Author Topic: Series II #82-2158 info needed (Read 179 times)

fthec · « **on:** May 24, 2005, 02:37:08 AM »

Dear all, I?ve the offer to buy a series II with the following specifications: Omega Shape Top&Back: Birdseye Maple Core: Mahagony Neck: Maple with Purple Heart Fingerboard: Ebony Veneers: Birdseye Maple Hardware Tuners: Schaller Inlays: Mother of Pearl Strings: D?Addario Scale: 32" Alembic Electronics: PFLoB Please can you give me some information about the instrument and original buyer. It should be a custom build, ordered by guy from Germany. Build in 7th July 1982. This is the information seller gave me. I?ve read that it is necessary to upgrate the electronics. Is this always the case? Or do I have the chance to become happy with the SeriesII as it is? I will be pleased about any information about the instrument. yours Hilmar I

(Message edited by davehouck on May 24, 2005)

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** May 24, 2005, 11:13:09 AM »

Very nice bass, and looks to be in good condition!

If Mica or Val notices your post, they will look up the serial number and post the build info; but it does look like you already have all the build info. However, out of respect for the privacy of its customers, Alembic will only divulge the name of the dealer through which the instrument was originally purchased.

As regards the upgrade; I believe it is the case that not all Series instruments need an upgrade. I believe it varies from bass to bass; and also of course on where you play your bass. My guess would be that if you plan to take this bass to a variety of clubs and venues, you will invariably end up in an environment where noise is going to be a problem. I have an '88 that has not had the upgrade, and it hasn't been a problem yet; but I haven't taken it too many clubs yet. I also have a bass that has had the upgrade, and there is indeed a noticeable difference. So I believe the answer is yes, there is a chance you will be happy with the bass as it. But my experience is limited; hopefully others may notice this thread and post their experiences.

fthec · « **Reply #2 on:** May 24, 2005, 02:09:31 PM »

dave,
thanks for your fast post. yes it?s?a very decent beauty. that?s the reason why I ask for the owner and the electronics. I don?t want to follow only my stomach.
So I don?t need the name of the buyer. If I get the information that this was really custom build by order of a german guy it?s ok and I take it after testing it.
hilmar

valvil · « **Reply #3 on:** May 24, 2005, 02:11:52 PM »

All the above information is correct. We do not give out the names of previous owners, but I can tell you that the bass was ordered by Marshall Music in Michigan and purchased & registered right away by a German customer, so it's likely that it was a custom order through the store.
Above, where you list Alembic Electronics: PFLoB that should read PF6B, which is the card.
Dave's reply in regards to the upgrade question is spot on.

Regards

Valentino

fthec · « **Reply #4 on:** May 24, 2005, 02:20:47 PM »

thanks a lot,
I go ahead to get it and tell you more about it.
regards
hilmar

fthec · « **Reply #5 on:** May 25, 2005, 03:38:56 PM »

Hi again,
I now have the chance to get the series II. The seller told me that there is only one problem: when he uses the power supply, the bass startes to hum. Does anybody know if this is a serious problem? i.e. a problem of the series II itself or a problem of the power supply? and how can I fix this?
the price should be 2000 Euro, which is about 2600 $. regarding to the problem, is this ok?
thanks for all help and kind regards
hilmar

kungfusheriff · « **Reply #6 on:** May 25, 2005, 03:50:38 PM »

The hum could be from electronic interference, or it could be a loose connection or failing component in the power supply--does the hum occur when he uses battery power? If not, try using the power supply in a darkened room--lights, television, radios, alarm clocks, cellular phones, pagers etc. turned off--then turn in a full circle and see if the hum is still there or if it disappears while you turn. If it remains, it's probably the power supply and can be repaired or replaced with a newer power supply, but the bass sounds like a candidate for the electronics upgrade. The upgrade costs $1000 to $1500 US depending on the age of the bass, which will have to spend a few months at Alembic's shop, but is said to screen out almost all forms of interference and make the bass absolutely silent.
In any case, 2000 Euros for that bass sounds like a deal. I'd say go for it.

fthec · « **Reply #7 on:** May 31, 2005, 01:26:13 AM »

The series II is mine. It?s a beauty. I couldn?t resist allthough the electronics tend to hum when I?m close to my amp but seems to be quite when I?m a bit far away. I will do some further testings and then decide if it?neccessary to put a hand on it.
The bass is in very good condition. no dings and dongs and the finishing is like new.
At the moment I?m just playing and hope that my p-bass doesn?t become jealous of the Alembic. But they are so different in feel and sound that I think there is no reason for. It?s like having both ends of a world. When I get the time I will post some better pictures.
Mica, how can I become a registered owner? And regarding to the electronics is there anybody in Germany who can fix them?
kind regards
hilmar

David Houck · « **Reply #8 on:** May 31, 2005, 05:55:45 AM »

Hilmar;

First, go to the FAQ & Must Reads section. Choose FAQ and then Series I & II, then choose Humcancelling Procedure. Following this procedure you will be able to minimize the hum. Note while you're there that the FAQ & Must Reads section has a lot of very useful information about setting up your bass (and as time and inspiration allow, more gets added; so check back often).

Go here to register your bass.

If the hum you're experiencing is RF interference, and adjusting the trim pots doesn't reduce it satisfactorily, then the bass will need to be sent to Alembic for the upgrade (if you decide that's what you want to do). If you are having a problem with the power supply, then I would suspect that a good electronics person locally could fix it (say at a guitar amp repair shop). Keep in mind that Alembic uses military spec parts, so you would want to have equal quality replacements made if needed.

I can't recall who off the top of my head, but I do believe there are some club members here who live in Germany. Of course, I realize that it's a large country, so perhaps there's no one close by. But if there is, then perhaps a fellow club member could check out what you have and help determine what the problem is. If some one was close enough to let you try their power supply, that could tell you something pretty quick.

But do the humcancelling procedure first.

harald_rost · « **Reply #9 on:** June 01, 2005, 12:00:37 AM »

Hilmar,
if the problem remains you might get in contact with station-music.de. They distribute Alembics here in Germany.
I'm located in Bamberg. If this Area is on your way you could of course check out my power supply with your bass.
Harald

fthec · « **Reply #10 on:** June 01, 2005, 04:42:30 AM »

Harald,
thanks for the offer.
At the moment I?m trying to find out where the problems come from. I went through the humcancelling procedure when I bought the Series and it helps a bit. Maybe I?ve to repeat it. When I connected the bass with my amp (Glockenklang Heartcore) the huming occures only when I?m very close to the amp (

speicky · « **Reply #11 on:** June 02, 2005, 02:57:51 PM »

Hello, Hilmar,

welcome as an Alembician in Rhein-Main-Area in Germany.

I first saw your thread on Wednesday, and I just had to drop this note. But I am no technician, so I cannot help you with buzzes, hums or beeps. Your bass is stunning, breathtaking, it's a dream come true.

Congrats,
Speicky

mica · « **Reply #12 on:** June 02, 2005, 04:33:37 PM »

It is perfectly normal when you are extremely close to the amp for the magnetic field of the transformer to become very friendly and quite audible. From your description, your basses seems healthy since this goes away when you are a reasonable distance from your amp.

But, to make the hum canacelling as good as possible, orient your bass in the worst possible position for the hum, then repeat the procedure as outlined in the FAQ.

I love the wood on your bass - Bird's-eye Maple is one of my all-time favorites, especially when it's as nice as yours.

fthec · « **Reply #13 on:** June 03, 2005, 08:17:01 AM »

Thanks a lot!
That?s the same my drummer said. He is electrician. We played together yesterday without any humming but with a big whoouuww about the sound and the looking of the instrument. I love the wood too and I?m happy when I open the case. I will give the seller the information that the bass seems to be healthy because we made a special deal which allows me to test the instrument without a high financial risks. He is a cool guy and now I have to give him the money he deserves. And I?m happy that I can do so.
take care and play