Author Topic: (x) 89P5440 (Read 271 times)

billostech · « **on:** January 15, 2011, 10:27:48 AM »

This Spoiler is listed at Guitar Center in Richmond, VA. for 999.00. It has a crack in the neck that was repaired and has some finishing issues on th bottom. They said they paid 650.00 for it and willing to let it go to me for 690.00 including shipping.

[moderator's edit: updated image layout] (Message edited by artswork99 on January 15, 2011)

edwin · « **Reply #1 on:** January 15, 2011, 11:17:10 AM »

It's definitely preloved, but the price is right. If the repair is solid and plays well it should be a great deal. Make sure you can return it if it turns out to be a dog, but it could be a great opportunity. My '78 Series I didn't have any outright breaks, but the finish was in similar shape. The good folks in Santa Rosa made it look brand new again. Even with that cost, if it's in good basic shape and a good player, it's still within reasonable cost with the refinish. OTOH, it's also a great way to get a killer sound without having to sweat about bringing it into sketchy clubs.

billostech · « **Reply #2 on:** January 15, 2011, 12:10:57 PM »

Edwin,
Do these look like the original nobs. And I noticed it did not have a Q switch.

edwin · « **Reply #3 on:** January 15, 2011, 01:03:04 PM »

They don't really look original (although I'm not familiar with what would have been original, they certainly look well used enough). However, knobs are easily replaced.

As far as the Q-switch, I have no idea about what was stock and how easy it would be to add one, but it's probably not all that hard, especially if this bass has the modular electronics.

What worries me more is the fact that the pickup shown by the bridge says Bartolini on it.

Still, so far none of these issues are irreparable. The soul of a bass is in its wood as well as the bridge and nut.

lembic76450 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 15, 2011, 01:20:50 PM »

Bill
It is not a Spoiler, it is a Persuader. Not sure about the knobs, though the top knob might be original. You might want to get a picture of the control cavity and post it. Might still be worth it at $690. Not everyone can boast a beater Alembic. I would guess Flame Koa for the top, that is/was an expensive upgrade. Good luck

artswork99 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 15, 2011, 07:11:32 PM »

Good thing that closeup of the PUP came along identifying the Bartolini. I wonder what's in the electronic cavity.

billostech · « **Reply #6 on:** January 16, 2011, 02:53:19 AM »

Thanks again guys.
I will try and get a photo today.
I got it for 688.99. Price includes shipping and tax. They gave me 30 days to return it to my local Guitar Center. There is a GC in walking distance from my home.
If I get info on the serial number, I will know more of what I am working with. I just read a previous post where Mica explained the P in the serial number, and the differences between the Persuader and the Spoiler.
If it is not in too bad of shape it may well be a candidate to send to Alembic for restoration.

billostech · « **Reply #7 on:** January 16, 2011, 10:17:25 AM »

After giving it further thought,I decided to call GC and tell them what it was. I decided not to get it. GC in Richmond understood and said they were going to send it back to their California store.

billostech · « **Reply #8 on:** January 28, 2011, 03:23:17 AM »

Unfortunate Update.
I just received the following email:

Hi Bill,

My name is ******** and im from Erie PA and I bought the Alembic Spoiler from guitar center where I was told by Seth that they had payed $1000 and were selling it for the same amount at which i payed which was a real deal according to them ( I payed $1064 total). I then came across your post on the alembic forum while searching for the serial #. From what i understand, you were basically offered the bass for over 300 dollars less than I was from the same store. Now what I need to know and im just asking for your help on if you can remember the employees name who gave you the offer. It would be a tremendous help!

Thanks for your time

I emailed him back and gave him the salesperson's name. I hope he can get some type of compensation.

JuancarlinBass · « **Reply #9 on:** January 28, 2011, 03:53:15 AM »

Unfortunately, I don't think that would help much... they could use pretty much any argument they want to justify the price difference, being the last-and-biggest one Anyway, it's ours and we sell it at whichever price we want.

I love Barts. I have Barts on two of my non-Alembic basses (a Jazz and a P+J), and am quite curious on whether Barts would behave well within an Alembic circuitry environment. I think Alembics have a lower output (the're designed to be used with the Alembic preamps, whether the Barts are mostly passive pickups with higher gain structures). Now the question is wether that Persuader has still the Alembic original circuitry or not...

eddieg · « **Reply #10 on:** April 01, 2011, 05:25:26 AM »

By Looking at the knobs of the bass, It looks like they come with the Bart preamp at first glance!

EddieG

mica · « **Reply #11 on:** December 31, 2011, 07:33:04 PM »

Well, in case this bass ever found a new home:

PMSB4 Persuader bass

top: Flame Koa
body: Mahogany
neck: 3-piece Maple
scale: 32 medium
fingerboard: Ebony
inlays: Pearloid (plastic) ovals
body shape: Spoiler
pickups: AXY
controls: volume x2, filter, mono output

There's no record of repairs in the file, but I have updated it with the detail that the pickups have certainly been replaced with Bartolini, and the general road-rash condition of the body.