Author Topic: My Alembicized '68 Guild Starfire II Bass (Read 1821 times)

burl · « **on:** June 23, 2013, 04:57:04 PM »

Hi, here is my '68 Guild SF II BA-1831. Can anyone give me info on the pickups?

Thanks! Burl

moonliner · « **Reply #1 on:** June 23, 2013, 06:02:59 PM »

Very cool!
How long have you had it? I'm having Alembic work their magic on a Starfire for me right now, so this is VERY interesting! :-)

Welcome to the forum!

(Message edited by moonliner on June 23, 2013)

burl · « **Reply #2 on:** June 23, 2013, 06:31:33 PM »

I bought it in late 1979 or early 1980 pretty much just as it is. I was told it was wired for a stereo plug, so I had that switched to a mono jack. It is not active. I only recently started researching the mods on it. I did have it pro setup with flat wound strings in early 2000's.

sonicus · « **Reply #3 on:** June 23, 2013, 06:35:03 PM »

Do you have a a 5 pin XLR on the side with power for the pickups /electronics and audio output from the instrument ? AND/OR battery power from within the instrument . Is there an access panel in the back ? Can we have a look in there to have a peak at the electronics please ? That will take an evaluation a bit closer and make it more accurate . I have seen these pickups before but we need to see more . I already think I know what we might see.

The Tail Piece placement on this instrument is very interesting in that it is my educated guess that you can use now use longer scale strings then with the original Guild bridge /tailpiece assembly. Moving the tailpiece down like this resulted in me being able to use long scale strings on my remaining modified Starfire that I have shown on this forum .

sonicus · « **Reply #4 on:** June 23, 2013, 06:39:48 PM »

OK then , it is not active . ( as per your post) Therefore my first few questions do not apply .

burl · « **Reply #5 on:** June 23, 2013, 08:23:11 PM »

Yes, I use 34" scale strings. The bass has great tone and I get compliments on the sound all the time. Here are pics of the back, the back of the neck, and inside the panel. Sorry for the poor quality.

I'm hoping based on the serial # maybe I can find out if Alembic did the mods (if they keep records on that.)

sonicus · « **Reply #6 on:** June 23, 2013, 09:10:04 PM »

The tail piece looks like early Alembic , early 1970's . perhaps like my old maple Starfire .http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/2792.html?1262960781

Does that look like your tail piece ?

sonicus · « **Reply #7 on:** June 23, 2013, 09:39:49 PM »

I can see that the electronics appear to be passive.

sonicus · « **Reply #8 on:** June 23, 2013, 09:56:02 PM »

I am recollecting and formulating some possibilities and new ideas .
I still have a few hunches as to the pickups ! ( Stars Guitars during the 60 Brady St. period{ maybe ?) Stars Guitars might have had access to alembic brass parts (tail piece )

?? I used to lurk around the shop and visit.
.

burl · « **Reply #9 on:** June 24, 2013, 01:00:41 AM »

Here's a closer look at the bridge/tail piece. Sonicus, I think the tail piece is similar to yours, but mine is more curved like a mustachio.

When I first started my research I found some pictures of the Phil Lesh Godfather that appears to have the same looking pickups with a pickup between them.

I bought this bass from a shop on Lankershim Blvd. in Sun Valley, CA for $150.00 and they said nothing about the Alembic style mods. I've wondered all these years who modified this bass.

Once again, sorry for the poor quality of photo. All I have is my web cam and it's hard to get a good shot. Thanks!

sonicus · « **Reply #10 on:** June 24, 2013, 07:46:25 AM »

Here are some more of my thoughts ; Actually measuring the DC resistance and output of the pickups would reveal more information. The output must be high enough for the pickups to function passively. There also does not appear to be a hum canceler as would be present in an active Alembic Series I/II design and I do not see one inside as was done on my old maple Starfire . The mods done on this Bass obviously seem to have been done before Alembic Activators were developed . I remember that in the time period that these mods may have been done there were many experiments in progress in the winding and casting of pickups with a wide variety of specifications by various different entities . In a short time from now more folks will contribute with thoughts questions and answers to assist in this quest of identification for you . I am still thinking and searching my memory as well . I already have some more thoughts but I am waiting for someone else to join this conversation.

sonicus · « **Reply #11 on:** June 24, 2013, 08:34:49 AM »

I now vaguely remember that someone WAS offering and experimenting with cast PASSIVE pickups in this possible time period that were before HI-A /Bartolini . I do not remember anymore specifications at this time .

pace · « **Reply #12 on:** June 24, 2013, 03:27:13 PM »

Welcome to the forum Burl!

I'd be interested to see if the coil is wound in the trapezoidal pattern... I believe that would point to RIck as far as the pickups go. The DC resistance would be good to know, as well as the values of the pots~ Although the pots are identical to early 70's series ones, I doubt the values are as high if this bass was passive from the get-go. Aside from that, is there any chance there is a small step-up transformer coming off the pickups in the cavity?

Shoot me an email if you want to double your money...

(Message edited by pace on June 24, 2013)

burl · « **Reply #13 on:** June 24, 2013, 07:40:01 PM »

I'm sorry to say that for a guitar player I've never learned anything on the electronics. I play and let others fix. So, I can't answer about DC resistance or transformer stuff. Maybe y'all can school me up on things!

moonliner · « **Reply #14 on:** December 17, 2013, 03:13:12 AM »

Hello Burl,

I'm curious if you ever found out any more info on your amazing bass.