Identify the maker of my basses- please!

[TKelly]

Recently purchased 2 basses and I do not have the identity of the makers. If you have any ideas or information, please let me know. Thanks for any/all help.

1st bass is an Alembic type copy that came from Twin Falls, Idaho area- likely made in the 80s. Here are some of the materials/details:
- zebra wood body
- birch and pau ferro neck
- ebony fingerboard
- 34" scale with 24 frets
- Stars guitars bridge; Alan Bradley pots (black ones); Schaller tuning keys
- 2 Music Man pickups
- approximately 12.6 lbs!
- Labeled "Fortune" below the bridge


2nd bass came from Red Lotus Music in Newport, OREGON and was reportedly made by an unidentified local guitar repair/woodworker in 2002. According to the previous owner, the maker died prior to his purchase in 2007. Here are some of the materials/details:
- made of burled maple, birdseye maple, and walnut
- birch and pau ferro neck
- rosewood fingerboard?
- 34.5" scale with 25 frets
- Single bartolini pickup
- copper covering on headstock and at jack
- approximately 9lbs

 

[cdef]

This is going to be a tough one... skilled local builders with small businesses.

 

[SoonerBill]

I have no idea who made them but they're unique and good looking. You made a good purchase IMO.

 

[Iridescentone]

#1 = Kawai ?

 

[cdef]

#1 = Kawai ?

The Kawai F II B was an Alembic copy, but didn't have an XLR jack, and had an elaborate headstock inlay.

 

[Twice19]

Adam Stone?

 

[BigBoneRed]

Beautiful, and unique.. looks like a win-win. Do they play well?

 

[Jeff Scott]

This photo clues us into the builder of the Alembic knock-off.

That would be Dale Fortune.

This is Dale at Rickenbacker's 75th Anniversary celebration the last weekend of August '06. He worked at Rickenbacker in the '70s. Note the headstock decal on this guitar he built.

I know Dale, but haven't spoken with him in many years. Last time was when I sent him a March '67 330 that needed some work.

 

[Tommy Sparks]

No info, but, I really like the 1st one. Enjoy!!

 

[rojo412]

#1 is definitely NOT a modified Kawaii. There is way too much happening there which would essentially make it the most ridiculous and elaborate "modification" and would be less work to just build something from scratch...
So yeah, this is a bass built from scratch.
The "Fortune" logo is hilarious, but actually may hold some clue as to the maker.

 

[Jeff Scott]

#1 is definitely NOT a modified Kawaii. There is way too much happening there which would essentially make it the most ridiculous and elaborate "modification" and would be less work to just build something from scratch...
So yeah, this is a bass built from scratch.
The "Fortune" logo is hilarious, but actually may hold some clue as to the maker.

See post #8.

 

[TKelly]

#1 = Kawai ?

Thanks- looks like a close approximation, but the shape and hardware on the Kawaii are quite different.

This photo clues us into the builder of the Alembic knock-off.
View attachment 7104592

That would be Dale Fortune.

This is Dale at Rickenbacker's 75th Anniversary celebration the last weekend of August '06. He worked at Rickenbacker in the '70s. Note the headstock decal on this guitar he built.

View attachment 7104593

I know Dale, but haven't spoken with him in many years. Last time was when I sent him a March '67 330 that needed some work.

photo clues us into the builder of the Alembic knock-off.
View attachment 7104592

That would be Dale Fortune.

This is Dale at Rickenbacker's 75th Anniversary celebration the last weekend of August '06. He worked at Rickenbacker in the '70s. Note the headstock decal on this guitar he built.

View attachment 7104593

I know Dale, but haven't spoken with him in many years. Last time was when I sent him a March '67 330 that needed some work.

Jeff, thanks so much for the information! I new that label would ring true with someone. I've reached out to Dale and, fingers crossed, will hear something back soon. I'm looking to restore the bass and make a few updates. It plays wonderfully, it's just a bit challenging for the shoulder - 12.5lbs!

 

[TKelly]

Adam Stone?

Looks like Adam is not the guy. He appears to make some beautiful instruments. Thanks for the lead.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Thanks- looks like a close approximation, but the shape and hardware on the Kawaii are quite different.

Jeff, thanks so much for the information! I new that label would ring true with someone. I've reached out to Dale and, fingers crossed, will hear something back soon. I'm looking to restore the bass and make a few updates. It plays wonderfully, it's just a bit challenging for the shoulder - 12.5lbs!

Wonderful! If you do get to talk with him tell Dale I said hi and that it's been a long time no talk.

Is he still in Aloha?

 

[TKelly]

Wonderful! If you do get to talk with him tell Dale I said hi and that it's been a long time no talk.

Is he still in Aloha?

Hi Jeff- I spoke with him earlier this evening (before I read your response). I'll carry your message forward when I travel up to see him - likely in January. He confirmed that the bass is as he made it. Even the pickups and preamp are the same- all from 1979. Apparently he even machine the brass saddle, nut, and bridge.

 

[BigBoneRed]

Hi Jeff- I spoke with him earlier this evening (before I read your response). I'll carry your message forward when I travel up to see him - likely in January. He confirmed that the bass is as he made it. Even the pickups and preamp are the same- all from 1979. Apparently he even machine the brass saddle, nut, and bridge.

Wow.. that's so awesome!!

 

[JimmyM]

The Fortune looks almost as deluxe as an actual Alembic. Any word from the guy yet?

 

[TKelly]

The Fortune looks almost as deluxe as an actual Alembic. Any word from the guy yet?

I spoke with him briefly and plan to meet with him this month. Still confused about what's going on with the switches. I'm hopeful that he'll be able to help with restoration.

 

[TKelly]

I spoke with him briefly and plan to meet with him this month. Still confused about what's going on with the switches. I'm hopeful that he'll be able to help with restoration.

I spoke with him briefly and plan to meet with him this month. Still confused about what's going on with the switches. I'm hopeful that he'll be able to help with restoration.

 

[TKelly]

Happy to report that the '79 Dale Fortune Alembic style bass is not back in the maker's hands for some long overdue attention for repairs and restoration. Dale is also doing a once over on my '79 4001 Rickenbacker. Yahoo!