Author Topic: (u) 89PX5533 (x) 86S3984 (x) 89PX5712 (Read 390 times)

5stringfreak · « **on:** November 01, 2010, 12:57:33 PM »

Thinking about adding to the herd and getting some Exploiters through a private sale, 1 four string, 1 five, and one six. Serial #s as follows-six string/ 89 PX 5533 Usa, 5 string/ 89 PX 5712 Usa, 4 string/ 86 S3984 Usa. Can anyone at Alembic give me the scoop on these #s and let me know if they're legit, and any history.....thank you!

elwoodblue · « **Reply #1 on:** November 01, 2010, 01:16:18 PM »

That was a strange auction, were you able to get better pics?
I noticed it ended with 2 bids, was that you? (if you don't mind me asking)

...and he mentions graphite neck(s)? , were you able to inquire about that?

The curious/cautious part of me had to ask.

5stringfreak · « **Reply #2 on:** November 01, 2010, 01:20:32 PM »

Oh I was curious/cautious too. Yep, that was me. I got a better description and much better pics, and before I do business I just wanted to know some details from the outside. I don't think they have graphite necks, but they are Alembics. They need a serious cleaning and some adjusting, haven't sealed the deal yet until I get the scoop on these serial #s.

5stringfreak · « **Reply #3 on:** November 01, 2010, 01:23:33 PM »

Oh yeah, has Alembic EVER had graphite necks on any of their models? The only ones I know of are Modulus.

elwoodblue · « **Reply #4 on:** November 01, 2010, 01:39:03 PM »

In the 70's they did ,
Here's a link to a search that you might like.

5stringfreak · « **Reply #5 on:** November 01, 2010, 01:44:52 PM »

Thanks man. From what I was told, these are late 80s Exploiters w/ possible graphite necks w/ truss rods.

David Houck · « **Reply #6 on:** November 01, 2010, 02:05:41 PM »

As Elwood pointed out, Alembic and Geoff Gould pioneered graphite necks; and there were a number of Series instruments with those necks. My guess is that these Exploiters would not have graphite necks.

Serial number lookups can take some time to be completed; you may not want to wait for the lookup to be done before you complete the deal. Art may have a better idea on the expected wait time, as he monitors this section much closer than I do.

The serial numbers have established that these basses were not made together at the same time, two 89's and an 86, and the two 89's are almost 200 instruments apart. The serial numbers also show that the 86 is a Spoiler, but I'm not sure what PX would be. Maybe PX means Persuader/Exploiter.

If you can post some of the pics, maybe the other members might be able to help a little with the details.

lembic76450 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 01, 2010, 03:36:03 PM »

Rich,

Not complaining, just waiting patiently on a look-up from late April. I know that these things take awhile. You might want to explore another option, maybe call in to the shop.

mica · « **Reply #8 on:** August 25, 2011, 01:05:05 AM »

89PX5712
PLB5 Persuader 5-string Exploiter

body: Solid Maple
body shape: Exploiter
neck: 7-piece Maple and Purpleheart
scale: 34 long
fingerboard: Ebony
inlays: Pearloid (plastic) inlays
pickups: AXY
controls: volume x2, filter, mono output
finish: Opaque black
originally made for: EU Wurlitzer, MA
birthday: not recorded, but likely late November or early December 1989

86S3984
Black & Chrome
birthday May 8, 1986
That's it for the official record.

But, we can make an educated guess of the typical specs:

body: Solid Maple or Mahogany
neck: 3-piece Maple
scale: 32 medium
fingerboard: Ebony
inlays: Pearloid (plastic) ovals
pickups: AXY
controls: Spoiler volume, 4-position rotary pickup selector, filter, Q-switch, mono output

You have to wait a little more for the last one - thought I had it pulled. Le oops!