Author Topic: G&L Bass modifyed with Alembic pickups. (Read 283 times)

fdeeptone · « **on:** March 27, 2009, 04:17:37 AM »

I gave this bass to my son maybe 10 years ago and
he brought it back last weekend. he noticed that the guard was broken underneath the volume control. Well he man handled the removal of the volume knob and ripped the pot apart. its kind of a strange setup as this bass has no toggles.
The pickups are controlled by individual knobs,
one for each pickup. The local shop did not carry the pot I needed. Said it wasn't standard.
Anybody know about this setup? Or if I should contact Alembic? Or G&L for the appropriate pot?
I've included an attavhment of the bass.
Any help on this repair would be appreciated.

fdeeptone · « **Reply #1 on:** March 27, 2009, 05:12:31 AM »

another question as well if I may,
Are these pickups an upgrade for my spoiler bass?
Just trying to think of all the options
Thanks ahead fro your opinions!

keith_h · « **Reply #2 on:** March 27, 2009, 05:13:20 AM »

If they are Alembic electronics then you need to contact Alembic to order the part. If you provide a photo of the electronics assembly someone here should be able to give you a good idea who made them.

Keith

adriaan · « **Reply #3 on:** March 27, 2009, 05:31:14 AM »

Are these pickups an upgrade for my spoiler bass?

The nice thing about Alembic is that they install the exact same quality pickups on the complete range (well, except for the Series instruments which have a fundamentally different setup) and in the after-market replacement packages.

So the pickups are probably identical between the Spoiler and the G&L.

That looks to be a pretty early Spoiler, with the neck pickup so close to the neck - if it has a decal on the peghead, instead of the logo in brass, it is a very early one. Probably has solid koa body wings too.

fdeeptone · « **Reply #4 on:** March 27, 2009, 05:39:37 AM »

Serial number shows it to be a 1983 if im breaking it down right. has the brass emblem on the headstock. 83s248. Thanks for the input on the pickups. I'll be posting a pic of the guts on the G&L in a bit. I bought this spoiler about
18 years ago on a pawnshop for 200 USD.
I'll never part with it, been a great workhorse for me.

mica · « **Reply #5 on:** March 27, 2009, 07:26:46 AM »

The path to getting the G&L fixed is a bad news/good news scenario.

Bad news: We discontinued the two-volume setup for Activators some 16 years ago, and the spares for the volume controls (our part number 475-022) were exhausted about 6 years ago. So to repair, you'll have to change out the two-volume harness for a one-volume harness and pan control (which is a little less expensive than what you paid for your whole Spoiler 18 years ago).

Good news: when you convert, the bass will have less noise in the lower than full volume settings because the filter volume will be proportional to the master volume (instead of full blast all the time like in the current setup). Also, since the system is modular, you'll be able to fix this yourself on your kitchen table. Plus, you're son will also get a new output jack on the one-volume harness.

To order these parts, you can email me your phone number and I'll call you back or you can call us at 707-523-2611 between 11-4 M-F.

Adriaan is correct as usual, the pickups in your Spoiler and your son's G&L are identical.

fdeeptone · « **Reply #6 on:** March 27, 2009, 09:18:12 AM »

Mica,Keith and Adriaan,
Thank you so much for your reply.
It make sense why the shop was so confused concerning the pot. This bill we be on Red (my son) since he broke it. HAHA
I wish you all a very comfortable colorful day and thank you for taking the time to help me out.
We will be in touch for the parts.

Mark

terryc · « **Reply #7 on:** March 29, 2009, 08:59:53 AM »

Kids!!! Do they ever look after anything you give them, my Alembic powered Squier P bass was immaculate until my son got hold of it, the body is looking a little rough now

white_cloud · « **Reply #8 on:** March 29, 2009, 10:12:51 AM »

Terry - thats called patina! No bad thing incidentally on a P bass (but not so good on your Alembic)

John.

terryc · « **Reply #9 on:** March 31, 2009, 01:12:54 AM »

white cloud... I guess you are right, P basses look more rock 'n' roll with a few paint chips and dents.
The Alembic has no street cred in my son's eyes, too old looking!!

fdeeptone · « **Reply #10 on:** March 31, 2009, 06:39:57 AM »

I have six kids and all of them swarm my instruments,my son dropped my american strat during a show in town, was doing a strap swing or somthing lol, so it cracked the finish,
my 1940's j45 has spent more time in their rooms then in my studio, but on the updise the house is always filled with music and I have passed the love of music on to all of them, they will have to fight for my instruments once I'm gone lol.

terryc · « **Reply #11 on:** March 31, 2009, 07:56:48 AM »

Could have bust the neck joint as well!!
If he want to play Peter Townsend then give him a chinese built Squier!!

Author Topic: G&L Bass modifyed with Alembic pickups. (Read 283 times)

white_cloud