A five-string Triple O with Anniversary (?) electronics just went up on the 'Bay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4713&item=3749009563&rd=1

Yep, it does appear to be anniversary electronics.  The switch has to be a stereo/mono output since he doesn't mention LEDs and there is no battery compartment.  It looks like an upgraded MK standard since there is also no back laminate.  I also suspect that the ebony neck claim refers to the board.  I can't tell with these pictures, but the stringers look more like purpleheart to me.  It has no pistol grip, but I'm really starting to like that knobby peghead.
 
I am within 30 miles or so of the owner if anyone is seriously interested and wants an impartial opinion. If the owner is willing, I could go give it a look.
 
-Bob

Pardon me while I expose my ignorance... Of what do Anniversary electronics consist? I am assuming MXY or AXY pups, or should I just wait for a more experienced member of the group to help me out? Thanks!
 
Larry

Larry; I think Anniversary electronics are essentially Signature electronics with the addition of a master volume and a stereo/mono switch.

Hey Larry:  
   
Anniversary electronics use AXY4 humbucking pickups.  There is a  volume, Q switch (2 position - Off and 9K, I believe), and low-pass filter for each pickup, plus a four-position pickup selector for: neck, neck & bridge, bridge, and mute.  It has a stereo output 1/4 jack and a selector switch for mono or stereo operation.  There are trim pots under the back cover for each pickup to adjust their gain, however, you must remove the cover to do so.  I think that about covers it.
(No master volume)
 
(Message edited by poor_nigel on September 16, 2004)

Wow!  $3500 and climbing.
 
That's a pretty cool looking flame-to-quilt top on it too.

I think I used to own that bass...or one that was nearly identical.
 
The description of the Anniversary electronics is exactly right.

I stand corrected.  Sorry for the misinformation.

Hey Dave, certainly no need for apologies.  If I did not own one, I seriously doubt I would know as much as I do about 20th Anniversary electronics.  It is a pretty subtle difference between 20th and signature electronics, really.  Notice that I did not list the differences between the two, as I do not really know what signature electronics come with.  BTW - It is always better to sit corrected, as it is more comfortable.
 
Are the people bidding on this going to pay retail for a used bass?  Is that really 5A quilted maple? I have my doubts.  Note that master grade flamed maple is a zero dollar increase on a signature model.  It is not a full triple omega, as in the quote machine, as it has no pistol grip.  I am thinking retail on this bass is more in the low to mid $7,000 range.  The most I would pay for a used Alembic is 1/3rd current retail, and then it would have to be all that and a biscuit (just what I was looking for).  If it were the above and more or less new, I would go up to ? retail.  You can get new for 3/4ths retail, which this auction is quickly approaching.  
 
A couple of people really want this bass, and I do not understand why, as I have seen better go for cheaper, and recently, and at a music store, which are always higher than eBay (From my experience, and you get service from the store).  I must be missing something.  Triple omega fans, what am I missing???

Thanks Nigel.  I agree, in the pictures it does not appear to be a 5A quilt but does look like a nice flame; it would be interesting to see what the build sheet says.  Personally, I like the look of the triple omega without the pistol grip as I think the overall flow of the lines is attractive.  It is a nice looking bass.

Hey Steve, I am beginning to wonder if there is any bass around that you did not own at one time or another.  I went through my old e-mails this morning looking for an old friend and saw one from the guy I bought my Tobias Signature from.  I had always thought Steve Wood seemed very familar on here.  Funny how the e-mail address on the e-mail in my save box matches the one listed on your profile.   Ain't it a small world!  

A Tobias Signature?  Probably not me...what's the serial number?  I have owned a bunch of Alembics over the years, though...
 
BTW, there are at least 3 other Steve Woods, according to Google.  One is (or was) a porn star --not me, for sure.  Another was a prog rock producer in England during the 70's (he produced a couple of albums by a group called Lone Star).  The third guy lives about 15 miles away from me.   Judging by the misdirected telephone calls I get,    all of his buddies are raving drunks.

Serial Number 635, which makes it an 84 or 85.  Since he started his serial numbering strangely, you subtract @ 174 from the serial number to determine @ how many basses were made before it (He started at 179 - first bass in the year 1979 -  in his strange system, made 4 or 5 basses, and then went back to numbering them sequentially.  Here is a pic from your auction:
 


 
 
swood@dca.net

Nigel:  
 
Yep, that was my bass.  I sold it to a guy in Maine, and oddly enough I got an e-mail from him just today.  Is the guy in Maine you?  
 
By the way, that Tobias was (is?) a great bass.  It weighed a ton, and it sounded as good as a non-Alembic could  
 
(Message edited by s_wood on September 20, 2004)

Yep, that would be me.  Still stuck in the Wasteland.  I do not like the electronics in it much, and it has a short that I finally got a wiring diagram from Bartalini for this old setup.  Next summer I have to pay some serious attention to getting this bass back up to snuff.  It is a great bass, and my appreciation has grown more and more since I have got it.  BTW - I love heavy basses, so this one is a gem to me.
 
You got any more old basses that you are looking to get rid of?  If you ever get tired of your broken bass, let me know.  However, I imagine that one is truly a keeper.  Tis a small world, isn't it?