Author Topic: (?) 78-1062 (was 78-1078) (Read 2039 times)

marcusbass · « **Reply #15 on:** February 05, 2007, 11:23:59 AM »

Hmmm...thought it was a typo, but l is a long way from c on the keyboard! Musil. Sounds like a breakfast food!!! Did you mean music or...pause...is there a modernist writer of literature ( Musil) that I am blissfully unaware of? Maybe just a spelling error. Doesn't matter. Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a ttoal mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Fcuknig amzanig huh?

adriaan · « **Reply #16 on:** February 05, 2007, 01:25:44 PM »

It does make total sense, but it doesn't improve the reading experience one bit. Not that perfect spelling always makes for a pleasant read, but whatever.

You are most blisslessly unaware of Robert Musil. The title of his magnum opus is not terribly welcoming - The Man Without Qualities - but it is actually a profoundly funny book about some very serious issues and how badly people tend to deal with them, when blinded by ideals. Vienna, 1913 - things are about to happen, but it goes unnoticed.

It also teaches the important lesson that, before you pass through a door, you should make sure that the frame is sturdy. And pay attention to all the metaphors involving walls.

Still no news on #1078?

marcusbass · « **Reply #17 on:** February 06, 2007, 12:03:46 AM »

Thanks man. Looking for Musil now! Sounds interesting but may be hard to quickly locate in Singapore. Still eagerly awaiting a message from Mica re #1078.

marcusbass · « **Reply #18 on:** February 08, 2007, 05:32:31 PM »

Anybody home? Alembic closed for holidays?

marcusbass · « **Reply #19 on:** February 11, 2007, 08:22:51 AM »

Earth to Alembic?

keith_h · « **Reply #20 on:** February 11, 2007, 10:31:52 AM »

Marcus,
Serial number requests are done when the folks at Alembic have spare time. Given year end business such as taxes and the extra work added by the previous year end sales I expect the people are very busy at this time.

Keith

lbpesq · « **Reply #21 on:** February 11, 2007, 11:58:30 AM »

Marcus:

Based on Alembic's serial number system, #1078 would represent the 78th instrument they ever built and would further indicate that it was built in 1910! In other words, 1078 is probably not your entire serial number. The first two digits indicate the year of manufacture, the letter indicates model, (no letter means a series instrument), and the final numbers are which number instrument this is in Alembic history. For example, my Series I guitar is 76-476, meaning that it was built in 1976 and is the 476th instrument made in Alembic's history. Perhaps posting the entire serial number might help the folks at Alembic to answer your inquiry more expediantly.

Bill, tgo

muller1007 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 11, 2007, 01:58:14 PM »

I'm pretty sure it's built in 1978. I have serial# 78-1020.

So I guess the complete # should be 78-1078.

Duncan

marcusbass · « **Reply #23 on:** February 11, 2007, 07:40:43 PM »

Hi guys. Yeah I know this takes time...I'm just champing at the bit because...pause...1078 are the ONLY numbers on the headstock. There are NO other (visible anyway) numbers. Curious huh? I also suspect its birthday is in 1978 as well, but would like to be sure. Also very curious about the two extra toggles above the volume controls. Never seen these on any other Alembic.

mica · « **Reply #24 on:** February 16, 2007, 07:47:54 PM »

Hi Marcus,

I'm sorry that I haven't been able to get you this information sooner. But after 20 years, 1 month doesn't seem like too long

Believe me, I'd much rather do instrument requests than the annual taxes

Here's what I found in the file for your bass:

PSB-I Piccolo Short Scale Series I bass 78-1078

top and back: Coco Bolo
core: Mahogany
neck: Maple and Purpleheart, 30.75 short scale
fingerboard: Ebony with mother of pearl inlays
peghead veneers: Zebrawood
machine heads: Schaller
strings: Vinci (I'm sure they are long gone!)
originally made for: Rothchild Music Instruments, CA
birthday: April 27, 1978

The bass was returned to us in August of 1978 to repair a scratch on the back caused at a trade show and to file the fret ends down. Rothchild also asked us to replaced the preamp card and pickup selector switch which were damaged in shipping the bass back from the trade show.

There is no record of additional switches, or any ownership history. If you post a photo of the electronics cavity, I may be able to help you identify your mystery switches.

marcusbass · « **Reply #25 on:** February 17, 2007, 11:38:03 AM »

Hi Mica...well...the plot seriously thickens! Piccolo bass?

I don't think so. NO evidence of piccolo type strings or any bridge or nut filing to make this into a 'normal' bass, All looks to be beautifully original. Coco bolo top and back??? Negative dear! It's quilted maple! Headstock lamination??? Not what you state!!! Once again I reiterate... NO year serial number.. only 1078 stamped on right hand side of peghead. Will send pix as soon as she arrives in an attempt to clear this up. The two extra toggle switches I have never seen on any other Alembic EVER...( have searched your site relentlessy for this) but they do appear to be original, and the documentation does refer to them . Will send you details as soon as the 'wife' arrives. I Love a mystery!!! Also..I found this bass in Perth, Australiia years before this music show that you refer to... so how??? It is definately an original Alembic...the quality of workmanship and the sound are unmistakeable!!! Also, both your Dads and Rick Turners signatures are on the documentation!!! Curious yes???!!!

marcusbass · « **Reply #26 on:** February 17, 2007, 11:49:43 AM »

Also,,apologies...in sympathy..yes tax and all the associated paperwork sucks...but in Singapore 5%!!!!! Cool huh! Additionally, seeing as how this post has taken such a literary bent, any offerings???

marcusbass · « **Reply #27 on:** February 17, 2007, 11:56:16 AM »

In addition...one of my favourite quotes from Hunter S. Thompson... The music industry is a cruel and shallow money trench. A long and plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side!

mica · « **Reply #28 on:** February 17, 2007, 12:59:55 PM »

I'll be looking forward to seeing your documentation, since our documentation usually contains the information you originally requested.

Please do take a nice, clear close-up of the serial number. Also, take notes of the handwritten numbers on the preamp card and on one of the pots. These may be able to be used to cross reference to the serial number.

There are sometimes duplicate numbers. Your additional information will help clear up the mystery.

dela217 · « **Reply #29 on:** February 17, 2007, 04:22:40 PM »

I wonder if the switches are mellow switches that were installed on a bass instead of a guitar.