I just acquired Alembic Epic 98W11828. I would like to know more about it, particularly concerning the inscription on the truss rod cover indicating that it's a special edition number 24 of 60 (I think, it's not here with me now); and on the Instrument Wood Card it says Guitar Center Anniversay model.

It was a special run they did for guitar center back in 1978.http://club.alembicguitars.net/Images/411/26535.html?1168738019

Thanks, keavin. So it appears, from the thread link you sent, that what makes this one different is the fingerboard inlays, the brass truss rod and control cavity covers and an additional laminate layer in the body?

Exactly!.....& Mica will chime in shortly to fill you in on your woods/birthdate etc...oh & welcome!

The brass truss rod would be a novelty - brass can hardly be flexible enough for that purpose. But indeed the truss rod cover is made from brass, where normally you would find a plastic cover on an Epic.

Yo Adriaan,
 
FYI: ... brass truss rod and control cavity covers...  indicates a cover for the truss rod and a cover for the control cavity. No mistake was made.

Yo Ben,
 
I must have been tricked by the line breaking off where it did. How silly of me.
 
Enjoy the ride! - You're the second motorcycle safety instructor on board here.

Adriaan,
 
Very cool. Who is the other motorcycle safety instructor?  
I must admit to keeping a cheapo Steinberger Spirit in my arsenal so I can strap it to my bike and ride to sessions. A full-size bass is unweildy in those situations.  
I see you are from the Netherlands; I visited Holland for 3 weeks a year and a half ago; spent most of the time in Landgraaf.

You don't see many people go to Landgraaf for anything but the big Pinkpop festival - but that's always on Pentecost - which is next week this year, so a year and a half ago doesn't really make sense.
 
For the moment I can't remember the intructor's name - he'll probably join in soon.

Adriaan; I believe that would be Kevin, Kmh364.

Thanks Dave!

Here's the details from the file for this bass:
 
 
WLB4 Special Edition Epic bass for Guitar Center
 
top: Flame Maple
accent: Maple and Purpleheart pinstripes
body: Mahogany
neck: 3-piece Maple, 34 long scale
fingerboard: Ebony with pearloid oval inlays
truss rod cover: brass, engraved Special Edition 29 of 60)
backplate: brass
finish: polyurethane satin natural (very thin)
pickups: MXY
controls: volume, pan, bass, treble, mono output
birthday: July 22, 1998
originally made for: Guitar Center
 
I'm pretty sure this was for Guitar Center's 25th anniversary. They purchased a group of instruments with the same specifications, to market as a limited edition run. There was at least one of these basses at each store.  
 
What made these special compared to other Epics at the time:
 
brass control covers
engraving
inlays
double pinstripe accents
 
In 1998, the only options for Epic basses were wood tops, fretted or fretles, and right or left handed.