lozbass

Good outcome and good news - it's all too easy to get a bit obsessed with these little wrinkles!

Did the seller disclose the crack before the sale? Very poor practice if not. It's hard to tell from the image, but as ou7shined says, there's no obvious link to grain structure. That said, I'd be concerned too. I'd take this to a professional to have it checked. If it's just a lacquer crack, you could consider having a cosmetic repair. If it's something more serious, a good pro luthier should be able to provide a permanent fix at a reasonable cost. Whatever the outcome, if the crack wasn't mentioned prior to the sale, I'd be talking to the seller. Good luck - I wouldn't worry too much - quite an easy fix for a decent luthier either way.

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1320773483' post='1431264'] I've been coveting Loz's sonic blue Alleva Coppolo LG4 with matching headstock and DN board for a good while [/quote] [quote name='jazzyvee' timestamp='1321215191' post='1436642'] I'd go for Lozbass's Stanley Clark style Series II Alembic. Jazzyvee [/quote] [quote name='4000' timestamp='1321362949' post='1438193'] +1 here, followed by my old Sei 4 (Moonbassalpha) and Sei 5 (Ziggydolphinboy). There may be others I can't remember..... BTW, I'm actually happy with what I've got, although if I could have anything it would be my old Alembic Triple O back! [/quote] Gentlemen - you are all extremely kind. I wish I was in ownership of talent similar to yours! And 4000 - if I'd have bought your Triple O (and I wish I had), its return would be offered immediately, even though the walnut facing is the finest I've ever seen.

Retroman - the Orion looks gorgeous - I don't think there's anything that sounds like an Alembic, the clarity and weight of the notes is a thing of beauty! I'd love to hear yours down-tuned to A - I suspect that's a bit scary. Dave C. you clearly have a very wonderful wife. I'm a massive fan of Persuaders and have wanted one for ages - as you say a bit of simplicity with all the quality of build and most of the tonal variation of the sigs etc. Yours is a particularly beautiful example - love the maple.

Thanks for the very kind comments all - and Retroman, love that Orion - the purpleheart (?) looks lovely under the zebrawood. I can imagine the B is outstanding too - the clarity and complexity of Alembics is staggering!

Shaggy - thanks very much, it's a lovely bit of wood - the facing isn't really bookmatched, it's a piece that Alembic were saving for a small bodied Series II. Badass, thanks too - the electronics on Alembics are mainly filter based - there's a really good explanation of controls at the link below. Take a look at Threads on Series I and II controls. The electronics are very powerful and provide a great deal of flexibility. The bass with the cocobolo top in my photographs is a SII - it's stereo which adds to the complexity - essentially, there's a volume, filter and continuously variable q for each pickup. Anniversary and signature electronics are similar but not quite so variable. http://alembic.com/club/messages/16271/16308.html?1307664475

Was re-stringing this yesterday (managed to get an hour to myself) and got a couple of shots - Alembic know where to get some nice timbers

Interesting topic...I've had a couple of Sei Js (a 4 and a 5) and feel and tone was remarkably similar - very slender and superbly playable necks with a somewhat mellow and very even and balanced tone - they sit beautifully in a mix but don't make a nuisance of themselves (even if you want them to). I've also had a couple of Flamboyants - very different from each other and very different in feel with respect to the Js. IMO Martin is making some of the best basses in the world. Anybody who opts for a Sei will be getting superb build quality, ergonomics and playability (and attention to detail that is beyond belief). I wouldn't be too concerned about buying without trying - certainly not on the playability front. Tone might be a different issue - some experimentation with circuits and pickups might be necessary

funkle - thanks for this - still considering one

Not to hijack in any way but just found this - Norman playing an Alembic S1 with the Blockheads at Hammersmith in '85 - stupendous tone and a stunningly high-quality video [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB00GTgyxMk[/media]

I just sent over a Wal to Oliver and have enjoyed an incredibly friendly and simple transaction. Oliver is entirely true to his word and immensely trustworthy. Communications have been just perfect and I can't recommend Oliver more highly. Thanks for everything - a great deal!