Author Topic: 6 string Alembic in Alaska (Read 381 times)

gtrguy · « **on:** January 02, 2016, 06:24:14 PM »

6 string Alembic in Alaska.
C in the serial number (custom?). I know nothing more! just saw the ad.

https://anchorage.craigslist.org/msg/5384932036.html

DanFrank · « **Reply #1 on:** January 03, 2016, 04:20:04 PM »

Trying to communicate with this seller but I'm not getting answers to the questions I asked. I never feel comfortable when questions are only selectively answered. I think the price is much for a custom with Spoiler electronics, but I'd like to hear other opinions. A used 6-string Essence probably wouldn't be priced that high unless it had plenty of upgrades and unique attributes in excellent shape. Isn't the Essence electronics more versatile than a Spoiler?

hammer · « **Reply #2 on:** January 03, 2016, 06:03:10 PM »

I'd agree that that sounds like a bit too high a price. I purchased a 6-string Europa for that price and I've seen a very nice 6 string Europa up for sale in Texas via CL for quite a while for that asking price.

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #3 on:** January 03, 2016, 06:14:08 PM »

I agree, at $3k it's a little out of range.

Essence and Spoiler are similar in that both have a single filter tone circuit. Spoiler has a 4-way pickup selector switch and a 2-position Q-switch, where Essence has a Pan pot and no Q-switch. I don't know which out-ranks the other as-it-were... I guess it's all in how much you value the Q-toggle.

The biggest upgrade I see is the 11-piece maple/purpleheart neck and Europa(?) body, and the Crown headstock is nice too.

adriaan · « **Reply #4 on:** January 03, 2016, 11:54:45 PM »

The Essence has just one preamp, so you need to balance the pickup heights for relative volume. The Spoiler has two preamps, so you can set the pickup height for the tone you prefer, and balance the relative volumes with the trimpots. Having said that, the Essence has the panpot, giving you a whole range of blends that the Spoiler doesn't have on offer - which is why I had the Mothership add a panpot to my Spoiler package.

DanFrank · « **Reply #5 on:** January 04, 2016, 04:48:39 AM »

Thanks for all the comments!!

A panpot added to my Spoiler sounds interesting! Do they replace the pickup selector switch and use that position? I would prefer replacing the Q-switch position because I don't use that as much. Do they send the pot to you or do you send the electronic package back to them? Probably have to call them on final cost, but do you have a ballpark price?

I was looking at this 6-string again and wondering if it looks like the narrow spacing? I'm thinking about replacing my 4-string Persuader with a 5 or 6-string Alembic with 18 mm spacing for finger style. I'd prefer a bit wider spacing for these fat fingers.

I have a narrow spacing on my current 5-string Spoiler and like it for playing with a pick. I love my 4-string Persuader with wider spacing for finger style but find I need the low B more often for most music we play, so I'm thinking of trading and/or selling it to help fund the purchase of another 5/6-string at the right price and specs.

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #6 on:** January 04, 2016, 07:32:13 AM »

Dan, regarding a pan pot for your Spoiler (LOVE that Spoiler fiver of yours!) you might place a post in the Troubleshooting section where it'll get Mica's attention, or possibly Flip's (fc_spoiler) as he's pretty sharp on that package and Alembic D-I-Y projects in general.

Something else to consider for your Persuader, try stringing it B-E-A-D. I'm kinda' in the same boat on 4-strings... gotta' have that B on top.

DanFrank · « **Reply #7 on:** January 04, 2016, 08:21:25 AM »

Thanks Greg! I'm not in a hurry for the mod, as I'm currently able to get the tone I desire from the stock package and amp settings. But it may be something to consider as the need arises.

I'm more interested in the 5/6-string Alembic trade possibility or if I sell my 4-string Persuader. But only because I need the low B as I mentioned and would like the wider spacing for my fingers. The narrow spacing on my 5-string Spoiler is perfect for pick.

I tried the BEAD tuning and felt that the E-string tuned to a B is a bit too floppy to control string noise. Also, I find that scales and arpeggios starting from the higher strings are forcing me higher on the neck than I'd prefer.

I may put the Persuader on eBay and see if it goes and then I'll consider the next step?..

sonicus · « **Reply #8 on:** January 04, 2016, 08:38:55 AM »

If you do the BEAD tuning on a four string it works well if you use a 5 string set and leave off the high G String . I have done this a few times . An E string tuned to a low B might very well in fact be too much of a WET NOODLE !
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