Author Topic: Just tried out my first Alembic (Read 2108 times)

caboverde · « **on:** September 01, 2015, 08:52:11 AM »

Greetings from Florida!

Excited to say I'm new to the club here, as of this past weekend: medium scale '86 5 string Spoiler. I came upon one of those once in a lifetime kind of deals where the second owner had all of the original paperwork when it was originally purchased as well as a bunch of Alembic literature. The bass was used very little in the past 29 years but the brass looks like it could use a good cleaning.

The tone of this bass is unreal and now I guess I understand what all the fuss is about over Alembic's filter pre. The tight spacing isn't too bad, although I'm more used to a 19mm spacing at the bridge; and the short upper horn is taking a bit of getting used to as well. We'll see if it stays or not, but I must admit that if I'm sitting down and plugged in...I'm all smiles

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm106/WALFREAK/IMG_20150830_151013_zpsjimvxiqn.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm106/WALFREAK/IMG_20150830_151200_zpsnsbh7oml.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm106/WALFREAK/5161a52d-315d-4049-94f6-d7b27f05756f_zpsmhie2ios.jpg

caboverde · « **Reply #1 on:** September 01, 2015, 10:17:37 AM »

moongerm · « **Reply #2 on:** September 01, 2015, 10:34:43 AM »

Congratulations! I have a Spoiler 5 very similar to this but with a Bacote top. Play it in good health. As a matter of fact I just used my Alembic tube of Flitz to shine up the brass this weekend and it worked wonderfully along with some rubbing elbow grease.

caboverde · « **Reply #3 on:** September 01, 2015, 10:39:15 AM »

Thanks moongerm!

I'm planning on using some Brasso since I've read a few positive reviews of it in the messageboard...and since it's readily available at the HomeDepot near me (okay, that's the main reason really...lol)

sonicus · « **Reply #4 on:** September 01, 2015, 10:54:16 AM »

Brasso is very abrasive ! I think you will do better with FLITZ as directed . FLITZ is readily available at many hardware stores as well as HOME DEPOT !

Right here ! http://www.homedepot.com/b/Flitz/N-5yc1vZe9l

5a_quilt_top · « **Reply #5 on:** September 01, 2015, 11:35:04 AM »

Three purple heart neck lams = some darn good tone & sustain.

Congrats and enjoy exploring a whole new frontier of sonic possibilities.

caboverde · « **Reply #6 on:** September 01, 2015, 12:33:28 PM »

I appreciate the feedback guys!

Sonicus, if you insist, I'll get some Flitz. Better safe than sorry

moongerm · « **Reply #7 on:** September 01, 2015, 01:50:50 PM »

Flitz and nothing else and you won't be sorry .

rockerdebassman · « **Reply #8 on:** September 01, 2015, 02:31:36 PM »

Fine bass! Now, play the heck out of it!

FC Bass · « **Reply #9 on:** September 01, 2015, 02:33:00 PM »

You'll need something more aggressive to remove the clear finish from the tailpiece (and probably the truss rods cover)
Scotch brite works great for that, after you've removed the finish you can use Flitz :-)

Congrats, looks awesome!

moongerm · « **Reply #10 on:** September 01, 2015, 02:57:55 PM »

Ahhh yes FC, forgot about that. When I was using Flitz on the bridge and nut it worked great but noticed there was a clear coat of something on the tailpiece and truss rods cover. It wasn't tarnished so I left it alone. Good to know. Thanks!

keith_h · « **Reply #11 on:** September 01, 2015, 03:04:29 PM »

Flitz is what Alembic recommends for cleaning up the the brass on their basses. Also be careful if you decide to polish the logo on the head stock. It is very easy to catch the various little points in it and bend the logo out of shape or worse pull it off the bass.

Keith

FC Bass · « **Reply #12 on:** September 01, 2015, 03:15:30 PM »

The best way to polish the logo/script is to remove it from the bass, but be extremely careful when you do. (if you break it, they will only replace it if you send the bass/guitar back to Santa Rosa)
See here: http://club.alembic.com/Images/394/51895.html

StephenR · « **Reply #13 on:** September 01, 2015, 03:20:19 PM »

I cleaned up the tailpiece on my 78 Series bass recently and there was no finish on it or the truss rod cover. A little Flitz and it looked good as new. So... I would make sure there IS a finish before you try to remove it. The brass on my bass had not been cleaned in the 30 years I have owned it so either the tailpiece never had a finish on it or the previous owner removed it. The back plates both did have a finish.

Sweet looking bass... good luck with it and enjoy!

FC Bass · « **Reply #14 on:** September 01, 2015, 03:25:12 PM »

Yep, my '79 bass also came without clear finish on the tailpiece/tr cover. (also only on the backplates here)
I think they started to do that about halfway in the eighties?