(u) 76-265

[82daion]

Mica,  
I'm looking into purchasing 76-265, a longscale Series I, from its current owner, who's located at Travis AFB. This bass was back at the Mothership in 2003, and the seller informed me that you had taken particular interest in the fingerboard inlays and the condition of the bass.  
 
I'd appreciate any information you have on the bass.
 
Thanks a lot!
 
Chris

[82daion]

Bump-so that the request doesn't get lost.

[mica]

Hmmm... this seems to be misfiled, because I can't locate a file for it. I'll check the old production board to see if I can glean any details from them for you in the morning.

[dgcarbu]

Hi Mica,
I know you don't quite remember me, but I was the one who brought 76-265 in to you.  your dad was so kind as to have Chip check the electronics out for me after you photographed the oval inlays on the fretboard.  Let me know if there's anything I can provide you, even bring it back to you to validate the makeup and construction of it.  Thanks, Darrell

[mica]

I remember you, but I just can't find the file, sorry!

[rv_bass]

Hi Mica,

Just wondering if over time a record for this bass has been located.

Thanks,
Rob

[rv_bass]

I received the bass today, so I just thought I'd provide my observations:

Long scale 34"
10.4 lb
Birdseye maple front and back
Mahogany core
Newer pickups (other threads suggest they were installed around 2004)
Neck: maple and purple heart
Head stock laminates front and back (I think) are walnut
Silver bound abalone inlays
Older hand-cut silver Alembic Logo on headstock
The neck Q-toggle switch has been replaced
Newer bridge with sustain block
I think original bird tailpiece
Schaller tuners
Stereo Quarter-inch Jack
Red LED markers set on the frets (rather than in between the frets)
Strap button was installed at the neck/body joint, but has since been removed and hole repaired

The bass is in fantastic condition and sounds great!  The finish has developed a nice golden tint (with no checking) and the birdseyes are beautiful!

I will post some new pictures to the Showcase Thread

[rv_bass]

...just for clarification, I now think the head stock laminates might be rosewood...

[lembic76450]

Rob,  the headstock veneers are similar to my '76,  and I believe they are Bocate.
She is a beauty...

[rv_bass]

Kenn, thanks for the feedback I appreciate it!  I just checked out your 76 bass in the Showcase section, very nice!!

[lembic76450]

There is not a good shot of the headstock in any of those. 
I will have to post a front and back pic for you...

[mica]

The file is still missing, but I'm glad to have the pics! I agree that the peghead is faced in Bocate. Heck, this one looks like even the alternating layers in the veneer pack on the peghead may be Bocate (or Zebrawood perhaps?)

[rv_bass]

Mica, thanks for checking and for confirming the Bocate.  Those black dots in the underlying veneers do line up pretty well with the top piece. This bass has four veneers on the front of the peg head and five veneers on the back.  That is a little different than my other Alembics, which have five veneers front and back.  I'll post a photo showing that.

[rv_bass]

Photo showing four front and five back veneers...