Reverb Sighting: 78 SII SS

[YamatoJJ]

Thoughts?

https://reverb.com/item/52343350-alembic-series-ii-1978-bubinga?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=52343350

Looks nice and seems at least the pickups swapped…seems HEA-VY! Lol

[jazzyvee]

The neck pickup are also technically installed incorrectly, however if the owner really wanted them that low down then it is correct.
Hopefully the new pickups are an indication that the noise upgrade has been done.
It is a lovely bass,  but optimistically priced and  I hope there is some flexibility to make it someone's dream bass.

[YamatoJJ]

And I am glaring at it as often as!

Wish I could hear it on the LowEnd website!

[keith_h]

According to the website the electronics were upgraded by Alembic which means it should be less susceptible to electronic interference. The plastic pointer piece of the pickup selector knob is missing leaving only the insert. This can easily be replaced with the part available in the Alembic Store. All in all the bass looks to be in good condition for its age.

[dela217]

Good looking bass.    But that strap button bothers me.    It looks like it pulled out of the original position and then replaced next to it.     And the extra one is pretty much useless.

[Russ]

I'll just say this shop isn't the best when it comes to not being happy with your purchase.

He pushed me to purchase a bass from his website to avoid Reverb and then I paid with Paypal and when I requested a return he acted like I didn't understand bass guitars (I was unhappy with the DS-5 that was provided, since it was hosed and made a high pitched sound when you used it), instead of trying to replace the DS-5 he was like you don't really need it and didn't offer me anything in return for the defective device. He did give me my money back, but he got really upset when you tried to notify Paypal that you were requesting a refund.

I gave Low-end a very low end score on the whole customer satisfaction rating...

YMMV

[YamatoJJ]

Thanks for the input, everyone.

Keith, that was the main thing I wanted to figure out: the electronics being replaced. I hadn’t read the explanation, only looked at the pickups and hoped all the electronics had been replaced: a big savings then, based on what I’ve read here on the site!

dela, the strap button….see, this is why I rely on all of you to tell me what you think, because it reinforces the “can’t buy without playing” adage, huh.

Russ, thanks for the info: used Alembics cost way too much and the condition is questionable when they pop up here in Japan, so I wanted to know what the verdict was on this one.

[YamatoJJ]

Thanks for the input, everyone.



Russ, thanks for the info: used Alembics cost way too much and the condition is questionable when they pop up here in Japan, so I wanted to know what the verdict was on this one.

By this I mean many that are some used here cost a fortune and are in questionable shape: time was they used to look like new.

[jon_jackson]

The electronics cover doesn't appear right to me. With these photographs, it could be just an illusion similar to the picture of the front body, but it doesn't seem to be the typical brass plate. The screw holes all seem to have a small "crater" around them, as if it was some soft material which bulged when the screws were tightened. I'd also have to see the electronics cavity and underside of cover to check the circuit card before going further, especially given the "as described and photographed" disclaimer by the shop and the experience of Russ...

[adriaan]

The electronics cover doesn't appear right to me. With these photographs, it could be just an illusion similar to the picture of the front body, but it doesn't seem to be the typical brass plate. The screw holes all seem to have a small "crater" around them, as if it was some soft material which bulged when the screws were tightened. I'd also have to see the electronics cavity and underside of cover to check the circuit card before going further, especially given the "as described and photographed" disclaimer by the shop and the experience of Russ...

Looks like protective paper?

[keith_h]

The electronics cover doesn't appear right to me. With these photographs, it could be just an illusion similar to the picture of the front body, but it doesn't seem to be the typical brass plate. The screw holes all seem to have a small "crater" around them, as if it was some soft material which bulged when the screws were tightened. I'd also have to see the electronics cavity and underside of cover to check the circuit card before going further, especially given the "as described and photographed" disclaimer by the shop and the experience of Russ...

Looks like protective paper?

That's what it looks lie to me too. It would not be an uncommon practice to keep it on while machining the plate.

[hammer]

While I'd agree that the condition of the bass looks okay "in relation to its age" that asking price is far too steep as far as I am concerned.


 

[edwardofhuncote]

Another vote for that being the waxy protective backing paper on the backplate. That stuff is a major PITB to get off if it's been on there long. Perhaps the backplate was replaced along with the electronics work? Given the well-played condition of the rest of the bass, one would expect the backplate to match it.

I think there may be a small headstock repair too... looks well-done.

[pauldo]

Another vote for that being the waxy protective backing paper on the backplate. That stuff is a major PITB to get off if it's been on there long. Perhaps the backplate was replaced along with the electronics work? Given the well-played condition of the rest of the bass, one would expect the backplate to match it.

I think there may be a small headstock repair too... looks well-done.

I agree with your assessment of the brass back plate.  Something about the ‘ridden hard, put away wet’ look of that is appealing. 

Paul

[YamatoJJ]

Hello, All:

Yes, I’m inclined to think this is the protective film as well: not a dealbreaker in my eyes at all.

My concerns would be the DS-5 power supply and cable, given Russ’ experience, and the neck and strap pins being stable. I will ask the shop owner about all of this.

There was another Series SS in Jazzyvee’s neck of the woods that had a strap pin placed on the horn that I was interested in too…but it got snapped up.

I am mainly excited about it having updated electronics: I only see that as a huge bargain, as long as the power supply’s OK….