Author Topic: Predator Info ???? (Read 289 times)

tbird · « **on:** May 20, 2004, 05:59:23 AM »

I am looking at buying an Alembic Predator. Does anyone out there have any info on these basses? Pre-amp? History, why production stopped? Value? I appreciate the help.

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** May 20, 2004, 06:40:04 AM »

I did not know that there was a model called the Predator; it's not listed on the reference page. Do you have a picture of the one you are looking at? Also, if you post the serial number the moderators may be able to look up the build info.

tbird · « **Reply #2 on:** May 20, 2004, 08:12:05 AM »

I entered the name wrong. It is a persuader. Sorry for the Brain Fart!!!!!

mica · « **Reply #3 on:** May 20, 2004, 08:12:54 AM »

If you're thinking of the Persuader, it's essentially a Spoiler with our Activator electronics. It was made to showcase the replacement electronics line. Generally fitted with 2 volumes and 1 filter control, Persuaders could have double J, double P, PJ combo, or AXY pickups.

We dropped it from the catalog because of the confusion with the Spoiler model. It was always a couple hundred bucks less than a Spoiler, and some sellers tried to pass the Persuaders off as Spoilers. Also, the prejudice against its medium scale was mounting. The Spoiler was dropped from the catalog a few years later because of the scale length.

Of course, nothing excpet limited editions are ever discontinued and we still make Persuaders and Spoilers on custom order.

tbird · « **Reply #4 on:** May 20, 2004, 08:16:40 AM »

I am selling a Epic 6 right now. Would you say that it is a pretty comparable bass? My only thing would be changing to the medium scale neck. I have never played one and I am wondering how big of an adjustment that would be.

bsee · « **Reply #5 on:** May 20, 2004, 08:54:07 AM »

If you're talking about the five string on eBay, I think there are at least three or four of us looking at it seriously now. Unfortunately, that means the price will be higher than it should, but such is life. A used Persuader four usually goes between $800 and $1000.

Technically, I believe that Spoilers and Persuaders would come above the Epic line because of the neck-through construction. The Persuader electronics would normally be P/J type pickups, which are viewed as a step below the soapbars. These are about the least versatile electronics package you can get from Alembic, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

The medium scale neck is comfy for small-handed people, though you lose tension on the B string if you go for a five. I tried a new one at Bass Central a couple weeks ago and it felt really floppy. I am thinking of ordering one down the road with specila neck laminates that I hope would improve the situation.

88persuader · « **Reply #6 on:** May 20, 2004, 09:58:36 PM »

Well ... I have a 1988 Persuader with a medium neck and a 5 string Epic. The Persuader and Epic are totally different types of basses. 1st the Persuader is neck thru ... big difference in my opinion. 2nd my Epic is a 5 string has a very thick long scale neck. I have fairly long fingers which is a blessing for a bass player and I still have difficulty at times playing the B sting low on the neck of the epic. I find the Persuader to be a wonderful easy to play bass. I have the PJ pickups and agree that these aren't quite as versatile as soap bars although I don't know if I'd call them a step below. The P pickup is far more powerful than the J pickup so in order to get the most out of this set up you need to lower the P pickup and raise the J pickup. Once this is done the output of the pickups can be balanced and you can use either in any MIX you wish. As a matter of fact i love my Persuader so much I'd be willing to trade my 5 string Epic for a 5 string Persuader. I'd have no problem at all owning two Persuaders. AND it would make a nice visual statement on stage ... two Persuaders sitting on stands side by side. And the medium neck is a JOY to play. VERY fast and responsive while still getting a lot of big deep sound. As you can tell i'm a big Persuader fan. I think for the $$$ it may be the best used Alembic deal you can find. ......... Just my two cents!