Alembic made this awesome (to put it mildly) bass as a near-exact replica of the medium-scale 6-string made for Phil Lesh in 2014. This may sound like hyperbole, but it’s not -- even judging by Alembic standards, this is the most beautiful – look, feel, and sound – instrument I have ever seen, held, or played. The top and back laminates (and continuous back plates) are Coco Bolo rosewood. The body core is mahogany with maple and purple heart accent woods. The 13-piece satin neck (OMG!) is a work of art in and of itself, featuring mahogany, maple, walnut, purple heart, and ebony (same for truss rod cover), with graphite rods and side LEDs in red and blue. The hardware is chrome-plated brass. The bird tailpiece is compound chrome/ebony. Knobby peg head with inlaid MOP logo. Fretboard inlays are abalone ovals with silver surrounded.
The bass was set up for Phil’s distinctive string selection - .40 .55 .70 .85 .100 .115 – which doesn’t really do it for me (or most players -- Phil plays with a flat pick and has a very soft touch). I restrung the bass and had it set up (including widening two slots in the nut) for Elixir “Nanoweb” (.30-.130).
The bass is dead mint – 100% collector’s grade. Not a scuff, scratch, ding, or dent on it. Original case included, of course. Alembic’s original custom quote for this instrument was over $31k and it had a “street price” of around $25k (old prices). I am asking $19,500 net to me. I would consider Alembic (plus cash, as appropriate) trades – 5 or 6 string, must be mint or close to it. Would meet in NYmetropolitan area (I am on Long Island) or you pay actual insured shipping.
Thanks.
