Author Topic: Refinish or not refinish (Read 401 times)

steveo · « **on:** November 06, 2003, 06:12:58 AM »

My 84 Spoiler bass has taken a few hits over the years. Some fairly deep ones on the lower bout, and a really deep one on the headstock. Should it be left completely original, or should I get it refinished. Can the dings be filled and stained to match? It has a flamed Koa top and headstock. Serial # 84S3138

steveo · « **Reply #1 on:** November 06, 2003, 06:19:22 AM »

While I'm at it, would like some history on this instrument if possible. Also, the case is really rough, are replacements available?
Spoiler...serial# 84S3138

dela217 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 06, 2003, 07:11:17 AM »

In my opinion, I would leave it as is. Enjoy the bass for what it is. The finishes that Alembic creates these days are magnificent, but I would leave it alone.

stoney · « **Reply #3 on:** November 06, 2003, 09:39:42 AM »

Ditto, leave it as is. Those are battle scars. They add character and I'll bet you can remember each gig (or occurance) about how they were received.

Hey, you don't see Alembic putting out a simulated worn bass (a la Jaco's Fender) no-sir-eeee, you gotta earn these.

Stoney

mica · « **Reply #4 on:** November 06, 2003, 10:08:36 AM »

Well, we did make one.

The bass was black Spoiler with lots of chrome that was ordered to look like a Harley after an accident. The customer had been badly injured in a motorcycle crash and was unable to continue playing drums so he switched to bass full time.

We made the bass reeeeeal nice and then dragged it down the street by Fat Boy, courtesy of our local Harley shop.

I wish we had some pictures, but it was in the old days of film and we sent them off with the bass to the owner.

We also made him a Spoiler with a top laminate from his pearloid bass drum.
------------------
steveo,

When we refinish we sand off all the old paint. Any dings or dents are sanded out and blended during the removal of the original polyester. The color matches overall because every surface is freshly snaded before repainting. We still use the same polyester paint we did in 1984. By the time we're done, the bass looks nearly new.

Sometimes we've been asked to refinish an instrument that we think looks just great with all its age, and ask the owner to reconsider. Other times, it's amazing what the refinishing process can do for an Alembic, especially one that hasnt been treated well.

Got a picture? Since each bass is so different we'd all be in a better position to offer advice with a visual aid.

Replacement cases are $280. Order model #81. These are still made by the same manufacturer.

Hey Valentino - could you look up the file on this bass? I won't be in the office for about another hour. Thanks!

valvil · « **Reply #5 on:** November 06, 2003, 11:58:56 AM »

Here's what the file says:
1984 Spoiler bass 32 inch scale
Koa top
mahogany body
maple neck
koa peghead
Ebony fretboard
oval inlays
Schaller tuners
sold through Carlton Music
completed 4/26/84

that's it.

Valentino

dean_m · « **Reply #6 on:** November 06, 2003, 12:21:48 PM »

Uh oh!!!!

Mica said Harley!!!!!

snick snick snick

Steveo, post a picture so we can see it. When you can of course.

Peace,
Dino

steveo · « **Reply #7 on:** November 06, 2003, 06:42:57 PM »

Thanks for all the info! Here are a few pics, hope they work.

bob · « **Reply #8 on:** November 06, 2003, 09:51:21 PM »

Steveo,

Just my two cents. Your description is confirmed by the photos - yeah, you've got a few nasties on the bottom edge, and one on the headstock.

So what? If the ones on the lower bout were on the upper, and I had to look at them all the time, maybe I'd feel a little differently - maybe.

But this is a beauty (I've always been fond of Koa), and I wouldn't mess with it. Maybe that's just because I'm getting to the age where I have to look at the scars on my own body, and decide whether they're flaws, or adding character...

If it were mine, I wouldn't let it out of my sight/hands long enough for a refinishing. Maybe do a gentle polishing of the tailpiece (leaving it a bit weathered), and just keep playing.
-Bob

dean_m · « **Reply #9 on:** November 07, 2003, 08:01:14 AM »

I'd say leave it as well.
The dings do if it some character and they're not really unsightly.

D

rogertvr · « **Reply #10 on:** November 07, 2003, 02:33:29 PM »

I looked at the pictures of this bass and the first thing I was stuck by is how attractive it is. It's a lovely instrument, like Bob, I am fond of koa too. I had to go and actually scour the pictures to find the battle scars.

My view - they add character. I wouldn't touch this if it were mine - I'd leave well alone - it's gorgeous!

Rog

dannobasso · « **Reply #11 on:** November 07, 2003, 03:37:47 PM »

Mica and company did a fantastic refinish on my 83 koa spoiler. It was solid koa wings with no top, a bit darker than yours. My band required a black bass so after Mica whipped me up a Excel 5 dual fatboys in almost black, I sent my first Alembic back. The black finish is incredible. Every scar. ding,and gouge (yes gouge)was gone forever. Every detail restored to brand new with a new coat of jet black. There is something really cool about a used bass that you played the hell out of. But then again, new shiny ones are great too. Make sure you have another to play on while you wait. These thigs take time if you decide to go for it. I'm debating to send my spoiler exploiter back. It's a bit of a mess right now.

steveo · « **Reply #12 on:** November 07, 2003, 04:56:26 PM »

Well, it seems unanimous, that it should be left as is. I bought this one used, sight unseen, and it was a little disapointing to see this quality an instrument banged up at all, but they were built to be played, and played it has been. It also seems the rule of thumb, for resale purposes, to keep vintage guitars completely original, scars and all. I'll not add any more wounds to the beautiful finish, but I won't have these repaired either. I had always wanted an Alembic, ever since seeing Stanley Clarke with Return To Forever at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago in '75, the sound is incredible, and the looks are so unique. This one was affordable, so I jumped on it, and it sounds and plays great. If I ever decide to part with it, I'll give the forum users here first dibs. Thank you all for your interest!

mattheus · « **Reply #13 on:** November 08, 2003, 03:06:43 AM »

Just curious, what would a 'total' refinish cost? My Spoiler (OBS) has been played a lot (And I mean a lot!). I'm not scared for a few dings or scratches, but I'm more scared for the paint on the backside, slowly it's going bad. Perhaps I could also do some electronics upgrade... to perhaps Europe or signature electronics.

valvil · « **Reply #14 on:** November 10, 2003, 12:53:23 PM »

Hello Mattheus,

a refinish on your Spoiler would come to 1200$. THe old finish gets stripped away, a new one gets sprayed on, all the hardware is cleaned and frets are re-crowned. If you strip away the finish yourself (competently, it has to be flat, no bumps and valleys)you can save about 300-350$.

Valentino