Help finding my long lost Series 1 Fretless

[pauldo]

Sweet!

[StephenR]

Excellent news at at time that excellent news is hard to find!  Look forward to hearing more about the reunion once you come back down to earth... meanwhile play it in good health.

[rv_bass]

Very cool, congrats and enjoy!! 

[jazzyvee]

Great news, i saw some photos on facebook last night.

[mica]

Wonderful news! Reunited and it feels so goooood!

[jhulcher]

Wonderful news! Reunited and it feels so goooood!

Thanks, Mica! And thanks to everyone on this forum who took interest and/or helped me with this reunion. Here are a few pics from just minutes after opening the case. Yes, I'm misty-eyed.

[edwardofhuncote]

So glad to see this. I've seen it three times before here. Long lost Alembics, returned.

[jhulcher]

So glad to see this. I've seen it three times before here. Long lost Alembics, returned.

Thank you for your involvement early on. Apart from needing new strings and a bit of TLC, it’s all there. All I remember is there. Despite crappy strings it sounds lovely. It’s in lovely shape.

However, the DS5 power supply (original) is a bit fried, specifically the 1/4” mono input. Works if cable is carefully plugged but if touched it fries out. Alas, it doesn’t seem easy to find a new one unless I’m missing something obvious (which is likely). Any guidance would be most appreciated.

Cheers!

[edwardofhuncote]

I would send it to Alembic for repair. Can't be that much wrong with it if it works at all.

[keith_h]

The DS5 is pretty basic. If the bass is getting power through the 5-pin then the power supply is ok. What you are calling the mono input is the DS-5 output to your amplifier. It is nothing that a local tech couldn't figure out for you if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.

I don't know if your DS5 has a separate stereo/mono switch or if it is built into the 1/4 inch jacks. If it is a switched jack I would start by getting some Caig DeoxIT contact cleaner to clean the contacts while exercising the jack. If that doesn't clear things up or you have a separate stereo/mono switch I would look at replacing the jack. I've included a schematic of the DS5 below.

 

[David Houck]

     

[rv_bass]

👍🎉😊

[jhulcher]

I would send it to Alembic for repair. Can't be that much wrong with it if it works at all.

The DS5 is pretty basic. If the bass is getting power through the 5-pin then the power supply is ok. What you are calling the mono input is the DS-5 output to your amplifier. It is nothing that a local tech couldn't figure out for you if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.

I don't know if your DS5 has a separate stereo/mono switch or if it is built into the 1/4 inch jacks. If it is a switched jack I would start by getting some Caig DeoxIT contact cleaner to clean the contacts while exercising the jack. If that doesn't clear things up or you have a separate stereo/mono switch I would look at replacing the jack. I've included a schematic of the DS5 below.

 

Thank you both! And, Keith, thanks for the schematic. Turns out a longtime Alembic dealer/player lives near me and agreed to spend time with me to give the bass (and hopefully the DS5), some TLC. Alas, I’m not very good with these types of things so would only trust a pro at this point. The fella also offered to teach me how to adjust the neck, clean the bridge, etc… He’s a class act.

But if he can’t help with the power supply I can take it to a guitar tech I know who is very good with electronics and could certainly fix a wonky jack (if that’s all it needs).  And if that’s not successful I’ll send to Alembic.

Otherwise, the bass is in wonderful condition. Put new strings on it and am confident it needs only a little TLC.

Cheers!

[allgood]

Awesome.  I’ve been right there... having a photo taken of me and Rosie, reunited after many years.  I would post here if I can find it.  I think I posted when it happened.  (Greg will probably find it!😁).   So happy for you!

[edwardofhuncote]

I was sleepless one night and fried-as-a-goat on pain meds when Allen logged on here looking for a long-lost Series I Omega. I knew exactly which one he was looking for. It was in Japan, on ebay about 15 times... the definition of a long shot. It took a while, some finagling, determination, and maybe even an Intervention. He sent me this picture a few minutes after being reunited with #75-183, Rosie.

Glad it worked out again here.