Author Topic: Adjustability... (Read 308 times)

alembickoa · « **on:** March 26, 2012, 09:57:49 PM »

Saw a Series 1 or 2 bass of 1982 vintage for sale on Ebay. In reviewing the pics of the instrument, the thing that stood out was the fact that the nut was non-adjustable. I am fairly certain that at least the Series instruments have an adjustable nut. I dropped the guy a note saying that I believed the nut had been replaced. He sent me back a note and expressed curiosity as to how I came by my information, and it got me to thinking that I very well could be wrong. Anyone like to chime in on the adjustable nut dilemma?

Blessings...Steve

jazzyvee · « **Reply #1 on:** March 26, 2012, 10:51:34 PM »

I don't know when the changeover date happened but certainly the earlier Alembics did not come with an adjustable nut. Though like most things on alembics, this can also be a custom option on a new build if a buyer so desires. So depending on the cut off point between fixed and adjustable nuts this also could have been an option for the original buyer.

Someone far more knowledgeable will surely advise with more detail.

Is it a bass you were interesting in buying?
Jazzyvee

terryc · « **Reply #2 on:** March 27, 2012, 06:31:22 AM »

Later Alembics came with adjustable nut but I agree with jazzyvee and cannot comment on the changeover date.
Could be an easy fix though if you wanted one installed

pierreyves · « **Reply #3 on:** March 27, 2012, 07:12:50 AM »

Alembic had already built her basses with adjustable nuts but usually they are one way adjustable. I have had 10 Alembic until 1980,
only the ones I requested adjustment in both directions have been specially done.

811952 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 27, 2012, 11:36:38 AM »

My bass, 811952, I am told was the prototype instrument for the adjustable nut. JAE and Alembic worked out the details with my bass while it was in the shop for some rehab back in Fall of '82/Spring of '83. When the instrument arrived it was an awesome surprise to see. Beverly (I don't remember her last name) filled me in on the details when I called to confirm I'd received the instrument safe and sound.

John

dannobasso · « **Reply #5 on:** March 27, 2012, 01:41:07 PM »

My custom 10 does not have an adjustable nut and it was built a short time ago.

alembickoa · « **Reply #6 on:** March 27, 2012, 03:16:05 PM »

Well...I had an '81 S1 and an '82 Spoiler and both had an adjustable nut, I am fairly sure. The S1, absolutely. I was just guessing that the Series instruments were all equipped as such. Matter of fact, I seem to recall seeing lots of S basses with the option, thinking how absolutely cool it is and why the heck didn't all stringed instruments have that little perk...

I am not buying, as of yet, Jazzyvee. I will be getting another Series within the next couple of years if all goes according to plan.

(Message edited by alembickoa on March 27, 2012)

David Houck · « **Reply #7 on:** March 27, 2012, 06:09:32 PM »

I believe the transition from non-adjustable to adjustable was from '81 to '82. It appears to be the case that there are some '81s with the new nut and some '82s with the old one. It seems reasonable to assume that the nut on the bass you saw may indeed be the original.

edwin · « **Reply #8 on:** March 28, 2012, 05:30:56 PM »

1180 has an adjustable nut and I'm pretty sure it came from the factory like that in 1978.

(Message edited by edwin on March 28, 2012)

sonicus · « **Reply #9 on:** March 28, 2012, 05:55:56 PM »

My 81-1940 does not have an adjustable nut and it appears to be in original condition.

811952 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 29, 2012, 06:15:23 AM »

I played dozens of Alembics before ordering mine, and I had never seen an adjustable nut until mine came back to me from the Mothership. I don't know what ever came of Beverly, but she said mine was the prototype installation. Whether that's true or not I guess can't definitely be known, but that's what I was told. I had never seen one before, and I was a pretty serious gearhead.

John

John

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #11 on:** March 29, 2012, 06:56:37 AM »

....and I was a pretty serious gearhead.

Was?

Peter

811952 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 29, 2012, 11:46:50 AM »

I've diversified since that time.

Some might suggest I've become a pretty serious knob in the intervening years.

John

roymus · « **Reply #13 on:** March 31, 2012, 01:25:10 AM »

For what its worth, my series 1 which is 1980 has an adjustable nut and I am pretty sure it is original.

poor_nigel · « **Reply #14 on:** April 01, 2012, 01:52:58 PM »

My 1980 Series I came with a non-adjustable nut. It is currently sitting at the factory waiting its turn to have one cut, filed, and installed, as I think adjustable nuts are one of the best inventions in bass history. The adjustable nut probably came out as an option and was so great they made it a standard feature. I ordered one for my Tobias and did all the work myself so it, too, could have one. Cost back then was $35 for the blank that was long enough for a fiver, and about $500+ in my time - And I don't get paid that much! Functionality over vintage appeal? I am the type to put a Badass bridge on a 62 Fender Jazz Bass? Naw, as I traded my old Fenders back in those days for Gibsons and then Alembics, when the light shone close enough (Seattle Guitar Center @ 1977) for me to be shown the way . . .