I just ordered a custom bass from Alembic through Will Gunn Guitars. It's a very unique build, and will be a spot on replica of the original McVie 73-27 Short Scale Bass -except in Medium Scale. The actual paperwork for #27 was found by Alembic, luckily, and it features a unique and rare wood recipe for the neck. It is indeed a Short Scale neck. Because of the low serial number and 1972-ish body style, the original build might have started in late '72. It was finished in 1973. It's also believed that McVie might not be the first owner or that it sat in the shop for a while. It was sold in September 1974.
The wood recipe is being followed exactly:
Medium Scale Bass instead of Short Scale
Birds Eye Maple top and back
Oak core
Neck wood: Myrtle for the larger outside planks, Walnut stringers, and a Birch center.
Ebony fingerboard
Vermillion veneers
Hammered Brass front battery cover
Same #27 Symetrical body carve w/muted body point
Custom created Caramel colored AXY Fatboy pickups
East meets West electronics (vol, bass, treble, filter)
3-position Q switch
4-position lower horn pickup Series-style selector switch
Red LED's with 3 position switch
Original Raytheon knobs
5-pin XLR for powering LED's and preamp
1/4" jack for preamp only
5 knob control position layout just like #27
The bass controls, knobs, switches layout will look just like a Series 1.
I already have two Series 1 basses (a '77 and '78) and wanted this bass to be a modern sounding re-issue of #27. That's why I chose the Fatboy pickups and EMW elctronics package. Mica is custom blending the caramel-colored AXY pickup housings. I asked for a close representation of the #27 body carve. Alembic modern finish. I'm thrilled with this build, as it's my 50th anniversary bass. I've been playing bass for profit and fun for 50 years now, and can't think of a better way to celebrate this milestone.
