Author Topic: (x) SN: 76-532 I am planning to buy (Read 1288 times)

new2alembic · « **on:** September 10, 2008, 09:46:22 AM »

Greetings everyone. I am eager to purchase this 6 stringer. The seller is a 75 yr old gentleman that has owned it for 20yrs. He is asking $2800US. It is a beauty. Very well kept wood. The metal is tarnished. I don't have any pics. He selling because it is too heavy for him to play. He still plays well in my opionion. He wants a Taylor T5-C1. Any input would be appreciated. Is this a SeriesI or SeriesII? How can a rookie tell the difference?

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** September 10, 2008, 12:16:01 PM »

Hi Carl, welcome to the board!

Essentially, a Series I will have 5 knobs and two switches, while a Series II will have 8 knobs and no switches.

Generally, from having observed transactions on Ebay and elsewhere, and without knowing anything about the particular guitar you are looking at, my guess is that $2,800 is a very reasonable price for a '76 Alembic in good condition, with everything in working order, and with power supply and case.

new2alembic · « **Reply #2 on:** September 10, 2008, 03:40:06 PM »

Thank you Dave.

new2alembic · « **Reply #3 on:** September 10, 2008, 04:09:10 PM »

Dave I really appreciate your input. It is definitely a Series I. Is there a real difference the sounds or quality of a SeriesI or II? Also, are there any 6 string guitar players in this family? Every post, no offense intended, seems to relate to Basses or Bass players? My good friend many years ago was an Alembic bass player. That is where I first was introduced to this great family of craftsmanship and beauty. I just ask because I would like to chat with guitarists also. Thanking you in advance, Carl.

new2alembic · « **Reply #4 on:** September 10, 2008, 04:15:58 PM »

I also noticed on the Alembic that the 5 pin cord has to be plugged in. Does the guitar always require this phantom power? How much to replace the power supply? The case is really quite shabby and beaten up. I think I will offer $2600 but if he refuses, I will pay the $2800 he is asking. I guess the Series I and II are both worth it. This is indeed a Series I based on your information Dave.

new2alembic · « **Reply #5 on:** September 10, 2008, 04:20:09 PM »

I would love to hear from other 6 stringers. Does anyone else want to share their stories, especially owners of an older Series 1?

barryr1 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 10, 2008, 11:09:19 PM »

I have 2 old series I's and they are both great instruments. Check my pics. The burl is very old 73 series 1 and the koa a 77 series I. They are definately worth the cash. If you have a power supply and cord you can play in stereo that means into two channels of a marshall or hiwatt amp for example with different channel settings. Without the power supply the battery powers the preamp in mono and still sounds great into one channel. The guitars are very touch sensative *precise)and have a lot of balls and you can really grind them. i have a number of custom guitars and these are among my favorites. Easy to overdrive into an amp without pedals and great clean sound if that is what you want.

Barry

barryr1 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 10, 2008, 11:09:22 PM »

I have 2 old series I's and they are both great instruments. Check my pics. The burl is very old 73 series 1 and the koa a 77 series I. They are definately worth the cash. If you have a power supply and cord you can play in stereo that means into two channels of a marshall or hiwatt amp for example with different channel settings. Without the power supply the battery powers the preamp in mono and still sounds great into one channel. The guitars are very touch sensative *precise)and have a lot of balls and you can really grind them. i have a number of custom guitars and these are among my favorites. Easy to overdrive into an amp without pedals and great clean sound if that is what you want.

Barry

new2alembic · « **Reply #8 on:** September 11, 2008, 06:41:21 AM »

Thank you Barry. Beautiful guitars! When I tried to play it without the five pin connector nothing happened. I thought that it provided phantom power or something.

Carl

barryr1 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 11, 2008, 07:07:25 AM »

Put a 9 volter in the battery compartment and then try it.

br

new2alembic · « **Reply #10 on:** September 11, 2008, 07:57:24 AM »

I don't own it yet. But after hearing from you and Dave. I think $2800 is still a good deal. Harold will surley bring me up to speed on all the bells and whistles. I plan on using this site a lot. I guess one day my username will have to change. From new2alembic to oldalembicguy. Well actually the old guy part is already true.

Carl

lbpesq · « **Reply #11 on:** September 11, 2008, 10:13:07 AM »

Carl:

Welcome to the club. You asked for a 6 stringer, and you got one. I have been bitten pretty seriously with AGAS (Alembic Guitar Acquisition Syndrome). I own your prospective guitar's older brother, a '76 Series I, along with a '77 Series i 12 string, a Custom Further, an employee shopnight strat, an Orion baritone I just bought, and several other guitars with Alembic electronics.

If the guitar you're looking at is in good shape, $2800 isn't unreasonable, even without a power supply, but I wouldn't go much higher. A new DS-5R rack mount power supply lists for $550 direct from Alembic, though you can likely get it for less if you order through a dealer. Your guitar originally came with a project box mounted power supply. Alembic doesn't make these anymore. They do show up very occasionally on ebay, maybe once every year or two. The 5-pin cable is $190 direct and again, probably less through a dealer. Sometimes members sell these in this forum. There are also others who can make this cable for you. Search around here and you'll find more info. I have a great purple 5-pin cable I got from Bayou Cables, mentioned on this site by another member. If your prospective guitar is wired stock, you can use it on battery power, but only the neck pick-up will work. It is an easy mod to change it so both pick-ups work in battery mode. Ask Mica at Alembic and she'll send you a schematic. If it has LEDs, they won't work in battery mode. Also, you'll go though batteries fairly quickly, so make sure you have extras and a little screwdriver in your case.

If you've never played an Alembic, especially a series instrument, you will be surprised by its clarity and punch, almost piano like. You will also find that you'll probably need to be a little more careful in your technique. Little flubs that aren't noticeable on a Fender or Gibson are very apparent on an Alembic. It seems there is a learning curve that just about everyone goes though when they get their first Alembic. It may be a little frustrating at first, but you will -out of necessity- improve your technique and become a better player.

Enjoy the ride and you may want to start saving your nickels and dimes for the custom you will invariably want once you become more familiar with things Alembic. This stuff is addictive - I warned you! lol

Bill, the guitar one

new2alembic · « **Reply #12 on:** September 11, 2008, 01:24:46 PM »

Thank you so much for the input Bill, great information. Your guitars are beautiful!!! Pardon me while I wipe the drool off of my chin. I can't wait to close on this deal. I feel like a father waiting on the birth of his child. If a used Series I creates this kind of excitement, I can't imagine the euphoria of waiting on a Custom. The Alembic community is truly close knit group of fine folks. Makes me feel like I am joining a new, inviting international family. Thank you all for kindly adopting me into your fold.

Carl

new2alembic · « **Reply #13 on:** September 11, 2008, 02:05:03 PM »

DDoes the cut in the body make any difference in value? This guitar has an Omega cut in the bottom. I will get pictures posted as soon I get it and clean it up. I would like recommendations on how to clean the wood. What strings should I use? I read the complete threads on lemon oil. The USA listed source on one of the threads is out of stock until fall 2009.

keith_h · « **Reply #14 on:** September 11, 2008, 02:48:25 PM »

You should be able to get pure lemon oil at any health food store. I buy mine at Whole Foods in the aroma therapy section. Here is a link to the finish care section of the FAQ.

Keith