Author Topic: Info request 1988 Elan (Read 204 times)

the_mule · « **on:** August 20, 2004, 05:51:00 AM »

88 H 4912 USA

According to 'American basses' the first Elan (the spark that set the flame) was made for a Japanese client named 'Hojin' who wanted a Jazz bass style Alembic, and that was in 1988, right?

Am I wrong or is this fine specimen actually one of the first Elans ever made? If not, just how many were made before this one?

Thanx and kind regards,
Wilfred

(Message edited by the_mule on August 20, 2004)

the_mule · « **Reply #1 on:** August 22, 2004, 05:55:50 AM »

Hmm, something went wrong...

(Message edited by the_mule on August 22, 2004)

the_mule · « **Reply #2 on:** August 22, 2004, 06:27:56 AM »

Here's a picture of her, just take a look at that beautiful burl (maple?) top!

Wilfred

the_mule · « **Reply #3 on:** August 24, 2004, 08:29:39 AM »

Mica, any info from the 'A-files' on 88 H 4912 USA ??

Thanks,
Wilfred

mica · « **Reply #4 on:** August 25, 2004, 05:51:44 PM »

Here's what the file says:

top: Burl Walnut
body: Maple
neck: Maple 32 scale
fingerboard: ebony with pearloid oval inlays
pickups: PJ
controls: volume, volume, filter

At first we used H to denote the Hojin body shape. The work order doesn't even have it as an option, it's handwritten HOJUN BOD but the original wood card would have called it Elan already.

I don't know exactly when the first one was made (records aren't kept in a way that makes that an easy question to answer), but I'm sure this is an early example - it doesn't even have Elan electronics, these are AE-1, also known as Persuader.

Many of these early Elans had these wonderful 2-tone Walnut Burl tops, and most of those went to Italy. We've never found such a color zoned Walnut again, but when I finf some, I will certainly snatch it up.

the_mule · « **Reply #5 on:** August 25, 2004, 11:14:09 PM »

Mica, very interesting information about this one! Quite a few surprises there: Burl walnut, 32 (although I already had a 'feeling' it was medium scale, plays very comfortable) and the Persuader electronics. It's definitely an early one, that's also nice to know.

Many thanks for your effort, I really appreciate this. I guess the early files weren't as detailed as the later, for instance the B-day wasn't filed. But with the available info I'll make an entry in the Showcase section, and add some extra info for reference purposes.

Thanks again!
Wilfred