This Koa beauty just showed up today.
Purchased site unseen, I was excited when I the beautiful top-wood was revealed.
Then sick to my stomach when I saw the EMG's.
The Alembic electronics are completely gone.
The seller will take it back, but I'm out a couple hundred for shipping.
 
Anybody got a guess on the market value for this bass as is?
 
 

 
(Message edited by longhorncat on August 15, 2012)
 
(Message edited by longhorncat on August 15, 2012)

More Koa goodness on the back.
That's making tape on the brass covers.
 

last two  

 

Love that Koa.  Worth restoring to Alembic specs

How much are new Series pickups and preamp?
I don't think I've ever seen a used set for sale.

I agree, it looks like a beautiful instrument. The Koa has, at least in these pictures, developed an amazing patina. Is the finish in as good condition as the pics suggest?  How could anyone of sound mind  have pulled the electronics from what appears to be a gorgeous series bass.  
 
Anyone have ideas How much would it cost to restore?

Sacrilege! Blasphemer!

Looks like it went back to the Mothership for an electronics upgrade at one point.
Notice the Return Authorization # at the top:
 

 
(Message edited by longhorncat on August 15, 2012)

Do all the switches work or are they just there? What are the controls?
 
~Taylor

Shame about the electronics, it's a beauty with a broken heart.  
 
Jazzyvee

Who knows Barts?
All four tone/volume controls work.
Two are stacked.
One Q switch works three ways.
If someone is really interested, I could sit down and map everything out.
The bass sounds good, just not as good as it should.
 
 

Keep it... it looks awesome!
 
What's with the headsock, almost looks like its been burned? And looks like there's an Ebony nut?
 
In the quote generator the series I electronics is an upgrade of $6000 for the Europa model. You should contact Alembic to be sure, but it won't be cheap...  
 
You could also (first) go for an activator setup, though I'm not sure if AXY pickups will fit without making the pickup cavities deeper.  
If I remember correctly, Series pickups are much thinner than the AXY pickups. (transducers, sorry Mica)  :-)

I'd be tempted to keep it. As much as I love series electronics and pickups, I think a lot of the Alembic tone we love is in the bass itself. I would ask for a partial refund and then be patient about searching for some series pickups and electronics. They do show up every now and then. Also, see what Mica can do for you. They might be able to work something out. It's a really beautiful bass and the wood is stunning.

That brings us back to What is it worth as is?
I paid way too much to just keep it.

Somewhere between $2000-$2500 I guess?