Author Topic: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass? (Read 777 times)

lscolman · « **on:** May 22, 2009, 11:06:23 AM »

Considering bidding on this bass:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=160336164280

What would a typical Alembic of this type sell for?

I've read the that the pickup is too close to the neck to play slap effectively. Can anyone help out?

Cheers, Lee

bsee · « **Reply #1 on:** May 22, 2009, 11:29:31 AM »

These basses are going for $1500-2000 US these days, and often the UK prices are the same in pounds as in dollars. 1500 pounds wouldn't be particularly unusual.

As far as the slapping goes, it's all about technique. How accurate and consistent can you be? If you're controlled, then there's enough room. Also, that bass doesn't have the pickup as close to the neck as some others.

-bob

sonicus · « **Reply #2 on:** May 22, 2009, 12:04:14 PM »

It's technique, Yes! Some like very light strings for this technique. 100-45/ 95-40 Check out info on Mark King , he is a master at this.

terryc · « **Reply #3 on:** May 22, 2009, 03:44:45 PM »

Why is there a precision knob on the filter?
Did he lose it, has the original pot snapped off, I would ask why it has a non standard control knob, it's no big deal to get a replacement but why is it there.
Lovely bass otherwise, nice big fatboy pu's, great wood combo, a bargain really BUT ask about the knob

bsee · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2009, 03:53:56 PM »

Pickup shape is not an indicator of a fatboy pickup. I didn't see anything in the listing to say they were or weren't fatboys

terryc · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2009, 05:57:08 PM »

Okay so I assumed they were my mistake..sorry about that.
Still wondering about the knob though..any thoughts??

mario_farufyno · « **Reply #6 on:** May 22, 2009, 06:58:05 PM »

Oh, my dog is also from Staffordshire.. Hope that Bass is as muscular as him.

lscolman · « **Reply #7 on:** May 23, 2009, 01:51:39 AM »

Crikey, thanks for all the replies!

I've asked why the control knob is not original, and also if the pot has been replaced.

Yes, the pickups do seem to be a little further back than other spoilers I've seen pictures of. Does that seem unusual?

With regards the fatboy pickups, is this something I should be weary of?

I had not realised how much they went for. The reviewed models on harmony central show $600 and $750. Could anyone who has purchased recently advise what they have paid for a comparable model?

Thanks for all your help.

Cheers, Lee

FC Bass · « **Reply #8 on:** May 23, 2009, 02:10:43 AM »

Pre '84 Spoilers have the very narrow Truss rods cover and it's difficult to get your pop finger between the fingerboard and pickup.
With the style as on the bass that's offered it's a lot easier. (I have both)

They also made Spoilers (early 90's) with the pickup further from the neck (about 1 inch between the pickup and truss rods cover)
I think they did that for making slap style easier, but I bet you'll be fine with this one ;-)

I've paid about 1300 euro's for my Spoilers (10 years ago and 3 years ago)
They seem to bee in the 1000-1500 (EUR/GBP) range over here at the moment.

Do not worry 'bout the Fatboys, AXY is standard on Spoilers (almost all Alembics) and a great pickup ;-)

David Houck · « **Reply #9 on:** May 23, 2009, 06:44:15 AM »

Hi Lee; welcome to the board!

Yea, that knob kinda sticks out on a bass that the listing said had not been modified in any way, hee hee. Hopefully it's just the knob and not the pot that's been replaced. You can order a new knob from Alembic.

Nice looking Spoiler though!

An '86 that hasn't been modified would have AXY pickups. Fatboys can be ordered from Alembic and are a direct replacement. Both pickups are great pickups; the Fatboys have a little more growl, while the AXYs are cleaner.

I've been watching Alembic prices fairly regularly for at least the last seven years. Prices of $600 and $750 are not representative of the market during that time. Those prices are either from the last century or represent purchasers from sellers who didn't know what the bass was worth. Bob's suggestion of $1,500 to $2,000 for the US market seems like a reasonable estimate; and I think you can probably rely on Flip's (fc_spoiler) estimates for the UK market. I sold my Spoiler two years ago for $1,500 here in the US, which was the market price at that time. Since then, despite the downturn in the economy, market prices for used Alembics have continued to go up.

georgie_boy · « **Reply #10 on:** May 23, 2009, 07:06:48 AM »

So.What's a 76 Series 1 worth nowadays??

white_cloud · « **Reply #11 on:** May 23, 2009, 07:50:49 AM »

George, I almost bought a 78 Series in good condition from a reputable dealer in England two years ago for ?2500.

Wish I had.

John.

Enzo · « **Reply #12 on:** May 23, 2009, 11:06:28 PM »

To answer the 2nd question, the distance between the pick-up and the neck is more than enough to slap. I own a Spoiler with the same pick-up position and I don't have any problem, you get use to it the first day.

lscolman · « **Reply #13 on:** May 24, 2009, 02:05:19 AM »

Thanks again for those replies.

I'm going to see if I can win it in the auction.

Can someone advise as to what the controls are on this, and what the switch does?

Thanks in advance

Cheers, Lee

keith_h · « **Reply #14 on:** May 24, 2009, 06:26:50 AM »

Here is a link to the Spoiler control description.

Keith

Author Topic: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass? (Read 777 times)

white_cloud