Series I - Graphite neck circa 1978

[bbernard]

Selling my main playing bass of the past 30 years.  With two kids to get through college it is too much of a luxury to have this bass when I only play occasionally.
 
Super rare bird and in excellent condition: $10,000 firm.
 
Bob(at)acacia1031(dot)com
 
This bass was orginally presented to Dennis Erokan (editor of BAM magazine) by Rick Turner.  Per Dennis he felt the bass was too live and presnet for his ears.  (Thats what I love about it!).  I bought it used in 1980 and have used on many, many gigs over the years.  I don't play much anymore and this beauty deserves to be played to as many ears as possible.
 
Pickups replaced by Alembic in the late 1980s (originals went microphonic).
 
1/4 jack is mono (done by Alembic)
 
Refin is by Michael Dolan in Santa Rosa.
 
Original power supply works fine.  I have at least one functioning cord although it was not made by Alembic.  I have another working cord and one broken one that I am trying to locate.
 
Original Anvil road case.
 
I am about 20 minutes away from the Alembic factory.  Perhaps you out of the area folks could arrange for an inspection to put your mind at ease.
 
Pictures follow in next couple of messages.

[bbernard]

here are a few pictures:  

 

 

[bbernard]

Case, cord and power supply:  

 

 

 

[bbernard]

Body close up...looking good at age 32:
 

[Enzo]

Stunning, good luck with the sale.

[jazzyvee]

There was some lively conversations recently about graphite necked alembics so I think there should be some interest in this bass.
 
It looks a beauty. I hope  you manage to find a buyer for it.
Jazzyvee

[afrobeat_fool]

Looking for serial #, build card, Documentation as per Dennis, and a reasonable price. No used series 1 has ever sold for 10,000. Standard S1's go for 3,000-4,000. Unless a lot of work has been done by the mothership, post production. Good luck.
 
 
Nick

[2400wattman]

dag-nabbit, goll darn shi-zizz-it, rack-a-frackin, DAMN--IT!!!!
 I saw this bass in the showcase, immediately fell in love and wondered if it would ever be up for sale. Well here she is and I really can't swing it. And I love graphite necks. Good luck with her she is gorgeous.

[artswork99]

I too love the model, top and graphite neck of this bass.  Good luck with your sale Bob.

[bbernard]

The serial number is 78-1318.  I don't have a build card.  Since I am so close to the factory perhaps a serious buyer can have them verify the particulars?  Documentation as per Dennis - not sure what you mean?  If you are talking about the Rick Turner/Dennis Erokan info I believe I have some archived emails although I think that is merely a curiosity...doesn't really add any value.  I believe the value comes from the scarcity of graphite necked Alembics in the world.  Historically some of the first graphite necked instruments made and pretty unique in the Alembic world.  
 
Its not like I don't love the bass...I've had it for 30 years!  If the price doesn't work for someone I will just hold onto it.  I've been checking here for the next northern CA get together so I can join in.
 
Thanks for the well wishes guys.

[afrobeat_fool]

Quite right, bbernard! They are rare and I did not mean anything derogatory. My point was that there are some who believe everything was made by Mr Turner and up the value on their instruments on that faulty information. Good luck with your sale. Your bass is very pretty.
 
 
Nick

[afrobeat_fool]

Is that a Labradoodle? or just a cool looking poodle?

[bsee]

Bob,  
 
No offense intended, but if you're so close to the factory, why don't you make arrangements to get your bass into the factory for an inspection and build verification? You're asking a premium price for a fairly unique instrument, so it would seem that it would be in your best interest to alleviate the concerns of any interested parties.

[bbernard]

abfool - Thats our 12 year old portuguese water dog Rainha.  As for your questions, if you are asking the question others are probably thinking the same thing so I'm glad you raised the points.  
 
bsee - no offense taken, thats a great idea.  I am going to give them a call tomorrow and see what I can work out.

[bsee]

Bob, one other thing to check out...
 
My recollection is that there was a case of an older bass shipped in an original flight case that was damaged in transit. A search here should find a report of that incident. If I recall correctly, the older foam had dried out a bit and was not as protective as it should have been. That allowed the bass to scrape against the screws and what have you poking through the weak foam as it bounced around in the back of a truck.
 
If you haven't had the case rebuilt, you might want to get it looked at as well. The problems could have been related to the way that old case was stored, so hopefully you have no issue there, but it's better than a bass damaged in transit.
 
-bob