Prostheta Posted August 23, 2011 Report Share Posted August 23, 2011 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1978-Alembic-Walter-Johnson4-string-Bass-OHSC-/260836983356?_trksid=p4340.m8&_trkparms=algo%3DMW%26its%3DC%26itu%3DUCC%26otn%3D6%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D2263321799396627533#ht_1087wt_1139 Hmmm. I have a nagging feeling in my head which says "left in the case, in the car during a hot day". Repairable of course, but a hell of a bad thing to happen to such an expensive bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prostheta Posted August 23, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2011 Oh yes, and badly placed side markers also. Not the squeaky-clean "uber" work that is apparently associated with the Alembic name. Perhaps it is a knockoff Chinese Arembic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottR Posted August 23, 2011 Report Share Posted August 23, 2011 The damage is a shame, but I think the side markers bother me more for the very reasons you stated. Arembic indeed. SR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LightninMike Posted August 23, 2011 Report Share Posted August 23, 2011 as much as the parts look like an Alembic, why not drop an email to them and see if it is in fact one of theirs..... it looks rode hard and put away wet, and a poor refinish has been done at some point.... as far as the misplaced side markers, i wonder if it is the original fretboard..... since it has lifted, this brings to mind that it is not the original one as their work is usually above par the logo, bridge and controls look right.... as well does the back control cover which has the screwdriver holes cut in to change the preamp without opening it up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prostheta Posted August 23, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2011 I'm not bothered about buying it or anything. Just an interesting item I came by. I hear you on the potentially-replaced board. The fretwork looks surprisingly uneven at the tangs. I've little-to-no direct experience with Alembics (or Arembics) so I can't say one way or another. Thought it might be good fuel for debate however. I think that without a doubt it is an original Alembic. I find it surprising that a manufacturer with such a lofty and "legendary" rep as Alembic would drop the ball on simple appointments like fret markers. Case for the board not being original is definitely there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westhemann Posted August 23, 2011 Report Share Posted August 23, 2011 The thing that bothers me is that the guy is trying to claim it is "missing binding"...it needs a complete fretboard reworking,at minimum,but I think it really needs a completely new board,as that one appears to be splitting.And of course there is no fret buzz with the action 3/8" from the frets. The price is too high already for such a thing,IMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim37 Posted August 23, 2011 Report Share Posted August 23, 2011 Mike I wonder if u could be right it looks like there is a layer of veneer under the fret board. If it is real its been floating around for 33 years a lot can happen in that time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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