Alembic Electronic Repairs

[HRD3]

I recently purchased a 1983 Alembic Spoiler bass. Initially the bass worked fine, but now I am unable to get a signal out, though I replaced the battery.

I had Gary Brawer in Berkeley look at it and he suggested that I contact Alembic directly, as the electronics are complex.

I have made multiple calls to Alembic and sent multiple e-mails to all their departments since the beginning of March to inquire whether I can bring the bass to their shop for repairs or recommend a local guitar repair shop that handles Alembic electronics. I have not received any response what-so-ever. This has been quite exasperating.

Are they still in business? What have others experienced with their responsiveness for repair or new purchase inquiries?

Any guidance would be appreciated.

[JimmyJ]

Hi and welcome to the club.

Sorry to hear you're having trouble with your Spoiler.  Yes, Alembic is still in business but it is a small family-owned entity and replies to inquiries can take some patients.  Meanwhile, posting here is a great way to get some ideas because us members may be able to help.

First I have to say that it's very rare for these instruments to simply stop working so this is definitely unusual.  I'm also surprised Brawer was unable to figure out the problem.  You've already checked the battery ... but I want to be sure you understand that any time a 1/4" cable is plugged into the bass it's powered up.  "Standby" on the pickup selector is not the same as "off".

The next suggestion we always make is to "exercise" all the pots and switches - like 50 times through the full sweep or cycle of each control.  These components are self-cleaning so doing this will clear any internal oxidation that may be effecting the signal, especially if the control hasn't been moved for a while.

These are the obvious starting points so let us know if you get any results.  You can also post some pics of your electronics cavity and we can look for anything obvious - but I presume Brawer would have found that...

We're here to help!
Jimmy J

[edwardofhuncote]

Welcome, HRD... long shot but a common one too. Did you change or upgrade your cable? Some Alembic jacks don't like modern fancier cables. Agree with Jimmy J, quite unusual for these things to suddenly stop working. We'll probably get you going shortly.

[StephenR]

Agree that it would be unusual for the bass to suddenly stop working. Wondering if perhaps you need new battery leads? The best time to call Alembic is between 11 AM and 4 PM PST, that is the time period when they try to answer calls. If no one picks up call back, not many people working there and everyone is always busy.

A picture of the cavity would be helpful, one of the members here may spot something simple. At least Gary was honest enough to let you know that he didn't feel comfortable working on the electronics.

[manbass7]

Hi, I have had the same problem with my Rogue, I have rénovée the input jack and everything is in order now. I'm still in love with my Alembic

[mica]

I'm concerned, HRD3. Mary just checked our message log she transcribes from the voicemail and there isn't anything about a 1983 Spoiler (or any Spoiler for that matter) needing repair and she checked back through February.

I suggest you email me directly and we can help figure out what you need. mica (at) alembic (dot) com

[HRD3]

I recently purchased a 1983 Alembic Spoiler bass. Initially the bass worked fine, but now I am unable to get a signal out, though I replaced the battery.

I had Gary Brawer in Berkeley look at it and he suggested that I contact Alembic directly, as the electronics are complex.

I have made multiple calls to Alembic and sent multiple e-mails to all their departments since the beginning of March to inquire whether I can bring the bass to their shop for repairs or recommend a local guitar repair shop that handles Alembic electronics. I have not received any response what-so-ever. This has been quite exasperating.

Are they still in business? What have others experienced with their responsiveness for repair or new purchase inquiries?

Any guidance would be appreciated.

[HRD3]

I very much appreciate the everyone's thoughtful suggestions. Tried different cables, exercised all the pots and switches, to no avail. Trying to insert pic of the electronics cavity, but not sure I have figured out how to do that properly. . Gary thought that it might be the capacitor.

I see current note posted by Mica, so will try her e-mail directly.

Thanks again everyone for your help! Have wanted an Alembic for decades!

Russ