I believe the basic model those basses were started from was the Essence with a 'q' switch added. I do not know yet what, if any, extra charge there is on this body style. A 4 string Essence with a 'q' switch would start at 3875$.
I don't think this will be a new line,  so it's very likely that they will just go down in the records as 'custom' instruments, but on the other hand I doubt this will be the last time we build one of these.  
After all this is  not the first time Alembic has paid homage to another manufacturer's design, building its version of a classic, like with the Exploiter, or the Flying V; recently we made an Alembic version of a telecaster guitar; and I'm sure there are more I'm not aware of.  
 
Valentino

Val'
are there any photo's of the Alembic telecaster?
I love to see that.
 
Doug

I find the Alembic instruments that are inspired by more conventional makers kinda interesting.  For my taste though, I prefer Susan's original designs.    
 
Dave Torbert from The New Riders Of The Purple Sage had an Alembic bass that looked like it was inspired by a Les Paul.  He had a GREAT tone.  I'll bet he was using Pyramid strings.  Good stuff. Anyone have better pictures of this bass?  
 
 

 
(Message edited by dela217 on March 09, 2004)

Oh my Gawd, these are wicked cool. (HA!!  just a little Bostonian from the other thread)
 
Seriously though.  I really do love the idea and the look.  These would really work here in the NE area seeing how it's sort of a Fender type of area especially NY and Boston.
One of the reasons (among many) why I bought my Elan and Orion was that they were the closest thing to a Jazz.  As much as I do agree with Sam and Rami about letting Alembic be Alembic, I really do like these.
Val, could these be done as set-necks also?  
 
Peace,
Dino (Paul The Fake One)

Of course Dino, set neck would be no problem.
 
Doug,  I believe Mica took some pictures of that guitar, I'll ask her if she has any to post.
 
Valentino

I just bought a '78 Fender jazz bass and want to restring it with Rotosound long scale round wounds (.45, 65, 80, and 105) but the tuning post for the E string is so close to the nut that the string starts to wrap onto the post all the way past the blue buffer material to the speaking portion of the string. This only happens with the E as the post for the A, D, and G are progressively further away from the nut. Looks like if I used a medium scale string the blue buffer wouldn't even make it past the nut. Is it the worst thing if a portion of the speaking part is on the post? What scale strings are you using? medium? long?

Uh OH!!!!
 
Hey Brother Paul TBO, got any stockings left?
Now I'm in trouble.  How can I okay this with senior management?
 
Sorry kids, forget about the addition to the house, daddy's buying an new bass.  Boy am I in trouble.
 
Thanks Guys!!!!
 
Dino

OK ...I'll lend you the black ones!!!
They just came out of the washing machine.
However: having these basses with set necks COULD justify you selling the basses you have ...or selling your special Dino-autographed Warwicks LOL
 
PTBO

Michael; this may be where you found your picture, but just in case here's a link.  They are not as good as your picture, but go here:
http://www.nrpsmusic.com/gallery.html
and click on the Felt Forum link and the Thanksgiving link.
Also check out the Alembic guitar Dawson is playing in the April 14, '74 link.

Steve; I would think that as long as the thread isn't on the nut it shouldn't effect the sound produced by the string.  I believe the only function of the thread is to help keep the metal wraps from unwrapping.