I wanted to get the Showcase Thread established first, then tell the rest of the story...
Most of you that have read my rambling posts here know I've had more than a passing fascination with early Alembics. The right set of circumstances recently fell into place, and this wonderful old Series I is now in my care. A casual appraisal might lead some to believe this bass was nothing special, with plainer wood, checked finish typical of this time, and some minor veneer de-lamination, and while that may be clinically accurate, it couldn't be further from the whole truth. Though it may be far less flashy by today's standards at the Mothership, this bass is very special... I knew as soon as I picked it up.
Living where I do, there aren't a lot of other Alembics around, so my firsthand experience with Series basses is limited to a somewhat small handful of them, but I quickly realized how each one has its own individual voice. A couple I have played really spoke to me, and there was that instant connection to this one... the notes just seem to come effortlessly from it, and there's a mellowness that is difficult to describe. It's been with two Club Members here for most of, or possibly it's whole lifetime, and I'm really proud to be the next caretaker of this old dragon, but how it came to be mine is the really cool part.
It started with a visit from Alembic Club forum moderator, Dave Houck, who dropped in to see me last Fall after an operation had me housebound. After touring my upright bass shop that afternoon, Dave mentioned having a Series I that had a headstock needing repair. From pictures in an old thread, it looked like a relatively easy job, and I jumped at the chance just to work on one. Flash forward three months, and I was finally able to make trip down to Tennessee and Carolina to visit some family and friends, making a stop at Dave's place for an afternoon of music. I learned while talking to Dave, he hasn't played this one for a while now, much preferring the classic-taper neck, long-scale, and extended range his Custom Series II 6-string, "Karma"... <shortening the story a bit> so he'd decided to fix a couple issues with this one and part with it. The arrangement was made between us then and there, and after finishing up a whirlwind tour of east Tennessee, and western and central North Carolina the following Sunday, #77-621 came home to Virginia with me, in its original blue case, 42 years and one week after leaving Sebastopol, California. I could hardly wait to get home!
I wasted no time addressing a couple loose headstock laminates, and spent some time polishing up the brass parts, taking time to lubricate the bridge screws before setting it up with my favorite Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats. A couple little tweaks to the action and intonation and it was ready for business. After only a couple weeks, I've already bonded with this one. No question, this was the bass for me, just waiting for the right time. I have already had it out for a first gig, and it was quite an experience.
Many Thanks to Dave for helping me realize another dream. I'll take good care of your old Alembic... it'll be in good company up here in Virginia.
