First time Alembic owner (1986 Spoiler)

[sethd]

Hi All,


I've posted here before, but this is my first contribution as an Alembic owner. Last week I purchased a 1986 Spoiler from a shop here in Northampton, Massachusetts. It's a beautifully constructed instrument and one of the best sounding basses I've owned. As a lifelong Jazz Bass player, the ergonomics are an adjustment, but we're getting there. The slightly narrower bridge spacing is a real treat.


Is there an appropriate forum section to ask a string question, or can someone suggest the proper set of Thomastik Infeld Jazz Flats for a 32" scale Alembic instrument? I've read contradictory reports about the suitability of TI's 32" "short scale" set on the Alembic forum and elsewhere.

Thank you,
Seth

[edwardofhuncote]

Congratulations & Compliments, and welcome. 


TI Jazz Flats will make you smile. Just buy the regular JF344 set. The afterlength takes up the extra string pull.


If you want to get really fun, try a set of the Jazz Rounds. I keep a set of both with a couple of my Alembics... they are a 5-minute change with the brass stoptail. Just loosen a few turns and slip the flat off, and the round on, tighten back up. A minimal intonation and action adjustment, and you've got yourself a whole different range of available sounds.

[mb94952]

I have no advice, but congratulations and I know the feeling. I love the sound and feel of my Alembics, too. - Mike

[adriaan]

That's some seriously nice and curvy zebrawood, congrats!

Agree with Greg on the TI flats and rounds. DR long scale goes well too.

[Spoilers!]

Congrats on the Spoiler!  As you can guess from my screen name, I'm a bit partial to them.  Time getting used to the feel will be well spent.

I remember the hardest adjustment being getting used to the 1.75" nut.  That was coming from a Ric 4003 with a 33.25" scale and a 1.6" nut.  It didn't take long for the Spoiler to start feeling like home though.

I haven't tried TI flats on a Spoiler yet, but they sound and feel great on my 4003 and an old Guild Pilot.  I have Optima RB flats on my Persuader (single AXY pickup, so like neck only on a Spoiler) and they are great for a solid, old-school thump.

Ken

[sethd]

Thanks for the responses all and for the advice about the JF344 set @edwardofhuncote. @adriaan a set of Sunbeams may be first in line to replace the current strings, which based on what I've read may be an old set of Alembics.

[mica]

The strings in the picture are not a set of Alembic strings, which have a turquoise color silk.

There are a lot of people that like the TI Jazz Flats, but I always like to mention that they are low tension strings. If you have a thin carved neck (which may not be the case on a typical 1986 Spoiler), you may need to adjust the truss rods as well.

[sethd]

Ah thank you Mica. That is helpful information. In that case I might like to try an Alembic set at some point as well!