Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Owning an Alembic => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: Lalochezian on September 16, 2023, 04:57:30 AM
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The MOP inlays on my Spoiler bass have aged quite a bit, so they've become dull and/or transparent and now don't help much visually or look good esthetically.
It would be nice to have them replaced with an abalone set and I contacted Alembic about it but got no reply (last year). I'd hoped that they could sell a complete set. I guess it's a rare thing.
Has anyone had this done? A repairman told me that it would be preferable to have a re-fret done at the same time, but I'd hate to do that as the neck is perfect (after PLEK).
Any advice appreciated. Thank you.
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I don't, and can't speak for Alembic, but it's a true statement... the time to replace inlay is while a total refret is underway.
I have always wondered if the 'disappearing pearloid' ovals could be carefully removed, and re-inlaid with a light-colored backing. I have long suspected that the ebony backing, and a thin layer of glue is what made them seem so translucent. Aluminum foil backing... or even silver paint in the cavities might make them *pop*.
Might try it some day.
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Inquiring minds…. My understanding:
Typically you have multiple re-dressing of frets prior to actual fret replacement. What happens during a re-fret that would make inlay replacement easier?
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On an old Spoiler, the inlays are a plastic material. That original plastic does go transparent over time (the newer acrylic doesn't do that).
If we replace inlays, we do that at the same time as a refret. We're happy to do the work, email me directly if you want to make arrangements.
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I have an 84 spoiler that has the faded markers. Bumped me a bit at first, now I kinda dig it.
Each of my Alembics has small differences that make them unique.
Still amazing sounding and looking basses.
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We were bummed when those inlays went clear too.