Author Topic: Spoiler in Vector body (Read 1414 times)

bassman10096 · « **on:** July 19, 2003, 04:37:15 PM »

Here she is...
My first Alembic: Spoiler in Vector body with Elan peghead. Slick action. Great lows, punchy middle, singing highs. Though played, the bubinga and all the hardware just glow. The wood and metal finishes haven't lost any luster.
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basstard · « **Reply #1 on:** July 20, 2003, 03:17:16 PM »

Ummm... Am I the only one who can't see the pictures?...

thrill74 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 20, 2003, 04:09:46 PM »

Nope, not on my monitor too.

bassman10096 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 24, 2003, 05:54:56 AM »

(Message edited by bassman10096 on February 06, 2004)

bassman10096 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 25, 2003, 04:39:40 PM »

(Message edited by bassman10096 on October 28, 2003)

fmm · « **Reply #5 on:** July 25, 2003, 05:16:54 PM »

Not really, no. No pics.

elzie · « **Reply #6 on:** July 25, 2003, 05:34:30 PM »

bassman, e-mail me the pics and I'll see if I can post them for you.

Paul TGO

bassman10096 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 27, 2003, 01:27:13 PM »

Thanks Paul.

bassman10096 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 02, 2003, 04:24:24 AM »

I think maybe I've got it this time (You are thinking: "Why this time, you idiot?").

valvil · « **Reply #9 on:** August 02, 2003, 10:32:46 PM »

Nice instrument Bassman; how long have you had it? Love the shot with the cat...looks a bit like one of mine...

Valentino

bassman10096 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 03, 2003, 07:38:50 AM »

Thanks. The cat thinks the bass is his.

I bought this Vector body/Spoiler electronics the last week in May on Ebay (Ser 88S4741). It needed a new PU selector but otherwise in very nice condition. The bass has clearly been played (not a hot house flower), but has only the minimal dings, etc. When I first got it, it had not been cleaned or polished in eons. I'll admit the bubinga did not knock me over until I spent a whole day dissasembling and cleaning.

A side note to all you coated brass tailpiece fans(You know - when you can't remove the tarnish!): I sanded (extremely fine paper) the coating off and steel wool polished (very very fine - 0000 grade) the bridge clean and bright. Mica had recommended this in another thread. It took hours to do, but I think the result was great.

When I finally got her all polished up, I took these pictures.

I'm still learning the in's and out's of this bass and its sound, but I'll say this: (1) The medium scale is the best. I have short fingers and have tortured myself for years on long scales. This feels just right and sounds great. (2) The tonal variation the Spoiler electronics provides is outstanding! (3) I also like the Vector body. It is actually on the small side (compared to other Alembic styles), making the bass very light (though mahogany and neck through keep it very solid). I was surprised that pictures of other Vectors seem to be scarce. I'm rather partial to the style.

My experience with this bass, plus the fantastic variety info and pictures through the club and Alembic site has got me itching to build and Alembic design of my own. Right now, I'm thinking Mark King Deluxe (medium scale) with cocobolo front and back, wood front and back plates... I have serious questions about electronics - Can anyone answer my recent thread in Deaming... for now (Thanks.)

Well, can you tell I've become an enthusiastic Alembic owner? I've wanted one of these suckers for 30 years and finally dumped my vintage Fender Jazz to get this one. What took me so long?

Bill

tmoney61092 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 13, 2010, 02:47:00 PM »

this bass is gorgeous! do you still own her?

~Taylor

jazzyvee · « **Reply #12 on:** May 13, 2010, 05:06:28 PM »

That body style looks very much like the California guitar.

Jazzyvee

tmoney61092 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 03, 2010, 10:16:12 PM »

i've been looking over this shape and find that it closely resembles my Gibson Victory bass, just a thought...

~Taylor

bassman10096 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 21, 2011, 07:17:24 PM »

Haven't looked in on the Spoiler thread in a long time. No, I let go of this bass years ago to finance my first custom Alembic. I always liked the Vector body style, though - kind of like a slightly stylized Precision bass shape. It does look like a Victory bass.
It was a 32 scale and the first bass I no longer own that I wish I had back. Looking back on things, I could have financed the Balance K and kept this one.