Prod numbers on Elan Six string?

[gtrguy]

Hi, I just bought an 1990 Elan Six String s/n 90H6057. I have the build sheet and it is pretty much a regular bass (if any Alembic could be termed regular) except it is a six string. Can anyone tell me how many were made as six string models? Also, does anyone know the weight of it?
It's a great instrument!
 
Thanks,
Dave

[David Houck]

Hi Dave; welcome to the group.
 
I don't believe Alembic's records are such that they can readily determine how many six string Elans were made.
 
As for the weight, I believe Alembic does not keep a record of the weight; but the easiest and quickest way to determine the weight is to stand on a bathroom scale with the bass in your hands, then stand on the scale without the bass, then take the difference between the two weights.
 
Do you have any pictures of your Elan?
 
Dave

[gtrguy]

Hi,  
I'll try adding the photo again.
 
Bye,
Dave

[poor_nigel]

Hi Dave and welcome.  Nice bass!  It doesn't look 'regular' to me.  You should put it in the Showcase Elan section.  Elan's always seem to fill that deep seated Fender need in me.  I should find another.  I really like yours!  Not to steal Paul TBO's thunder, but - More pictures!!!  Have fun and take care.

[gtrguy]

Thanks for the compliment!
 
You know, with all the Fenders I have played or own, I don't really think of it as 'Fender like'. A Fender does what it does and usually does it well, but this bass is from a whole 'nother planet. But, looking at the photos, I see a Fender outline in there.  
 
Also, as a professional photographer, I notice the quality of photos on this site is very high.  
 
Bye,
Dave

[poor_nigel]

I meant the shape.  Check out the Alembic Jazz basses half way down this thread.
 
http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/7704.html
 
One of these would thoroughly take care of both my Fender and Alembic needs at the same time.  Actually, I prefer the shape of Elan's.  I consider them a refined Fender shape.  I believe they came up with the Elan shape to satisfy a particular customer's fancy for the Fender shape.  However, as usual, I could be wrong.
 
Eeyore on bass - Thanks for noticing me . . .

[David Houck]

Nice top wood!  I like the way the grain is angled.

[popboy]

Me too, the top is superb, i'm waiting the next pictures on the showcase.

[bassman10096]

I never would have associated the Elan silouette with a J bass, but I can see the comparison here.  I looked at several Elans and noticed that the 4 strings look less like the J than multistrings do.  I think that has to do with the neck width in comparison to the size of the wings.
 
I think your top wood is really exceptional. If it is flame walnut, I've never seen a piece with so much cross-graining.  The way the crossed grain tweeks each of the flames is very unusual and usually seems to occur only in a spot or two on a really nice top - not all over, like yours.  Congratulations, Dave - great looking bass and welcome to the club.
Bill

[dean_m]

Hey Dave,
 
Great looking Elan you've got there!!!!  I bought my Elan 5 back in 91 and it's still my number one bass.
I think the reference between the Elan and a Fender J is the offset body or what others call an asymetrical body.  I bought my Elan for that reason; it was something I was familiar with.  I went with a custom Orion fretless for the same reason.
Just my two cents though.
 
Peace,
Dino

[mica]

The original Elan was made for a customer in Japan that wanted a Jazz feeling bass, but with Alembic styling. There are no distinctions in our recordkeeping for production numbers of models or variations. The next one gets the next number, it's that simple.  
 
Really nice looking Flame Walnut top.

[rklisme]

Hey Dave
 
Beautiful bass, I am not sure I have seen one like it before. Welcome to the club!
 
Rory