Alembic Exploiter

[Jeff Scott]

I had one in the '90s. An '84 with a flame koa top. Paid $1000 for it.

If you ever come across one with two 1/4" jacks, VPF+Q switch, and had been converted to fretless, that's my old one.

 

[J Wilson]

It's a 40+ year old rare vintage bass plus it is 80% cheaper than the cheapest new Alembic you can buy.

This is often the way to get into owning an Alembic: The new prices are NOT CHEAP, and so often a used one is far cheaper. With the way these things are built, one that's 30-40 years old that's been taken care of has still got a LOT of miles left in it.

In many ways, they are built to be 'field serviceable' for all but the most detailed modifications or rebuild, so one like the Doctor has here can still last and perform well for a LONG time. One of my fives was '86 production, but you'd never have a clue of that age handling it or playing it. When virtually every component and part is mostly the best money can buy, a 40-year old Alembic is in far better shape than a 40-year old Fender.

 

[coryr1000]

That was my first and only Alembic. I custom ordered it in 1983 or 84 and it cost $1500 including the huge hard shell case. Unfortunately I was never happy with the sound of it and got rid of it by the end of the 80's. After I bought an SVT I realized the problem was with my old amp and not the Alembic. Oh well...

 

[Altitude]

Makes me think of the Stanley Clarke album "Find Out" from 1985. The production on this album is totally 80s and is woefully dated now. But it was very much in my rotation at the time.

 

[hieronymous]

Why didn't I think to post pics of mine?!!

Mine was a 1985, paid about $1250 for it at the beginning of 2002. One reason I sold it is that I wasn't playing live at the time so it seemed wasteful. Also, walking around my house I kept hitting the end in door jambs! No serious damage but definitely dented it a little. Was really comfortable to play standing up.

The price for this one seems a bit high, especially given that the bridge looks to have been replaced.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Why didn't I think to post pics of mine?!!

Mine was a 1985, paid about $1250 for it at the beginning of 2002. One reason I sold it is that I wasn't playing live at the time so it seemed wasteful. Also, walking around my house I kept hitting the end in door jambs! No serious damage but definitely dented it a little. Was really comfortable to play standing up.

The price for this one seems a bit high, especially given that the bridge looks to have been replaced.

The bridge is not original.