Author Topic: Smart looking Spoiler on Ebay (Read 240 times)

apdavis · « **on:** November 08, 2004, 08:24:03 AM »

There looks to be a 5 string Spoiler with Europa electronics on Ebay,
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3759893734&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
Serial number is 91 S 6620.
Does anybody have an idea of what the top wood is?

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** November 08, 2004, 09:08:48 AM »

It is a very nice looking bass. The listing states it is an '83, but the serial number shows it to be a '91. The controls are Distillate rather than Europa; the difference being a pickup selector rather than a pan control.

bsee · « **Reply #2 on:** November 08, 2004, 10:43:04 AM »

Right, it was probably purchased as a Spoiler in 91 with the addition of the quick tone switches. I suppose it could have been numbered as a D just as easily. It's a nice bass, and it will be interesting to see where the money ends up on this one. They don't show up that often, but previous ones that I have seen usually finished around $1500. I think maybe the use of the Europa name has them valuing it higher. Odd that such a little thing aids the value so much.

By the way, that first question on the listing was mine. You can tell by the typos...

bsee · « **Reply #3 on:** November 08, 2004, 11:40:44 AM »

Oh, and tough to guess at the top wood from the pics. It looks like it has a bit of a lacewood figure, but I don't think that's what it is. Kind of reminds me of my old Ibanez SR1500 from the coloration and grain. That was Padauk, I think. Maybe someone will look up the card and post the specs.

valvil · « **Reply #4 on:** November 08, 2004, 11:43:47 AM »

It's flame walnut.

Valentino

bsee · « **Reply #5 on:** November 08, 2004, 11:46:51 AM »

Really? Thanks, Valentino, that picture must really understate the figuring.

Too bad it's not a medium scale or I might find it an interesting upgrade to my Persuader of similar vintage.

David Houck · « **Reply #6 on:** November 08, 2004, 11:47:11 AM »

Bob; I figured that the first question might be you, not because of any typos but from the astute comments and the fact that it was from Bob.

And of course the other upgrade from the standard Spoiler is the addition of Purpleheart neck lams.

bsee · « **Reply #7 on:** November 08, 2004, 12:05:43 PM »

Dave-

Not sure if that was an upgrade then. I vaguely remember discussing my '90 Persuader with Mica and her saying that they were standard for a while. If they were standard on the Persuader at that point, they could have been standard on the Spoiler. I may have misunderstood. When did the Spoiler come off the price sheet? Was this bass pretty late in the Spoiler lifecycle?

It looks like it's in great shape. A lot of clarity in the finish like it led an easy life. I hope someone buys it and plays it a bunch!

apdavis · « **Reply #8 on:** November 08, 2004, 12:14:59 PM »

I believe that the purpleheart neck lams were standard on the 5 and 6 string Spoilers of that vintage.

David Houck · « **Reply #9 on:** November 08, 2004, 03:35:47 PM »

You may be right; I wasn't aware of that. The product page for the Spoiler shows the 4, 5, & 6 strings as having necks of Maple w/ Walnut veneers.
http://www.alembic.com/prod/spoiler.html
But that doesn't mean that they weren't standard in '91. This '87 Spoiler 6 has the Purpleheart:
http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/8341.jpg

pas · « **Reply #10 on:** November 08, 2004, 08:11:20 PM »

I ordered my Spoiler fretless 4 at the end of September of '99...just in time to beat another price increase. The purpleheart lams did not come standard. I think it was a $250 upgrade at the time. The Cocobolo top was beautiful...pics in the Spoiler gallery.