Author Topic: (?) Alembic Bass without serial (Read 570 times)

alexsaba · « **on:** March 24, 2007, 09:07:52 AM »

I found an Alembic at a local store here (Rio de Janeiro/Brazil) but it didn't have a serial number. I upload some pictures to show the bass here and I will love any help. Thanks Alex

(Message edited by davehouck on March 25, 2007)

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** March 25, 2007, 07:06:11 PM »

Hi Alex; welcome to the board. This bass is a Spoiler. The serial number would be on the end of the fretboard, past the 24th fret, if it's still there. Three piece Maple neck, Mahogany body. I can't tell from the pictures what the top wood on the body might be.

There are a few things about this bass that are unusual. I could be wrong, but my guess is that the electronics are not original. The knobs, the layout, and the modified cover plate on the back, suggest this. The non-brass nut is also unusual. There are very few fretted Alembics with stock non-brass nuts. And the tuning machines also do not look original.

Might be interesting to see what the control cavity looks like.

mica · « **Reply #2 on:** March 26, 2007, 06:16:46 PM »

Without the serial number, I can't tell if this was a Persuader or Spoiler bass. The electronics no not appear standard as Dave points out. The control cavity is not typical, and the knobs are not original for the time.

Check under the pickups - there may be another number noted there that we can cross reference to the serial number.

alexsaba · « **Reply #3 on:** March 27, 2007, 06:23:02 PM »

Hello Dave and Mica
Well, I look under the pickups and there is no serial. But now I know this bass is a Spoiler (or a Persuader). Much better.
The electronics seens no original for me too. The picture below is from the cavity. It's a mess too many wires and it seens for sure not an Alembic works. The switch is for turn on/off the entire sound. It's not a bypass for the active sound. Volume, balance and three tones. I would like to recover the original wiring. It's stills sounds great, but it seens that could sounds a lot better.
BTW I really need your help to bring this bass back to its glory! :-)
Thanks
Alex

ps: a better picture now.

mica · « **Reply #4 on:** June 08, 2007, 05:59:29 PM »

Not only are the electronics not Alembic, but it even looks like the original silver shield was overpainted.

The original controls only have 2 knobs, 1 toggle and one rotary switch (volume, filter, Q switch, and pickup selector switch). You could get that circuit with added bass and treble controls to fill the extra holes in the cavity. If you want to explore restorations, please email me or help@alembic.com

Look at the end of the fingerboard again - even try a rubbing with thin paper and charcoal - you may find some small amount of relief and discover even part of the serial number that way.