I don't know if anyone remembers this thread from 2006, but it's now happening. Here's a before shot:   and now it's looking like this:   Edwin

    Mica and the gang were great to work with and they came up with a really nice omega. In the back, there is a beautiful piece of Macassar ebony filling in the battery box:  

   I can't wait to get it back and play it again!

Beautiful!   What's the top? Zebrawood?

Schedua. It was built in '78.
 
Edwin

Edwin,
 
If this is the bass with bad finish checking that I saw at the factory on Tuesday, then I'd like to put in my vote for some amber tint to make sure and restore the vintage vibe.
 
Bradley

FYI- this is not the bass you saw, Bradley.

Thanks for thinking of my vintage vibe, but I am really looking forward to something a little more true to the wood. I've had it looking vintage for quite some time now and I think I'll have it long enough for it to be vintage all over again!
 
Edwin

Edwin,
 
The current paint that they use doesn't yellow with UV exposure (aka age) like the older instruments did; Alembic uses a UV blocker now.
 
But I understand the sentiment.  Definitely.
 
I'm sure you already figured this out, but that is one sweet, sweet looking bass.  The Schedua top is really superb, and the Macassar Ebony filler is a neat touch (and looks vintage, thinking of the plates they used to cover the Modulus graphite necks).

Schedua! Wow, I've never seen schedua like that.
Are you having the electronics upgrade done as well?

You know, I've never noticed a problem with my electronics, they've been pretty quiet. I think it's going to be about all my wallet can handle to do this work, so I'll leave it at that for now, unless the elves of alembic take it upon themselves to do any work.
 
Edwin

My experience matches exactly what Mica has told me about the upgrade: some basses need it badly, while others are pretty quiet without it. If you've got a quiet one, you're all set!

Looks great!

Now I have a add Schedua to my I wish I had that list
 
Lovely bass

Cool idea.  30 years as a point.  Now, a stretch as an omega.  Dare I speculate that, by 2038 or so, it could morph into a Triple-O?
 
Looks like a nice bass for exactly the right makeover.  Good luck with it and please post pix when it's completed.
Bill (the other one)

Edwin
IMHO  When everything changes, finish,electronics etc etc the SOUND changes as well
Maybe I'm just an old geek, but if the sound is good, altering one or more aspects of the instrument could have a radical change on the sound.---------For sound, READ    Tone
I just think that, like my old 76, changes would alter the SWEETNESS of the tone
Ask KEAVIN---------he's got old #12
Just my 2 cents  my friend
 
G

G, I hear what you are saying. The thing is, it's all good. The sound of the bass was fine, but I think the old finish, which was very thick, inhibited the tone. I have really liked all the newer Alembics I've played, so I imagine the tone will change, but it won't be worse, just different and maybe better (hopefully better). Given that it can't be less than excellent means that to me, even if it does change, it will still be great! I'll be sure to let everyone know.
 
Edwin
PS I was really tempted to go with the oil finish because I love the tone of all my oil finish basses, but Mica pretty much explained how much better the regular finish protects the bass and that the tone shouldn't be that different.