Author Topic: Older series i or signature/anniversary equipped bass? (Read 157 times)

bumhucker · « **on:** January 15, 2007, 09:59:25 AM »

i am beginning to look for another alembic an i have been seeing older series I basses going for around 3-4K and i am wondering if it is better to get a used bass w/ anniversary or signature electronics OR pick up one of the older series basses. the main thing i don't know is the noise issue-i know there is an upgrade that fixes RF issues with older basses-but i couldn't swing that. is it really a big issue in your experience? is it worse than playing say a jazz bass with single coils? or would i be better off getting a SC or MK bass with similar filter setups? i love the idea of separate filters for each pickup. i have never played either type of bass because i live in the middle of a cornfield!

keavin · « **Reply #1 on:** January 15, 2007, 10:39:43 AM »

If you could find a old series bass go for it the electronics up-grade would'nt hurt.....my bass is 1972 (35yrs old) and there's no noise issue with it (yet) BUT anything vintage/series is more than worth it!.....there was recently a 1972 alembic guitar on ebay going for $37,000. I dont know if it sold or not though.

tbrannon · « **Reply #2 on:** January 15, 2007, 10:51:15 AM »

I have a signature equipped Rogue- unbelievably sweet. I've never played a Series bass and an older Series bass is at the top of my wish list, but if you can find a good deal on a signature or anniversary bass you won't be disappointed.

lbpesq · « **Reply #3 on:** January 15, 2007, 11:07:33 AM »

From what I understand, whether or not you need the electronics upgrade has a lot to do with where you live. I believe it costs about $1500. That said, my '76 Series I guitar hasn't had the upgrade. I live in a dense, modern urban area (S.F. Bay Area) and I've had no problems yet with RF interference. I suspect the problem may also be instrument specific too. Some need it, some don't.

Bill, tgo

David Houck · « **Reply #4 on:** January 15, 2007, 04:36:00 PM »

And it depends on the venue. I get some buzz at one of the clubs we regularly play at when I'm standing near the amp.

lbpesq · « **Reply #5 on:** January 15, 2007, 04:45:14 PM »

Dave:

In the immortal words of the classic vaudeville skit:

THEN DON'T DO THAT! hehehehe

Bill, tgo

David Houck · « **Reply #6 on:** January 15, 2007, 04:48:37 PM »

bumhucker · « **Reply #7 on:** January 30, 2007, 11:19:04 AM »

thanks for the input guys! i am still looking. are there any shops in L.A. that may have an alembic?

somatic · « **Reply #8 on:** March 01, 2007, 04:48:51 AM »

Get a Series. Mine's an 80, and the PF6 electronics are very quiet. Make sure you get a good one, and you'll be fine.
I also have a Clarke deluxe so I have a reference between the two.