Fernandes Alembic copies on eBay - Guitar + Bass

Started by flavofive, August 23, 2018, 05:28:03 PM

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flavofive

Not sure if posting the Fernandes copies is not cool (feel free to delete this if so), but thought this was interesting due to how rarely they come up for sale at all, much less the guitar and bass versions at the same time.

Links below for the FAB-170 short-scale bass for sale, + the very unfortunately-named FAG-170 guitar:



https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fernandez-bass-FAB-170/283115025568?hash=item41eaf874a0:g:TasAAOSwkSxbJef5
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fernandez-FAG-170/283117091923?hash=item41eb17fc53:g:k-AAAOSwYM9bfEko


That said, they are both in Japan, and I believe both have had the typical "multiple listings by different sellers" so far, so buyer beware.
Plus the $3,900 asking price for the guitar, with 1 broken pickup, seems a bit out there.  :)

lbpesq

Definitely crazy money asking price.  These, however, are not Masterhands.  The Masterhands were more Strat-like in shape.  Here's mine: 

http://alembicguitars.net/club/messages/449/27907.html?1151871041

(Scroll down to the second set of pics to see it with the final mods completed).

Bill, tgo

FC Bass

Damaged Justice, Dutch 'tallica tribute: Facebook, Youtube

'83 Spoiler
'88 Spoiler
'99 Orion 5 fretless
'10 Elan 5
'23 Series II Europa 5

flavofive

Thank you Bill!  Seems there may be a few misattributions on the net. I've corrected the Subject.

lbpesq

#4
Flip, I think you are absolutely correct that the "Alembic" you linked is really a Fernandes.  The wood is right as most I've seen were Zebrawood.  More telling is a close look at the tailpiece.  The bird seems a little narrower and less substantial than an authentic Alembic tailpiece.  And the power supply sure looks like a Fernandes power supply with the name rubbed off or covered up.  It certainly isn't a DS5.  I've sent the seller a message.

Bill, tgo

jazzyvee

#5
Although these have that nice vintage look but I would not knowingly buy a fake alembic especially the guitar as it claims to weigh 3km. :-)
The sound of Alembic is medicine for the soul!
http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_ktwins.html

gearhed289

Quote from: FC Bass on August 23, 2018, 10:12:55 PM
looks like this is also one, with logo and marketed as Alembic? https://www.ebay.com/itm/Alembic-series-1-bass-guitar-short-scale/302856308746?hash=item4683a4880a:g:3WMAAOSwUC1bZfpX

Saw that one last night. I thought the horns and pickup selector position looked a little off, but didn't really look that closely. Buyer beware!

flavofive

Ha, you're right, it "weighs" 3.9 kilometers.  ???  Sure don't build 'em like they used to. 

lbpesq

I heard back from the seller thanking me for the info.  He's changed the description to "Alembic Series I, I'm not sure?"

Bill, tgo

edwardofhuncote


Philip-M-Bass

Afternoon folks,

This listing has ended , but ,

Check out this Fernandes twelve string !

Nice photos !

http://aucfree.com/items/m168049341#


jwright9

Quote from: edwardofhuncote on August 24, 2018, 03:38:03 PM
It's gone. At $3000, I'm sure... hoping not:(

The bass mentioned here DOES have an Alembic logo on the headstock that looks real.
I agree that the tailpiece looks a little off and that the selector switch and knobs look wrong.
If that is a legit Alembic emblem on the headstock then it seems like this bass was definitely intended to deceive.
The other Fernandes basses (and guitars) I have seen say "Fernandes" on the headstock.
Is it possible that someone removed the Fernandes logo and replaced it with an Alembic logo?
Yes, and probably most likely.

Is it possible that this actually is an Alembic Series I?


lbpesq

The power supply that came with it was a Fernandes power supply with the Fernandes name obliterated.  And the pickups were not embossed "Alembic".  It was a Fernandes FAB-170, not an Alembic.

Bill, tgo

jwright9

Quote from: lbpesq on August 30, 2018, 02:01:54 PM
The power supply that came with it was a Fernandes power supply with the Fernandes name obliterated.  And the pickups were not embossed "Alembic".  It was a Fernandes FAB-170, not an Alembic.

Bill, tgo

Yes, I agree. You are probably right.

sonicus

Lately I have noticed multible eBay sellers selling the same instrument at various prices . Who else is noticing this ?
Is that not a breach of eBay rules ? All those sellers selling the exact same item  could be linked somehow it seems to me perhaps . :) .