http://cgi.ebay.com/Alembic-Essence-4-String-Bass_W0QQitemZ7379414474QQcategoryZ4713QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Looks like one of our own is leading the charge at this one.  Good luck to you.
Rich

This bass is mine.  I'm having it shipped here to Baghdad, and I'll get pics of it in front of the Palace when I can.  I imagine that will be a first - Alembic in Iraq.    Here are some pics from the Ebay auction.  This makes Alembic #6 (#5 is on the way), and my second Essence.  Alan

NIce catch for a good bass-stew in Iraq!
 
Paul tbo

Hi Alan; congrats!!

Alan:
 
After your own safety, I'd be worried about that bass!
 
Congrats!!!

Thanks everyone.  I'm sure it's going to be as fun to play as my bird's eye Essence.
 
Michael,
 
    No need to worry about me, I'm quite safe where I am.  I am worried about the bass, though!
 
Alan

Congrats, Alan.
I always jump a little when it appears that a club member is in the lead on an auction.  I love seeing Alembics going where they will be appreciated.
Be safe over there.
Rich

Well done Alan!,
Beautiful bass,even more so in cherry.As Rich says,it's good to know it will be in appreciative hands.Enjoy in good health,and given this bass's destination,in safety.
Take care mate,
Simon.

Thanks everyone for the kind words of concern.  I'll keep my head down.
 
Mica tells me it will most likely be the first Alembic in Iraq.  I'll get some pictures of me holding it in front of one of Hussein's former palaces here and post them to the club.
 
Alan

Congrats Alan and keep up the good work!  
 
Thanks for protecting our right to live (and play Alembic's) in a free country.  
 
Pix infront of one of G*ddamn Insane's, er, um, Saddam Hussein's Palaces would be great.
 
Just make sure you (and your cherry Alembic) get home safe and sound!
 
Cheers,
 
Kevin

Alan:
 
Enjoy her.  And I'm glad you bought the bass yourself rather than having the military get you a bass.  You undoubtedly would have wound up with a Hondo II supplied under government contract by Haliburton for the reasonable sum of only $75,000 charged to the taxpayers!  May you play your heart out and get yourself home in one piece ASAP.
 
Bill, tgo

Alan
 
Nice bass but most importantly come back safe! Hopefully having your Alembic will bring home a little closer to you.
 
Rory

Bill,
 
   KBR (a subsidiary of Halliburton) pretty much runs most of the logistics support in certain areas (e.g., food, laundry, etc.) and they do a fairly decent job all considered.  I read something the other day where KBR is losing their shirt over since the contract was bid way low - don't know if that's true, but they're here and provide most of what we need fairly efficiently.  
 
Now, the food they provide .... well, let's just say it's glorified cafeteria food.  Better than MREs to be sure, but like anything else one does over and over, it gets old very quickly.  Suffice to say I eat a lot of sandwiches.
 
Government basses - actually, when the government does things like that they do pretty well.  I've played Fenders at music centers on several posts.  Not an Alembic, but better than that Hondo II!   Now, how much they paid for it ... another matter entirely!
 
Kevin,
 
Will try to get some good pix when I get the bass here.  
 
All,
 
I'm quite safe all things considered, but I truly appreciate the support and concern.  No place is completely safe, but as things go I don't think I'll have any problems getting home in one piece if things continue as they are.  One never knows, but the prospects are promising.
 
Anyway, I'm truly looking forward to this one (and my Entwistle Series II custom I have on the way - my present to me for this tour).  I've been going nuts without anything to play here in the hours I am not working.  Can't wait to get it.
 
Best regards,
 
Alan

Alan:
 
Do you have an email address?
 
Michael.