not really a fan of flippers, 4 stringers or short scales but this one piqued my interest slightly:

https://reverb.com/item/38374366-alembic-series-i-custom-bass-guitar-4-string-1984-short-scale-factory-kahler-tremolo

i've been told that i'm pretty obnoxious when i use the fingernail on my right index finger as a pick and bend the dickens outta the strings with my left.  i could really take that to the next level on this bass.

that look just beckons to me.  must....resist!

While a find a trem bar enticing, I imagine it would tend to pull the strings out of tune on a bass more readily than on a guitar.  Wondering how much a locking nut would help.

Or a roller nut.

Quote from: jazzyvee on January 19, 2021, 03:18:18 PM
Or a roller nut.

Yes

I wonder if the bridge could be replaced with a more standard arrangement.

I think the rout needed for one of those Kahlers is pretty substantial, but I would say a competent woodsmith could block that back in and set a sustain block/bridge and bird without a lot of drama.


This Series II had one, and I could swear there were pictures somewhere here of the cavity under that contraption... must be an old thread. http://club.alembicguitars.net/index.php?topic=8281.0

This one must've been one of Les Claypool's creations.

That's exactly what I was thinking Pete!

I'm pretty sure this one was for sale a year or so ago by a person in California.

I'm caretaking this bass now and it certainly is weird. The Kahler bridge's routing goes completely through the top layer, so you can put your finger through the bass if the bridge is off. Changing it for a proper Alembic bridge would probably best be done by the mothership. I'm going to look at ways of locking it off until I know how to use it.

If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them. It's getting a re-fret right now and I expect to have it back soon.

Ah... and here's something funny... the picture at the top of this thread shows a proper, Alembic DS-5. The seller switched it out with a Boogieman before sending it to me... yet another moment of dishonesty in the sale. 

I purchased it from him and sent it back because the DS-5 wasn't functioning and he was like don't worry about it - you don't need it. I couldn't get it to stay in tune for nothing, it was in pretty good shape in general. When he got it back he messaged me that it was a loose wire and it was easy to fix, then he listed it again saying he purchased a new DS-5 for it... Frankly, I'm glad I sent it back. Good luck on it, I felt it was a steal for the electronics alone and thought I could get over the Tremelo and realized that maybe it was a bigger deal than I thought.

Quote from: Russ on May 26, 2021, 02:56:32 PM
I purchased it from him and sent it back because the DS-5 wasn't functioning and he was like don't worry about it - you don't need it. I couldn't get it to stay in tune for nothing, it was in pretty good shape in general. When he got it back he messaged me that it was a loose wire and it was easy to fix, then he listed it again saying he purchased a new DS-5 for it... Frankly, I'm glad I sent it back. Good luck on it, I felt it was a steal for the electronics alone and thought I could get over the Tremelo and realized that maybe it was a bigger deal than I thought.

That sounds like him... "don't worry that the $600 thing you paid for doesn't work!"

I love it, and will do something about the tremolo if I need to... there are blocking plates and stuff.

Russ - Since there isn't a message function here, are you comfortable adding me on Facebook (OJ Dorson)? I'd like to learn more about your experience.

I sent you a friend request, I think there is a message function on this board BTW...

Hey OJ,
If you go into your user profile under account settings you can add an email address and then click the box to let others here email you. After you save and update your profile there will be a small envelope icon below your avatar. If someone clicks on that they can send you an email. Since it goes out through the club server this protects your email address, person sending the message will not see your address unless you choose to respond.

Good luck with your new bass. I bought a bass from the same guy, while there were no issues other than me knowing he had jacked up the price and was flipping it, I would not deal with him again because of what I know about his "business" practices. Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience.