nice old fretless series I on revber

[sonofa_lembic]

Well, Tim did not buy it.  I did.  This was a two owner bass, and the last time it sold was in the 70's.  I suspect the power supply may be original since I saw boxes like that at John McVie's house for Christine's keyboards.  What was interesting to me about the bass was the abundance of Rick Turner's jewelry work on the hardware.  I have never seen one so elaborate, and it really stands out as a tour de force for showcasing what Rick could do with metal.  Sure, it is an old Alembic, and we all know that none of them compare to what comes out of the factory now, but I do have to say that these old basses do sound great, and one like this is a fine piece of history.  Gonna yank those fake LED's off of it, and make sure everything is as promised, but from what I can see, it looks pretty intact. 

[StephenR]

That is great news Trevor! Was really hoping this one would end up "in the family", can't think of a better third home for such a unique bass. Miss Rick and wish he was still with us...

[rv_bass]

Congrats, Trevor, love that bass!

[sonofa_lembic]

Thanks for the support.  This bass really caught my eye, and after working with McVie's #27, I realized how wonderful these early basses sound.  They seem to be voiced differently from what a Series sounds like today.  Lots of high end clarity which I am a fan of.  Maybe not ideal for fretless, but that is what the tone knob and middle position of the Q switch is for.  I use fretless bass a lot these days for recording and flamenco music gigs.  Sure, I can justify the purchase with that, but the reality is that this bass is just so over the top with personal features, great book matched woods, and a flame maple neck, that I just fell in love with it.  I also find that these early basses are fairly light weight, which for my bad back is a plus, but then again, there is a lot of cool brass on this one, so it may not be the case.  I am hoping Mica does not have any bad news about the bass as to repair history, but I can evaluate it upon arrival.  I did get photos of the headstock/neck transition, and could find no cracks or delams.  That was my main concern.  Losing one of my favorite 1961 P basses to help fund this bass, so I have my fingers crossed it is everything I expect it to be.

[sonofa_lembic]

In looking over the previous thread history of this bass, it looks like I have some of the history wrong.  I was told by the shop that they were informed that it had been in a collection and was a two owner bass since the 70's.  Obviously that was a load of hooey.  I also made the assumption that the metal work was by Rick, but apparently those castings etc were commissioned at the time of production by Jack The Jeweler.  So, it is what it is, but appears intact, and my hope is it is worth paying almost double what it sold for two decades ago.  To be continued.......

[rv_bass]

It’s a beautiful bass foe sure!  Interesting you mentioned the weight and sound.  Two basses I have from that era are very light comparatively. And I find the sound to have a openness more like a hollowbody than my other Alembic basses.  I have wondered, aside from the pickups, if the construction is different, for instance the body walls are thinner creating more cavity and less body wood influence or something along those lines.  I really love the sound of those old basses.  Congrats again and enjoy that gem! 

[sonofa_lembic]

From what I can see....The top is possibly koa, but looks a lot like walnut too.  The back is likely walnut, but I will confirm later.  Neck is quarter sawn flame maple with walnut stringers.  The core does appear to be birch.  It should make for a good sounding fretless.  I am hoping it will come with the original orange interior case, but in the photo, there is a modern Alembic case shown.  Looking forward to another weird and wonderful Alembic.  I always like the unusual.

[OJ Dorson]

From what I can see....The top is walnut.  Previous owner said koa, but it sure looks like walnut to me.  The back is likely walnut, but I will confirm later.  Neck is quarter sawn flame maple with walnut stringers.  The core does appear to be birch.  It should make for a good sounding fretless.  I am hoping it will come with the original orange interior case, but in the photo, there is a modern Alembic case shown.  Looking forward to another weird and wonderful Alembic.  I always like the unusual.

I was very sorely tempted to buy this one, too. Would you please get back to me about the Bat Bass? Maybe I can help ease the sting of this one a little bit! I’ll send my number again.

[mica]

Yes - Koa top and Walnut back. Birch core. Neck is indeed Maple and Walnut, Trevor. Ebony fretless fingerboard of course. Finished 11-15-74, but warranty repair done 1-27-75 (no note of what was repaired). I met this bass a couple decades ago, and I think the fancy metalwork was done after the fact by a skilled jeweller.

I've been contacted by a bunch of people about this bass, and I have the impression it will find a new owner very soon.

[rv_bass]

I think you are going to like the combination of koa, birch, maple, and walnut

[jazzyvee]

Just checked, and no longer available. Anyone here grab it? 🤔🤨

[BeenDown139]

a little late to the party as usual.  was out getting stoned in the hot tub looking at the moon and stars and yadda yadda yadda...

Well, Tim did not buy it.  I did.

i was jsut about to pull teh trigger on this one, thanks for saving me from another comitting another expensive 4-string debacle. although each one of those turned into something way cool eventually.  but i digress.

  i think this bass went to a much better home than i could provide for it. glad it went to an actual player and not into a collection or to flipsville.

sigh.... the search continues.  must. not. get. led. astray!

<edit>  almost forgot my manners.  congratualtions, sir on the purchase of that fine instrument!  may she sing sweetly for you!  and hopefully a big audience as well!

cheers!
t

[dela217]

Ah, Koa!    Many years ago I had a bass with that same wood on top.   I never really knew what it was.   It was from the same era, so perhaps a consecutive slice of wood.    It was pretty ornate too.    It also had the tan pickups, but had little brass decorative pieces on either side of the pickups.   Not rings, but on the screw edges of the pickups.   If I remember right, that one was 75-229.   I don't have any pictures, so I guess it did not happen.


Michael

[rv_bass]

Interesting to see the bone nut.  I have one made around the same time that also has a bone nut and I have wondered about that.  This makes me think the one on my bass is likely original.

[edwardofhuncote]

My fretless Distillate had one too. I'm thinking one of Jimmy J's fretless basses has a bone (or Micarta?) nut. I've seen at least one fretless Series II with an ebony nut.