What exactly is THIS?
 
http://www.shinseido-gakki.com/alembic/retro/retro02.html

Or these?  
 
http://www.shinseido-gakki.com/alembic/retro/retro04.html
 
http://www.shinseido-gakki.com/alembic/retro/retro03.html

I've seen these before. Alembic does export to Japan. Did anyone do the conversion of the Series I? 1,750,000 Yen = $14,792.00 at today's rates.
 
stoney

We make special models for different markets. Japan was the first market to have a high acceptance of the guitars, largely contributed to by Katsumi Watanabe's use of a gorgeous flame schedua Series I guitar.  
 
Shinseido is our current importer in Japan. They have specified the Retro models with many features of our early instruments (channel bridge, thicker body, 70's template). When I was in Japan a couple of years ago, I made measurements and recorded the specs for these modles.  
 
Here's one of the guitars we made after my visit:
 

 
This style doesn't even have a truss rod cover it's so retro.

Gorgeous!  I didn't know if what I was seeing were knockoffs (Tokai Series I?) or what!  For such a leetle company, there sure is much to know about Alembic's models and options!  Thanks for the info!

$14,792.00?!?!??!
 
YIKES!
 
Jeff

Yup.  That sure is some pretty koa on that guitar.

Wow, I like that a lot. You know, everytime I see a Japanese guitar or bass site they always have an alembic or two. That is very nice, I like the way they think!