(x) Serial number history request 77 818

[Drummerboyle]

Hello to all
I have recently acquired what l believe is a series 1bass
The number on the head stock is 77 818.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Larry Tepe

[jazzyvee]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Sometimes these requests can take a bit of time and patience. However if you can post some photos ( we all like to see new alembics), some experts will give you some info on the bass in addition to the official build record which will come from Mica Wickersham (Alembic) when it gets to the top of her list.

[Drummerboyle]

Yes I can post some photos.
It is in the guitar shop right now getting a little tlc.

[adriaan]

The first request came up in 2005, but it was cancelled - see https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=6393.msg67826#msg67826


Then more details surfaced in 2011 - https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=5583.msg63518#msg63518

[Drummerboyle]

Thanks for the quick response.
My brother passed away February 14th 2020 and that is how I received the bass.
It turns out the "Dennis" from the 2011 post was my brother.
The head stock is still cracked that's why it is at the shop.
Again thanks.
Pics asap.

[JimmyJ]

Larry,

We're very sorry for your loss. But we're happy you're looking after that bass and welcome you to the forum.

Here's the build info copied from that 2011 thread:

top: Schedua
accent: none
body: Mahogany
back: Schedua
neck: 5-piece Maple and Purpleheart
peghead veneers: Dao and Zebrawood
scale length: 34 long
fingerboard: Ebony
inlays: mother of pearl
originally sold to: Rothchild (out distributor at the time)
birthday: September 8, 1977 (virgo)
 
The bass was sold the Washington Music Center in March of 1978. They sent it to us for repairs in June. The power supply had dinged up the bass because it wasn't secured in the compartment when it was shipped to us, so in addition to the high fret (3rd/4th G string), we had to do some finish repairs. Looks like we were nice and did the finish repair under warranty since they had to send it in so soon for some abnormality with the frets.


Do post some pics when you get it back.

Jimmy J

[Drummerboyle]

Here I a photo of the head stock being glued and clamped

[Drummerboyle]

Head stock glued up and strings on.
The repair shop tech said it seems to be holding up and sounds nice.
I have not personally seen the bass yet.

[JimmyJ]

The headstock repair looks great.  I can't tell what's going on with the pickup selector knob, unless that's just the core of the original and the pointer section has broken off (which can happen).  We may need to get you a regulation knob. 

It also looks like the bass pickup Q-boost switch has been replaced with one that has a standard toggle bat.  Need clearer pics when you get the opportunity. 

That's gonna be a nice axe.  We're happy to see you whipping it back into shape.

Jimmy J

[Drummerboyle]

Yes the selector knob is broken but still turns and the toggles don't match. It plays and that's a start. I'm also looking for a power supply if anyone has any ideas.

[dela217]

Jimmy,

The pickup selector knob you are seeing is what is under the plastic pointer if the plastic breaks away.     I had that on one of my basses for many years.    I just recently bought another knob from the Alembic Store.   But I bought the round version of the pointer knob because I got so used to the round aluminum piece.

Michael

[keith_h]

Jimmy,

The pickup selector knob you are seeing is what is under the plastic pointer if the plastic breaks away.     I had that on one of my basses for many years.    I just recently bought another knob from the Alembic Store.   But I bought the round version of the pointer knob because I got so used to the round aluminum piece.

Michael

I had my Series I built with a round knob after wounding my hand on my Brown Bass pointer knob while slapping. I know I can turn the pointer around but having the backwards pointer positions triggers my OCD.