It was there, viewable when Geoff first posted it. But now i see only a broken link icon.
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GeoffGould
Commercial User
Not sure why the picture disappeared, I gave credit earlier. Try again?
I just recently acquired this Bassstar Jazz from the family of the original owner. I have not removed the neck, but the nut has “1 1 79” etched into it. The neck is in fantastic shape, less the flaking of the logo (which read Modulus/Alembic Bassstar).
If anyone has more information on this, I’d love to hear about it! @GeoffGould @donk
If anyone has more information on this, I’d love to hear about it! @GeoffGould @donk
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The neck is composed of fine fibers in random order, like my neck, which is serial number 57 (serial number is located on the heel, where a truss rod would be); however, my hardware is nickel and the print on the headstock is white. Another resource, if you want to refurbish the neck, is Jerry Dorsch at Graphite Guitar Systems, 13043 195th Avenue SW, Oakville, WA 98568, tel (360) 273-7744. He renewed my neck for a very reasonable price.
GeoffGould
Commercial User
This is a VERY early neck. The graphite visible on the outside is random GY70 fibers. Very expensive. The finish is probably Sherwin Williams Polane, which Alembic used to use. At some point, they must’ve changed the formula, as the finishes rapidly turned green and began to crack. I’d be curious to see a sideways view of the peghead.
GeoffGould
Commercial User
the pictures don't focus on the area near the nut. This looks like it was very early, before we even scooped out the peghead top to thin down the peghead.
Sorry about that. Additional photos below. Do the body & components appear to be original to the bass?
@GeoffGould Am I correct in surmising that the outside GY70 layer is primarily cosmetic, and that underneath that is unidirectional (or perhaps 90° weave) carbon fiber for the structural material?
GeoffGould
Commercial User
In the very beginning, the entire neck was made out of GY70. The actual internal structure evolved over time.
GeoffGould
Commercial User
It is unlikely that the neck that early would even have been put into an instrument.
Thanks. You’ve peaked my curiosity. I’ll take the neck off in the near future and post photos of the number.
Just took the neck off, it’s #0012
A matchbook cover that was used to shim the neck is dated 1976.
The body is #845 by Boogie Bodies
I recently bought this one. It was listed on the GC site (still is) as a Heartfield bass. I called the store and confirmed that they are using the wrong photos. They still are for some reason. So I figured the real Bassstar was somewhere on the site but had no luck finding it. A few weeks ago it appears with no photos but was sold when I tried to buy it. It showed up again at the Pasadena store and I was able to get it sight unseen. Turned out to be the bass pictured as the Heartfield. I'll get more pictures of it after I dig into it but it has a lovely neck. Here are the pictures from the Guitar Center listing. (Heartfield)
GeoffGould
Commercial User
Modulus/Alembic Bassstars are very early!! Fantastic looking instrument...
After doing a bit of research on this thread it appears that this is the California Bass that was given away by BAM Magazine circa 1979-80. Apparently made from parts by California companies. The body could be a Schecter but I don't recall them leaving without any stamping and they never had a hole drilled through the pocket area either. The former owner hasn't posted anything on Talkbass since 2014.
