Author Topic: Alembic Jason Newsted Model (Read 243 times)

doc · « **on:** November 27, 2012, 03:17:54 PM »

What particular model of bass is this, and what is the story around it? How much was it? Can it be found for sale anywhere or custom ordered? Tell me all you can about it because I'm in love with it.
http://painandgrief.com/aaa/fcbasssite/htmfiles/alembic/jason/i63656341742920.jpg
http://painandgrief.com/aaa/fcbasssite/htmfiles/alembic/jason/is84756341770997.jpg

FC Bass · « **Reply #1 on:** November 27, 2012, 03:23:32 PM »

I'm pretty sure the serial number is 96 JN 10288

Here's another topic about this bass: Jason Newsted Alembic

doc · « **Reply #2 on:** November 27, 2012, 04:28:49 PM »

http://painandgrief.com/aaa/fcbasssite/htmfiles/alembic/jason/is89356341764335.jpg

Just saw that thread after I posted this one. Thank you! However, if I were to fill out the Alembic custom order form based on the bass in this thread (the bass in this thread is slightly different than the ones Jason used), which specific details could you tell from the pictures? For example, from what you can tell from the pictures, what all do I put into the Custom quote form on Alembic's website? Thank you to anyone who can help.

keith_h · « **Reply #3 on:** November 27, 2012, 05:11:47 PM »

The body style in the picture looks to be a Europa body with Essence electronics. That would be a step down from the standard Europa electronics package.

In the quote generator I would start with an Essence body and add the Europa electronics. Then do the opposite and use a Europa body with Essence electronics. See which gives you the better price. Add in quilt maple top with mahogany body and you should have a reasonable idea of the starting list price.

Keith

keith_h · « **Reply #4 on:** November 27, 2012, 05:18:34 PM »

Forgot to add the only unknown is if the neck has purple heart laminates or not. The Europa will have purple heart where the Essence has a 3 piece maple neck.

Keith

tmoney61092 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 27, 2012, 05:19:00 PM »

I think these had maple bodies with a flamed maple top or that's what the ones Newsted used had, and could be either a Europa or Elan body, not sure if that will make a difference

~Taylor

FC Bass · « **Reply #6 on:** November 27, 2012, 05:28:34 PM »

This one has the walnut stripes in the neck like the Essence and indeed a Flamed maple top on Maple body (Europa body and headstock shape)

The finish is quite expensive (I think +$1000) and if you start with an Essence in the quote generator don't forget the bird tailpiece.

doc · « **Reply #7 on:** November 29, 2012, 02:58:51 PM »

Would the color really cost that much? From what I can tell it just looks like a metallic black or metallic dark charcoal. Hmmm. I'm embarrassed to say this, but despite how many basses I have, I do not know nearly enough to completely fill out a custom order form, other than from what you guys have so kindly told me. Does anyone with a little extra time want to take a stab at giving me all of the details needed to base a custom order form on the bass pictured in the first post? Also, does anyone know what the exact color is called? I can't tell if it's gray or black. Thanks!

FC Bass · « **Reply #8 on:** November 29, 2012, 03:40:30 PM »

The finish is called Almost black or Sheer black - See through black

I think solid black might be less expensive (and I'm pretty sure the basses Jason used onstage were solid black)
Jasons basses also had the back of the neck/headstock clear coated (like my custom Elan) I think the current price of the sheer black finish with clear neck is about $1500

Quote generator should look something like this:

NECK FEATURES
4 string 6400.00
Right-handed 0.00
Long scale 34 inches 0.00
Maple neck w/walnut pinstripes 0.00
Ebony fingerboard 0.00
Fretted 0.00
Comfort fingerboard taper (wide bridge) 0.00
Mother of pearl ovals 200.00
No front LEDs 0.00
Aluminum side dots 0.00
Europa inline peghead 0.00
No peghead bevel 0.00
BODY FEATURES
Flame maple top 0.00
Bookmatched top 0.00
Maple body 0.00
No back laminate 0.00
Transparent gloss color finish 500.00
Europa body shape 400.00
Tummy and elbow contour 200.00
HARDWARE FEATURES
Bronze logo and script 0.00
Bridge block 0.00
Bird tailpiece 200.00
Brass truss rod cover 0.00
Plastic backplate(s) 0.00
Polished brass hardware 0.00
Gold Alembic Gotoh machine heads 0.00
Gold strap locks 0.00
ELECTRONICS FEATURES
Essence electronics 0.00
Total Price
Essence Quotation 7900.00

+ some for the finish, minus monthly special and maybe some dealer discount.

mica · « **Reply #9 on:** November 29, 2012, 03:41:10 PM »

The color is called Almost Black and it's like a dark grey that usually has a slight blue/purple cast to it (better than the alternative green cast). From a distance, it looks pretty much black, up close, you can see the wood figuring.

The super expensive version of the finish leaves a clear back of the neck with a satin finish like we did on Jason's personal basses. You can go cheaper with an all-over tint, which saves TONS of labor, like the one in the pictures you posted.

Here's a quote that looks like it matches the pictures.

keith_h · « **Reply #10 on:** November 29, 2012, 04:07:50 PM »

One thing I would recommend that is not in the picture or the quotes is to add a Q-switch. The cost is nominal and it gives you the ability to reduce the built-in boost at the filter frequency. You can get either a 2 position which is boost or no boost or a 3 position which is off, 3db boost and 9db (?) boost.

Keith

doc · « **Reply #11 on:** November 29, 2012, 04:44:15 PM »

Wow, thanks! Especially to fc_spoiler. I don't think I'll be able to afford that much anytime soon, but I'm saving this webpage for difinite future reference. It's such a beautiful bass, especially with the gold hardware against the almost black color. It might seem like just a simple bass to anyone else, but to me it's jaw dropping! Thanks!