Author Topic: 1983 Spoiler Koa 83S2674 (Read 4802 times)

FC Bass · « **on:** July 13, 2006, 07:14:12 AM »

Oh boy, me is a very happy guy. Got this Spoiler yesterday, the sound is stunning (even compared with my other Spoiler!) I'm speechless so here are some pictures:

Now that's a happy guy! Next goal: Elan Specs. for this bass: 83S2674 SMB4 Spoiler Bass body: solid Koa neck: Maple, 32" medium scale fingerboard: Ebony peghead veneers: Koa originally made for: Musik Instrument? birthday: May 17, 1983 Note: "peghead veneers: Koa" is a understatement, should say beautiful flamed Koa! Cheers! F.C.

FC Bass · « **Reply #1 on:** July 13, 2006, 12:58:56 PM »

Another happy guy picture:

David Houck · « **Reply #2 on:** July 13, 2006, 05:27:42 PM »

Congrats!!

57basstra · « **Reply #3 on:** July 13, 2006, 09:15:27 PM »

Looks like a double handful of firepower! (I also have a Gibson Ripper, not a fretless, that I think is a cool bass.)

FC Bass · « **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2006, 12:31:48 AM »

Thanx Dave and Dave! (Sorry David)

The Ripper is amazing, 30 years old and still going strong. Very nice setup, super low action and I love the tone. But when I play the Ripper and then go back to the Spoiler.... I'm blown away by that firepower you're talking about!
On wednesday I'm the regular bassplayer @ the jammsessions in our local Bluescafe. The previous owner of this Spoiler came to the Jam sessions to try my Jazz Bass (and I was able to try the Spoiler) before we made the exchange.
I was sitting on the terrace when my buddy Brad played the Alembic, the bass tones comming from inside were nothing short of amazing.
The Fender is now owned by a Fender lover and the Alembic by a Alembic lover, as it should be!
Strictly speaking I'm beyond loving Alembic, I see Alembic as part of my Life. I can't wait to go custom! (Sadly, my bank can...)
Cheers!
F.C.

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 14, 2006, 05:31:57 AM »

Congrats FC,
Two beauties! I've got one also and two Epics. What are you stringing them with? I notice also a different placement of the neck pickups between the pair.

Alembic is part of all our lives, if not by owning - then by enjoying their sounds on fav recordings.
Mike

(Message edited by dadabass2001 on July 14, 2006)

FC Bass · « **Reply #6 on:** July 14, 2006, 06:04:56 AM »

Hello and thanx!
The truss rod cover is half the size of the current covers, I think this is tipical for pre 1984 Alembics? I've owned a '83 spoiler before and it had the same cover. Currently the CB Spoiler has D'addario's (don't like them) and the koa has Elixirs on it. I've used R.Cocco strings for years, great strings but hard to get (At least in Holland)
I'm gonna try Dean Markley skullbusters soon, signature strings of Jerry Only (Misfits) with a 106 E string. Since the scale of these basses is 32 and I'm playing some songs in D I must have a heavy gauge. Somehow almost every store in Holland seem to offer 100 as the heaviest gauge...
I've had 110 R.Cocco's and I love 'em (if only they were available)
Cheers!
F.C.

and a link to the cocco website: click here

(Message edited by fc_spoiler on July 14, 2006)

FC Bass · « **Reply #7 on:** July 14, 2006, 06:16:17 AM »

Had to look for a R.Cocco picture... here it is:

Cheers!
F.C.

bob · « **Reply #8 on:** July 14, 2006, 08:41:16 AM »

I used Coccos for several years, a long while back, and really liked them, but I don't think I've seen anyone else mention them here.

They used to be distributed by Pedulla (at least in the US), then Pedulla started making their own and you couldn't find Coccos anymore. A few years ago they found a new distributor over here, but by then I was hooked on TI's.

FC Bass · « **Reply #9 on:** July 15, 2006, 12:12:17 PM »

I remember the Pedulla ad's, it said Sooner or later you'll wind up with us
The R.Cocco site isn't helpfull in findig a dealer, but I sure would love to put them on my Spoilers.

I forgot to post this one:

joram · « **Reply #10 on:** July 15, 2006, 12:54:32 PM »

Maybe you should give the Rotosound BS66-set a try. These are Sheehan's signature strings, with a 110 E (43,56,85,110). Cocco's are distributed thru Wils, here in Holland. Although they're (Wils, that is) not the easiest to work with (as I've been told), maybe they can help.

FC Bass · « **Reply #11 on:** July 15, 2006, 02:02:56 PM »

Thanx I'll try them. Back in 1998 I ordered a box of R.Cocco's at Tonika ended up with DR since they couldn't deliver the Cocco's. I hated the DR's The E strings in the first two sets broke instantly... before they were in tune. Tonika refused to give me a refund, saying I should check my bass. Well there was nothing wrong with the bass, I have never had a broken string since those damn DR's and the Alembic is my main bass!
First I'm gonna try the Skullbusters, see if I like them better than the Cocco's...
Cheers!
F.C.

adriaan · « **Reply #12 on:** July 30, 2006, 02:25:22 PM »

If you contact Wils, and the bass person is still Jeroen, say hi from me.

adriaan · « **Reply #13 on:** July 30, 2006, 02:27:19 PM »

... as far as strings go, have you tried good old d'Addario XL? I love them on my Spoiler, and they're much cheaper than DR.

FC Bass · « **Reply #14 on:** July 30, 2006, 03:21:33 PM »

Contacted Wils through email, got reply from K Hofman... He asured me the R. Cocco's are available in all gauges for EUR 30/40. I'm gonna try the Markley's and try to fit them on my Gibson with a 34 1/2'scale and strings through body. The Cocco's don't fit, can hook them on the bridge (it's a two option type) but of course prefer STB.
Thanx!

(Message edited by fc_spoiler on July 30, 2006)