Jimmy Johnson Signature bass on Ebay

[jazzyvee]

Nice looking bass, even has the JJ style tailpeice with the pins to hold the strings.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ALEMBIC-JJLB5-FWH-Jimmy-Johnson-Signature-Series-I-Circuit-12-Used-/172764740196?hash=item283994ba64:g:hVQAAOSwwzhZXEzh

[tx196059]

If anyone is interested, buying directly from Ikebe would be cheaper, and they are super nice to work with, great international shippers, and can speak basic English.

http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/ec/cmHeaderSearchProduct/doSearchProduct/cmHeader/%20/%20/1?wd=alembic&registKeyword=true

[jalevinemd]

I wasn't aware they made a JJ Signature. If it simply was custom ordered and modeled after his, calling it a "signature" is quite misleading.

[edwardofhuncote]

I've seen a couple JJ Signature Models, but this is the first I recall seeing with Series electronics.

That's a beautiful bass... and it really is darn-tootin' close to Jimmy's road bass, right down to the 2+3 'Cone' headstock and ultra-narrow string spacing. Very cool.

Here's the Showcase thread on one of Eiji-san's JJ Signature basses. This one looks more like Jimmy's original 76-418.

http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8717.0

[JimmyJ]

Yeah, this is really more like a duplicate of my current road bass - even down to the aluminum block if I'm not mistaken.  I guess I should be flattered but it strikes me as a bit odd to build a bass to somebody else's specs because they're so personal.  I certainly like the set up but others who try my basses usually don't.  Tight string spacing, etc... 

Truth is, I should buy this bass - except I already have a few.  But I'm really curious as to how it plays and feels...  Should be familiar!


Jimmy J

[jazzyvee]

Out of curiousity JJ, why did you go for the aluminium block instead of brass?

[tx196059]

To get this bass to the US would be;

$7,280 (114 yen/USD)
  $300 (3-5 day shipping and insurance, delivered by USPS)
  $436 (6% customs to be paid to Postmaster when delivered)
$8,016 Grand total

Not to bad really. Click on the link below, and click on Product inquiry (English), and Mr Santo-san will be more than helpful if you have PayPal or credit card, and set up your invoice. If you are in Tokyo, you can buy it in the store, and have it shipped international, avoiding Japanese sales tax. One thing about basses and guitars coming out of Japan, is that they are in very good condition. The Japanese really take good care of their things.
http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/ec/pro/disp/1/516014

[JimmyJ]

Out of curiousity JJ, why did you go for the aluminium block instead of brass?

Momentary thread derailment... aluminum block was accidental on my first 5-string (1976).  We needed to shift the bridge beyond saddle reach for intonation and my dad didn't have any brass but had a chunk of aluminum.  So he made it the right shape and we relocated the bridge mounting holes to make the strings a bit longer.

I can't say how, or even if, this effected the sound of the bass, but when we built subsequent instruments we stuck with that material.

Jimmy J

[StephenR]

To get this bass to the US would be;

$7,280 (114 yen/USD)
  $300 (3-5 day shipping and insurance, delivered by USPS)
  $436 (6% customs to be paid to Postmaster when delivered)
$8,016 Grand total

Not to bad really. Click on the link below, and click on Product inquiry (English), and Mr Santo-san will be more than helpful if you have PayPal or credit card, and set up your invoice. If you are in Tokyo, you can buy it in the store, and have it shipped international, avoiding Japanese sales tax. One thing about basses and guitars coming out of Japan, is that they are in very good condition. The Japanese really take good care of their things.
http://www.ikebe-gakki.com/ec/pro/disp/1/516014

I contacted Mr Santo-san about this bass a week or so and he was quite helpful. I believe he told me, though, that payment had to be in a bank wire transfer. He did not know the customs charge for shipping to the USA so thanks for that info. I have been a bit on the fence about purchasing it. My 1978 Series five-string also has very narrow string spacing, not my ideal, but something I am used to. I am not very comfortable with the 32" scale on my current bass so the longer scale would be a big plus for me. But, as much as I love the look of the body shape on the JJ bass I am not sure that it would completely resolve the ergonomic issues I have with my bass. If this had a balance K style body I would be all over it. It certainly is a beautiful bass!

Jimmy, if you check in again could you comment on the neck carve and profile back to front of your basses? How well does a long scale bass with this body shape balance?


Thanks!


Stephen

[JimmyJ]

It seems ironic to be charged import duty on an instrument manufactured in the US.  There must have been import duty paid in Japan initially, right?  And technically it's not a new instrument but "used", though very low-mileage I suspect.  I clearly don't know how import/export works. 

This is not a "Signature Model".  Mica could verify but I believe this is a full blown Series I "copy".  And if so, even with the additional costs described above it's a mighty good deal. 

This also demonstrates something interesting about customization.  Alembic can build you literally anything you can think up.  Naturally the more customizing you do the more costly it is to make.  But the backside is, the more personal you make it, the further away you get from "stock", the less likely it is to appeal to other players...

I don't know what the switch near the 1/4" jack is for.  And strangely there's no mention in the listing or photos of LED markers.  And the final detail; I have a 2nd strap button on the bottom which I actually use.  How could they have missed that?  Ha!

Stephen, this was the only body choice for me back in the day so that's why it's not a balance-K.  I'm (obviously) used to it and the long reach doesn't bother me.  The addition of the 5th tuning machine way out on the headstock doesn't help balance.  The straps I use have slightly rough inner surfaces so I don't really think it has balance issues.  I also play seated often and it works ok for that.  That said, I also just might be used to holding it in place with my right elbow.  HA!  I can't confirm that at the moment...

You may want to wait and keep your eyes open for a balance-K.  Or save up and build your own!


Jimmy J

[JimmyJ]

Oh, the Japanese listing says it's a stereo/mono switch - I presume for the 1/4" jack - and it has red LED side markers.  So there you go.
Jimmy J

[tx196059]

Just checked with Mr Sato about PayPal. It is still available. Here is his quote if anyone is interested.

Product Code :516014
Product Name :JJLB5-FWH (Jimmy Johnson Signature Series I Circuit) '12 【USED】w/hardcase : 830,000JPY
Shipping : 51,481JPY (including insurance, Paypal fee and handling fee)
Total Amount : 881,481JPY
 
Payment Method : Paypal
Shipping : via EMS

So $7,732 plus duty. As far as import tax, it was explained to me that musical instruments made outside the US are charged 6% if over $1,600. If importing something made in the US, being shipped backed to the US is considered a re-export, and charged 6% if over $2,500. Not sure what is going on now with imports, since I have not done it in awhile. As Eisenstein said, "The only constant is change."

[bigredbass]

Just dumbfoundingly beautiful.  I get the same feeling looking at this I get looking at Neal Peart's road kit, just how could anything be that fine?  If anybody thinks this not the equivalent of a master-grade Steinway or Bosendorfer, they need to just stick to Fenders, an heirloom guitar to keep for a lifetime.  What an axe . . . . . but then of course, what a player.  Hope you're having a great Summer, Double J !

[StephenR]

Hey Jimmy,

Thanks for your input and feedback about the bass, much appreciated! Still on my radar but must admit I am reluctant to buy an expensive instrument that I haven't had a chance to play first (unless of course it was built to my specs). Need to stop looking at pictures of the bass, it just increases the temptation and lust factor but so hard to look away...

Hope the JT summer tour with Bonnie's band has been a blast!

[mica]

Stephen, I think this probably is not a good bass for you based on our conversations over the years. When/if you get a different Alembic 5-string, the balance and string spacing need to be spot on, or there's really no point in moving away from a bass that you love, even with the ergonomic issues it has for you. Just my 2 cents!

But... it is a lovely bass and very good price from a reputable seller.