Author Topic: Alembic spoiler: Example prices and good for slap bass? (Read 795 times)

lscolman · « **Reply #30 on:** May 28, 2009, 09:07:32 AM »

Hi,

Thanks for all your help with the spline size.

Are those control knobs made by Alembic, or are they a generic brand. They seem very expensive from Alembic, and I'm just wondering if I can save a few quid by picking a set up in the UK?

Cheers, Lee

sonicus · « **Reply #31 on:** May 28, 2009, 11:12:58 AM »

I believe that they were originally called Raytheon knobs and were available in 1/4 & 1/8 . It is my opinion that your best bet might be to order them Alembic if they have them available. They might be an obscure item to find else where.

lscolman · « **Reply #32 on:** May 28, 2009, 02:07:56 PM »

All three knobs ordered from Alembic.

Cheers, Lee

lscolman · « **Reply #33 on:** May 28, 2009, 02:26:27 PM »

Yet another question...

The brass fittings are all quite tarnished on the bass. Can these be removed for cleaning?

Cheers, Lee

lscolman · « **Reply #34 on:** May 29, 2009, 05:26:29 AM »

Ignore this one above.

I've found a thread discussing the very thing.

Cheers, Lee

keith_h · « **Reply #35 on:** May 29, 2009, 07:48:19 AM »

Lee,
I suggest you go through the FAQ and Must Read sections of the Club. There is a bunch of information on the care and feeding of your Alembic bass. In the FAQ you will find controls layouts and instrument care information. In the Must Read you will find discussions on general things like how/why the filters work the way they do and Joey's excellent how to setup your bass thread.

Keith

lscolman · « **Reply #36 on:** May 30, 2009, 12:01:52 AM »

Hi Keith,

I'm taking a look through those now. The first thing I have noticed, is my Spoiler doesn't have the shared screw hole, and seems to have Gotoh tuners?

Anyone else have this type fitted? It's sticky label residue on the back of the headstock by the way.

I don't have the bass yet, so any advice on whether these tuners are not original, and shouldn't be there, but be very helpful.

Cheers, Lee

lscolman · « **Reply #37 on:** May 30, 2009, 12:30:45 AM »

Another FAQ mentions how to spot a fake. I'm now totally paranoid. Here is a picture of the front of the headstock, does the logo look fine? Also, here is a pic of the internals, does this seem to fit with other models? Any help would be really appreciated. I don't want to end up buying a fake. Cheers, Lee

FC Bass · « **Reply #38 on:** May 30, 2009, 01:46:45 AM »

Looks fine all the way, in fact looks great!

Tuners are Gotohs indeed ;-)

jazzyvee · « **Reply #39 on:** May 30, 2009, 02:33:11 AM »

That sticky label at the back of the headstock looks like it is from a fretfx LED power pack that was previously fitted to the bass. I've fitted one on my bass and it looks about the right size although mine fits lengthways between the B and G string tuners.

https://fretfx.com/
Jazzyvee

lscolman · « **Reply #40 on:** May 30, 2009, 04:49:27 AM »

Hi fc,

Thanks for the clarification! Much appreciated.

Hi Jazzy,

I have a fretfx set in blue ready to go on, but they have the smaller power pack. A great spot, it does indeed look exactly like the older style power packs from fretfx.

Thanks again.

Cheers, Lee

FC Bass · « **Reply #41 on:** May 30, 2009, 05:04:51 AM »

You?re welcome ;-)

The only thing that seems to be missing is a Ferrite Bead (typical for basses from that era)
I think it won't be a problem if you don't use a wireless, though I can't remember ever having problems with it.
I installed a bead in my old Spoilers a few Years ago and used (at least one of them) years without it.

For info on the Ferrite Bead Click here
I think I got mine from a broken television and/or PC monitor.

(Message edited by fc_spoiler on May 30, 2009)

lscolman · « **Reply #42 on:** May 30, 2009, 05:35:02 AM »

I have some ferrite beads in the loft. I'll dig one out.

Some great advice there (again) !!

I promise some great pics once I get the bass next week.

The serial number is 86S4118, and I've made a history request.

Cheers, Lee

lscolman · « **Reply #43 on:** May 30, 2009, 06:43:00 AM »

Artswork99 has found a previous request for history:-

http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/12921.html

It is listed as a medium scale, but the seller told me it is a 34 neck.

Do Alembic consider 34 to be medium scale. I hope it truly is a 34 scale, as I have a set of fretfx waiting to be installed.

Cheers, Lee

FC Bass · « **Reply #44 on:** May 30, 2009, 07:26:42 AM »

34 inch Spoilers are very rare, I've seen only one... (here in Europe)
Be prepared for 32 inch, a bummer for the FretFX but great for all styles (I love the 32 inchers)

If you're (extremely) lucky, this was ordered as a long scale and it was misprinted in the records.