Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Showcase => Series I Basses and Guitars => Topic started by: roymus on March 01, 2014, 12:52:05 AM
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Thought it was time to showcase my pride and joy first three are before and then , after.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/188517.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/188518.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/188519.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/188520.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/188521.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/188522.jpg)
[edited for picture alignment] (Message edited by adriaan on March 02, 2014)
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That's such a nice axe!
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Perfection!
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Whew, beautiful!
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I love your new headstock lam. What else, if anything, other than the refinish did you have done?
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Beautiful bass! Could you add a photo of the repair to the extra strap button hole shown in pic 2? I recently fixed one of these holes in my '88 Stanley Deluxe and I am curious to see how yours came out.
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Heres a few more photos. I am a hopeless photographer,obviously. Someone had a couple of goes at fitting a strap button that balanced the bass . I removed the broken screw and placed the button just a bit further forward and it actually balances very well. I didnt do a great repair and you can see it on the upper horn and also sticking out from the recessed strap button. The headstock lam is a piece of Tasmanian Musk, I have the same laminate on a uke I have made. I have replaced the 5 pin xlr with a black one and made a trussrod cover relaquered the brass and did a slight fret dress and thats about it.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/188548.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/188549.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/188550.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/188551.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/188552.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/188553.jpg)
[edited for picture alignment] (Message edited by adriaan on March 02, 2014)
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Sweet! She cleaned up real nice! Love all the contrasts. Beautiful Series
~Pete
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another try at getting a decent photo and also two others I have owned and no longer do. The 1976 longscale series 1 was stolen from me around 1993 and the other ,a Mark King sig 2006 ? I have since sold..
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/188562.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/188563.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/188564.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/188565.jpg)
[edited for picture alignment] (Message edited by adriaan on March 02, 2014)
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wonderfull
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In case there is anybody interested. Here is a headstock pic of a tenor Uke made from a Stewmac kit, where I have made an omega and have used another scrap of the Tasmanian Musk for a veneer as per my series 1
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/188662.jpg)
(Message edited by mica on February 03, 2016)
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Howdy and thanks for the email errol, Here is some more pics, not sure if they are any better though. Might get a mate to take some classier shots
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/191332.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/191333.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/191334.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/191335.jpg)
last pic in reverse just to please left handers (Message edited by mica on February 03, 2016)
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This bass is now mine and heading this way soon. Will post more pics when it arrived.
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congrats, looks lovely!
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So cool Jazzy!
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It arrived yesterday and sounds like an angel. One of the filter pots is causing squealing when fully open but mica, jimmy and others suggested the exercise routine 100 times plus on all the pots and switches so I will do that. If that fails to silence it then I'll more than likely need to order some new pots. I have my first ever straight ahead jazz gig tomorrow night and I've decided to play safe and go 4 string on this one so I've shortlisted this bass to take. I won't need the filter fully open for this one either so it should be ok.
I'm pleasantly surprised at how light it is compared to my SC Deluxe and that's probably due to it being maple topped and not cocobolo and also the wings are hollow.
(Message edited by jazzyvee on October 22, 2015)
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Love that maple/mahogany combination Jazzy... understated beauty. Congratulations & Compliments!
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I took these two sisters for a night out yesterday evening and believe me we all had a great time. ;-)
Even though the older one on the right has spent a time in Australia she hasn't lost her sexy american accent.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/221469.jpg)
(Message edited by jazzyvee on October 30, 2015)
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Here is a quick sound sample of the bass. I pinched the phrase that FC Bass used to demo his Series I and Elan bass as its simple structure shows the clarity, tone and sustain of the bass. https://youtu.be/ZyeAnaXTsTY (https://youtu.be/ZyeAnaXTsTY)
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WHY doesn't Alembic offer those blue cases any more? It seems like such a nod to history ! And the rotary selector on the 'bottom' horn is in the same vibe.
Joey
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The blue case looks like it's seen more hard times than the bass so it's done it's job and the blue is nice touch. Maybe if someone asked for one it could be arranged on a new build. As for the switch whilst it does add that retro vibe, for practical reasons I'd actually prefer the switch in the modern position near the rest of the controls because for some playing techniques it does get in the way and if like me you are a tweaker it's easier to do things when everything is close to hand like changing pickup and tone/volume. It's surprising how long it can take to do that with the switch all the way down there when you have only a few beats in which to get things done. :-)
(Message edited by jazzyvee on November 10, 2015)
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Looks like she has been accepted into the family.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/221958.jpg)
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/221959.jpg)
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Most Excellent kind sir!!!!! Question though, you are using all three preamps at the same time? How & what do you connect the superfilter to? Are you using the FX for the neck pickup to control the superfilter? Now you make me sorry that I got rid of mine.
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The rig is wired for stereo with one F1-x for each pickup and a channel of the SF-2 in the send return of each F1-x. I then use the full range out to each side of the QSX power amp.
However for 99% of the time I use the rig in mono so I take the combine output from the DS-5 into one side of the rig to one or more cabs.
As for the SF-2 it doesn't get much use at all and if so it's used very subtly.
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The refurb kit arrived from Alembic, thanks Mica. I've put the new knobs on and the matt finish works well with the maple finish. I've got a new set of saddles and bridge rehab kit so will get that all done when the bass is next due for re-stringing.
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NICE !
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A couple of days ago I fitted a couple of Schaller strap locks to this bass. My woodworking skills are not good enough to remove the dunlop strap fittings on the bass so I decide to leave them as they are not protruding. This bass is a bit lighter than my SC Deluxe so I was hoping the balance point would be better using the standard fitting points. However, it is actually worse with more severe nose dive than I expected. :-(
The position of the dunlop strap fitting at the bottom of the bass, as you may see on close inspection of the photo's, seems to be a much better balance position for me anyway as the bass stays more or less in position and does not lean forward at the top as much and relies less on my holding it in place with my forearm whilst playing.
So it seems the previous owner who installed the dunlop has found the right point for balancing the bass for playing. On my strap I now use the schaller at the base of the neck and a choice at the other end of either dunlop or schaller, but I'm actually using the dunlop one.
Hope that makes some sense.
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if some moderator could change simple things in this topics (pictures text...) to stop lateral scroll ? Thanks
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The tuners on this 1980 bass are quite worn, is there a particular like for like schaller tuner i should be looking for to replace them.
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Jazzy, a couple years ago, Schaller was looking about re-vamping the M-4 bass machines. I can't for the life of me remember if the screw hole was centered or offset. I think centered, like the earlier models. Are just the plated knobs worn, or the gearing within? You may be able to source newer buttons for your originals if a new set of exact replacement machines can't be had. Worst case scenario, you'll have four vacant screw holes, or simply run the mounting screws back in the unused holes. You could have the holes professionally filled and touched up too. (those extra holes would drive me bananas, so I'd hafta' do something with 'em!)
That little maple short-scale is my favorite of your basses!
*dang-it! centered mounting hole. https://schaller.info/en/machine-heads/292/m4-90-light?number=10540501.22.70
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Greg, the centered version (M4 90) might be the right substitute tuner for 70s Alembic basses.The price shown when I open your link is for 4 machines in gold finish, but is basically the same as for ...
... the M4 180, which has the tab in the regular location - see https://schaller.info/en/machine-heads/290/m4-180-light?c=53
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Thanks for the catch, Adriaan. I just remembered the email blast from a while back, couldn't remember which orientation. Those should work fine on Jazzyvee's 1980.
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They arrived today and it does not fit the existing headstock hole. The shaft diameter is larger but still fits into the hole from the back of the headstock but the collar that screws the tuner into place from the front is also a larger diameter so is too big to fit the hole and pull the two halves together. So i am not sure whether i can get tuners to fit the existing hole and return these or open the hole with a reamer or something. The little screw on the back fits perfectly. ??? :-\ >:(
https://schaller.info/en/machine-heads/290/m4-180-light?number=10300503.22.70 (https://schaller.info/en/machine-heads/290/m4-180-light?number=10300503.22.70)
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Jazzyvee, can you order replacements from Alembic? They would likely know the correct part to fit your bass.
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That is true but the cost including shipping to the UK, vat and duty would most likely make it a lot more expensive. I bought these direct from Schaller's web site as I couldn't find them the M4 -180's listed anywhere else.
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Did you try if the collars from your old tuners fit the new ones? Just a thought…
Such a lovely bass!
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I did but the whole unit is bigger so the original collar is too small to even fit over the new shaft. Hmm.
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Jazzy, I have the same M4s as you on my 1979 Koa SSB and comparing the measurements with the Schaller website it seems that they went from a 14mm “nut” on the collar to a 15mm. The string posts seem to be of a larger diameter too—probably a good thing. If everything else lines up it looks like widening the holes slightly would be your only choice. Seems a small (and invisible) price to pay for making the bass work well again. Just my $0.02 …
I am wondering if you would notice a difference with the new and lighter tuning machines in how the bass balances. Do you know the weight difference between old and new?
Cheers, Oliver
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I have a friend who runs his own carpentry business and i'm sure he has the right tools for the job,so i will see if i can get him to do the widening for me.
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I hate to hijack here, but does anyone know for sure if the new Schalers that have the centered screw fit the older basses? The M4 90?
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I have a friend who runs his own carpentry business and i'm sure he has the right tools for the job,so i will see if i can get him to do the widening for me.
That’s the spirit! :)
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Well this bass has reached it's 41st trip round the sun and still has a great voice. It's had new pickups this year, frets dressed, new saddles cut and a setup, and soon will have new tuners.
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That is such a beautiful bass. I love the simple maple on mahogany look. The burl looking headstock veneer is very nice as well :)
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Usually i prefer darker woods on alembics but i love the way this one looks with really plain white maple with a matt finish too.
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I decided to play safe and hae dropped my bass to Jaydee Custom Guitars this afternoon to get the tuners replaced. They told me they use the same tuners as alembic and have had the same issue with schaller changing the shaft size and have had to open up the holes on a number of basses brought back to them for replacements. I should get it back in a few days time. :-)
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Just picked up my bass with the new tuners. They look chunkier from the front compared to the originals.
The first photo is with the original tuner pegs.
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Looks nice, Jazzyvee! How do you like the FretFX? I have a set for my Starfire bass but never put them on.
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I like the fretfx, i have them on my alembic basses that don't have side LEDs as standard. The extra width to the neck is only noticeable if like me you use your thumb over the top to mute or fret strings.
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Cool, then I will install mine on the Starfire and “Fire them up” :)
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I just love the look of this bass. The simple maple top with the dark contrast of the pickups, fretboard, and body wood is just fantastic! :)
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Thanks, I love it too and it will be 42 next weekend. That simple maple grain to works as a matt finish as opposed to the more elaborate maples.
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Well by the end of the day, this lovely bass will have completed 42 years round the sun since Alembic made it. Goodness knows how many years it was a tree previously.
Here are some photos I took yesterday.
It will be getting some playtime today in celebration.
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That is my favorite of your basses, Jazzy. Classic Alembic there.
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I love it. What really amazes me most is that whilst it looks pretty understated, a real "Plain Jane" looking to me, the sound is just something else and it's actually mine. When I was in my late teens/early 20's and getting into bands, there were only two guitars in my wish list even though at the time I a guitarist who really wanted to be a bass player.
A Fender Strat and an Alembic like Stanley Clarke played. Which is kind of strange really because at the time I was heavily into the sound of Aston Familyman Barrett who was fender guy. But when I was introduced to the music Stanley was playing I decided that when I get round to playing bass I wanted one that had that diversity in sound. It took me a while to firstly find out it was an alembic he was playing and also to find the right one but I got there in the end via a real round-about route with a few pleasant diversions on the way.
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https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=10625.0
2015... how the time does fly. Clearly, it was meant for you. ;D
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Yep Gregory, you did me a big favour finding that bass. I have just finished aractice session with it.
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Very nice, Jazzyvee, and in such great condition for its age! :)
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Seven years round the sun with this bass. Pic is from my most recent gig with it at the beginning of September this year.
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Just completed another anniversary of ownership of this bass.
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That one is still my favorite, Jazzy. Wow, has it really been 8 years?
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Yeah it's one of my favourites in my collection. It has been said before on this forum that the series short scales have a certain sweetness of tone that is not found on it's long scale soul mates. Being a huge Stanley Clarke, i'm chuffed that this one looks similar to the one he used back in the early 80's on the Clarke Duke Project. Something that i didn't notice until after buying it.
This version of School days is my favourite and the solo is ace!!!
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That's really cool. Also the video is one of my favorite versions of School Days live. I noticed I previously liked it.