Author Topic: My '99 Jimmy Johnson Deluxe 5-str (Read 1962 times)

reinier · « **on:** February 27, 2006, 02:12:49 PM »

This pic is long overdue, but the recent arrival of a digital SLR finally enabled me to take some decent pics of my bass (and actually prove that it's no longer "Mik's Jimmy Johnson Deluxe" as this page still shows a few headers down from here). The only change made to its original state are the hat knobs, which I just like better than the collet style knobs. It's already well over one year ago that this beauty landed on this side of the Atlantic, but I still find myself opening its case and not being able to suppress a smile. Here's the head of the family:

and here it is with its next of kin:

joram · « **Reply #1 on:** February 28, 2006, 11:47:37 PM »

Hey, that's a Rikkers! Uut Grunn'n!

reinier · « **Reply #2 on:** March 01, 2006, 12:48:14 PM »

H? Joram,

Da's heulemoal gout! My poor man's Alembic (it's got AXY5/6 signature guts) until I decided to have Ferdinand rip the frets out.

You've got a Rikkers too?

David Houck · « **Reply #3 on:** March 01, 2006, 06:11:48 PM »

That's such a pretty bass!

the_8_string_king · « **Reply #4 on:** March 01, 2006, 07:09:15 PM »

Nice top!

keavin · « **Reply #5 on:** March 02, 2006, 03:32:03 AM »

Nice TRIO!!! are those lembics in that jazz bass?

palembic · « **Reply #6 on:** March 02, 2006, 04:00:44 AM »

BTW ...this pictures shows exactly my point when we were talking about HOW a bass balances.
The Alembic with the classic design is a TALL lady! As you can see the SCALE is identical as th eother guitars but the neck/body dimensions ratio is different. Both models will balance well but the neck position relative to your arm and body will differ. The Alembic asks for more ...huhuhuh ...more ...huh ...arm reach?

? I dunno how to say this. It will balance perfectly different.

Paul TBO

PS: love the 3 of them.

bracheen · « **Reply #7 on:** March 02, 2006, 04:55:09 AM »

I understand exactly what you mean Paul. The one thing about my Warwick that I prefer over my Alembic, and the only thing BTW, is the angled tuning keys. Reaching the D tuner on my Epic is a stretch.

Sam

joram · « **Reply #8 on:** March 02, 2006, 11:28:58 PM »

Reinier,
I have not got a Rikkers, I'm from Groningen. For me, a Rikkers at this point is out of my league. I like Ferdinand, though. He does have Alembics in his shop, too, sometimes.

reinier · « **Reply #9 on:** March 03, 2006, 01:26:57 PM »

Thx for the kind words.

Keavin: yes, the PUs + electronics in my Jazz copy are Alembic (Activators; 2x vol; 1 filter). They're my oldest Alembic experience (bought 'm back in '86) and this jazz copy is their 3rd home since. A brilliant concept, those Activators!

reinier · « **Reply #10 on:** March 24, 2006, 02:55:13 PM »

In case anyone on this side of the pond is interested: now that I have fallen deeply in love with the fretless tone of a certain Canadian luthier's work (I will not go and curse in this club) the fretless 6 string with Signature electronics is for sale for the incredible price of Euro 1250,= only (approx. US $ 1500,=; to give you some idea of value for money: including the horrific Dutch taxes and duties, ordering just the Alembic PUPs & pots would represent some 80% of that price).

It comes in a (simple) gigbag and with the luthier's lifetime warranty re. construction failure. More (detailed) pics can be arranged (as can shipping to the other side of the pond of course, but I guess that's only for dare devils who skip the try before they buy).

Take care,
Reinier

palembic · « **Reply #11 on:** March 25, 2006, 03:32:24 AM »

Oh boy ...I LOOOOOOOVE that bass!
And alas ...still no money!
So the mantra: there will always be another one ...there will always be another one ...
Oh well ...good luck with the sale!

Paul TBO

uncle · « **Reply #12 on:** August 26, 2009, 08:33:10 AM »

That's indeed a beautiful bass Reinier!
thanks for sharing the pictures!
I am also thinking of keeping my series II...
Don't think I can part with it.

Greetz,
Dirk

reinier · « **Reply #13 on:** March 05, 2016, 02:38:20 AM »

After thinking long & hard I've decided to let my Alembic go. During the 11 years I have had the privilige of looking after this beauty, the combination of my fear for incurring damage and absence of practical application for its hifi sound (I play fretless in a groove/fusion setting) has resulted in the bass lying in its case for 99% of the time.
Im looking to lever on the this side of the Atlantic shop prices, showroom condition and no lead time considerations so I guess this message is predominantly aimed at any European club members looking for a readily available 5-string Alembic in mint condition incl G&G Omega case and all original case candy (build chart, tools, strap locks, etc). Take care, Reinier.

the_mule · « **Reply #14 on:** March 05, 2016, 06:52:44 AM »

Hi Reinier, I've been interested since I first saw pictures of this bass, and although my funds are not unlimited, I might be able to stretch my wallet a bit considering my 40th birthday is approaching. Please let me know what you have in mind via the e-mail address in my profile info. Kan in het Nederlands!

Groet, Wilfred

(Message edited by the_mule on March 05, 2016)