Author Topic: Headstock laminates not the same as the top? (Read 158 times)

essencetimestwo · « **on:** August 31, 2003, 09:57:54 AM »

I just purchased a used Essence 4 that I think may be a bit of a strange bird. It is my understanding that Alembic usually uses the same wood for the headstock laminates and top of the body. However, in this case the top is made of Coco Bolo and the headstock laminates are Walnut. The Coco Bolo also seems like it might be stained. It has a very red appearance to it. I am not sure though because the rest of the bass is natural in color. Can anyone help me figure out this bass and has anyone else come across an Alembic that has different wood on the top and headstock? Serial number is 95K9471. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

rami · « **Reply #1 on:** August 31, 2003, 10:08:55 AM »

How about posting a picture, so we can all have a look?

Rami

essencetimestwo · « **Reply #2 on:** August 31, 2003, 04:26:20 PM »

I am not having much luck posting pictures. Send me an Email and I will send you some snaps of it. My address is Modulust@cs.com

valvil · « **Reply #3 on:** August 31, 2003, 10:11:03 PM »

There are plenty of Alembics around with the headstock laminate of a different wood from the top. Most of the ones I have seen are from the seventies, when that feature was more common; most had zebrawood headstocks, I think. As for nowadays, you are correct, most Alembic basses have the same wood for both headstock & body. Your bass may have been custom ordered that way. Mica will be able to look up the bass' history when Alembic goes back to work next week after the holiday. Coco Bolo can be pretty reddish at times, I wouldn't be surprised if that's its natural color.

Valentino

essencetimestwo · « **Reply #4 on:** September 29, 2003, 10:31:32 AM »

I talked to Mica about this bass. She looked it up and the top and headstock laminates are made of Vermillion. She thinks that the difference in appearance is due to the headstock laminates aging and getting darker quicker than the top. After looking closer at the body I do see some small spots where it looks a lot like the headstock. Thanks for the help!