Novatone Replaceable Fingerboard Alembic Spoiler Spoiled

[CaseyVancouver]

Novatone was a company in the '80s with a great idea, make a replaceable board with magnets to hold it onto the neck. You could swap fretless with fret boards! What a great idea and what could possibly go wrong!

Many basses were ruined because too much wood was taken off the neck to accomodate the magnetic system. Also gaps were under some boards. And on and on.

I know folks here on Alembic Club are very savvy and not likely to get sucked into one of these converted basses. Months ago I saw a beautiful Alembic on eBay with the Novatone neck. The seller did not mention Novatone but described the neck and how wonderful the bass is. Kinda implied it was an Alembic idea not aftermarket. Totally tricked me and I could of bought that thing not knowing the truth. Yuk!

Another Alembic is up for sale with the Novatone neck. The price is not cheap. 

https://reverb.com/item/3428296-1984-alembic-spoiler-electric-bass-w-4-novatone-magnet-fretboards-case-26856?utm_source=Criteo-ads-d

[edwardofhuncote]

Yeah, that maple-topped Spoiler on ebay with the 'convertible' fingerboards has been there for nearly 3 years now. No takers here, at least not at that price. 

*this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/162416610940

[gearhed289]

I always wondered about the magnets affecting sustain.

[edwardofhuncote]

I always wondered about the magnets affecting sustain.

I hadn't even thought of that... probably not a very strong pull, but there must be some effect on the strings. I'd say definitely affects sustain.

Mica told me once, replacing a fingerboard starts at about $500, IIRC. Not the end of the world, but sure makes you think twice about these as rescue projects at their respective asking prices.