Author Topic: 1987 PERSUADER 5 STRING on EBay (Read 356 times)

hasadari · « **on:** December 24, 2005, 05:22:33 PM »

http://cgi.ebay.com/1987-ALEMBIC-PERSUADER-5-STRING-BASS-ZEBRAWOOD-OHSC-NR_W0QQitemZ7377112577QQcategoryZ4713QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

effclef · « **Reply #1 on:** December 26, 2005, 10:55:46 AM »

HEY!!!! wasn't someone in the Club just looking for a Persuader or Spoiler _five string_ with P/J pickups???

EffClef

David Houck · « **Reply #2 on:** December 26, 2005, 02:06:58 PM »

Yes, Tim (Kata3901) posted that he was looking for a Persuader here and here. For some reason I was thinking he had found a bass; but I don't see it on either of these threads, so I'm probably wrong about that.

David Houck · « **Reply #3 on:** December 26, 2005, 02:11:29 PM »

Found it; further down in the first cited thread, another member reports that Tim had changed his mind and was no longer looking for a Persuader.

bsee · « **Reply #4 on:** December 26, 2005, 06:13:21 PM »

My recollection is that Dave's last comment is correct in that Tim wants a wider string spacing than would be found on a vintage persuader.

-Bob

kata3901 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 27, 2005, 02:54:55 AM »

Dave, yes, that is correct. I actually saw and played this bass (see link above). The string spacing is WAY to close for my comfort level. Why Alembic decided to cram a 5th string into a 4-string neck is beyond me.

Also, when I looked at this bass I quickly realized someone did a major hack-job in the bridge area. Looks like someone attempted to re-locate and/or replace the bridge and/or bird tail-piece at some point and then attempted to correct. Absolutely destroyed the instruments integrety. What a shame, as it could have been a nice bass for the right person. Now Guitar Center has it. Good luck to Guitar Center for trying to find a home for that price!

The 4-string (with this p/u configuration) I played was killer. That was the reason I was in the hunt for a Persuader 5. By the way, I just located a 4 and bought it. Can't wait to play it!

Tim B.

(Message edited by kata3901 on December 27, 2005)

(Message edited by kata3901 on December 27, 2005)

David Houck · « **Reply #6 on:** December 27, 2005, 08:56:32 PM »

Tim; congrats on the 4 string!

kata3901 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 28, 2005, 04:49:12 AM »

Thanks Dave!

It's an 87 in mint (like new) condition. I bought it from the original owner. Very nice rich curly maple figure on front and back of peg head as well as front of body (mahogany core of course), ebony fretboard w/ovals. I couldn't be more pleased.

Now if I can just build up some confidence that UPS (shudder) will get it to me in it's original condition this Friday!

Tim B.

kata3901 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 29, 2005, 03:32:06 PM »

Hey Guys,

Question about the 87 Persuader. Is anyone in the know about the type of machine heads Alembic used on this bass?

The machine heads on this bass look just like the originals but the each gear cap on the back says Made In Japan. Did Alembic use these?

Also the Drop D Tuner is a Schaller(sp?) Made In W Germany. Is this also what Alembic used?

Thanks much in advance for your expertise in this area.

Tim B.

kata3901 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 29, 2005, 04:16:51 PM »

All,

Well, I may have answered my own questions about the tuners. If they are Gotoh's (which they look like) then they are made in Japan....duh.

Here's another dumb question. The side dot fret markers on the bass neck appear to be painted on (i.e. there like little beads of white paint. You can actually feel them (not a big deal though). Did Alembic actually do this?

Thanks again,

Tim B.

pmoran · « **Reply #10 on:** December 29, 2005, 05:57:48 PM »

i'm confused. you bought the bass? now, you've discovered these inconsistencies?

mica · « **Reply #11 on:** December 29, 2005, 06:36:39 PM »

We've been using Gotohs most of the time since the mid 80's, and they either say Made in Japan or have the Alembic A script on the back.

We would have installed a drop tuner only on special order, it wasn't standard on any model at any time.

No painted markers - the original bronze are probably entombed below the paint. You can sand down to them and the light sanding will brighten up the bronze finish. They probably needed a light sanding when someone in the past covered them with white paint. If it doesn't bother you, you can leave it as is though.

kata3901 · « **Reply #12 on:** December 30, 2005, 01:09:41 AM »

Mica,

Thank you!

Tim B.

kata3901 · « **Reply #13 on:** December 30, 2005, 02:02:18 AM »

Mica,

By the way, this is the finest example of an 87 Persuader I have ever seen. While I have been on the hunt and have seen several on eBay and here and there, I have never owned one until now. From an electronics perspective, the P-Bass pick-up is everything on this bass. The J-Bass bridge pick-up is only along for the ride. Absolutely killer sounding 4-String with or without the J-Bass pick-up though!

Also, yes, the bronze markers are there, just carefully capped with some white paint as suspected.

Thanks again!

Tim B.