Author Topic: New to alembic and torn on what to do (Read 1011 times)

malthumb · « **Reply #30 on:** August 02, 2015, 01:06:42 PM »

sonofa_lembic said: Dude, the bridge is on backwards! Reverse it, and it will intonate and sound better. You will have to reposition the individual saddles for intonation, but at least get them going in the right direction. LOL.

Make certain you reverse the BRIDGE only (rectangular thingy) and NOT the TAILSTOCK (bird-like thingy)

malthumb · « **Reply #31 on:** August 02, 2015, 01:11:02 PM »

Since it is a '78, I will assume it is wired STEREO. While you are waiting to get the $$$ to have the electronics updated, you can still enjoy the instrument by plugging in stereo headphones. No preamp or earphone amp needed. It will play directly through your stereo headphones. Great way to practice without waking the baby / disturbing the neighbors.

tomiv9 · « **Reply #32 on:** August 03, 2015, 01:18:37 PM »

How is the bridge on backwards? Looks just like my bridge.

lbpesq · « **Reply #33 on:** August 03, 2015, 01:24:29 PM »

The black end nuts are on the bottom (facing the tailpiece). They should be on top, facing the pickups.

Bill, tgo

adriaan · « **Reply #34 on:** August 03, 2015, 01:31:24 PM »

Not sure about the bolt/nut orientation, as they are in the exact same orientation on both my basses. I'd say only the saddles are the wrong way around: the straight edge should be facing the bridge pickup.

rv_bass · « **Reply #35 on:** August 03, 2015, 01:41:16 PM »

Nice bass, what kind of fingerboard wood do you think it might be?

edwin · « **Reply #36 on:** August 03, 2015, 01:50:32 PM »

I think it's ebony with some figuring.

And I agree, the saddles are on backwards.

ajdover · « **Reply #37 on:** August 03, 2015, 02:47:24 PM »

Saddles are definitely backwards.

sonofa_lembic · « **Reply #38 on:** August 04, 2015, 06:40:49 PM »

Only the orientation of the saddles is critical. If the bridge was reversed, the slots for the strings are wrong as well. On these older basses, the slots were simple V shaped, and are not as finicky as the new slots which are filed to the same gauge as the corresponding string. The slots are also angled toward the tailpiece when positioned correctly, so if the saddle is reversed, you can get sitaring. The other issue is there is no district edge for the string to pass over before leaving the slot, so intonation is difficult.

keith_h · « **Reply #39 on:** August 04, 2015, 07:57:34 PM »

The bridge is reversed and the saddles might be reversed left to right (not sure as I can't tell slot size from picture). When looking at the front of the bridge the threaded rod should be on the left and the smooth rod should be on the right to match the holes in the saddle.

Keith

Corrected comment on saddles. If the whole bridge is swapped 180 degrees they will be facing the correct direction. Not sure about slot sizes on E to G strings.

(Message edited by keith_h on August 04, 2015)

ed_zeppelin · « **Reply #40 on:** August 05, 2015, 10:15:30 AM »

Oh, just take it apart and do it over. Piece o' cake. How many people get to experience the genius of the unique Alembic bridge design firsthand? It's pretty easy to tell the saddles apart (something the previous owner was oblivious to, apparently.).

Hot tip: while you have it apart, clean the parts with a soft microfiber rag and put the tiniest drop of lube on the saddle bolts (I use a WD40 pen http://www.amazon.com/WD-40-No-Mess-Pen-Pack/dp/B000NV4DJA though opinions may vary) and run the bolts through them from one end to the other. Sometimes when saddles sit in the same position for years, corrosion can create problems.

If you need help intonating it, just let us know. Probably save you fifty bucks over taking it to a shop, y'know?