Sweet Vintage 1976 Alembic Short Scale Series I Bass
Serial number 76-544
 
CONDITION:
100% original Alembic parts, all in superb condition.  This bass has been treated with exceptional care over the years.  Other than scratches on the gold plates on the back, you would never believe it was 40 years old.  The beautiful wood is in amazing condition as you can see from the photos.  A local bass luthier was astonished by the condition of this instrument ? and was especially blown away by the nice fingerboard and frets.  
 
I talked to Susan at Alembic and she indicated that at the original owner?s request the nut was altered by Alembic themselves a few years after the original build.  I purchased this bass from a pro out in L.A.  I?m going the 5-string route, and hoping to build a short-scale like this one but with a high C.  
 
ELECTRONICS:
The Series One electronics sound fantastic and need no further explanation since this is an Alembic discussion board ? you all know that the series electronics are the Cadillac of electronics.  And yes, I have the original stereo box and cable.  
 
WOODS:
I love the look of this bass but I?m not an expert on woods.  So I have a call into Alembic and they?re going to send me the ?birth certificate? spec sheet with all the various woods used in this build.
 
PLAYABILITY:
The playability is the most amazing thing about this bass.  You could probably blow on the fingerboard and it would fret the note perfectly for you. :-) I like my action extremely low with no buzz and this bass delivers.  John Entwistle would be proud!  The combination of the short-scale neck and phenomenal action equals playing perfection.
 
PRICE:
I talked with Susan and Mica at Alembic, and they indicated that to build this instrument today would cost $17,900 (retail).  I?m selling it for $4700 plus shipping (ships in SKB hard shell case).  Several bass experts have told me that that is a great deal for this instrument.  
 
Let me know if you have any further questions.  You can contact me at: bctviking@yahoo.com  
 
Have a Great Christmas Guys!
Bryan
 
PS - photos coming on separate thread (I have to figure out how to make them a smaller size)

Pics..

 

 

  (Message edited by mica on December 19, 2015)

More pics...
 
 

Distance view

more pics  

 

  (Message edited by mica on December 19, 2015)

That is just beautiful!

I would love to rip out those electronics and put some sweet DiMarizos in there said no one ever.

Lol!

For those who have been asking about the woods used on this beauty...
 
WOODS:
 
Body ? Walnut top and back with a Mahogany core
Neck - Maple, Beach and Purpleheart
Fingerboard ? Vermillion (Padouk) with mother of pearl inlays
Peg head - Vermillion (Padouk)

Front/Back Close Up

Strap Lock

I received the Replacement Value Statement from Mica at Alembic.  I've attached it below since it contains specs on the bass.  One note of correction from my earlier posting.  Susan at Alembic had told me the cost to build was $17,900.  Mica has it listed at $16,800.  Perhaps that's the difference in retail vs actual cost... not sure.  Either way, these babies are not cheap to replace!  
 

Back of neck

I looked this bass over a couple of months ago when it was for sale in North Hollywood on Craigslist.  It is a nice bass and is in good condition.  The action was also quite nice on it.  It sold the day after I turned it down, and I suspect you bought it from the guy who bought it that day.  If you care to know what he paid, I can let you know.