Help finding my long lost Series 1 Fretless

[keith_h]

I had the opportunity to play that bass some years back. It played nicely and had a great tone though as I recall it was heavy.

[hammer]

Good luck in tracking down your old bass. I saw it when it was listed and almost went for it as I was looking for a fretless at that point. I don’t remember why I didn’t pull the trigger because its quite a nice bass. Now I’m glad I didn’t because if I were owner I would feel the need to sell it back to you.
Hopefully it was purchased by someone just getting into fretless who found out it wasn’t their bag so it’s now sitting in its case in a closet and they’ll be glad to work something out with you. Keep us apprised of your progress as we all love these reunion stories.

[David Houck]

I owned this bass at one point.  I've owned two fretless Alembics, but I never spent the time to develop the technique to play fretless properly, and sold both.  I have a hard enough time getting my fingers to land in the right places on my fretted bass.

[edwardofhuncote]

These things have a way of working out here. I've seen it happen, been party to it before. Time will tell.

[sonicus]

David , I  now remember when you were selling it . That is why it looked familiar to me . I had considered the purchase as well . Jhulcher , I wish the best on your search !

[jhulcher]

I owned this bass at one point.  I've owned two fretless Alembics, but I never spent the time to develop the technique to play fretless properly, and sold both.  I have a hard enough time getting my fingers to land in the right places on my fretted bass.

That's amazing. Thanks for sharing. I've often wondered what kind of life the bass lived after I sold it ~25 years ago. Nice to know it was in your hands. Neat story: After I got it I just couldn't get it to play as I wanted--it was playing me instead of me playing it. I went to my local vintage guitar store to consign it. They called me saying someone was interested but I needed to send it to New York as the interested party was on tour and would only be in New York for a couple days. This conflicted with a gig I had so I didn't send it. Turned out the interested buyer was U2's bassist. It was fate, because shortly after that I finally "played" the bass and fell in love with it.

These things have a way of working out here. I've seen it happen, been party to it before. Time will tell.

I belong to a Rickenbacker forum and witnessed an amazing reunion, so I'm hopeful for the same at some point. The guy's Ric was stolen, sold, purchased and refinished. Once he posted on the Ric forum and gave the serial number, a forum member contacted him and gave him the bass back. It was great to see. Cheers to you.

David , I  now remember when you were selling it . That is why it looked familiar to me . I had considered the purchase as well . Jhulcher , I wish the best on your search !

Thank you, sonicus. It's been an interesting start to this journey.

[jhulcher]

Good luck in tracking down your old bass. I saw it when it was listed and almost went for it as I was looking for a fretless at that point. I don’t remember why I didn’t pull the trigger because its quite a nice bass. Now I’m glad I didn’t because if I were owner I would feel the need to sell it back to you.
Hopefully it was purchased by someone just getting into fretless who found out it wasn’t their bag so it’s now sitting in its case in a closet and they’ll be glad to work something out with you. Keep us apprised of your progress as we all love these reunion stories.

I really appreciate your sentiment. Cheers to you.

[jhulcher]

Found it! Alas, it’s in Korea. But it’s the latest buyer from Reverb 3 years ago. Not sure how attached he is but will inquire as we exchange messages. If he’s loving the bass and not keen to sell it, I’m not keen to press him but will ask he contact me first if he plans to sell. Heck, good reason to visit Korea me thinks.

At least I found it. That makes me happy. I wouldn’t have gotten here this quickly had it not been for you fine folks. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

More to come, hopefully...

John

[rv_bass]

Korea, wow,  that’s quite a journey! Hope it works out

[edwardofhuncote]

Enjoy this thread while you wait, John. Allen [allgood] eventually got his bass back... from Japan, after 15 years. I'm hoping lightning strikes again. This place is magical.


http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=24205.0

[jhulcher]

Enjoy this thread while you wait, John. Allen [allgood] eventually got his bass back... from Japan, after 15 years. I'm hoping lightning strikes again. This place is magical.


http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=24205.0

Inspirational thread, edwardofhuncote. Thank you for sharing. Gets me all warm and fuzzy.  I will keep this thread posted when I have updates.

Cheers!
John

[jhulcher]

I had the opportunity to play that bass some years back. It played nicely and had a great tone though as I recall it was heavy.

Heck yes it’s heavy! I called it a dinner table with strings. But it balanced well and I loved it so.

Great news! The current owner from Korea is keen to get it back in my hands. He seems like a really great guy. We will need to sort the best way for this to happen logistically and I’d want to ensure as little trouble for him as possible. I can be patient to do this right.

My question for those following this thread: What is a fair price for me to offer? He bought it for $3,000 USD 3 years ago. He said he’s taken care of it and even sent me a pic. Said he doesn’t use it often. To his credit, the gent didn’t mention an asking price but I want to be fair.

Thank you all a million times over. I can’t freaking believe this is happening.

Peace,
John

[elwoodblue]

Great news! The current owner from Korea is keen to get it back in my hands. He seems like a really great guy.

 Such great news...I bet that feels good 

[jazzyvee]

What a good story this has become. we have had similar stories here in the past where a member has been trying to find an alembic they sold years ago. I am glad your story is evolving into a happy ending with a successful reunion. "Sellers Regret" is a strong emotion.

[gearhed289]

Well that worked out quickly! Welcome to the club!