Seen in Natick: Series 1 six-string bass (narrow spacing)

Started by kungfusheriff, January 02, 2014, 08:40:40 AM

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gtrguy

Kinda looks like a series I guitar or Bari strung with bass strings to me...

nnek

The spacing appears to be like a Fender VI. Definately looks to be a series I. Love the Koa! Would like to see a pic of the electronics cavity due to the replacement filter switch...

gtrguy

Yes, it does seem to have some intriguing brass plates on the back!

lbpesq

Definitely a Series I, not a II.  While it does seem quite guitar-like, the tuning machines and pickups are more bass-like.  I agree - essentially an Alembic Fender VI.  And the extended bass horn is a bit unique, too.
 
Bill, tgo

hydrargyrum

The switches are different colors.  It may have had repairs.

adriaan

The narrow string spacing was used more often on 6 string basses of the time.
 
I happened to try out a Bass VI in a shop yesterday, the spacing looks awfully similar. Will take some getting used to, for sure. (Otherwise, that Bass VI wouldn't really compare to a Series II, now would it?)
 
The backplates look to be a perfect fit, and there's quite a number of holes to drill. And I seem to remember there was a great shortage of chrome-finished toggles for a while, so the extent of the repair might be a replacement of a toggle switch that went south.

tmoney61092

I agree, Alembic Bass VI is what I think it is, I'll inquire about the scale length, Bass VI's are 30. I would loooooove to own this bass as my current band is a 3 piece and I use a Bass VI for cool guitar/bass octave playing with my brother but don't have the cash for this beauty  
 
~Taylor

jacko

the spacing looks very similar to Mike Pisanek's 6 string spoiler. I found I could only play it with a pick as the strings were too close together for fingerstyle.  
 
Graeme

hgregs

called last week and was told 35in scale length. string spacing was under 10mm. spoke to kieth who was very eager to help.

tmoney61092

yea i just got an email and he said it was 35, makes me wonder how this was tuned when it was first built? also I got photos galore from them and everything appears to be hooked up and functioning, if anyone is interested i can send them the pics as they are way too big to post!
 
~Taylor

keith_h

Did they measure correctly? 35 sounds odd for a Series 1 of this vintage.  
 
Keith

tmoney61092

that was my thought exactly Keith but since I can't buy the instrument I didn't want to waste their time :/
 
~Taylor

tmoney61092

It's on eBay now for $6,500(sorry mobile won't let me copy the link :/)
 
~Taylor

bsee

There's a small chance I might get out there to look at this one Wednesday. I have no interest in buying it, but I can look it over and get correct dimensions. May discuss with them the difference between SI and SII. Does anyone have any particular questions?