Strange Bass

[alf]

Hi guys!!

This is my first post.


I bought this bass (pics attached) about twenty five years ago. I havent a clue what it is but it plays really well but doesnt sound so good. I intend to change the pic ups. Does anyone know what it is? It seems to have Alembic parts but I dont think its an Alembic as I already have one o these basses.

Thanks for any help

[White Cloud]

Hi, welcome to the forum.

I have no idea what it is, but I like it! Its a shame that you don't like the sound - this would seem to rule out Alembic pickups and preamp.

Interesting.

[Naetharu]

First, welcome to Basschat!

No idea what the bass is but it looks fantastic. What is it that you don't like about the sound?

[madshadows]

Can't help with the make of the bass but it looks amazing, good luck with the PUP upgrade, sure it'll sound great with them

John

[timhiggins]

Looks cool ,it has the look of a Carl Thompson and a JD as well as Alembic but its a different decal.. i'm sure someone will be along soon with some idea !

[alyctes]

Welcome

Can we ask what you paid for it, was it new, and where you got it?

[visog]

Welcome to the forum.

On a minor point there is a 'bass guitar' specific forum but seems everyone posts everything in general now and the moderators just let it happen. Madness.

Anyway, in response to your question. I'm going to go with a gut feel based on its Alembic morphing into a Carl Thompson which says to me an American builder by the name of Ron Blake. Also the banjo peg-head is also redolent of his work.

Bit of wild suggestion I know and I've no other basis other than aesthetics. Do you have any indication of its provenance? Could it have been imported from America?

Visog

[Rich]

[quote name='visog' timestamp='1443347065' post='2873944']
everyone posts everything in general now and the moderators just let it happen. Madness.
[/quote]
Yeah, what a complete shower they are.

[Dad3353]

[quote name='Rich' timestamp='1443376806' post='2874244']
Yeah, what a complete shower they are.
[/quote]

Oi..! Quit slagging off the Mo...



Oh..! Sorry, Boss.

[Dan Dare]

Why not sell it and buy what you like the sound of? P/u upgrades always cost money (assuming you buy something decent). The whole thing tends to work as a piece, I find.

[alf]

Hi guys! Thanks for your replies. I paid £450 for it in a shop in Manchester called A1 music in 1987 I think.

I have a few Alembics but this bass is the best to play. I once sold a bass and regretted it ever since so have no intention to sell this one.

I think I might take it to the gallery in Camden and ask if they can sort the sound out for me.

Thanks for your help!!!

Regards Alf

[gafbass02]

I remember something similar being in Leicester in the early 90's. It had been 'home made' if I recall correctly. There was a Warwick thumb copy as well.

[FC Spoiler]

That's a Hyak bass (former Alembic employee)

On the Alembic forum there are some who can tell you more :-) [url="http://alembic.com/club/messages/395/42574.html"]http://alembic.com/c.../395/42574.html[/url]

Edited September 29, 2015 by FC Spoiler

[alf]

Wow thanks FC!

It's defo a Hyak bass. I have never heard of them before. I have alembics but the Hyak is by far the best to play.

Thanks again for your help!!!!!

[FC Spoiler]

Welcome anytime :-)

[White Cloud]

Well done FC Spoiler....an excellent intervention.

Very cool bass indeed.