Author Topic: Alembic "Spoiler" 4-String Bass (Read 297 times)

tbishop · « **on:** October 30, 2003, 12:45:20 PM »

Can anyone direct me to information on the Alembic Spoiler 4-String Bass? I cannot locate any information on the Alembic Web Site. Is this a model Alembic no longer makes? What is the Retail Price? The one I found appears to be a neck-thru, quilted maple, brass nut and bridge, etc. nice Bass, I just don't have any info on it.

Can you help?

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** October 30, 2003, 01:32:14 PM »

Hi Tim; the Spoiler is not a current production model, but you can special order one. Go here to see some pictures of Spoilers owned by members of the group:

Besides the unique Spoiler body shape, Spoilers came with an electronics package of volume, pickup selector, filter control and Q switch. I think they also came with the narrow neck width and I'm thinking most were medium scale, but I might be wrong about that. Generally I think they had mahogany body cores and maple necks; although early ones apparently had solid koa bodies. As far as price, I'm guessing you could use the Essence as a starting point and probably figure some additional cost for the Spoiler body and for the modifications to the electronics.

valvil · « **Reply #2 on:** October 30, 2003, 02:15:01 PM »

hello and welcome to the club,

as Dave pointed out, we can custom make a Spoiler for you; the retail price for a Spoiler 4 string is 4250$ which includes Mother of Pearl oval inlays; if you select premium woods or other options then the price goes up. Dave is also correct on the woods & electronics and yes, they were mostly medium scale basses.

Valentino

mica · « **Reply #3 on:** October 30, 2003, 02:45:24 PM »

The last Spoiler page still exists here:

http://www.alembic.com/prod/spoiler.html

We'll be adding similar pages for all the models that aren't in the current lineup someday. Just another item on the endless to-do list.

tbishop · « **Reply #4 on:** October 31, 2003, 11:14:11 PM »

Dave and Val, thank you very much for your response. I am considering purchasing this Bass. How much do you think I should expect to pay? Again, this Spoiler appears to be in very good to excellant condition. Is there anything I could pull off this Bass to track it (i.e. serial no, etc.) and determine it's value?

Tim B.

tbishop · « **Reply #5 on:** November 01, 2003, 10:19:56 AM »

All,

I just checked out the Spoiler Bass and now I'm not sure it is a Spoiler. The Serial Number is 87P4563. The Bass has P-Bass Type P/U's at the Neck and J-Bass Type P/U at the Bridge. 2 Volume Controls (1 for each P/U) and a Tone Control.

Your Thoughts?

TB

valvil · « **Reply #6 on:** November 01, 2003, 10:26:33 AM »

Hello Tim,

That's a Persuader model; same body shape as the Spoiler but with the different electronics layout which you described. It is also a discontinued model, but as with the Spoiler we can still build you one. I can look up the serial number for you on Monday when I'm back at the office.

Valentino

tbishop · « **Reply #7 on:** November 01, 2003, 01:56:21 PM »

Thanks Val.

I will look forward to your response on Monday. I am curious what a fair price would be for this Bass. Also, I'm not sure if the machine heads and some of the other parts are original. Any information you could provide would really help me know.

Tim B.

valvil · « **Reply #8 on:** November 03, 2003, 01:45:09 PM »

Hello Tim,

here's what the file says:

4 string medium scale Persuader bass
Quilted maple top & headstock
Maple Neck
Ebony Fretboard
gotoh tuners
P & J pickups

That's all we have.

Valentino

bigredbass · « **Reply #9 on:** November 04, 2003, 09:26:57 AM »

tbishop:

If memory serves correctly, I've seen PERSUADERs like this in the range of $1000-$1500 range in good shape with case.

If you can try this bass out (in other words, not on eBay a 1000 miles away), check for condition, sound, and playability. If these are all good, and you're in the price range, you'd have a LOT of bass for the money. P/J is a favorite combination sound of mine, second only to my MXYs.

ALEMBICs last a LONG time because they are BUILT to LAST. But as always, buy the cleanest used example you can find.

J o e y

tbishop · « **Reply #10 on:** November 04, 2003, 12:41:18 PM »

Val and Joey,

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I appreciate your input and advice.

Tim B.