Alembic Series I

The Alembic Series I is a 4-string bass produced by Alembic. It was one of the most ground-breaking and influential basses of the 1970s era, especially with the design and aesthetics, and was played by the likes of famous bassists such as Stanley Clarke, John McVie and John Entwistle.

Background
Mike Rutherford reportedly purchased an Alembic Series I bass from John Entwistle of The Who - who was known to use several Series I basses in the mid 1970s - along with Alembic preamps.

He first used the Alembic Series I on the Abacab album, featuring on songs like "No Reply At All". It became his main bass during the 1981-82 era, playing it rather extensively for Genesis shows around that time. Including, most significantly, the Six of The Best reunion concert with Steve Hackett and Peter Gabriel on 2 October 1982 at Milton Keynes.

He recorded with the Alembic once again on the Genesis album in 1983. At the same time, he was trying out the Steinberger bass which he played on certain tracks, and ended up preferring to the Alembic. As for why, Mike commented that the "sound range from [the Alembic] was so great it was almost confusing". Eventually, for the most part it fell by the wayside and was forgotten about. Mike had it around again during the making of We Can't Dance.

Despite claims by Mike that the Alembic was lost, it was sold in 2001 alongside other Genesis gear that accumulated at The Farm over the years.

Specs
Mike Rutherford's Alembic Series I is a Long Scale model, likely with Vermillion finish
 * Serial # SZ 76045 (1976 model)
 * Body: Mahogany/Koa
 * Fingerboard: Ebony
 * Frets: 24
 * Pickups: Alembic Electric Active
 * Neck: Maple & Walnut