Author Topic: Alembic Serial #49 (Read 292 times)

hankster · « **on:** June 12, 2004, 03:37:28 AM »

A few weeks ago a guitar purporting to be an early short scale Series 1 - serial #49 - appeared on Ebay. It had tan pickup covers and the tuning heads weren't stock (they were Grovers i think). It was in great shape and the price was $2000.00 U.S. Nobody bid on it at all, though the price was great. Does anybody know why? Was it a fake?

northlight · « **Reply #1 on:** June 12, 2004, 11:05:52 AM »

The old #49 has been discussed in a separate thread:
http://club.alembic.com/Images/395/9513.html?1083427103
I tried reaching the new owner via email, as he indicated that he is considering to sell the bass again - but never got a response back.

Christian

dela217 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 12, 2004, 09:53:48 PM »

Hankster - That bass used to be mine. It is owned now by a club member on this site. If you want, I can get you in touch with him. I sold it to him, then he thought it was not for him and immediately tried to sell it. I think it was a good bass and don't understand why no one bid. No, it was not a fake. Maybe no one bid because the bass is in England right now. I live in the states, and I shipped it to him. I owned it for about 10 years, maybe more.

Michael

mrben · « **Reply #3 on:** June 13, 2004, 08:08:15 AM »

Hi there - I can put you all out of your misery I think.

I'm the new owner of #49, which is most definitely not a fake! I bought it directly from Paul in London, not long after it had been shipped over here by Michael. It may not have been right for Paul but it's perfect for me! It's the sweetest, most characterful bass you could imagine, and is a great complement to my other basses. Being 30 years old it's full of soul in a way that new basses frequently aren't.

I've sorted out most of the hum problems Michael mentioned in the original thread relating to #49, leaving only a slightly raised fret (number 21 I think) to deal with sometime. None of which stops it from being a delight to play and hear. I've been meaning to say hello to the Alembic club for some time so... Hello!

Ben

David Houck · « **Reply #4 on:** June 13, 2004, 08:30:38 AM »

Welcome Ben, and congratulations! It's a beautiful bass and it appears to have found a good home!

mrben · « **Reply #5 on:** June 13, 2004, 08:43:34 AM »

Thank you! It's a real keeper this bass, you could look for years before finding anything comparable, at least on this side of the Atlantic. I had an Epic 5 string before this (amongst uncountable other basses) but I feel that #49, as my first Series bass could be the beginning of a worrying addiction... Just as well they don't turn up all that often in England!

Why no-one bid on it on Ebay I have no idea, although frequently the serious bidders wait until the end. I count myself lucky to have been able to buy it.

Ben

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 13, 2004, 10:06:49 AM »

Hello Ben,
You are indeed a lucky man. That was a great price for an intrument with, as you say, so much soul and song inside. I've only played a series bass once (Thanks Kev). So count your blessings every time you open the case!

Mike

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 13, 2004, 10:10:01 AM »

Double post ... sorry

Mike

(Message edited by dadabass2001 on June 14, 2004)

mrben · « **Reply #8 on:** June 13, 2004, 12:23:45 PM »

Hi Mike

Not only do I count my blessings, but also my chickens (whether or not they've hatched) and my lucky stars.... The bass is a treat, a delight and er, loads of other good things too.

Ben

hankster · « **Reply #9 on:** June 15, 2004, 04:16:40 PM »

Thanks all! I now know more than I wanted to about #49 - most particularly, I now know I should have bought it while I had the chance. Michael, Paul, and Mr. Ben - no offense intended by my question about the authenticity - I just couldn't understand the low price and the fact that no one bid on it.

Thanks again!

dela217 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 15, 2004, 05:09:41 PM »

Hankster - I am running out the door right now, but I will email you in the next couple of days with the history of that instrument.

It's a good one!
Michael

hankster · « **Reply #11 on:** June 20, 2004, 06:55:41 AM »

Michael,

Thanks for your kind offer of more info on #49 - I'd love to hear about it when you can spare the time.

As you might have guessed, I am keeping my eyes open for similar instruments - early if possible, short scale Stanley Clarke style, bells and whistles (ie LED's) optional. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks again for the info so far!
Richard