It has been as the saying goes " a long strange trip"  ...   While I was working in Palo Alto at HP in the early 80's,  where I grew up  , I had a friend who worked in R&D .  When he found out I was modifying my bass , I mentioned my fondness for Alembics.  He said , wow   my brother is dating a gal who works there named Mica.  He managed to get me the adjustable brass nut for my project and Mica sent a turquoise painted artist reject to demo . 

It was the most perfect instrument I'd ever laid my hands on , she graciously offered it at cost .. but with my first child on the way I had to decline. I've regretted that since. In the interim while working as an Engineer I became an amateur Luthier, always keeping Alembic as my paradigm.       Last week I found this 1985 Persuader at a price I could swing .

A dream come true , it arrived today and is everything I remember and more .

Thank you to Mica for inspiring me to be a Luthier and to all at Alembic for decades of inspiration .

on the right my first bass( the hot rod) 1985 Persuader     on the right a Koa fretted and Birdseye Redwood Burl Fretless I built.

Welcome James! Wonderful how life caught up with you but in a good way.

Many thanks , it's been a long time coming !

James - Welcome to the camp!

Adding another Welcome. My first Alembic was a Persuader too. When you have a couple minutes, post us a few pictures of yours in the Showcase Thread here.  https://club.alembicguitars.net/index.php?board=705.0

What a great story, James! I'm married to the brother I was dating back then. I'm so glad to hear your happy story and that you're enjoying the craft.

Welcome!

Nice for sure!  Wonder what happened to the turquoise painted artist model?

It was a Persuader bass. It was actually stolen many years ago.

Sad to hear that...      My Alembic is a Coco Bolo Persuader.

Hi James !!!! It's Michael, the seller. I am SOooo happy to see you here. I KNOW it went to the right person. Alembics are that way, they seem to find their rightful owner, like the Excel I received traded here on the club for my Orion. I KNOW the feeling and so happy to see you here, James. - Mike