Wood textures

[Mlazarus]

Can anyone tell me that type of wood this series 2 is? This is one of the best-looking Alembics besides the flame Koa basses.

[adriaan]

It's zebrawood. It looks different to most zebrawood tops because of the way that the wood was sawn, this is known as "flat-sawn".

[Mlazarus]

Then i like the flat sawn method. As a matter of fact, i think my 90' Distillete was a zebra wood flat sawn. Iiss that bass.

[StephenR]

That is is pretty Series II for sure.

This Stanley Clarke bass that sold on Reverb recently has a similar look but has a Tulipwood top. I have really liked the look of the few Tulipwood instruments I have stumbled upon over the years. I remember Mica saying Tulipwood is in the Rosewood family, dense wood. For some reason I find it subtly appealing.

[rv_bass]

Stephen, I think Tulip tees are in the Magnolia family (Liriodendron tulipifera).

Mlazarus, flat sawn zebrawood is really nice, I have a Series I similar to the Series II in your photo and love it.

[Mlazarus]

I'll trade you as long as its a 32' or 34' scale series 1 with good finger space between the neck pickup and 24th frett. Lol.

[rv_bass]

Thanks, but it’s a short scale and a keeper

[Mlazarus]

ok. Send a pic.

[StephenR]

Stephen, I think Tulip tees are in the Magnolia family (Liriodendron tulipifera).

Hey Rob, I am very familiar with the Tulip trees on the East Coast, there were a lot where I grew up, huge trees and loved the flowers. The tulipwood that is used by luthiers comes from Bazil and is a different tree. If you read through the link in Joey's old post it takes you to an article about a car made of tulipwood and describes the two species. If you missed Joey's post the first time the car in the article is really amazing and worth a look.
https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=27133.msg275680#msg275680

[rv_bass]

Stephen, thanks very much for the clarification, I’ll check out Joey’s post..a car made of tulipwood, cool!

[StephenR]

I also just located Mica's post about tulipwood from 2008...

"Tulipwood is a premium wood. As a member of the Rosewood family, it sounds pretty much like Rosewood, Coco Bolo, etc. 
 
I have Tulipwood in stock that is wide enough only for an Essence bass. It's generally available in only narrow widths. I buy wide stuff when I can find it with nice figure, which is usually only ever 2-3 years. 
 
Other woods are marketed as Tulipwood that are not  Rosewood. Commercial names get confusing. There's a tree in the US called Tulip Tree and it's wood is sometimes sold as Tulipwood but it's not the wood I'm talking about."

[rv_bass]

Nice, thanks, Stephen, common names can be confusing

[fclef6]

I have a tulipwood Essence 5 that I bought from a club member awhile back and am kicking around selling it, but only to you folks. It’s has only seen 2 gigs since I’ve had it. Thinking around $4,900.