Author Topic: When, Why, And How Did This Headstock Ever Happen? (Read 812 times)

sonofa_lembic · « **on:** March 13, 2015, 08:17:12 AM »

In all the years I have been associated with Alembic, I never remember seeing any headstocks with decal logos and unattractive cursive notation of the model on them. It is bad enough to see Stanley Clarke's scribble defacing a beautiful Alembic headstock, but this thing is just UUUUGGGGLLLLYYYY! Was this a Japan only headstock, or a very short lived experiment?

Just linin' up the pic

(Message edited by mica on March 13, 2015)

bassfingers · « **Reply #1 on:** March 13, 2015, 08:25:58 AM »

I feel sure Palembic(Paul The Bad One)would weigh in on this topic,God rest his soul.He wasn't a fan IIRC.

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #2 on:** March 13, 2015, 09:04:57 AM »

I think that is a first-run Spoiler, circa 1982. IIRC, these were the only decal-ed Alembics ever, the decal was very soon abandoned in favor of a brass logo. FWIW, I like the detail within the decal logo, but must confess to favoring the brass over it... it just seems more... Alembic. I assume that was the consensus back then too, since they didn't last long.

*There was a rash of fake Alembics a while back with decals, but this one is legit.

mica · « **Reply #3 on:** March 13, 2015, 09:20:06 AM »

This is the real deal. Back when the Spoiler was first introduced and only available at Guitar Center (back when they had a handful of stores in Southern California) I'm pretty sure they retailed for $999. One of the ways to bring the price down was the decal, but it was met with about as much enthusiasm as you are expressing today, Trevor, so it was quickly remedied.
Bit of trivia: the word Spoiler on the decal is my mom's handwriting.
But if trivia II: you'll only find the decals on about 50 basses and they were all solid Koa.

sonicus · « **Reply #4 on:** March 13, 2015, 09:43:09 AM »

And here is one of them !

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/msg/4925270427.html

sonicus · « **Reply #5 on:** March 13, 2015, 09:57:57 AM »

Mica , your Mom has nice handwriting !

(Message edited by sonicus on March 13, 2015)

hieronymous · « **Reply #6 on:** March 13, 2015, 11:59:28 AM »

As sonofa_lembic mentioned, the Stanley Clarke signature on early Signature basses was also a decal, though the logo wasn't a decal. There's one in this thread at basschat.co.uk

And I don't think a signature is necessarily a defacement, especially if it's on the back and the real thing:

hifiguy · « **Reply #7 on:** March 13, 2015, 12:24:17 PM »

I am with you, Edward. A decal on an Alembic just doesn't fit. Kinda like spinner rims on a Ferrari. The aesthetics, shall we say, clash.

sonofa_lembic · « **Reply #8 on:** March 13, 2015, 12:41:50 PM »

Mom's actual script? Did I say unattractive cursive writing? Uhhh I meant to say perfectly executed cursive writing. Sorry Mom. LOL.

FC Bass · « **Reply #9 on:** March 13, 2015, 01:49:47 PM »

There was one for sale in Holland some months ago, just missed it... :-(
Did get an amazing Orion 5 though :-)

Would love to get one of these.

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #10 on:** March 13, 2015, 02:17:49 PM »

An original koa Spoiler (with a decal) sold on ebay week before last. It was a little rough but all there, and still fetched $1500, which according to Mica's recollection of $999 new price, means it has appreciated by 50% in 30-odd years. Woo-hoo!

Didn't know there were only fifty-some examples though. Cool 1980's Alembic trivia! =)

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #11 on:** March 13, 2015, 07:51:03 PM »

When I (oh, the shame of it) worked at GC in '83-'84 (one of two in Chicago - and one of maybe three outside CA) we had one of these on the floor. In fact, it was the first Alembic I ever laid my actual hands on (and it did, indeed, live up its billing & Spoil me for any lesser bass). List (GC didn't do tags then) was $1500.

Peter

edwin · « **Reply #12 on:** March 16, 2015, 11:13:19 PM »

I like signatures on headstocks, although I think I need to do something about the wear. It's the one thing that keeps me from considering getting the headstock replaced or rebuilt. Not that it needs it, although the plastic front is a bit shrunk.

lenminnj · « **Reply #13 on:** March 18, 2015, 11:09:42 AM »

I have one of these early koa Spoilers.

I'd like to have LEDs installed on the neck and the headstock decal replaced with the brass logo (the decal is peeling).

Could the factory do that for me? Any idea what it'd cost?

keith_h · « **Reply #14 on:** March 18, 2015, 11:51:19 AM »

Len, They have added LED's after the fact to other basses. The procedure as I recall requires replacement of the finger board so it is not a trivial process. As far as the logo, Alembic would have to have physical custody of the bass to do it. While most folks are honest there are some that aren't so they require this to prevent counterfeiting.

Keith