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[roberto]

Hi Mica!
A friend of mine have a 5str Alembic(?) bass,Spoiler model.But the  serial number is engraved on the wood after the last fret.Also ,the pick up wires are soldered to the board.Is this a true Alembic?
If so,do you still have the file of this instrument,cause it sound rather different than the 'usual' Alembic sound.And it is lighter in weight.
Im thinking of exchanging it with one of my 6str Persuader.if it is a true Alembic.
Could you pl tell me the record,if you find it?
Many thanks!
Regards.
Robert

[adriaan]

On most 1980s Alembics that is exactly where you would find the serial number.
 
The soldered pickup wires are a bit odd, but of course there may have been a problem with the original connectors, and they may have just solved the problem this way. Other than that, you can usually recognize the original Alembic electronics, even if they're not stamped - why don't you post a picture of the insides of the electronics cavity?
 
Weight-wise, you must be comparing the Spoiler 5 and the Persuader 6? If they have the same body style, and the same scale length, there should be some difference because of the wider neck on the 6 (maple can be pretty heavy) - afaik the wings are the same size no matter how many strings you have. The extra couple of ounces for the 6th tuner shouldn't be too noticeable. And some of the difference may be to do with different wood options.

[mica]

Hi Robert,
 
Here's the details about this bass:
 
Spoiler SMB5
 
top: Koa
accent: none  
body: Mahogany
neck: Maple, 32 medium scale
fingerboard: Ebony with pearloid ovals
originally made for: not recorded
birthday: August 11, 1987
 
There's also a note that says: Standard peghead and body so I'm not sure if that means Spoiler body and cone peghead or Standard Point body and Crown peghead - but at least that one will be easy for you to tell!
 
Adriaan is correct that the serial number location is normal for the age of the bass. Please ask your friend to write it in the electronics cavity or under one of the pickups. We moved it later because it can wear orr or be inadvertently sanded off during fretwork.  
 
Maybe you can post a picture of the electronics cavity for me, and I can tell you more about the electronics. They are recorded as Spoiler controls. I've seen people remove the friction lock-connectors and solder directly on the posts or the holes in the board before. It's probably not how we originally did it.  
 
Koa is a lighter weight wood. A particular piece of Mahogany can also be lighter in weight. Usually, the Koa will produce a warmer sound, and it's very distinctive.