Author Topic: Looking for a Stanley Sig., Series 1 or a Brown bass (Read 362 times)

parody · « **on:** July 07, 2014, 02:18:47 PM »

I'd like to find one of these used in a short or medium scale, 4 strings and this body style- http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/alembic_2196_24453406, not necessarily that wood but would certainly consider it. Anything out there? I haven't played any of these enough to know what they are really all about so I will start with what might come first. I'll specify more deal breakers as I think of them so I don't waste anyones time.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #1 on:** July 07, 2014, 04:32:17 PM »

Here are a couple you might want to check out. One on the forum.
http://alembic.com/club/messages/395/194285.html?1404582007

I really like this one but the import tax and duty on this and shipping cost to the UK is gonna uplift the outlay by about a 3rd. This was previously owned by a forum member.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281357792094?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

parody · « **Reply #2 on:** July 10, 2014, 09:13:12 AM »

Thanks. I did see both of these. The one is a tad too far plus I have no idea what is being said about the damn thing. The other is too expensive for what I'm seeing.

keith_h · « **Reply #3 on:** July 10, 2014, 10:50:58 AM »

Which one are you unsure about what's being said?

Keith

jazzyvee · « **Reply #4 on:** July 10, 2014, 11:20:50 AM »

The Bocate Zebrawood bass from the USA has either been sold or withdrawn as it's no longer available. The other one is also really good but for me it's a bit pricey because I'd want a refurb.

parody · « **Reply #5 on:** July 17, 2014, 03:30:09 PM »

Anyone have some insight about this bass or the people selling it? https://reverb.com/item/72011-alembic-series-i-1979-natural-w-original-hard-case

keith_h · « **Reply #6 on:** July 17, 2014, 04:02:50 PM »

To me the price is on the high side for a Series 1 in the US but I am not the best person for price information.

On all of the small body basses I am aware of the standard location for the strap hole is on the heel of the neck. It is not uncommon for people to move them to the horn or other locations to try and change the balance. My guess that is what the extra treble side hole was about. Looking at the pictures I think the bass side horn is the original location for the strap button. This would likely result in the neck hanging lower but I would have to do a side by side to be sure. If you have not played a short scale small body you need to be aware that they do not sit the same as Fender style basses. In general the natural position is between 2 and 3 o'clock.Some folks consider this neck dive. I don't as the bass is stable once it finds this position. If you like it around 1 o'clock just use a wide strap and play it higher on your body and it will stay put.

The finish checking they talk about would be normal for this era instrument. The neck recipe uses the standard woods. Overall it looks to be in pretty good shape for it's age.

The only potential problem is if it still has the older electronics. Depending upon where you are these might or might not pick up RF interference. Alembic can upgrade the electronics but you would need to contact them to find out what it would cost. The procedure requires that the full bass be shipped to them.

Keith

parody · « **Reply #7 on:** July 17, 2014, 07:06:17 PM »

Thanks, Keith.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #8 on:** July 18, 2014, 12:46:13 AM »

I would echo what Keith has said there and add that you can, depending on your playing style, compensate for the neck dive.
I sometimes rest my forearm slightly along the top edge of the lower body whilst playing and that keeps the bass in position.
A bit like this
http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/wdiy/files/201406/stanley-clarke.jpg
With the strap button in the standard position which is at the back of the bass more or less in line with where the body starts, it has a tendency to sit with the top edge leaning away from your body so the position shown in the link above corrects both scenario's.

Some people can live with this and for others it is a problem.
As for wasting anyones time here with questions..... we love to share what we know about alembics so fire away with anything you need to know.

Jazzyvee

(Message edited by jazzyvee on July 18, 2014)

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #9 on:** July 18, 2014, 08:06:42 AM »

we love to share what we know about

Heck, we're so nice, sometimes we even share things we don't know about....

parody · « **Reply #10 on:** September 09, 2014, 01:54:59 PM »

Well, I found a 2009 Signature with a killer Buck-eye burl top in new condition and it's what I thought an Alembic would be. Problem is, I want several now.... I'm not saying I'm ready to buy another yet but, yeah, I'd love to be able to.
The neck thing I will glady work with to get used to since the greatnesss of this bass easily overshadows the little bit of neck-heaviness. Even with old strings this bass sounds incredible, I can't wait to put the new ones on which are half-rounds since I believe what's on it now are the original strings which are sort of the same, yes? I think rounds would be too bright. Besides, the half-rounds do feel nicer.

I've waited a long, long time to be part of the Alembic world and it's a great feeling.

hammer · « **Reply #11 on:** September 09, 2014, 03:29:27 PM »

Congratulations! That's a beautiful looking and I assume sounding instrument.

mtjam · « **Reply #12 on:** September 09, 2014, 04:56:03 PM »

Congratulations! Great way to enter the Alembic world. And yes, you will want more! Enjoy!

stoney · « **Reply #13 on:** September 17, 2014, 06:13:19 AM »

Congrats, Chris...Looks great!