I am offering what may be the most perfect playing and sounding, lightweight series I basses to come on the market. It is a Koa Series bass that had been neglected and hung in a barn for over 15 years and the owner gave up on restoring it. I bought it for $2000 and sent it to Alembic for a restoration that cost $2000 more. I also bought a brand new DS5R power unit which is included in the original package, unused. I am also including the original stereo cable and new case from Alembic.
The restoration included a gorgeous re-finish - I hate glossy glass-like new finishes on old basses and this finish is silky smooth, fast and perfect - the folks at Alembic did a perfect match for the original satin finish. They also re-fretted and restored the ebony and abalone on the neck - it is dead straight, and has the lowest action imaginable - perfect. All the brass plates were replaced as were the pickups. All replaced parts are included. The bass was given a new G and G form fitted case. Finally, the bass weighed over 11lbs when I got it. I discussed ways to lighten it with Mica and she offered 3 suggestions which worked to the tune of a 9 lb series I (who else has one that light....) Exchange the original tuners for lightweight gold hipshots, replace the brass bridge support with a koa wood one. And last, shave down some of the excess wood at the bass of the neck and thin it down a bit - perfect. Again, all original parts are included. Since the serial number was shot on the original wood fretboard area under the last fret, Alembic engraved the truss rod plate with a new number which is 8210 (stand for 1982 with 2010 restore) LSN (lost serial number) 1 USA.
For all intents and purposes, if you can purchase this bass, you will be getting an un=played, dead mint, gorgeous flamed Koa brand new 1982 Series I bass, that is lighter than almost any other, sounds and plays amazing, comes with a new case, new DSR5 power pack and cable for well below half of what you would pay to have a new one built. Mica told me that when her father happened by as she was playing, he commented on how great the bass sounded (she also said he rarely does that!} I waited nearly a year and a half for the restoration and it is an amazing job. I will let this run here til Thursday and if there are no takers, I will list it in eBay for a larger audience. I just bought a near mint 56 P-Bass from the bassist for Alabama and you can imagine what that cost - need to pay for it. Here is a link to more pictures on the site. Please write with any questions. Price is non-negotiable - includes tuners, parts, cable, power pack and shipping - if you know what these cost, you know this is priced to sell and is a bargain for anyone who has the interest and the means to acquire it. Sorry, no International sales. USA only Todd
http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/80943.html?1278296056
(Message edited by toddharris on August 23, 2010)