My first and only Alembic

[David Houck]

Hi Bill; welcome to the club!
 
I agree with Mark; if you are going to order replacement electronics, I too would recommend the Elan package with the Pan control as a replacement for the Spoiler package with the selector switch.  But of course if you prefer the selector, go with the Spoiler package.
 
Also note, the pickup leads originally had modular connectors on the ends.  A new electronics package will have posts that the modular connectors slide onto.  Go here for pics and discussion.
 
When you make your cover, don't forget that it will need shielding paint.  All of the controls are grounded to the shielding paint when they are attached to the body.

[billty]

Hi all,
Good suggestions all around, I think the Elan package sounds nice, I will look onto pricing that.
When I opened up the control cavity, the pickups were soldered,I didn't see any modular connectors except on the filter.I will have to talk with the folks at Alembic about what I will need to order to get this diamond in the rough playing again.
Any thoughts on using a Nitro finish on this vs the Polyester? At this point the odds of this bass being original condition are history,so its going to look like a custom job now.
 
(Message edited by billty on August 09, 2007)

[dannobasso]

I'm a big fan of the Spoiler and you should be commended for saving this one. Perhaps they could incorporate your existing parts on your replacement package? If you can swing it, the Distilate/Rouge package is great. iprefer the selector switch because I move around a lot and the pan without the detent can get readjusted during the gig.  
Congrats and good luck.

[hydrargyrum]

I can't really offer any insights with regard to the qualities of one finish versus another, but I might be able to speculate why most companies seem to want to avoid it.  Specifically, nitrocellulose meets the EPA definition of a flammable solid.  I deal with EPA regulations fairly regularly, and even a minor infraction of their frequently obscure and senseless regulations can result in massive fines.  I am guessing that most companies just don't want to deal with the hassle, aside from the danger involved with the material itself.
 
Here is a link to an Ed Roman discussion of the issue.  I will add that Ed has a bit of a checkered reputation here on the forum, so caveat empor.
 
http://www.edroman.com/techarticles/polyvsnitro.htm
 
And another source from a GIS:
 
http://www.lmii.com/CartTwo/FinishOverview.htm
 
 
(Message edited by hydrargyrum on August 10, 2007)

[the_8_string_king]

Bill, I think you should ask for advice on whether or not you should adjust the truss rods if you're going to have the strings (and the tension they provide) absent for a while.
 
I'm no expert, but it may be the case that, if you're not going to have strings (and the resulting tension) on the bass for a while, you MIGHT (or might not) want to adjust the truss rods to prevent damage/issues.
 
You  might want to ask members about this/members seeing this might want to comment.
 
While I tend to prefer the look of natural wood, fcspoiler//Flips suggestion of a color finish seems compelling -as it would eliminate concerns over cosmetic blemishes; properly done, the mutilation done to this bass by the previous owner(s) would not be noticable.  Of course, only you can say what you would like/prefer.
 
I also want to echo dannobassos thoughts... if/since you may require replacement electronics, it may behoove you to consider Distilate and/or Europa/Rogue electronics.
 
Briefly (in case you don't know), Distalite electronics are the same as Spoiler (volume, filter, [2-position] Q switch, [4-position] pickup selector PLUS a pair of 3-position bass & treble boost/flat/cut toggle switches (which can boost or cut each frequency 6 dbs).
 
Europa/Rogue electronics are the same... except the 4-position rotary pickup selector is replaced by a pan/balance/blend control.
 
And again, the Elan package is like the Spoiler electronics -except that it DOESN'T have the bass & treble boost/flat/cut toggle switches... so it has a balance/blend/pan control INSTEAD of the 4-position rotary switch.
 
For specific price info, you can use the price quote generator -on the custom quote generator and/or call Alembic for specifics.
 
The Spoiler and Distalite models are no longer standard offerings, so the price quote generator will likely not offer info on these options.  But have no fear, you can certainly get replacement electronics.
 
In case you don't know, much of these issues are ususally taken care of by Mica -daughter of founders/owners Susan & Ron- who recently had a baby, and has been taking time off accordingly for several weeks.
 
As a result, such requests/inquiries are likely to be a bit more delayed than would generally be the case... be advised.
 
Again, best of luck with your salvage efforts.  It doesn't look to bad, and with some effort and fortitude, you'll have an awesome bass.  And this forum is a great resource, full of people who are generally inclined to share their experiences with you.
 
Take care.

[chuck]

Bill.
As a builder of custom rifles and shotguns I have had a lot of experience in finishing and re-finishing gunstocks with a vareity of finishes.
When working with a piece of wood that cost several thousand dollars the pucker factor can be high.
The finish required on a hunting firearm made from beautiful and expensive woods must be very durable,waterproof and must allow the beauty of the wood to shine through.
The same requirements apply to guitars.
I don't meen to be a butinsky but if you would like I will be happy to help you with various products.there properties and methods of application.
 
Chuck

[aquaman]

Bill,
 
Admirable.  That's one word that fits your attempt to resurrect the Spoiler you bought.
 
As a Spoiler owner, too, I'd like to put in my two cents:  keep the Spoiler real by incorporating the Spoiler electronics package.  Just my two cents, that's all.
 
Look forward to the photos of the restoration project.  Good luck

[billty]

Hello All,
Thanks for the help,your all awesome! To let you know what I have been up to today. I CAREFULLY sanded off all the poly finish on the Spoiler. Its in a humidity and temperature controlled environment,until tomorrow when I fix the hole in the top. I consulted a friend that repairs guitars and he said to make a fair amount of fine koa dust and using tape to cover the top side. Then flip the bass over and put the dust in the hole,and drip red label Hot Stuff super glue(water consistency)on it until its built up level. Once its cured I can sane the top even with the rest of the body. I am still putting a Flamed Koa plate over the area the control knobs will be, it is tasteful and to my eyes it matches well and covers some very deep gouges that I dont want to chase. I have lemon oil for the fret board ready and I am going to apply Tung oil (several coats) to the body and neck and buff it to a shine. I realize it wont protect like poly or nitro, but it will be beautiful, I have seen it used on some other instruments with this finish,and I liked it. All brass is being throughly cleaned and buffed to look new again. After this the electronics issue will be my next move.
 
(Message edited by billty on August 12, 2007)

[keith_h]

Bill,
Alembic actually uses a polymerized oil for their oil finishes. I've heard it was Watco at one time. I'm not sure what they use today. My Brown Bass is an oil finish and it has held up well so far.  
 
Keith

[billty]

Alright, here are some pictures of the bass without the finish sanded up nice and smooth,ready for oil.I'll secure the Koa plate down with some brass screws,after oiling and working on buffing it to a shine.The brass will be looking very good in a short time thanks to my Dremel tool and buffing bits. The next step is ordering the electronics,and I'm going to go with the Spoiler set. I wasn't expecting to have to buy new electronics, they are pricey.  Side note:Would anyone like to buy the old electronics from this bass(not including the pickups)? Any reasonable offer will be taken.KungFuSheriff said that they looked like an activator system,the les paul style 3 way switch and the jack plate will come with it. Well thats all for today,several coats of tung oil and brass buffing and Ill show you guys more. Cheers! Bill          

 

 

  (Message edited by davehouck on August 13, 2007)

[the_8_string_king]

Thanks for the update, and again, I salute your efforts in resurrecting this beautiful instrument!

[lbpesq]

Bill:
 
Welcome to the club and thanks for the pics.  I'd love to see a more close up pic of the repairs.  And please keep us posted as the restoration proceeds.
 
Mark:  I personally find your postings using colors , especially light colors like yellow and orange, VERY difficult to read due to lack of contrast between letters and background.  As a result, I often just don't read them.  I suspect I'm not the only one who encounters this difficulty.  No offense intended, just some friendly feedback as you usually have something interesting to say and I would like to be able to read it.
 
Bill, the guitar one.

[billty]

While talking to the help desk,I wanted to see if the electronics I have can be utilized with new parts to form up a vintage/new set for this Spoiler.They haven't gotten back to me on it but for now the electronics are no longer for sale.
The first coat of tung oil has been applied and it looks great.I also have all the brass looking VERY shiny and nice.This bass looks nothing like it did when I first got it I am happy to say.
Pictures to come...

[billty]

The help desk got back with me,the components I have cant be used for what I need.So if for some reason you want them,let me know.

[artswork99]

I saw that on eBay and salute you along with many others here.  A major undertaking and you are getting it done!  Best of everything Bill.
 
Art
 
ps: Bill, the guitar one... a solution to Mark's light text (I've seen it in several places)... I highlight it with the mouse which makes it much easier to read.