(x) History Request 83-2880 [edited to correct number]

[BazzMomma]

I just bought an Alembic Series 1, #83-2289 2880. Can you tell me any history you have?
I'm told it was bought, played a few times, then put in a closet... for the past 37 years. (You know, like the car just driven to church on Sundays by a little old lady!) But it sure looks like it's pretty immaculate.
Any info will be gratefully received. Thanks,

Kirsty

[pauldo]

Kirsty,
Welcome to the camp.
Alembic’s are something special.  How do you like yours so far?

If you post a few pictures there are amazing details that members will be able to identify for you just by looking.

[BazzMomma]

It's in transit... I'll post when it arrives, and I've been able to double check the serial #. Can't wait!

[rv_bass]

Kirsty,


Welcome and congratulations!  It will be good to check the serial number, since the list under the link below suggests that numbers 228X may have occurred in 1982.  The first number in the serial number is the year.


http://members.ziggo.nl/alembicserialnumbers/alembic/10.htm


-Rob

[StephenR]

Hey Kirsty, welcome to the club. I suspect you are going to love your new bass. Let us know what you think after it arrives.

Your description sounds like the same bass listed here recently by Trevor. If so, the serial number should be accurate and it is a beautiful bass...enjoy!

http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=25554.0

[BazzMomma]

It's Christmas! The bass just arrived, and yes, the serial number wasn't right. The number is 83-2880, not the number I was originally given. Looks like I can't edit my original post to correct the wrong serial number - if there's any way to do that, please let me know. Photos to follow (need to get the file size down to post)

I've figured out the pickup selector switch and two volume switches, and more or less OK on the Q switches and filters. My first impression is that the sound is bright - but need to do a lot more experimenting.
Two other questions:
1. I'm running mono, so I'm just plugged into the bass output of the blue box. Is that right?
2. I notice the pickup covers each have 4 screw holes, but only 2 screws, placed diagonally. That's normal, right? For instance, I see that here: http://alembic.com/club/messages/16271/18483.html?1361485906

My other bass family members are a Fender P-bass, Fender Jazz, and Fodera Monarch. I play in a blues trio, and a jazz trio/quartet. Or at least ... I did back when there were things called gigs. Nice to be here! And thanks for any input.

"What did you do in the Great Pandemic, Granny?"  "I learned to drive an Alembic, dear."

[rv_bass]

Congrats on receiving your bass, you must be psyched!  

You are correct about the bass output being mono on the DS-5 blue box. 

The screws are correct as you described them, two on top diagonal and two underneath diagonal.  The two underneath adjust height and angle, and the two on top lock it down. 

There is plenty of low end and warmth in that bass, it might take you a little while to experiment, but you will find the sound you like.  Have fun!

[StephenR]

Always exciting to get a new bass, glad to hear it arrived safely!

There is an FAQ page here with info about the Series basses.
http://club.alembic.com/index.php?board=23.0

Alembic's have a lot of high end but cover the full spectrum to earth-shaking lows if you need those. The filter-based electronics coupled with the Q-switch give you the ability to dial-in a huge variety of tones while remaining musical sounding. I like to think of the filter and q-switch as allowing me to select the resonant frequency of the pickup and then tailor the attack to taste or to help cut through a busy mix.

Have fun getting to know your new bass!

[BazzMomma]

Here's a photo.

Starting to get a tone I like. One thing - my wide Italia straps are a serious no-no. When I'm sitting the Alembic body is further to the right than my other basses, so the wide strap was decapitating me. Solution - a raid on my husband's guitar straps!  But - do Moody still make Alembic straps?

[rv_bass]

That’s a beautiful bass, nice walnut top! 

I use this Levy’s padded strap 3” wide, well constructed and distributes the weight nicely.   

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MSSB1BLK--levys-mssb1-blk-3-inch-wide-black-veg-tan-leather-guitar-strap

I found the 4-4.5” wide straps rode up on my neck and were uncomfortable, but others like them. 

Moody still makes straps and people here like them, but I don’t think Alembic currently offers them.

[David Houck]

Beautiful bass!  Congrats and welcome!

[BazzMomma]

Don't know who edited the original post to correct the serial number - but many thanks!

[mica]

This request got shuffled down and overlooked, but Jesse found the file and here's was we found:

top: Walnut
body: Mahogany
back: Walnut
neck: Maple and Purpleheart
scale: 34" long
fingerboard: Ebony
inlays: says "oval" which usually means Pearloid, but that would be unusual on a Series I at any time
originally made for: Guitar Center, Hollywood
birthday: September 22, 1983

Since we had your bass here for repair, the Pearloid was confirmed. The repairs we did included:
New fingerboard with green and red LEDs, Abalone ovals, on/off switch for LEDs (and batteries for LEDs), new strings, Sand uneven finish on front and add approx 6 coats of finish, polish hardware,