Author Topic: (x) Serial No. 012879 02 12879 usa (Read 1323 times)

jix · « **on:** July 01, 2009, 10:15:15 AM »

Hi Mica.

I'm looking at purchasing this bass second hand - it is being advertised as a Mark King Sig. Delux, and the electronics appear to be Series 1. Just keen to know that it is everything it claims to be.

Serial No. is 012879 usa

Very many thanks
James

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** July 01, 2009, 11:22:59 AM »

James; the serial number doesn't make sense. Please check it again.

jix · « **Reply #2 on:** July 01, 2009, 11:57:29 AM »

Thanks very much for coming back to me so quickly on that, Dave.

I thought it didn't look correct as both the Persuader and SC Sig. that I currently own both have a mix of letters and numbers to show the type of bass. I've asked the seller to confirm and will let you know as soon as I hear back from them.

Many thanks
James

David Houck · « **Reply #3 on:** July 01, 2009, 12:21:24 PM »

James; if it's a Series I, then there will not be any letters, but the number above still doesn't make sense.

For instance, the first two numbers of any serial number are the year the instrument was made. In this case, if the first two numbers are 01 then the bass was made in 2001.

If it's a non-Series bass (generally), next will be one or two letters denoting the model. No letters means a Series I or II.

The remaining numbers are (generally) in chronological order for all instruments; ie the first Alembic made was 01, and an instrument made in 2008 might be 13xxx; in other words, serial number 13000 would have been (roughly) the 13,000th Alembic made. A 2001 instrument would have a 5 digit chronological number in the 12000's. So perhaps your number is 0112879.

(Note, there are a few exceptions to these general rules.)

jix · « **Reply #4 on:** July 02, 2009, 08:28:17 AM »

Hi Dave. The seller has come back and advised that the complete number is - 0212879 usa (so I'm guessing that means it's built in 2002? I've put a couple of photos below - are you able to tell if the bass in the photos matches the description for the bass with that serial number? Thanks ever so much for the help. James

olieoliver · « **Reply #5 on:** July 02, 2009, 08:31:33 AM »

Looks like a Series II to me not a Series I. Great looking bass that maple top is awesome.

OO

sonicus · « **Reply #6 on:** July 02, 2009, 08:48:32 AM »

The book matched quilted maple is stunning!

(Message edited by sonicus on July 02, 2009)

David Houck · « **Reply #7 on:** July 02, 2009, 08:59:10 AM »

Olie, I'm thinking it's a Series I with a master volume control. However, it could be a Series II with the modification of Q switches instead of CVQs. And yes, very nice Quilted Maple top and back!

And yes James, the year is 2002. Serial number lookups can take a while, so I'll make a few guesses for you. In addition to the 5A Quilted Maple top and back body laminates, this bass has Quilted maple top and back headstock lams as well. The electronics are Series I with the addition of a master volume control. The neck is Maple and Purpleheart, the fretboard is Ebony, and the oval inlays appear to be Mother of Pearl. The bass has a continuous wood truss rod cover, and continuous wood cavity covers. The hardware appears to be brass. What very little I can make out of the body core suggests it may be Mahogany. The complete serial number confirms that it's a Series bass and not a Mark King model. The tailpiece appears to be positioned a little further away from the bridge than normal. Beautiful bass!

olieoliver · « **Reply #8 on:** July 02, 2009, 09:11:53 AM »

OOPs you are correct Dave, I didn't even notice the switchs instead of knobs, Series I w master volume does look correct.

chalie_holmes · « **Reply #9 on:** July 02, 2009, 10:54:39 AM »

That is a gem of bass there!
Good catch!!!
Kudos!
Chalie Holmes

artswork99 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 02, 2009, 01:41:57 PM »

Are you sure that is a 5 pin XLR plug. I remember a bass that was prepared for the series upgrade from over a year ago. I've enlarged the picture and it is questionable.

I believe that this bass is prepped for Series II electronics shown in the thread below but is as advertised an MK Sig Dlx. Please be aware! All controls, continuous wood back plates and wood truss cover all match up with pictures in the thread shown.

http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/2140.html?1117209090

(Message edited by artswork99 on July 02, 2009)

jix · « **Reply #11 on:** July 02, 2009, 03:06:35 PM »

Thanks very much for all the information, everyone - I really appreciate it.

Artswork99 - sorry for sounding a bit ignorant, but would I be right then in saying that, if this were the same bass, the electronics are normal Signature and the extra collet knob and XLR socket are not actually connected to anything? The bass is in a different country to the one I live in so it's rather hard for me to examine it in person (not ideal I know).

Thanks very much for the help
James

jix · « **Reply #12 on:** July 02, 2009, 03:09:35 PM »

P.s. Looking closely I can see what you mean - it doesn't look like an XLR socket but looks like there is a switch on the brass plate instead.

artswork99 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 02, 2009, 03:31:38 PM »

I don't know what the switch is for but the extra collet knob is most likely a master volume potentiometer as Dave suggested. I remember this bass from eBay when I was in the process of looking.

Best,
Art

jix · « **Reply #14 on:** July 02, 2009, 04:56:53 PM »

Thanks, Art.

So - the other knobs would actually do something then?

Any idea what it would cost to upgrade the electronics from this state to Series 1 or 2?

Thanks again
James