Author Topic: So I bumped into..... (Read 96 times)

kenner · « **on:** April 26, 2010, 09:31:35 PM »

an 83 Spoiler for sale.....

It's got some issues though. The E tuning peg is broken, the two pick up setting on the rotary switch doesn't work, the lamnent on the back of the headstock is peeling away from the neck and there is a 2 inch crack in the neck (lengthwise) where the lamnent meets the headstock (obviously dropped)...yikes!

What to do? I am interested in buying it but until I know the approximate cost to cure, I can't give the fella a fair offer for his bass.

Opinions?

Oh yeah, this is my first post....
Kenner

ajdover · « **Reply #1 on:** April 26, 2010, 10:11:33 PM »

If you can get some pictures, do so. It will help those here give you some advice. It will also help the folks at Alembic figure out what, if anything they can do to repair the bass.

Most Spoilers I've seen are going in the $1200-$1500 range (approximate - some are going for less than that) in decent shape with case. From the sounds of it, you'd have to replace a tuning peg, the pickup selector switch, get a neck repair, etc. Could be costly. Without seeing pictures, it might be better for you to look for another used one, unless you have the scratch (and inclination) to have this one repaired.

Alan

mica · « **Reply #2 on:** April 27, 2010, 10:16:03 AM »

The most expensive aspect of the repair will likely be the freight to and from Alembic if you have us to the headstock repair. Typically the actual repair of the peghead is rather inexpensive, ranging from $75-350 (of course I'd have to at least see a picture to give you an idea of what end you're on).

The tuner may be a problem, since the Spoilers from that time had modified Schaller tuning keys. You'd have to modify a new one to restore, or, enlarge the mounting holes and switch over to Gotoh machine heads (which have the anchor screw in a different location just for fun).

The pickup selector switch is among the more expensive parts we buy. The electronics themselves would also greatly benefit from an RF upgrade.

I'm estimating the repairs would run from $400-700 depending on the severity of the peghead repair. Then you have to add the freight atop that.

kenner · « **Reply #3 on:** April 27, 2010, 11:26:40 AM »

I appreciate the info...

My gut tells me I should prolly let this one walk. I found a great deal on a 97 Epic a couple of months ago because I was patient.

There's plenty of Alembics popping up for sale all the time. I'm in no hurry, I was just looking for another good deal.......