Series I Bass 75174

[rv_bass]

Here are some photos of a 1975 Series I bass that I recently purchased. The pickup selector knob has been replaced with a three position toggle switch.  The bass is in fine shape.  

 

 

 

 

[JimmyJ]

Wow congratulations!  That's a great looking bass with some gorgeous inlays.  Wonder what's up with the 2nd XLR connector?  And are those thumb rests near the bridge pickup?  Just a guess.
Tell us more!
Jimmy J

[StephenR]

The bass used to belong to Andy West. The second XLR connector and round dots were for a synth pickup.  
 
Rob posted a Serial Number/History request earlier. My response included a link to another forum thread about this bass which has a link to Andy's description of the bass. I should have posted it here, too, so...
 
 
http://club.alembic.com/Images/395/138983.html?1347292437
 
I am sure others here will be able to fill in more details.

[smokin_dave]

Yes.Congrats.Such a fine specimen.Beautiful and quite a history.When I was in high school I never knew that this was the bass I was listening to.
 
The great Andy West from the Dixie Dregs.
 
 http://www.andywest.com/alembic.html

[sonicus]

Congratulations !

[rv_bass]

Thanks everyone!  

[pierreyves]

roooooooooooo.... had luck I was not so fast as usual..... ;-)

[rv_bass]

The links provided by stephenr and smokin_dave mention damage to the neck when Andy West owned the bass.  Looking at black and white photos of Andy West playing the bass, the neck looks to be constructed of maple, two purple heart, and possibly ebony in the center.  The neck now looks like maple with two purple heart.  So, it appears as though the entire neck through was replaced during the repair.

[edwardofhuncote]

Very Nice!! Love these classics.

[funkyjazzjunky]

Is that a Bocate top and back?  
 
Love the Tree of Life inlay on the fretboard
 
VMG

[rv_bass]

Not sure, kind of looks like Bocate.  Others have suggested it's Zebra Wood.  I think the core is either Mahogany or Vermillion.

[rv_bass]

Recently, Mica and the talented and creative folks at Alembic did a fantastic job (as usual) restoring and upgrading 75-174 with RMC pickups.  Now each string has its own piezo saddle pickup.  Many thanks to Mica and everyone who worked on this, it really came out great!
-Rob

[jwright9]

That is awesome! What synth are you using with it?

[rv_bass]

I haven’t decided on a synth yet, still researching options, so I am open to suggestions. Thanks!

[edwardofhuncote]

That's fantastic Rob. 

If I ever have anything done to "Chain-Links", that'll be it. There was a time in the planning stages when I'd thought of piezoelectric bridge saddles as something to ask for, and just didn't follow through on. Great to know it's a possibility now.