BassBod

Where are you?

To be honest, if I played 5 string or had reading gigs regularly this bass wouldn’t be up for sale. Unfortunately, I can see some major expenses on the horizon, so time to clear a few things.

I won't be offended by near offers....

It is indeed - the active circuit is very high headroom, but all the pickups are very natural and clear. The passive tone controls really do give enough variation combined with the pickup blending. It’s an extremely well considered design.

Sorry....

Two more things - the headstock Lion decal has pretty much rubbed off (apologies from luthier). Also, it sounds from my description like this bass is a bit of a lost cause - it’s not, it’s a lovely instrument..but I feel it’s important that any defects are clearly stated...especially if a potential buyer is travelling.

Interesting bass! Made by Rick Turner (original woodwork guy and partner in Alembic...look him up!) in 2000. Conceived as a modern update on the Fender Jazz. Ash body in gloss dark cherry red tint, with oiled maple neck and thin veneer rosewood fingerboard. 35” scale length. Two Turner magnetic pickups, in the Alembic tradition of wide frequency and neutral sound, plus individual piezo elements placed under each string in the Hipshot bridge. There is an (18v) active circuit that provides preamplification and allows the pickups to be mixed. There are no eq controls, just master volume, blend between the two mag pickups, and blend of the bridge piezo with the magnetics. The concentric is two passive “roll off” tone pots - one for the magnetic, and one for the piezo. Unusual, but I like it and it becomes intuitive very quickly. I bought the bass here a few years ago, and it came with several issues - every screw head and Allen bolt was damaged, as was the truss rod adjuster..pots were all noisy, jack socket worn, strap buttons glued... I have had the frets levelled and re-profiled, replaced just about every screw in the bridge (thank you Hipshot!) repaired and refinished the back of the neck and fitted Dunlop strap buttons and a new jack. My tame luthier said the truss rod was still adjustable, but take it back to him if it needs it. There is a small trim pot that acts as a master blend between piezo and magnetic pickups- this needs to be replaced as it currently does nothing, but I’ve not got around to it as the bass functions as is - probably worth doing, to have full control as it was designed. An interesting bass, but with some issues - these would be around 3k dollars new, so the price reflects this. Comes in a nice but well used Levy’s bag, and all the Hipshot screws I’ve still got. Sale only please and I would want you to have a good look and play before purchase - between Bristol and Bath, ten mins from M4 J18.

5 string set, cut for a 3/2 headstock on a 35” scale bass. Never really played much, certainly not gigged. I think these are the heavier of the two gauges offered, but they are so bouncy anyway it’s hard to tell. Price is UK posted, first PM gets ‘em. I’m just heading out on a busy weekend so there may be delay in replying....sorry 😳

Thanks - that’s good to know. I’ve not used this one for many years, and even then I didn’t keep the matching combo for very long. Can’t help thinking it would make a nice mini set up with the new TE Elf 😎

For sale, collection only, Bristol /Bath area. This was sold as an extension cab for use with the early non-carpet version of the Blx combo (slot port on the front). Early 1990’s. The details have all rubbed off, but from memory it’s 8ohm, 150w rated, with a single 10” and a non adjustable tweeter (not fierce). By today’s standards it’s heavy (35-40lbs?) with low power handling and ok sound. I’m guessing a small micro head could kill the driver if you weren’t careful. It’s spent the last 15 years with a guitarist friend who sadly passed away recently - the sale is to help clear surplus gear so his estate can be settled. PM any questions

Down to £350 bump.....

Well known preamp/DI - the same eq boost circuit fitted inside Sadowsky basses, with the addition of a nice DI output and a really useful mute footswitch. Runs on a single 9v or power supply (I’ve only ever used a battery, lasts for ages and there is a warning light to show when the power is failing). I’m only selling this due to poverty and the fact that I’ve got two versions of the same circuit in other boxes. Very good condition, with original box and leaflet..no Velcro, all feet and screws present. The only issue I’ve had is some noise due to slight tarnishing on the battery contacts - easily fixed with a wipe of contact cleaner. No trades please, need cash for other stuff (sound familiar?). Price includes UK postage, would rather not send it much further. PM any questions... SOLD - pending the usual