Author Topic: Alembic Spyder....thinking of trying one out. (Read 331 times)

dinan · « **on:** January 10, 2015, 08:19:39 AM »

I play a Mark King and Dragon Wing regularly and have been eyeing the Spyder for a while as I love unique Alembic basses. Can any owners comment on playing these seated? Does the body contour and balance lend itself well to that (I have a back injury so I can't stand long with a heavy bass)?

Lastly, anybody know of any used Spyders around? Preferably with a V headstock but would consider a cone?

ajdover · « **Reply #1 on:** January 11, 2015, 10:18:52 AM »

I've owned a Dragon's Wing and a Spyder (I currently own a Series II Entwistle replica - you can view the build thread in the factory to customer section, or you can look it up on the main Alembic page where they talk about custom inlays that are available). What I would tell you is this .....

First, the Spyder tribute basses are a lot different than my Series II, aside from electronics and hardware differences. First, the body on the Spyder is not the same as used by Entwistle. The neck joins the body farther up the fingerboard, making it a loooonnnnnngggg reach (for me anyway) to the first fret. On my Series II, that isn't the case, making it more comfortable to play either sitting or standing, for me, anyway. Also, my Series II is more pinched at the waist of the bass, making it slightly lighter than a regular Spyder.

Playing a Spyder seated is no different than any other bass, I guess, although the reach to the first fret, as noted is a long one. Standing up, as long as you have a nice wide strap that grips (I use Moody Straps), weight is no issue. Or at least it isn't for me, anyway. Also, when standing, you have to remember that the front strap button is located on the back of the neck just under the upper horn, meaning that it will lean forward a bit. However, since one's elbow will be on the back horn most of the time, it pulls the bass back comfortably. I have no problems playing my Series II standing as a result.

I haven't seen many come up for sale too often. I sold my Spyder years ago as my Series II was being built. Hope you can find one.

Alan

jazzyvee · « **Reply #2 on:** January 11, 2015, 01:50:47 PM »

Whilst this isn't a spyder it is an Exploiter which the spyder is based on. It also is a rare bass with a carbon graphite neck.
http://www.station-musicshop.de/epages/64398533.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/64398533/Products/10514

On sale in Europe

dfung60 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 11, 2015, 04:39:05 PM »

I've got a Series I Exploiter. They're very comfortable to play sitting down and the balance is more comfortable than a regular body shape as the big wing balances the headstock nicely.

The Exploiter is less friendly when you're standing. The problem is that there's no horn where the strap button would normally be. My bass is like Alan's - the strap button is on the back of the neck heel, so it's shifted 5 or more from the normal position, so the bass hangs differently from your body than a regular body shape. You definitely feel that when you reach for the low frets. But the sitting position is completely normal.

You also have to be a bit careful when you turn around, since the body wing is a long way past your body. Guitarists beware. This also makes for a gigantic case.

And the other problem with an Exploiter is that you better play like John, because people are going to expect you to!

David Fung

P.S. That graphite Exploiter in Germany must be beyond the unseen rare bird!

dfung60 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 11, 2015, 04:39:25 PM »

>

(Message edited by dfung60 on January 11, 2015)

elwoodblue · « **Reply #5 on:** January 11, 2015, 05:18:05 PM »

That graphite Exploiter in Germany must be beyond the unseen rare bird!

What he said !

ajdover · « **Reply #6 on:** January 11, 2015, 08:29:43 PM »

David is exactly right about needing some real estate. Some Exploiters are medium scale, which makes them a bit more usable in small spaces. My Series II is a long scale, with a cone headstock. One definitely needs to play moves in advance with it. On the v-head Spyder, that is one big headstock. I actually poked a singer in the head with it once when I had my Spyder.

As for the case, I can vouch for David when he says they're big. Consider that case the Titanic of cases!

I will say this, though - Explorer/Exploiter type basses are rare birds indeed. I can say with confidence that mine turns heads not only for the tone but also the looks everywhere I take it.

Alan

dinan · « **Reply #7 on:** January 11, 2015, 08:46:31 PM »

Thanks for the detailed info Alan. Your Series II is an awesome instrument.

Maybe I will get lucky and find one with a bit of patience. :-)

-Carl

dinan · « **Reply #8 on:** January 11, 2015, 08:46:48 PM »

Thanks for the detailed info Alan. Your Series II is an awesome instrument.

Maybe I will get lucky and find one with a bit of patience. :-)

-Carl

dinan · « **Reply #9 on:** January 11, 2015, 09:10:42 PM »

Thanks for all the replies. I love the graphite neck Series II but it is outside of what I want to spend. If that were not the case, it would be an easy choice!

5a_quilt_top · « **Reply #10 on:** January 12, 2015, 10:44:20 AM »

I own Spyder 44/50 with a V headstock:

It is a large instrument and weighs over 12 lbs. I'm 6'-3 and can just reach the D and A string tuners when it is strapped on and I'm standing. The case is huge and barely fit in the back seat of my Jeep Wrangler.

As others have mentioned, although it is large, it balances nicely when seated or standing.

As for the sound - it is massive and the sustain is unbelievable. My open A sting will sustain for 60 - 90 seconds. And, if you use the stereo electronics to feed two amps, the sound is even bigger.

Email me with your budget - I may be willing to part with it in order to fund a future Alembic....

jazzyvee · « **Reply #11 on:** January 12, 2015, 02:00:59 PM »

There is one at Bass Central
http://www.basscentral.com/alembicbass/ltd.shtml

dinan · « **Reply #12 on:** January 14, 2015, 05:13:54 PM »

Spyder #44/50 on the way to me. I can't wait to try her out on Friday evening!

Thanks 5a!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

pauldo · « **Reply #13 on:** January 15, 2015, 05:15:41 AM »

Carl,
Nice score!
Congratulations.
That bass is truly heroic!

hieronymous · « **Reply #14 on:** January 15, 2015, 10:34:11 AM »

Wow - congrats!

I used to own a Spoiler Exploiter - I really liked it, but BE CAREFUL WALKING AROUND THE HOUSE - several times I bumped the end into doorjambs - major bummer! It extends out longer than you think...