BeenDown's Retirement Series II

[BeenDown139]

MODS - if this is in the wrong section, please feel free to move it.


Due to a number of recent events, it looks like I’ve self-ejected from the workforce after 50 years of toil and tears. Since my last employer didn’t want to spring for a gold watch and engraved nameplate in the employee retirement hall of fame for me, I had to take matters into my own hands. A little serendipity brought this lovely instrument into my possession – a 1980 5-string Series II with an interesting history that’s on this board somewheres if you wanna look it up.  Here she is hanging out with her stablemates.  I’d have posted a better picture but try reducing image size in android with standard apps.  I dare ya.  This is a screenshot of a much better image.

Suffice it to say that this bass is stunning.  Very shortly after she arrived, I put a fresh set of rotosounds on her, tuned her to pitch and let ‘er rip.  She’s stereo only, which just happens to be the way my amps are set up.  I recorded this with the tablet in selfie mode propped up in a napkin holder on my music stand.

  We’re still getting used to each other, she’s acclimating to the environs at the house of BeenDown.  I forsee a summer of getting baked, laying in the sun and pounding the bejesus outta this bass.   WhooOOO000OOO00!

[cozmik_cowboy]

Welcome to retirement; my only regret about retiring is that I didn't do it 30 years sooner!

Peter

[adriaan]

This seemed like a good spot for your post.


It is a 1980 bass, but it wasn't a 5 string originally - here's poor_nigel's Showcase with the history.


Play it in good health!

[rv_bass]

Congratulations, it’s a beauty! 

[pauldo]

Love how the tail piece follows the omega cut.   Nice growl on the low notes.

[edwardofhuncote]

Congratulations & Compliments & Happy Retirement.


That bass is very, very special... it's belonged to at least  two cats with the most exquisite taste in fine bass guitars. It's also a very close relative of one of mine, (#80-1684)  which is currently on the workbench of Mr. Wickersham, awaiting a Series II upgrade.


Play it well! 

[JimmyJ]

Nice one!  Just to clarify, you're not a lefty are you?  That's just the front facing camera on your tablet deciding it should be mirror-style?  Ha!  Just checking.  I like the sound of them new rotos.

Jimmy J

[jazzyvee]

I'm another member who has become the owner of one of Poor Nigel's alembic basses. In the link from adriaan. He was true to his word and contacted me when he wanted to sell the bass and hence it's 10years since I picked it up from the alembic Santa Rosa workshop. I think he was planning to use some if not most of the money from my purchase to have some mods done to the bass you now own.

[BeenDown139]

That bass is very, very special...

indeed.  the sustain on this bass is unlike any other alembic i've owned (this is the 13th alembic to pass thru my hands over the years).  the bridge is radiused to match the fingerboard.  it's almost an unreal experience playing this bass.  the inlays are a huge distraction.  i have to consciously not look at my left hand because i may lose my place gawking at the colors.   it's sometimes hard concentrating on my playing because the sound that come out of this bass is so overwhelming.  i didn't mean be too flippant about this bass's history, but this is an instrument that needs to be played.  in front of lots of people.  preferably at high volume.  IMHO, of course, YMMV and all that rot.  once i've adjusted to this new lifestyle, i may make a go at it.  i can notice the decline in my hands over the last year or so, most of it work-related.   it's started to affect my playing which is what partially drove my decision to bail out now rather than go till i'm 70.  i didn't wanna go into old age with claws for hands and not be able to do what makes me whole.  so this bass in a lot of ways is my last hurrah.  might as well go out with a bang, eh what?

Just to clarify, you're not a lefty are you?

i cannot get my freaking tablet outta that mode.  you'd think for a guy that spent a good 30 years of his life programming computers that something like this should be like falling off a log.

[gearhed289]

Awesome bass, congrats. Looks like you may have found your soul mate!

[jazzyvee]

That bass is very, very special...
   ..........it's sometimes hard concentrating on my playing because the sound that come out of this bass is so overwhelming.  i didn't mean be too flippant about this bass's history, but this is an instrument that needs to be played.  in front of lots of people. .........

I have that problem many times, i find myself listening too intently to the tone and thanking the stars for lining up at the right time for me.

[jon_jackson]

I miss Thomas.

[goran]

Gorgeous bass!! Sound terrific!

[BeenDown139]

gonna cripple myself playing this bass.  here's the warmup exercise for the Shakira set:

[BeenDown139]

a little update on my further adventures with this fine instrument.
This first summer of retirement's been a shocking display of sloth and dissapation.  i was making a video for a project i'm working on the other night.  the take was a disaster, but the setting sun was illuminating the clouds over my lonely bass player's garrett.  i noticed as i was reviewing the video that the evening light caught the inlays perfectly.  This bass is spectacular.  it contunues to amaze me.  Gotta get this one up on a stage under the bright lights.  that way ya won't notice the old geezer playing it.