Author Topic: (x)76 069 Yet again (Read 1072 times)

georgie_boy · « **on:** December 08, 2008, 06:04:27 AM »

Hi Mica/Mary,
Hope all is well at the Mothership
I'm just trying to find out the history of my baby.
I have the wood card etc, that tells me it was finished on 31st March 1976 Serial no. AE 76--069
But was wondering where the factory was then, and who would have participated in the build??

Apparently it was sold to a company called Ronco or Renco
Can you help?

I'm so desparate to trace the history of this bass and find out where she has been.

I'd also like to make sure that she is registered to ME.here in Scotland just in case she is stolen!

I've tried the same request 2 or 3 times, but never got a reply

george

See my profile for details

Thanks Mica

George

JimmyJ · « **Reply #1 on:** December 08, 2008, 03:37:51 PM »

Hey George,

That is one fine looking specimen you have there, a vintage machine in great condition!

Be patient on your quest for it's pedigree, Alembic HQ is often a tornado of activity and I know the instrument files from that era were sometimes hand written cards. So, hang on.

To help you piece it together, read up on the main site here:
http://www.alembic.com/hp.html
Alembic's History >> the long story describes the state of the factory at the time your bass was born.

I once owned 76-418 but I can never remember if the numbering restarts every year...

Best of luck! Enjoy that fine instrument!
Jimmy J

dannobasso · « **Reply #2 on:** December 08, 2008, 05:20:15 PM »

Now thats a full on response from one of the tastiest Alembicians ever to play a 5'er! If that doesn't hold you over til' the mothership responds, I don't know what will. ... Metal Fatigue!......(amazing album Jimmy, amazing)

mica · « **Reply #3 on:** December 08, 2008, 05:31:43 PM »

The builder's names were not recorded in 1976, and the employment records are not easily researched from that long ago. The wood card that you have will probably have more details than I have on the 3x5 index card.

HOWEVER

I don't see the index card or file for your bass. So it's either 1) lost, 2)pulled awaiting to reply to a previous request 3) misfiled.

I would appreciate if you could mail me a copy or photograph of the wood card, along with your current contact details, and I'll make a replacement file with this information. If the original card/file turns up, we'll combine the information.

Thanks for the help, Jimmy! He knows first hand as we recently dug through some really packed files together. BTW, the numbering isn't reset, but there were a few ideas early on with several tracks of numbers (A, AE, AC and no letter were all made at the same time). Later, these tracks were all fused into the main sequence of numbers.

mica · « **Reply #4 on:** December 08, 2008, 05:37:52 PM »

I think your card must be misfiled. I found a previous request of yours answered here. Let me know if the details match what you show on your wood card.

georgie_boy · « **Reply #5 on:** December 09, 2008, 04:35:45 AM »

Thanks Mica
Yes the details are a perfect match!!
I'll send you the build card and my personal details to your e Mail address
Please let me know that you received them.

Thankyou again

george

georgie_boy · « **Reply #6 on:** December 09, 2008, 04:48:36 AM »

Thanks Danno
Yep you can't get better than to go online and get a Master talk about your bass!!

George

georgie_boy · « **Reply #7 on:** December 09, 2008, 04:54:58 AM »

Jimmy!!

Thank you so much for your kind words!!....and having the time to speak to an unknown like me!!

It gave me such a thrill to read that a Master such as yourself took the time to read my post, and actually commented on my bass, and helped me out!!

I believe that I have the only Series 1 in Scotland, so it's quite good knowing that these beasts are here!

Thankyou for the thread that leads me to the history of Alembic from 1976....if you know of any of the workers there, then please feel free to tell me.

Thanks for making my day Jimmy!!........and for being here for other Alembic owners.

George

georgie_boy · « **Reply #8 on:** December 09, 2008, 04:56:27 AM »

Just meant to say Jimmy.....
All I need to do now, is....learn to play her like you!!!!

JimmyJ · « **Reply #9 on:** December 09, 2008, 10:36:15 AM »

Hey Danno, George & Mica, thanks for the kind words...

There you go George, Mica uncovered some good details for you! Keep in mind that she was 6 years old when your bass was built and may not remember exact details. Ha!

Alembic owner-operators are a pretty unique club so it's nice to have this place to talk shop and discuss our favorite tools. What the heck did we do before the net??

best to all,
Jimmy J

georgie_boy · « **Reply #10 on:** December 10, 2008, 02:38:26 AM »

Would I be correct in thinking that 4 of the builders in question would have been:
Ron Wickersham
Rick Turner
Bruce Becvar
Doug Irwin

Hope so!

Now to find out the address of the factory in1976

George

mica · « **Reply #11 on:** December 10, 2008, 10:45:02 AM »

Doug left before 1976. Rick was still here in 1976. I'm not sure when Bruce left.

The factory was located in Cotati.

JimmyJ · « **Reply #12 on:** December 10, 2008, 11:11:49 AM »

Compelled to look through my Alembic files... I found a packing slip dated 5 Jan, 1976 for an input module (serial #21). The address stamped on the form is Cooper Road in Sebastopol, CA 95472. I believe this was the Wickersham's home at that time and the barn served as Alembic's central office and handmade pickup and electronics assembly plant. That's where the insides of your bass were soldered together.

I also found a scribbled note with directions to Rick Turner's place off of Old Redwood Highway between Petaluma and Rohnert Park. It reads 1/2 mile on right, old chicken ranch, pukey yellow. I believe this was where the woodworking and maybe final assembly was done on your instrument.

I wish my memory was better but certainly Ron and Rick were builders. I may remember a Bruce too, and maybe Sam Fields at that time? Mica would need to confirm who was there...

OK, now you know the history, it's time to PLAY that thing! HA!

All the best,
Jimmy J

JimmyJ · « **Reply #13 on:** December 10, 2008, 11:13:53 AM »

Oops, simultaneous posts! I'd go with what she said!
Jimmy J

white_cloud · « **Reply #14 on:** December 10, 2008, 11:24:51 AM »

Congrats George on communicating with one of my favourite bassists - the ever reliable and tasteful Jimmy Johnson!

I can verify two things right here and now;

Firstly as a personal friend of George I can honestly say he is one of the most generous and decent human beings I know...I wont go into detail but you know what I am talking about George, god bless you!

Secondly George probably owns the best sounding bass in Scotland...simple as that, amen hombres!

John.

Author Topic: (x)76 069 Yet again (Read 1072 times)

white_cloud