Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Owning an Alembic => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: jbybj on September 08, 2006, 10:21:25 PM

Title: Refinishing
Post by: jbybj on September 08, 2006, 10:21:25 PM

This summer I acquired my first Alembic, an 96 Epic. I was seduced by it's tone, playability and reasonable price, and I ignored the wear in the finish. I inquired about a factory refinish, but I just can't justify the expense. I am considering refinishing it myself, and wanted to get some advice/feedback. I recently finished my Wishbass, which was delivered unfinished. I used Tung oil with a little Polyeurathane blend. It took about six coats, rubbed on with a cloth. After the last coat I rubbed the neck with steel wool, leaving a low gloss, very smooth, very fast finish. I left the body to exhibit a medium glossy finish, that really suits me, and brings out the grain.
 
My Epic has a purpleheart top, with a mohagany? back. Do you think this would be a good way to go for my Epic? Is there an alternative, do-it-yourself recipe? Or should I just let it be...... Thanks, James

96 Epic - 2 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=21726) (135.1 k)

96 Epic - 3 (http://club.alembic.com/Images/394/96_Epic_-_3-31245.unk target=_blank) (116.1 k)

Title: Refinishing
Post by: olieoliver on September 09, 2006, 05:27:31 AM

Hi James, I can't be of much help on what to use for a finish but I can say looking at the wear in the photos that this bass was played, (a lot). That's a good thing too, explains the playability and sound.
 
Good look on the refinish.

Title: Refinishing
Post by: 57basstra on September 09, 2006, 06:43:11 AM

That is a real player.

Title: Refinishing
Post by: georgie_boy on September 09, 2006, 08:57:40 AM

Just let her be James!
A well worn bass means that someone has loved her dearly and played with her a lot.
I think she looks great like she is------remember--these are showpieces--but there to be played and entertain every night!!
Play her till she drops!!
 
G

Title: Refinishing
Post by: georgie_boy on September 09, 2006, 09:01:01 AM

Just an add on James.
If it sounds half as good as Jacko's Epic, then you have a star.
I've got a Series 1, but when i heard Jacko's Epic5, it was truly amazing. IMHO it's the best bass around for the money!
 
Enjoy her
 
G

Title: Refinishing
Post by: jbybj on September 09, 2006, 10:10:38 AM

Thanks for your views. I totally agree that there is something romantic about a well worn instrument. I've had my Jazz bass, a real player, for 30 years. I treated it well, but in high school I wasn't thinking of it as a collectors piece. That baby has been played, and shows it. Yet, all the wear and tear is Mine, I can wax nostalgic as I review the buckle rash. I guess I just didn't find someone else's buckle rash as romantic. But you have given me some perspective, I will leave it be, except when I plug her in everyday and fondle her strings.......Peace, James

Title: Refinishing
Post by: jbybj on September 09, 2006, 10:25:52 AM

IMHO it's the best bass around for the money!  
 
I couldn't agree more. I paid $1100 at a local used shop, and for some reason the owner kept trying to steer me to some Warwick that was $100 more! My appreciation for the instrument began the moment I picked it up. I can't even describe what I felt when I plugged it in! I had to visit it in the store for 8 agonizing months before I could make the purchase.........James

Title: Refinishing
Post by: bigredbass on September 09, 2006, 10:46:09 AM

IF you're willing to live with the maintenance that a tung finish requires, go for it.  You've got NO protection as a tung finish shows EVERY last little bump and nick, even seen basses with the wood just wore out from fingers, fingernails, picks, between the pickups, almost like Willie Nelson's old Martin.  Purpleheart is harder than maple if I remember correctly, so that may help.  Then of course you reapply a more tung oil every so often to maintain the finish.  WAY too much work for me.  But it sounds like you've got experience from a previous axe, so it's up to you.
 
J o e y

Title: Refinishing
Post by: georgie_boy on September 10, 2006, 10:23:38 AM

Hi James
From the last post I sent you, you have a STUNNING bass. When I said that I have the SERIES 1 from 1976, I meant to say that this is the best bass ever!!----However, as I said, i heard Jacko's Epic near where I live in Scotland, and I thought it Amazing----maybe not quite as good as the SERIES, but what the heck---------the price dictates. I was lucky enough at the time to have some spare cash so I bought the SERIES. If not, then the EPIC would have been my choice-not for the price, but for the sound.
My mate in Birmingham (england) has a Spoiler-great bass, but there is something special about the EPIC that will always remain in my heart.
If in doubt, ask BRACHEEN-sam Chapman-he will tell you all about them as he loves his so much
ENJOY your bass my friend
 
G

Title: Refinishing
Post by: jacko on September 11, 2006, 04:45:42 AM

Tell you what George. if I ever manage to save enough for my own series, I'll give you first refusal on the epic;-)
 
Graeme

Title: Refinishing
Post by: georgie_boy on September 11, 2006, 08:50:53 AM

It's a deal!!!!!!!
Look after her or else! LOL
 
G

Title: Refinishing
Post by: jacko on September 12, 2006, 12:38:10 AM

Oh Dear. She's already showing signs that she likes it rough ;-(
 
Graeme

Title: Refinishing
Post by: georgie_boy on September 13, 2006, 03:44:40 AM

Sounds like the girl for me!!
 
G

Title: Refinishing
Post by: bracheen on September 13, 2006, 06:18:36 AM

Hey George, I'll trade you my Epic for your Series, Ol' Buddy.  On second thought that's way to many knobs for simple me.  
 
Sam

Title: Refinishing
Post by: southpaw on September 14, 2006, 09:41:59 AM

Congrats on your new bass, good choice.  But I have to ask; Purpleheart top? The third picture looks like a walnut or bocate top to me. Certain woods are easier to refinish other are very tricky, such as coco bolo. Check with Valentino at Alembic about refinsihing. The set neck Alembics are great basses.  I have an Orion with Europa electronics and I can't rave enough about it. If you wish, post the serial number in the Owning an Alembic section to verify the woods and history of your bass, a nice feature from our friends at Alembic.

Title: Refinishing
Post by: jbybj on September 14, 2006, 11:02:09 PM

Thanks for the tip. Purpleheart came from the seller, he may have been guessing. I will check at the source.
 
Congrats on your new bass, good choice.
 
Sorry, but I didn't choose it, it chose me. I was not seeking an Alembic. All I really knew about Alembics is that Phil played one, and that when I was a teenager in Marin county, they were way to expensive for me :-) I picked it up and fell in love instantaneously, before I even noticed the logo. I will never look back..........

Title: Refinishing
Post by: southpaw on September 15, 2006, 12:58:50 PM

I know the feeling, they do have a way of reaching out and grabbing you! I played a righty Alembic upside down (I'm a  lefty) years ago at a music store and knew I had to have one.  With lots of patience I now own 2 lefty Alembics. Regardless of the top wood, if it feels and sounds good, than it's perfect. Checkout this link to the Purple Princess to see a stunning  purpleheart top.  
http://alembic.com/info/FC_purpleprincess.html (http://alembic.com/info/FC_purpleprincess.html)