Never saw one like this before. What is the story behind this? is it a real Alembic?
Looks like an Alembic had a one night stand with a Steinberger. 
https://reverb.com/en-nl/item/100433775-alembic-aj-2-1980

Quote from: Barend on August 13, 2026, 12:12:02 PMNever saw one like this before. What is the story behind this? is it a real Alembic?
Looks like an Alembic had a one night stand with a Steinberger. 
https://reverb.com/en-nl/item/100433775-alembic-aj-2-1980

It's legit. There are threads here on these basses.  Someone with better search skill will eventually post the links. 

Here's one thread:

https://club.alembicguitars.com/alembic-basses-guitars/nice-japanese-alembic/msg26173/#msg26173

And like Gary said, there are others; and if I recall correctly, some have more details.

Quote from: David Houck on August 13, 2026, 12:50:36 PMHere's one thread:

https://club.alembicguitars.com/alembic-basses-guitars/nice-japanese-alembic/msg26173/#msg26173

And like Gary said, there are others; and if I recall correctly, some have more details.

Ok thanks. I will have a look. First time I saw one of these. Looks odd to me but wonder how they sound. Also wonder what the idea is behind that cut out at the highest frets on the E string side?

Anyone here actually tried or owned one?

I can't remember ever seeing another one with a walnut top.

It's been a while, but Jazzyvee spotted an AJ with a neck-through construction and tuners at the headstock instead of the Steinberger fine-adjusters. I wondered if it was the prototype.  

*here was the thread. https://club.alembicguitars.com/seen-on-craigslist-ebay-and-elsewhere/i-thought-these-aj-basses-were-all-bolt-on/msg298952/#msg298952

Since it appears to be the later generation of body, I'd guess not a prototype. Probably a one-off. There's at least one AJ-3 guitar too. 

I think the idea is "Why would you play that note on that string?" combined with aesthetics.  I have seen it many times on guitars, banjos, mandolins, etc.  This may the first bass with it I've seen, though, but IDK.

Peter