three

Thanks to all for the very lovely comments!  I've attached some new images but they're not much of an improvement - taken this evening in yellow artificial light - they really don't do the finish any justice.  Any apparent marks are just reflections.  On very close inspection, there's a little swirling under the truss rod cover - obviously the outcome of some slap action (not me) - it's not easy to see in daylight and would polish out, but for full disclosure etc.  If we ever get any natural light, I'll get some much better pics! 

1 minute ago, AndyTravis said:

FFS, very nice

Hahaha, first in!  

Hi all, thanks for all the interest/calls and lovely comments. The bass is now sold.

Alembic Signature Deluxe MK with Balance K body - figured Cocobolo front and back

Red and Amber LEDs

4 string 34" scale

Gold plated bridge and nut (22k hard plate) - no need for endless polishing 

Maple and purple heart neck - ebony board with some quilting (extraordinary - I haven't seen it previously)

Abalone inlays

Sterling Silver Alembic logo

Signature electronics

Body is cocobolo facings, mahogany core and maple and purpleheart laminates

Heart Omega cut

Brass control and battery cover plates

Weight is around 9lbs 12 ozs - I'll try to get an accurate weight

2011 build

In extraordinary cosmetic condition with no blemishes or marks anywhere.  The neck pickup logo was worn when I received the bass but the logo has been replaced and the minor wear to the cover has been polished back to matte.  This could probably pass for a new bass.  The only imperfection I can find is a tiny lifting of the lacquer adjacent to the nut retaining screw on the headstock (I'm being really picky here).

The tone is pure Alembic - bell-like clarity and extraordinary sustain.  I've had this set-up with a super-low action (probably too low for most players).  The case is in pretty much perfect condition too.  Comes with paperwork and strap locks. Pretty close to buying a new bass really.

Any questions please just ask. I can provide any images you may need.  Socially distanced collection in Manchester is possible.  I can ship within the UK or to some overseas destinations but entirely at the buyer's risk and expense (I'd strongly advise insurance to full value).  I have good shipping materials.

Reason for sale is size.  It's too big for me.  I'm a short-scale player only and should stop pretending that I can play long-scale.  I'm selling for less than I have in the bass.  It came to me in near perfect condition then I spent a lot of money making it absolutely perfect.  No offers and no trades thanks unless you have a high-end short-scale Alembic.

Oops, just realised that some of the image files are HEICs - I'll convert and attach tomorrow.  Some images also show the neck pickup prior to replacement of the logo

Wow, absolutely beautiful - a very special Status!

That looks really lovely - a very impressive build from some great parts - I'm a big fan of bolt inserts for neck joints.  It's too heavy for me (by some distance) but a lovely looking instrument indeed!

On 06/11/2020 at 15:14, funkypenguin said:

Just finished putting my new rig together. 

Warwick Hellborg preamp

Warwick Hellborg Mono 500w power amp

Warwick Hellborg Hi Cab (2x12)

Warwick Hellborg Lo Cab (1x15)

joined by my 97 streamer LX

Complete U-turn for me as far as rig philosophy is concerned in that its heavy as hell, but it sounds incredible 

 

Superb rig and fabulous with the six string I’d imagine.  My favourite pre but interesting to hear how you get on with the power amp. I’m on my third (stereo 250) and find that they impart some harmonic colour, a kind of fine grit. Musical but a bit unexpected - I tend to use my pre through the back end of a db750 where complete cleanliness is required.  I hope that you have sound floors. A very substantial stack (and if you need to add a few pounds, I think that Thomann still have a few of the Warwick dedicated 3u cases). Lovely to see the complete set - stunning!

I know that some UK and European Basschat members bought cabs in the Thomman blow out a couple of years ago.  I've used the preamp and amps and they're superb.  The pre is my favourite of all that I've used.  The amps are incredibly well built and the philosophy behind their conception and execution appears very robust.  I'd hope that the quality is carried through into the construction and performance of the cabs.

Absolutely beautiful - Jon's work is of the highest quality and this particular bass looks stunning.  One of the more pleasing and well-executed takes on the singlecut idea IMO

This is a giveaway in my opinion.  These are some of finest Fender-types available - the only F-type basses that I've played that are in the same league have been Celinders, though US Laklands have a very special feel, especially the neck (I prefer this to Celinder).  Laklands have some of the dimensions and feel of the very best of very old Fenders to me - plus, there's much reduced risk - not all very old Fenders are very good Fenders in my experience.  I have absolutely no need for this (I have a Lakland P) though I'd dearly love it  

New PM

Gorgeous - a relatively early one and in fantastic condition.  I've been playing these since 1979

PMd

32 minutes ago, Beedster said:

Don’t they have tube pres? 

The DB750 has tubes (3 in the pre) but the Hellborg doesn’t have any.  Weirdly, the Hellborg power amp weighs almost exactly the same as. DB750 on its own - nuts!

Agi DB750 and Warwick Hellborg. Though heavier than many valve amps 

Clarky - definitely one of the coolest (if not the coolest) Alembic I've seen

Superb valve pre - indeed, my favourite (I prefer these to Noble, and I really like the latter!)  That said, unlike most players (I think) I discovered that I prefer SS pres.  Still miss my 680 in some ways - just such a cool industrial aesthetic 

8 hours ago, Al Krow said:

Lovely bass - and first time I've come across a sub 10lb Overwater 5er. I'll need to have a look into these hybrid basses! 

@threeis yours a PJ or a straight P? 

Mine was an unusual hybrid - P body with twin humbuckers (I don't want to derail the thread with an image but this probably only serves as testament to the quality of Chris' work) and bump for this staggering Charcoal Frost! 

E725A856-AE7E-4A12-8D7B-13BEA6E1AC94.heic

16 hours ago, AndyTravis said:

@three I need to come and knock that fretted cocobolo one’s face off...

It's in Scotland at the moment (with my brother) but as soon as we're allowed to congregate, you'd be very welcome indeed - it's been far too long.  Winter in the pennine foothills is such a lovely time... (as you'll know!)

14 hours ago, AndyTravis said:

@Doctor J love that - much prefer the 2+2 headstock shape on that body!

Me too on this - such a classy look (and the headstock facing looks gorgeous!)

Ah, Chris's signature dense foam trick with the Hiscox case - something I've emulated recently.  

What a staggering bass.  I recently had a custom hybrid P from Chris - a 2018 model.  Outstanding in every way and gloriously executed - the attention to detail was world class.  This J looks just the same and a gorgeous finish.  For me, Overwaters are up there with the very best of British luthiery.  Sad to hear of the retirement though - I hope that you'll return one day!

18 hours ago, Clarky said:

Now with added SIMS red LED-ness

wow, stunner - I think we need a lot more images of this.  Absolutely love it - very cool indeed!  If you need a new logo for the bridge pickup cover, I may be able to help out!

Hahaha, sorry Mike - I did mean short-scale (it had been a long week!) but I’m sure you’re being far too modest!

Just received a beautiful fretless from Mike - perfectly packed and exactly as described - mint.  It's also a lovely player with a gorgeous, surprisingly versatile tonal palette (especially for a singly pickup, passive bass).  Communications throughout were perfect and it was great to chat with one of Basschat's most avid fretless players.  Deal in confidence, a star in Basschat's firmament

13 hours ago, Steve Browning said:

Seems like it won't be until almost the end of November!!

M original order stated that it would be received by the supplier on 30/9. Today, the day before, the order is updated to 25/11.

Considering I was informed my amp was being built a good few weeks ago (on this very forum) it seems a real pity that the date is updated so very late, and by almost 9 weeks. My first Mesa based disappointment in 32 years. Guess I had a good run.

Sorry to hear this Steve - I had a real concern this would happen but still very interested to hear what you think when this eventually arrives

I’m not a valve user at all, though great to see such a lovely boutique UK product - elegant simplicity