This is a prime example of where an Alembic can end up if customized by a master luthier.  I recently traded a vintage Fender bass for this 1977 Alembic Series II which was completely modified in 1987 by luthier Gene Matsika. The bass need some T.L.C. on my bench, and I replaced the shorted out hum canceller pickup, cleaned up the wiring, and corrected the missing capacitor.  The workmanship and playability of this bass is as good as it gets.  See my demo video at:

Hi Trevor,

Thank you for this 

She looks so like a Medieval or Norse war shield!

When you have time, please some photos!

I am completely knocked out!

Thanks Trevor !

Glad you found a hum-x for it. Curious; do you think it's serial number was indeed 77-728 as re-stamped in the lower bout? I'd guess someone stamped that there because the original was lost when it was re-necked... rebuilt, or however one wants to describe the situation there.


It seems like a fine project to me. Glad to see it got to capable hands.

I do believe that Gene had the good sense to keep a record of the original serial number notated on the bass.  That number is correct for this vintage, and while there was a second non Alembic number stamped in the pickup cavity, he made sure to include the original which is displayed on the bottom of the lower bout by inlaid white numbers.  I will try to add close up photos of the bass soon.  As of today, I believe the bass is back in full working order, and I will test it out on a gig tomorrow night.  As we all know, everything works at home, but in a poorly wired club, a Series bass can be a challenge. 

Inlaid serial number.

More photos.

More.

Again.

And again.

More.

Updates to come!

That was a clever way to do the serial number... likely lacking the dies to stamp one, that was a pretty good alternative.

Thank you Trevor

Yes, more photos , Please !  She is a joy to behold !!

I will PM you, I would like to ask you a few questions, if I may

I think Gene probably had the dies to stamp a number, but his artistic sense would not allow for such a crude method, and because he was so adept at inlay work, it was natural for him to decide to inlay the serial number. 

More photos as requested.