Rough 1982 Spoiler at Real Guitars in SF

[OJ Dorson]

I saw a really well worn spoiler at this guitar shop in San Francisco. It was playable, but really rough. One of the pickup ears was completely broken and they replaced the screws with the wrong kind both coming from over the pick up. The finish was worn out completely in large areas on the body…

It was a really pretty Koa, though, with a nice little knot in it.

The thing that really got me… the stickers of the Alembic logo and “Alembic Spoiler” on the headstock. It was 100% an Alembic Spoiler… what happened there??

[edwardofhuncote]

The first 50 (or so?) Spoilers came with decals. They were quickly dismissed. This is one of them.


I'm weird I guess... I would LOVE to have a first-issue Spoiler, decal, and all.

[jagerphan84]

I've reached out to the shop for details - looks like my kinda bass!

[lbpesq]

Real Guitars is a really nice shop, as are the guys who work there.

Bill, tgo

[OJ Dorson]

Great shop!! I’m glad there’s some interest. He said he was completely firm at $2500, for what that’s worth. I was out at that price, but it was fun to play with!

[growlypants]

That's the roughest Alembic I've ever seen...

[KR]

Someone played the hell out of that one. I bet it sounds good.

[jagerphan84]

Here are a few more pics the shop sent me. They said they haven't tested the electronics yet, but they're throwing a fresh battery in and will let me know how it goes. Glad to hear a couple of you vouch for the shop.


I do think $2500 is pushing it for the condition, but if there are no issues with the guts I may go for it.

[jazzyvee]

As longs as the electronics are original and working ok and the bass hasn't suffered any structural damage, it just looks like it could be a good buy.
Cosmetically, if you don't like the well used look, a re-spray would sort all that out but I guess you would have to leave the front of the headstock as is to avoid losing the logo. There may be a way to clean it up and then have a clear laquer over the top.
I'm sure you will keep us in the loop. There are a few members here who have "rescued" a distressed alembic and brought it back to a good standard.

[OJ Dorson]

@jagerphan84 - Do me a favor and tell the shop owner that you found out from OJ who visited the shop on Monday. It won't save you anything, probably, but he was really cool to me and we talked about Spoilers and other guitar nonsense for a bit and I think he'd be pleased to know that his time with me lead to a sale (or at least interest), after all.

Again, it played nicely and there didn't seem to be anything majorly wrong. Just the broken neck pickup ear and all the wear. If I had more disposable cash on hand I might have brought it home - I do very much want a Spoiler!

[jagerphan84]

Will do, OJ. Still waiting to hear back from them about the electronics.

[StephenR]

Would be best to get a photo of the electronics cavity if you are serious about buying.

I always enjoy seeing instruments that look like they have been played a lot and this one certainly fits that description.

[OJ Dorson]

@jagerphan84 - did you take the bass? Any updates?

[jagerphan84]

They said they'd put a battery in to test the electronics but haven't heard anything since then.