitant to buy an instrument like this from an unknown seller without one avaliable (sorry about that, chief!).
 
i can tell you from my steinberger experience that phenolic fingerboard work is neither cheap or inexpensive.
 
i'll have to pass this time. maybe next year?  good luck to the seller whomever you are (thanks for the email, too). let us know if it sells?  
 
cheers!

[pace]

I just bought a Godlyke 8-string, and can only imagine what it would be like to have a fretless/graphite/ALEMBIC 8.....  
 
I remember when this one first came to light a couple of years ago. That's one serious instrument!