Restoring Robert's Hyak

[dela217]

I can't wait to see it all finished and buffed. I hope you will be able to post more pictures of this bass.
 
Michael
 

[rracer]

Hello new to the board and a Hyak guitar owner and I could not belive it when I ran a search for Hyak guitars and found this site. Very nice job on the the Hyak restoration and I will follow this thread closely as my guitar has the same finish problem here is my first posting with a picture of mine.

[rracer]

More pictures.

 

 

[hollis]

Very cool guitar..... And welcome to the club!

[dela217]

A friend of mine has a Hyak bass with that body style.  There were only 2 body styles offered.  One with the scroll and one without.  I have been looking for a bass with that body style for over 20 years!  I would LOVE to find a Hyak with that body style and medium scale.  I guess I am dreaming.
 
When Hyak was making instruments the scroll option was an additional $15.00!!
 

[bassilator]

Thanks Mica for the update.  Very exciting to hear the progress.
 
Wow!  It has been years since I've seen a Hyak Guitar and that one looks gorgeous.  I must say I was expecting a new picture of my bass and about had a heart attack when I saw the different colored woods.  Couldn't imagine how they got my red/purple bass to look brown!
 
Take care!
 

[rracer]

Hello Rick here again, sorry for the shock bassilator, what can you guys tell me about the history of Hyak? My friend and luthier Mike Lull thinks I may have a prototype serial number 78101 which we think means 1978 1 of 1. I bought the guitar in 1984 at the now defunct Seattle Music and have played and kept it in good coondition. I have the schematic for the power supply but would like to find an original box  or at least a picture of one so I can construct one that is similar. I would really like to have an original supply though any history on the company would be appreciated.

[bassilator]

Hey Rick,
 
I know tons about Hyak and will take the info offline, since I don't feel it appropriate to dominate Alembic's website with the info.
 
R

[rylynn]

Hey guys,
I'm new to the forum because I'm researching a Hyak bass, what I thought was an Alembic, for a customer of mine. I am a luthier in Portland, OR. I just talked to Rick Turner, one of the founders of Alembic and he was able to get me half way through my inquery. He told me that Brian Smith, maker of Hyaks, apprenticed with him in the early 70's, went on to work for him at Alembic until 1974 and started Hyak. Brian stopped making instruments after making only a few dozen due to a wood allergy. He has since passed on. There is a number, 27, stamped on the inside of the control cavity cover. I assume this is the serial numer. This instrument is in pristine condition and plays great accept for the finish checking all over the instrument. If anyone has anymore info about this instrument, please contact me at rylynn@hotmail.com, or at Trade Up Music, (503)236-8800, M-F 11am-7pm pst. Thanks

[David Houck]

Hi Ryan; in the upper right corner of this page, click on Search.  Enter Hyak in the form and you'll get all the discussions we've had about Hyaks; including lots of nice photos.

[mica]

Got a question about Alembic? Ask us - we answer questions all the time.  
 
Last I checked Brian was still with us, we exchanged emails just about a month ago. I'll email him and find out if he's got records and confirm if the serial number is stamped in the control cavity. Maybe you could post soome pictures in a new thread on the Misc section - I'm sure you have whetted the pictoral appetite of the Club members.  
 
To find the history of Alembic, please check the history published on the website.
 
Dela217 and bassilator are the resident Hyak experts, I'm sure you'll find a wealth of information if you ask them.

[rylynn]

Thanks to Mica for setting the record straight. Apparently Brian is alive and well and living in the Northwest. I have one more question, but not about the Hyak. One of my coworkers has an instrument similar to an Alembic that says, SCMW B-01, Sonoma Co. Music Works-Maybe? If anyone has any info that would much appreciated. Thanks, Ryan

[nikogreeen]

My name is Niko and I have recently found out that my bass is a Hyak. A friend has led me to this site in the hope for some info, and disscussion. I have pic's and numbers and would appreciate any reply's. Thanks

[nikogreeen]

Mica, would you please write me as I too am interested in how much it would be to refinish my bass?Thanks everyone for the great info and sharing of these wonderful instraments.

[mica]

Almost there! Stay on target!  

 Got most of it reassembled, and dad got the minor electronics repair completed, so that should drop in this afternoon.  

 Back is pretty like front!  

 Lacewood figure really pops out well.  

 Look at that brass shine.