Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: lscolman on May 22, 2009, 11:06:23 AM

Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on May 22, 2009, 11:06:23 AM: Considering bidding on this bass:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=160336164280 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=160336164280)

What would a typical Alembic of this type sell for?

I've read the that the pickup is too close to the neck to play slap effectively. Can anyone help out?

Cheers, Lee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: bsee on May 22, 2009, 11:29:31 AM: These basses are going for $1500-2000 US these days, and often the UK prices are the same in pounds as in dollars. 1500 pounds wouldn't be particularly unusual.

As far as the slapping goes, it's all about technique. How accurate and consistent can you be? If you're controlled, then there's enough room. Also, that bass doesn't have the pickup as close to the neck as some others.

-bob
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: sonicus on May 22, 2009, 12:04:14 PM: It's technique, Yes! Some like very light strings for this technique. 100-45/ 95-40 Check out info on Mark King , he is a master at this.
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: terryc on May 22, 2009, 03:44:45 PM: Why is there a precision knob on the filter?
Did he lose it, has the original pot snapped off, I would ask why it has a non standard control knob, it's no big deal to get a replacement but why is it there.
Lovely bass otherwise, nice big fatboy pu's, great wood combo, a bargain really BUT ask about the knob
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: bsee on May 22, 2009, 03:53:56 PM: Pickup shape is not an indicator of a fatboy pickup. I didn't see anything in the listing to say they were or weren't fatboys
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: terryc on May 22, 2009, 05:57:08 PM: Okay so I assumed they were my mistake..sorry about that.
Still wondering about the knob though..any thoughts??
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: mario_farufyno on May 22, 2009, 06:58:05 PM: Oh, my dog is also from Staffordshire.. Hope that Bass is as muscular as him.
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on May 23, 2009, 01:51:39 AM: Crikey, thanks for all the replies!

I've asked why the control knob is not original, and also if the pot has been replaced.

Yes, the pickups do seem to be a little further back than other spoilers I've seen pictures of. Does that seem unusual?

With regards the fatboy pickups, is this something I should be weary of?

I had not realised how much they went for. The reviewed models on harmony central show $600 and $750. Could anyone who has purchased recently advise what they have paid for a comparable model?

Thanks for all your help.

Cheers, Lee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: FC Bass on May 23, 2009, 02:10:43 AM: Pre '84 Spoilers have the very narrow Truss rods cover and it's difficult to get your pop finger between the fingerboard and pickup.
With the style as on the bass that's offered it's a lot easier. (I have both)

They also made Spoilers (early 90's) with the pickup further from the neck (about 1 inch between the pickup and truss rods cover)
I think they did that for making slap style easier, but I bet you'll be fine with this one ;-)

I've paid about 1300 euro's for my Spoilers (10 years ago and 3 years ago)
They seem to bee in the 1000-1500 (EUR/GBP) range over here at the moment.

Do not worry 'bout the Fatboys, AXY is standard on Spoilers (almost all Alembics) and a great pickup ;-)
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: David Houck on May 23, 2009, 06:44:15 AM: Hi Lee; welcome to the board!

Yea, that knob kinda sticks out on a bass that the listing said had not been modified in any way, hee hee. Hopefully it's just the knob and not the pot that's been replaced. You can order a new knob from Alembic.

Nice looking Spoiler though!

An '86 that hasn't been modified would have AXY pickups. Fatboys can be ordered from Alembic and are a direct replacement. Both pickups are great pickups; the Fatboys have a little more growl, while the AXYs are cleaner.

I've been watching Alembic prices fairly regularly for at least the last seven years. Prices of $600 and $750 are not representative of the market during that time. Those prices are either from the last century or represent purchasers from sellers who didn't know what the bass was worth. Bob's suggestion of $1,500 to $2,000 for the US market seems like a reasonable estimate; and I think you can probably rely on Flip's (fc_spoiler) estimates for the UK market. I sold my Spoiler two years ago for $1,500 here in the US, which was the market price at that time. Since then, despite the downturn in the economy, market prices for used Alembics have continued to go up.
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: georgie_boy on May 23, 2009, 07:06:48 AM: So.What's a 76 Series 1 worth nowadays??
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: white_cloud on May 23, 2009, 07:50:49 AM: George, I almost bought a 78 Series in good condition from a reputable dealer in England two years ago for ?2500.

Wish I had.

John.
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: Enzo on May 23, 2009, 11:06:28 PM: To answer the 2nd question, the distance between the pick-up and the neck is more than enough to slap. I own a Spoiler with the same pick-up position and I don't have any problem, you get use to it the first day.
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on May 24, 2009, 02:05:19 AM: Thanks again for those replies.

I'm going to see if I can win it in the auction.

Can someone advise as to what the controls are on this, and what the switch does?

Thanks in advance

Cheers, Lee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: keith_h on May 24, 2009, 06:26:50 AM: Here is a link (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=280) to the Spoiler control description.

Keith
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: adriaan on May 25, 2009, 05:52:06 AM: What I found rather limiting on the standard Spoiler is that it has a pick-up switch, rather than a panpot. The both on position is nicely mid-scooped, but with a panpot there's lots more variation in funky goodness on either side. You can dismount the electronics and send them to the mothership for the modification, and it really won't cost you an arm and a leg.

While you're at it, I would recommend replacing the two-position Q switch (0/8 dB) with a three-way 0/3/6 dB. With the filter (tone control) fully open, the switch will add an addictive sparkle to the attack part of each note. (The standard 8 dB option sounded a bit too harsh to my ears.)
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: sonicus on May 25, 2009, 08:05:39 AM: Thanks adriaan , I like that suggestion . That sounds like truly valuable information. I am going do that if I get a Spoiler.
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on May 25, 2009, 09:23:00 AM: Hi,

Couple more questions for the experts. Do these use the 1/4 or 1/8 spline for the pots?

Also, how easy it to replace the switch. The one on this bass is heavily tarnished.

Cheers, Lee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: David Houck on May 25, 2009, 09:34:51 AM: An alternative view. How harsh the 8db setting sounds can depend on your rig and how you have it set up, your strings, your particular bass, your fingers, your ears, and what kind of sound you're trying to create. For instance, I typically have mine set at 15db; but then, that's just me and all of the factors I mentioned above. So while 6db works as a maximum setting for Adriaan, it might not necessarily be the best choice as a maximum for everyone. A popular choice for a three position switch is 0/6/9, which is the standard setup for Series I electronics.
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: FC Bass on May 25, 2009, 09:41:14 AM: My guess is 1/8, but don't order until you're sure :-)

I also see the benefits of the 3 way, my choice is 0-6-8 dB though,
I love the sound of 8 dB, but love to experiment with lower settings (especially on the bridge pickup) for the reason Adriaan mentioned: (The standard 8 dB option sounded a bit too harsh to my ears.)

The switch replacement involves soldering I think?
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on May 25, 2009, 10:04:07 AM: Hi,

Here is a pic of the spline.

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/65555.jpg)

Can anyone with the same era bass confirm whether this is 1/8 or 1/4?

Cheers, Lee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: sonicus on May 25, 2009, 10:25:16 AM: Well I have an 81 Distillate and it is 1/8 ; looks like yours in the pic.
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: sonicus on May 25, 2009, 10:40:49 AM: Hi Dave ,
Thanks for providing that ' Control Reference Standard this now REALLY sets the topic in perspective. These matters always have such variables .I learned something about series 1 electronics.
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: FC Bass on May 25, 2009, 10:41:55 AM: That's a no brainer, 1/8 indeed ;-)
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lbpesq on May 25, 2009, 10:42:33 AM: Lee:

(If you take a ruler and hold it next to the shaft, it will measure out to be either 1/8 or 1/4 in diameter. If it measures 1/8 it is a 1/8 shaft. If it measures 1/4, it is a 1/4 shaft.)

Never mind, I misunderstood and thought you had already purchased the bass.

Bill, tgo

(Message edited by lbpesq on May 25, 2009)
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: FC Bass on May 25, 2009, 10:51:33 AM: Lawyers...
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on May 25, 2009, 11:19:12 AM: Hi,

Thanks for the advice. It does indeed look like a 1/8, but I am not able to measure the shaft, as I don't yet own the bass ;)

If I win the bass, I'll double check with the owner before I order.

Cheers, Lee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: dadabass2001 on May 25, 2009, 08:37:26 PM: The shaft appears to be about half the diameter of the 1/4 phone jack...

Mike
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: FC Bass on May 25, 2009, 08:56:49 PM: Behold the 1/4 shaft:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/65561.jpg)
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: sonicus on May 25, 2009, 09:12:16 PM: Yes , I used the 1/4 inch phone jack on the Spoiler as a visual guide as well to determine that it was an 1/8 inch pot .
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on May 28, 2009, 09:07:32 AM: Hi,

Thanks for all your help with the spline size.

Are those control knobs made by Alembic, or are they a generic brand. They seem very expensive from Alembic, and I'm just wondering if I can save a few quid by picking a set up in the UK?

Cheers, Lee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: sonicus on May 28, 2009, 11:12:58 AM: I believe that they were originally called Raytheon knobs and were available in 1/4 & 1/8 . It is my opinion that your best bet might be to order them Alembic if they have them available. They might be an obscure item to find else where.
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on May 28, 2009, 02:07:56 PM: All three knobs ordered from Alembic.

Cheers, Lee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on May 28, 2009, 02:26:27 PM: Yet another question...

The brass fittings are all quite tarnished on the bass. Can these be removed for cleaning?

Cheers, Lee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on May 29, 2009, 05:26:29 AM: Ignore this one above.

I've found a thread discussing the very thing.

Cheers, Lee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: keith_h on May 29, 2009, 07:48:19 AM: Lee,
I suggest you go through the FAQ and Must Read sections of the Club. There is a bunch of information on the care and feeding of your Alembic bass. In the FAQ you will find controls layouts and instrument care information. In the Must Read you will find discussions on general things like how/why the filters work the way they do and Joey's excellent how to setup your bass thread.

Keith
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on May 30, 2009, 12:01:52 AM: Hi Keith,

I'm taking a look through those now. The first thing I have noticed, is my Spoiler doesn't have the shared screw hole, and seems to have Gotoh tuners?

Anyone else have this type fitted? It's sticky label residue on the back of the headstock by the way.

I don't have the bass yet, so any advice on whether these tuners are not original, and shouldn't be there, but be very helpful.

Cheers, Lee

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/65717.jpg)
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on May 30, 2009, 12:30:45 AM: Another FAQ mentions how to spot a fake. I'm now totally paranoid. Here is a picture of the front of the headstock, does the logo look fine? Also, here is a pic of the internals, does this seem to fit with other models? Any help would be really appreciated. I don't want to end up buying a fake. Cheers, Lee
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/65722.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/65723.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/65724.jpg)
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: FC Bass on May 30, 2009, 01:46:45 AM: Looks fine all the way, in fact looks great!

Tuners are Gotohs indeed ;-)
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: jazzyvee on May 30, 2009, 02:33:11 AM: That sticky label at the back of the headstock looks like it is from a fretfx LED power pack that was previously fitted to the bass. I've fitted one on my bass and it looks about the right size although mine fits lengthways between the B and G string tuners.

https://fretfx.com/ (https://fretfx.com/)
Jazzyvee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on May 30, 2009, 04:49:27 AM: Hi fc,

Thanks for the clarification! Much appreciated.

Hi Jazzy,

I have a fretfx set in blue ready to go on, but they have the smaller power pack. A great spot, it does indeed look exactly like the older style power packs from fretfx.

Thanks again.

Cheers, Lee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: FC Bass on May 30, 2009, 05:04:51 AM: You?re welcome ;-)

The only thing that seems to be missing is a Ferrite Bead (typical for basses from that era)
I think it won't be a problem if you don't use a wireless, though I can't remember ever having problems with it.
I installed a bead in my old Spoilers a few Years ago and used (at least one of them) years without it.

For info on the Ferrite Bead Click here (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=219)
I think I got mine from a broken television and/or PC monitor.

(Message edited by fc_spoiler on May 30, 2009)
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on May 30, 2009, 05:35:02 AM: I have some ferrite beads in the loft. I'll dig one out.

Some great advice there (again) !!

I promise some great pics once I get the bass next week.

The serial number is 86S4118, and I've made a history request.

Cheers, Lee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on May 30, 2009, 06:43:00 AM: Artswork99 has found a previous request for history:-

http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/12921.html (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=2264)

It is listed as a medium scale, but the seller told me it is a 34 neck.

Do Alembic consider 34 to be medium scale. I hope it truly is a 34 scale, as I have a set of fretfx waiting to be installed.

Cheers, Lee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: FC Bass on May 30, 2009, 07:26:42 AM: 34 inch Spoilers are very rare, I've seen only one... (here in Europe)
Be prepared for 32 inch, a bummer for the FretFX but great for all styles (I love the 32 inchers)

If you're (extremely) lucky, this was ordered as a long scale and it was misprinted in the records.
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on May 30, 2009, 07:34:21 AM: Hi fc,

I suspect that the seller has not measured the neck correctly, but as you say it could well be a 34?

I'll sell the fretfx set I have and order another if it turns out to be a 32 neck.

Thanks for the advice.

Cheers, Lee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on June 01, 2009, 07:01:02 AM: Hi,

Can anyone with a spoiler take a profile of the neck against the body of the bass? I've just picked up the spoiler, but the neck seems to drop quite a bit from parallel with the body. Is this normal on a spoiler?

Thanks in advance

Cheers, Lee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on June 01, 2009, 08:16:33 AM: Sorry, what I mean't was take a picture of the profile of the neck against the body.

Cheers, Lee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: adriaan on June 01, 2009, 11:52:19 AM: IME the neck is angled slightly backwards. I've posted some shots of my Spoiler here (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=1420).

And here's a one I didn't want to post on that thread, but it seems appropriate here:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/65791.jpg)
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on June 02, 2009, 02:01:37 AM: Hi adriaan,

Thanks for that. My neck is exactly the same as that. I think the angle of the top horn, makes it looks as though the neck drops away quite quickly, but it is straight.

Thanks for your help.

Cheers, Lee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: adriaan on June 02, 2009, 02:58:08 AM: True, the angles can be deceiving. The neck does drop away, but not by much.

When you look at the peghead from normal playing position it looks like it leans over away from you, but it most certainly does not.
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: precarius on June 02, 2009, 04:00:41 AM: Lee- Congratulations on the new bass!
Mike
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on June 03, 2009, 11:36:02 AM: Finally had some time with the bass, as I've been away on business, and it's fantastic! The tone is just what I'm looking for, and I'm really pleased with my purchase.

I've cleaned up the bridge, tailpiece and nut and they have come up like a new pin.

I would like to renew the switch, as this quite tarnished. I'll renew the washer and nut for the input.

For a 23 year old bass, I am well pleased.

The previous owner had the action high enough to get a bus through. I've dropped it down really low, and there's not a hint of fret buzz. Neck seems to be straight, and does not appear to need adjustment at all.

Once the knobs arrive from Alembic, I'll post some good quality pics.

Does anyone else think that the spoilers would look even better with gold coloured tuners? I may purchase a set, just to see how they look.

I'd like to thank everyone who replied, and REALLY helped me with my first Alembic purchase.

Cheers, Lee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: adriaan on June 04, 2009, 01:30:02 AM: Lee,

Glad to hear you're happy with the bass, and that you're not afraid to do your own setup - excellent!

Chrome tuners appear to have been standard issue with Alembic during the 1980s. One thing to consider with replacement tuners is that the existing screw holes may not match the layout of the new tuners.

I notice you have a lot of windings on the tuners. About 2 windings is enough, really.
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on June 04, 2009, 05:00:13 AM: Hi Adriaan,

The pictures show the strings that were on it when I bought it. With the new strings, I have 3 to 4 winds on each post now. The setup was really quick.

Cheers, Lee
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: David Houck on June 15, 2009, 03:50:03 PM: Congrats Lee!

Adriaan, just to add to the discussion about tone settings; I stuck a BBE Sonic Maximizer in my rack, and so far it has made the process of getting my tone right exponentially more difficult. The auto setting was, for me, useless; so I'm making manual adjustments. And it seems to be the case that any time I make an adjustment to tone anywhere in the signal chain, I have to remember to take in consideration the BBE and make a corresponding adjustment there as well. It really puts in perspective the idea of whether 8 or 15db of Q is harsh, since the smallest of adjustments on the BBE completely changes the effect of the Q. The positives of the BBE sound nice, which is why it's still in the rack at the moment; but the negatives may eventually outweigh the positives.

I should mention that my experience with the BBE is related to how I have my rig set up, and shouldn't be construed to be indicative of how the BBE would sit in anyone else's rig.
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: adriaan on June 16, 2009, 01:08:47 AM: Dave, I'm guessing the BBE produces a similar effect to SWR's aural enhancer, which is a tool I'm more familiar with. On an SWR, you don't want to add too much enhancement. When you turn up the volume, you turn down the enhancer, if you keep it up the lows get terrribly muddy. I remember Paul TBO getting frustrated with the lows from his rig if he used the SWR amp, and this went away when he turned down the enhancer.

The BBE is probably messing around at the same frequencies as the Q switch, boosting or scooping an already boosted range. It's not like you're adding some gentle EQ there ...

Happy tone hunting!

[edit]
Wasn't this the original Aphex Aural Exciter? As far as I recall, it was invented to put the sparkle back into recorded (analogue) material.

(Message edited by adriaan on June 16, 2009)
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: David Houck on June 16, 2009, 07:55:07 PM: It's similar in design to the Aphex. Unlike the enhancer on the SWR, there are separate controls for the low end and high end.
Title: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass?
Post by: lscolman on June 18, 2009, 11:24:49 PM: Hello again,

I've now added gold gotohs to my spoiler, and they look fantastic. I can't see why these were not fitted as standard. They really look the business.

I placed my order for all three knobs on 28th May, and the order hasn't moved yet. I called two weeks ago, and was told there was a backlog for the smaller orders. Three e-mail requests have gone unanswered.

Is anyone else experiencing problems with orders over the last three weeks?

I can't take you any pic's until I have the knobs.

Cheers, Lee