Alembic Spoiler refinish issue...

[tictoc623]

I just purchased a Spoiler that needs a little TLC.  The front is near perfect but the back has seen better days.  There are cracks in the finish, as well as some fairly significant scratches and dings.  Also, someone tried to install a strap peg on the back and broke the screw off flush with the wood.  Has anyone tried a refinish on one of these and how about an answer on getting the broken screw out?  Proud to own an Alembic!

[jbybj]

Welcome to the club Stirling.
 
Unless you need to reuse the screw hole, I would just leave it in. Sand it smooth if you are gonna refinish. Taking it out will just mean you have to fill the hole with something, and it will probably be a bigger hole. Not to mention it's a hell of a lot easier to leave it alone.
 
I believe that if the front is near perfect you should just play it, and forget about the cracked back. Trying to fix it could send you into a downward spiral that you might regret.  
 
I'm a big help aren't I!

[edwin]

I had a 1978 Series I that had a finish that was utterly trashed. Cracks all over and huge chunks missing. I sent it back to Alembic for a refinish (and a wonderfully carved omega) and they did a stellar job. The bass looks brand new, except for where there were a couple of especially deep scars, but at this point they are very small badges of experience!
 
Pictures on this thread:
http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/4748.html?1210707724
 
I miss it but it's in the capable, if somewhat scarred, hands of afrobeat fool!
 
However, despite the wonderful appearance of the bass now, the playability didn't significantly change, so if there are no structural issues with the bass and the wood isn't being exposed to moisture or oil or some other agent that will degrade the wood, I say just play it!
 
Edwin

[afrobeat_fool]

Good morning from beautiful San Rafael, Cali. I will be dropping my Hyak off at Alembic in the afternoon. Edwin is totally correct. If the top is good, let it be. You might be opening a can of worms you don't want to eat. Not to mention, you just got the spoiler, play it for a while. Finishes are notoriously difficult to take off, and if you send it to Alembic, if might be there for a while, due to their workload. I tried sending an instrument to another luthier for the same thing and never got it back, hence I am on my way to Alembic to get this Hyak operational. Talk about an expensive way to get a Bass refinished, woof!

[tictoc623]

Thanks for the advice.  I actually reposted a similar message in another thread, sorry bout that...  http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/78536.html?1270675454