1994 Alembic Epic 5-string

[Billw97]

Hi All!

I was going to go directly to Ebay with this guy, but thought I would offer it here first. I am selling my 5-string Alembic Epic...with a heavy heart. She doesn't get played any more so it's time to find a new home.
The bass came to me modified, the headstock had been cut to resemble a Tobias. Luckily the logos were still intact! The headstock was repaired and no attempt to hide the repair was made. The serial number is still intacted.
The stock tuners were shot, all but one had lost the "A" logo on them. The tuners were replaced with Hipshot Ultralite tuners and an Xtender on the low B-string. Included with the sale are a new set of Gotoh gold tuners.
The bass had also been spray bombed with clear coat...bad at that. This was removed and a Tung oil finish was applied. The electronics are as it came. The switch appears to be a high-low switch. There is a rubbed spot on the front pickup that can be seen in the picture.
The bass comes with a generic hard case. The price will be $800.00 plus shipping, sorry guys but is firm. I understand that it no longer stock, but the price is still very good for an Alembic 5-string. I am also sorry, I don't not have any sound clips. Besides, you really don't want to hear me play!
Thanks for looking!

[Billw97]

More pictures.

[andrew]

Gah! Smokin' deal alert!

[belinmad]

Hey Bill,
What's the weight on this baby?

[fivebass52]

Pm sent... I likey!

[Billw97]

I think she weighs in around 10lbs. She is heavier then my Lakland which is around 9lbs.

I forgot, I'll also put on a fresh set of strings before shipping. I have a real nice 5-string set of Elrick strings. These are great strings by the way and worth giving a try if you haven't already!

[Billw97]

Sold!

[andrew]

That was fast!
Someone here get it?

[fivebass52]

That was fast!
Someone here get it?

Just what I don't need... another bass! But, couldn't pass up an Alembic, especially for this price! Always wanted one, and I like this body design... so, number 17! time for me to thin the herd soon too.....

[Jeroen]

so, number 17! time for me to thin the herd soon too.....

I'll help: I think there was someone interested in your ATK305 earlier this week

[fivebass52]

so, number 17! time for me to thin the herd soon too.....

I'll help: I think there was someone interested in your ATK305 earlier this week

To consider the thought is blasphemous! Nice try!

[AzWhoFan]

fb52: better watch out how many basses you collect, else your Hawaiian paradise is at risk of sinking under the waves from the sheer weight of your collection!

[Frenchy-Lefty]

@Fivebass,

Talk to me if you ever sell one of the those lefty ATK 4 strings though. I'll be in Hawaii for a surf trip sometimes in the spring.

[fivebass52]

fb52: better watch out how many basses you collect, else your Hawaiian paradise is at risk of sinking under the waves from the sheer weight of your collection!

I have a couple of basses that could easily be used for paddles, and I wouldn't bat and eye...

[fivebass52]

@Fivebass,

Talk to me if you ever sell one of the those lefty ATK 4 strings though. I'll be in Hawaii for a surf trip sometimes in the spring.

let me know when you're here... I don't surf, but I know some great places of course to eat, drink, and find good music!

[fivebass52]

Well it's here in Hawaii now! Looks great, and sounds great!



This is a pic showing the back of the headstock. You can see the darker woods used to make the stock Epic headstock.
It was built originally with a custom headstock. Someone decided to take it back to stock. It now looks like it should....

[Billw97]

I am glad to see that she made it! I hope you will enjoy!
Thanks again!
Bill

[fivebass52]

Does anyone here on the board have an Alembic Epic? Reason why I ask is I'd like to know more about the original EQ/Control knob setup. From what I've seen of other Epics, they originally came with a four-knob setup, and my Epic has three and a cut-switch. Here are pics....

Knobs....


Control Cavity...


Cut-switch resistor, which says.... " .015UF, +/-10%, 80 DC"...


Can't find any info at the Alembic site other than generic which says Volume, Pan, Bass, Treble. The bottom knob at this point seems to act as a Tone Control, although it could still be either the Bass or Treble module; I'm just not sure at this point.

[AzWhoFan]

You can call up Alembic and ask them. They are better record keepers than Martin Guitars, and will tell you what shipped in the bass. I am of course assuming the electronics are original

[fivebass52]

Thanks AZ, I've posted the serial # on their website for more info, but it may take awhile until they're over the Holiday rush. Also, theirs a '95 Alembic on eBay at the moment, and a picture showing the original layout of the controls, which are Volume, Pan, Treble-and-Bass boost. Mine has a cut-switch installed where the bass control should be, so it will be interesting to see what Alembic says about the way my Epic is wired.

I'm also going to start a thread on the Alembic forum and see if any of the members can tell me more about it. It's a great sounding bass, and the controls act like a Fender in a sense. It's easy to quickly dial in tones, and the cut-switch is nice too. Played it last Sunday at a Blues gig, and my fellow bass players in the crowd liked the tone, and the body style. Going to take it apart soon and give it a cleaning, and polish up the brass. Will do some before and after pics....