Alembic Club

Connecting => Swap Shop and Wish Lists => Seen on craigslist, eBay, and elsewhere => Topic started by: jazzyvee on September 04, 2026, 01:50:39 PM

Title: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: jazzyvee on September 04, 2026, 01:50:39 PM
It's in the Alembic Musical Instruments Fan Page on Facebook so you won't see it unless you are in that group. 
No connection with the seller but if anyone want's me to pass on their details to the seller just PM and I will gladly.
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: edwardofhuncote on September 04, 2026, 04:08:48 PM
Those Anniversary Models are really something. I was so close to buying #008, one of only two 5-strings known to exist, but it was long-scale. I held out for my Custom and we borrowed the Anniversary Omega body with some alterations.

That thing is beautiful. 🤩
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: garyhead on September 04, 2026, 04:15:37 PM
What are they asking for it? Location?
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: jazzyvee on September 04, 2026, 04:28:40 PM
No price yhat i could see but the seller seenscto he in the UK.
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: jazzyvee on September 04, 2026, 04:30:03 PM
Quote from: jazzyvee on September 04, 2026, 04:28:40 PMNo price that i could see but the seller seems to be in the UK.
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: edwardofhuncote on September 05, 2026, 03:47:30 AM
The other problem, were I ever to curate an Anniversary Model... I'd then have to seek out one of each; Maple/Purpleheart and Walnut/Vermillion. It would get expensive. 
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: Barend on September 05, 2026, 01:57:11 PM
Quote from: garyhead on September 04, 2026, 04:15:37 PMWhat are they asking for it? Location?

12K pounds in the UK
I contacted the seller. Nice guy! Really like the anniversary shape. Seems they all are 32" with the Omega shape? But 12K is too much for me.
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: mkazaria on September 05, 2026, 06:49:53 PM
I may do 12k if it was all in to the US - I had a 20Th anniversary prototype that I loved. The original owner an Alembic employee contacted me an I sold him the bass. Really loved that bass, but I knew the bass was meant for him
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: Barend on September 05, 2026, 09:54:18 PM
Quote from: mkazaria on September 05, 2026, 06:49:53 PMI may do 12k if it was all in to the US - I had a 20Th anniversary prototype that I loved. The original owner an Alembic employee contacted me an I sold him the bass. Really loved that bass, but I knew the bass was meant for him

You can make him an offer he can't refuse!  :)
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: BeenDown139 on September 07, 2026, 06:55:22 AM
well if $12k USD and overseas shipment (to the U.S. of A.) is too much for ya, here's #36 for sale by jesus hisself for a whole lot less.  nice looking bass. too bad about the 32" scale. imho. ymmv.  4 strings and medium scale are really not my thing, but i can tell ya the sound that comes outta those anneversary electronics is quite remarkable if ya hook'em up to a good stereo rig.  i've come to prefer them over the signature electronics.  wish my MKD had 'em.  same with the dragon wing.


good luck to all!

https://reverb.com/item/101512480-alembic-20th-anniversary-bass-1989-burl-walnut
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: garyhead on September 07, 2026, 06:58:02 AM
Wow!  We're discussing #33 and this morning #36 pops up for sale on Reverb:

https://reverb.com/item/101512480-alembic-20th-anniversary-bass-1989-burl-walnut

Considerably lower price than the one in the UK.  Nice looking bass.  I remember playing one at the mothership back during my first visit in 1998.

OOPS....looks like Tim & I are at Reverb at the same time!
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: edwardofhuncote on September 07, 2026, 07:20:20 AM
Quote from: edwardofhuncote on September 05, 2026, 03:47:30 AMThe other problem, were I ever to curate an Anniversary Model... I'd then have to seek out one of each; Maple/Purpleheart and Walnut/Vermillion. It would get expensive.
Quoting myself... and it came to life. I gotta' try this manifestation bit with something I can use! 

💭 I see gold bricks... I see gold bricks. 😆
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: garyhead on September 07, 2026, 07:29:42 AM
....just don't say it three times!  ;D
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: garyhead on September 07, 2026, 08:12:53 AM
Quote from: edwardofhuncote on September 05, 2026, 03:47:30 AMThe other problem, were I ever to curate an Anniversary Model... I'd then have to seek out one of each; Maple/Purpleheart and Walnut/Vermillion. It would get expensive.
Ok.....Mission accomplished for under $20K!  ;D
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: Barend on September 07, 2026, 08:20:46 AM
Quote from: BeenDown139 on September 07, 2026, 06:55:22 AMtoo bad about the 32" scale. imho. ymmv.  4 strings and medium scale are really not my thing, but i can tell ya the sound that comes outta those anneversary electronics is quite remarkable if ya hook'em up to a good stereo rig.  i've come to prefer them over the signature electronics.  wish my MKD had 'em.  same with the dragon wing.


good luck to all!

https://reverb.com/item/101512480-alembic-20th-anniversary-bass-1989-burl-walnut

Wish I didn't see that! That's a really nice one. That's my favorite Alembic model. I prefer medium or short scale on Alembics for better balance. If I hadn't bought the EvH a few months ago I would have been seriously interested in this one. But I am waiting for the right series 1.

Isn't the anniversary just a stereo version of the Signature electronics? Or is there any difference?
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: adriaan on September 07, 2026, 09:11:41 AM
Quote from: Barend on September 07, 2026, 08:20:46 AMIsn't the anniversary just a stereo version of the tribute electronics? Or is there any difference?
That would be the Signature electronics (the Tribute is a guitar model with an onboard effects loop). Anniversary is two volumes and two filters, and stereo out, Signature is usually volume, blend and two filters, mono out.
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: Barend on September 07, 2026, 12:21:29 PM
Quote from: adriaan on September 07, 2026, 09:11:41 AM
Quote from: Barend on September 07, 2026, 08:20:46 AMIsn't the anniversary just a stereo version of the tribute electronics? Or is there any difference?
That would be the Signature electronics (the Tribute is a guitar model with an onboard effects loop). Anniversary is two volumes and two filters, and stereo out, Signature is usually volume, blend and two filters, mono out.

Yes I meant Signature. Not sure why I said Tribute!  :) I just edited it.

So only difference between Anniversary and Signature is the stereo out? No other Q options, just 2 position Q like Signature?
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: adriaan on September 07, 2026, 12:35:42 PM
Name That Alembic is a game we sometimes play, always good fun.

You would expect 2 position Q switches (unless ordered differently). And I notice I missed the pickup and mono/stereo switches for Anniversary.
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: matbard on September 07, 2026, 01:02:27 PM
I remember Mica describing the Anniversary electronics as being closer to Series electronics than any other model.
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: BeenDown139 on September 07, 2026, 02:55:12 PM
QuoteYou would expect 2 position Q switches (unless ordered differently). And I notice I missed the pickup and mono/stereo switches for Anniversary.

mine might be "special" but the Q switches are single throw. since we're talking mods, i rewired the LED switch to a SPDT centere off for high/low brightness.  this bass would be really tough to play entirely by feel, so low for playing in a darkened room and high for brightly lit stage.  this electronics set sounds really, really good, noticibly better than the signature electronics (imho, ymmv, yadda yadda) to the point that i inquired about changing my signature-outfitted basses over.  never got a reply, so i guess that project goes to the back burner :-(
  i only use it in stereo.  i've considered taking the 1/4" jack and mono/stereo switch out and replacing it with a 5-pin, making it stereo only and externally powered.  it really compliments the fretted SII (which is also stereo only).  i use them together for playing shows when i wanna break out the heavy artillery

cheers!
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: Barend on September 07, 2026, 07:19:28 PM
Quote from: BeenDown139 link==304962 date=1788818112mine might be "special" but the Q switches are single throw. since we're talking mods, i rewired the LED switch to a SPDT centere off for high/low brightness.  this bass would be really tough to play entirely by feel, so low for playing in a darkened room and high for brightly lit stage.  this electronics set sounds really, really good, noticibly better than the signature electronics (imho, ymmv, yadda yadda) to the point that i inquired about changing my signature-outfitted basses over.  never got a reply, so i guess that project goes to the back burner :-(
  i only use it in stereo.  i've considered taking the 1/4" jack and mono/stereo switch out and replacing it with a 5-pin, making it stereo only and externally powered.  it really compliments the fretted SII (which is also stereo only).  i use them together for playing shows when i wanna break out the heavy artillery

cheers!

Very nice one! Never saw that shape. Is it a custom shape?

What is it that makes the Anniversary electronics sound better than the Signature (besides the mono/stereo switching)? Since most people say the electronics are the same.
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: BeenDown139 on September 08, 2026, 12:20:30 PM
QuoteVery nice one! Never saw that shape. Is it a custom shape?

<looks like i inadvertently hijacked another thread...>

that picture kinda distorts the actual shape of the body, a full frontal view is attached.

the documentation that i was able to dig up on this bass says variously either bird of prey body, a series II body or a mark king deluxe body.  i'm not sure this body is big enough for SII electronics.  it started as a shop night bass.  it does bear some resemblance to my MKD, but the upper bout is smaller, i think.  very comfortable strapped up, a little neck dive.  the fingerboard is fast, kinda narrow, not much taper, i can really shred on this bass.

QuoteWhat is it that makes the Anniversary electronics sound better than the Signature (besides the mono/stereo switching)? Since most people say the electronics are the same.

i can't speak for what's in the electronics.  it's got a mono/stereo switch, so i can A/B the sound thru my (stereo) rig.  i can tell ya the sonic difference between mono and stereo is quite noticible. in mono mode it sounds pretty ordinary, kinda like my fretless essence.  in stereo mode, it has much clearer articulation, much more pronounced mwahhhh and swell.  to the point that i'm considering making this bass stereo only.

HTH

<thread hijack ends>
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: Barend on September 08, 2026, 03:19:54 PM
Ok thanks. Looks like as a whole the upper body is bigger than the lower (where the knobs are) body?

What is the advantage of making it stereo only? Can't you just leave the mono/stereo switch in one position?
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: BeenDown139 on September 08, 2026, 06:43:59 PM
QuoteWhat is the advantage of making it stereo only? Can't you just leave the mono/stereo switch in one position?

well as long as we're still hijacking the thread....

well i could do  that, but it's mostly to accomidate my series II.  i have 4 other alembics of differing output jack configurations.  my bass rigs are both full stereo with a DS-5 in front with 5-pin cable because the SII is the one bass that rules them all.  i typically take 2 basses to a show. if i'm using the SII, then i gotta get the other bass to mate with the 5-pin, so i have various flavours of 1/4" to 5-pin inline cable adaptors.  the SII is stereo only.  i like it that way.  i only get an inter-s0ng break to swap basses, so it's gotta happen fast.  i want to change the A-bass TRS to a 5-pin so when i pair these two up, i don't hafta use an adaptor when i swap bassesess. won't need the switch anymore, so might as well eleminate it while i'm tearing stuff up.  no muss no fuss.  easy-peasy.  the stereo-only comes for free.  my kids get to worry about the hit to the resale value after i kick the bucket.

dunno if this makes sense to anyone but me.  here's what it looks like at rehearsal if that helps.

cheers!
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: Barend on September 09, 2026, 02:07:37 AM
Thanks! That 5 string looks amazing as well!
Title: Re: Anniversary #33 for sale UK Seen on FB
Post by: garyhead on September 21, 2026, 05:07:35 AM
Quote from: garyhead on September 07, 2026, 06:58:02 AMWow!  We're discussing #33 and this morning #36 pops up for sale on Reverb:

https://reverb.com/item/101512480-alembic-20th-anniversary-bass-1989-burl-walnut

Considerably lower price than the one in the UK.  Nice looking bass.  I remember playing one at the mothership back during my first visit in 1998.

OOPS....looks like Tim & I are at Reverb at the same time!
And the item has been pulled down on Reverb....not the same as Sold.