Author Topic: 1986 ser#86E4159 (Read 956 times)

fishmanpa · « **on:** January 31, 2013, 04:18:49 AM »

I didn't recall the model name but it has to be an Electrum ser#86E4159. I'm the original owner. Purchase at Zapf's in Philly in 86-87.

fishmanpa · « **Reply #1 on:** January 31, 2013, 04:19:57 AM »

fishmanpa · « **Reply #2 on:** January 31, 2013, 04:21:21 AM »

fishmanpa · « **Reply #3 on:** January 31, 2013, 04:22:30 AM »

tmoney61092 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 31, 2013, 06:51:21 AM »

That's actually one of the California Specials. Very gorgeous guitar! Don't see these very often

~Taylor

fishmanpa · « **Reply #5 on:** January 31, 2013, 07:49:10 AM »

Really?... cool! I'm waiting to hear what Mica has to say on it. I've not seen another like it.

JuancarlinBass · « **Reply #6 on:** January 31, 2013, 08:19:08 AM »

It's one of the guitars I dream about, a California Special.

Does it make a California Special Dreaming?

fishmanpa · « **Reply #7 on:** January 31, 2013, 08:21:00 AM »

It's interesting as it doesn't have the CS in the serial#... I'd love to know what she's valued at these days.

tmoney61092 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 31, 2013, 08:33:04 AM »

well let me rephrase that, it has all the makings of California Special, same body and headstock shape, Kahler tremolo, but the electronics are that of an Electrum with 3 pickups, the only difference being the Electrums have the 5-way pickup selector, as seen here http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/15011.html?1155134366, and the California Specials have 3 on/off switches instead, seen here http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/56053.html?1224687699. So it could be designated as an Electrum based off the electronics in it.

~Taylor

lbpesq · « **Reply #9 on:** January 31, 2013, 08:50:04 AM »

The body seems to me to be a little different than a California Special. The horns are a little longer and curve in a bit more than on the Cali. Also, the lower bout seems a little narrower. Electrums came in both two and three pick-up configurations. My guess is that this is a custom bodied Electrum. I'm sure Mica will soon chime in with the definitive answer. Cool guitar - enjoy!

Bill, the guitar one

fishmanpa · « **Reply #10 on:** January 31, 2013, 10:03:17 AM »

Thanks Bill,

I've not seen another one like this anywhere. With the E in the serial# I think you're onto something.

Many years ago, I called Alembic to get an idea of value for an insurance rider. I believe it was Mica who I spoke with. I told her the serial number and she paused and then said Ohhh, you have that one!

adriaan · « **Reply #11 on:** January 31, 2013, 02:46:44 PM »

If it were a bass, the body shape would be called a Vector. California Specials would appear to have skinnier horns. Nice one, whichever way you want to name it.