Enthusiastic Series I bass review by Johnny Long

[jazzyvee]

[edwardofhuncote]

He's so great... what an entertaining player too. 


I've never seen a tailpiece like that before. I thought it was a moustache type, but not. The battery compartment cover is huge too. And the 5-pin is turned 90° from what I would expect. Maybe some mods? Awesome cool bass.

[rv_bass]

Looks like a beautiful bass

https://www.facebook.com/pg/iwant2live777/photos/

[edwardofhuncote]

It is a moustache. Must be pretty early '74.

That'll fall in the upper-40's lower-50's with those appointments. You seen this one before Michael?

[dela217]

I paused the video at 1:29.    That is definitely a moustache.    And the bass is not modified, other than those knobs don't look like standard Alembic issue.    The funny business going on with the 5-pin being turned is something that is done with the connector on the cable not the bass.   The Neutrik connector can be loosened and turned like that if you want the cable to fall in a different direction.    Also I noticed that the bass has PF5 electronics in it.   Based on other instruments I have owned and known,   if he says it is a 1974, then I believe this bass to be serial number 74-48.   No?   Maybe?   I don't think I'm familiar with this one.

Also he mentioned in the first video that he was on Bourbon St?   New Orleans???   That is where I am!

Michael

[rv_bass]

I sent an email to see if it was for sale.  He said no and that he did some work on it for the owner.  From the Facebook photos looks like a refret and fixed the pickup selector.  I think he is located in Virginia.

[edwardofhuncote]

Wow... if it is indeed #74-48, I think that would make it the first of that year. Yeah, it's much easier to see detail in the pictures than the video. Very, very cool old bass. 

[dela217]

Well I currently own 73-47 that was originally fitted with PF-5 electronics.     I also owned 74-49 that was fitted with PF6 electronics.    So, if Mr. Johnny Long says it is a 1974 and it show it having PF-5 electronics, it MUST be 74-48.

I guess 74-49 was the first bass with the newer PF-6 circuit.   

Michael

[fmm]

scalloped nut as well?

[edwardofhuncote]

scalloped nut as well?

Sure is!

Well I currently own 73-47 that was originally fitted with PF-5 electronics.     I also owned 74-49 that was fitted with PF6 electronics.    So, if Mr. Johnny Long says it is a 1974 and it show it having PF-5 electronics, it MUST be 74-48.

I guess 74-49 was the first bass with the newer PF-6 circuit.   

Michael

What I love about this place. The guy who either currently has, or has had the Alembics made side-by-side with any given one can say with a high degree of certainty. Yep. I'd call that pretty durn close. I reckon it could have one of those enigmatic 'o' numbers too. 

[fmm]

Over 100 additional pictures here:
https://www.facebook.com/iwant2live777/

[dela217]

I looked at every picture and there was not one shot of the serial number.    Hopefully this bass has a serial number!   

On that Facebook page, I noticed a phone number of the bass shop.    The shop is closed today but will open tomorrow.    The voice on the other end of the line was Johnny Long.    I left him my number.    I told him of our conversation on this site regarding the serial number.    Maybe he will call me with that info!   

Michael

[dela217]

Well, now I am completely confused.   

Johnny Long called me back and told me what is stamped on the headstock.    74-643

??

[edwardofhuncote]

I'll bet it's an o43.

*FWIW- Eiji-san at one point had #74-48 listed as a SSG which I took as short-scale guitar.

[cntrabssn]

Hey Guys, take a look at this video:

You'll get to see the S/N in more detail.

And from the comments along with this one:

It looks like James Cammack owns that bass.

-nate.