Author Topic: New Alembic Owner (Read 958 times)

ajdover · « **Reply #15 on:** November 19, 2003, 01:57:01 PM »

Here's my new Exploiter. Enjoy!

Alan

ajdover · « **Reply #16 on:** November 19, 2003, 02:12:13 PM »

Here are my other guitars, minus the Ripper and the Rickenbacker. The Blond Fender and the Musicman are currently being refretted, but I should have the Jazz back next week. I'll get pix of my Ripper and my Rick in as well.

Alan

ajdover · « **Reply #17 on:** November 19, 2003, 02:21:19 PM »

Here's my '76 Rickenbacker.

Alan

ajdover · « **Reply #18 on:** November 19, 2003, 02:26:40 PM »

And finally, my 74-75 Gibson Ripper. I emailed Gibson, and that's as close as they could get on the date based on the serial number. This bass is a beast - it's really beat up, but man, it plays and sounds great. It's not an Alembic, but ... it takes me back to my childhood when I saw Gene Simmons playing one. He was, believe it or not, one of my earliest playing influences .. until, of course, I discovered Chris Squire, Geddy Lee, John Paul Jones, Greg Lake, John Entwistle, Paul McCartney ... you get the picture. Anyway, it didn't cost much, and now I have one. Enjoy!

Alan

mattheus · « **Reply #19 on:** November 19, 2003, 02:57:27 PM »

Mmmmm, is it just me or.......
I can't help..... I prefer the Alembic Exploiter. Did you know that it's actually a spoiler?
Really cool collection by the way...

Mattheus

palembic · « **Reply #20 on:** November 19, 2003, 03:05:48 PM »

Nice collection Alan.
For me it's the Music man that brings soooooooo much memories. Back in 1978 I visited a friend in Groningen (Holland) who owned a fairly identical one. I played practically whole days on that instrument. I fell in love. Never played one afterwards.
Just nice memories!

Paul the bad one

ajdover · « **Reply #21 on:** November 19, 2003, 05:44:57 PM »

Thanks for all the compliments on the collection! How did I amass all of these things, you may ask?

These instruments reflect two things - instruments I always wanted but couldn't afford or get, and instruments I've always had or preferred. For me, the Rick and the Jazz are the two I've always preferred, since they were within my price range and fitted the music I played. The others (Thunderbird, Ripper, Musicman, and now the Exploiter) are the ones I always wanted growing up and later, but could never afford or find. Now that I'm older, I can afford them but not always find them. Imagine that!

In the case of my Alembic, I've bid on EBay several times, but always lost the auction. This time I won, and am I glad I did!

Matteus - My paperwork tells me my Alembic is a Spoiler-Exploiter. I understand that to mean it has Spoiler electronics in an Exploiter body. The way I see it, who cares! It's an Alembic! But I do appreciate the clarification, as I am a newbie here. BTW, what is the difference between a Spoiler-Exploiter, and a regular Exploiter, if there is such an animal? If anyone knows, please respond.

Anyway, I'm so glad to be part of the club.

Alan

valvil · « **Reply #22 on:** November 19, 2003, 07:34:03 PM »

A late welcome from me as well Alan.

That's a nice collection of instruments.

Most Exploiters were based on the Spoiler model, but Alembic has custom built several Exploiters with different electronics. The regular ones typically featured Spoiler construction (32 inch scale, maple neck) and Spoiler electronics. I'd say your bass is a 'regular' exploiter.

Also, if you let me know the serial number I'll be happy to look up the file for you, see what information we have on your bass.

Valentino

ajdover · « **Reply #23 on:** November 19, 2003, 07:48:09 PM »

Val,

Serial number is 84S3364.

Thanks in advance!

Alan

valvil · « **Reply #24 on:** November 20, 2003, 10:51:41 AM »

Here's what the file says:

1984 Spoiler-Exploiter 4 string fretted
Zebrawood top & headstock
mahogany body
maple neck
Ebony fretboard
oval inlays
32 inch scale
Schaller tuners
completed 10/29/84
sold through Lightning Music & Sound in Texas

That's it.

Valentino

ajdover · « **Reply #25 on:** November 20, 2003, 04:40:57 PM »

Valentino,

That is consistent with the paperwork that came with the bass. The previous owner was a John M., currently residing in Atlanta, and he bought it at Lightning Music and Sound on February 28, 1985. He was the original owner, and didn't play it much past 1987. No wonder it's in such great shape!

Thanks for the info,

Alan

[admin note: post edited, previous owner's name is private]

jet_powers · « **Reply #26 on:** November 20, 2003, 09:18:53 PM »

Alan,

Very pretty bass you've got there. Mine's maple but I really like the zebrawood.....

Paul the John one

Paul TBO- you're right. Life is best when it's simple.......

smuprof · « **Reply #27 on:** December 02, 2003, 05:17:24 PM »

Hi to all,

I'm a new member with an '84 Spoiler-Exploiter. (long-time dream to own an Alembic, and now I do!)

Alan (ajdover), I think you and I competed on a couple of eBay bids. There were about 4 Exploiters sold in Oct-Nov, 2 were maple top, the others looked like yours and mine (mine looks identical, only it has a bubinga top over mahogany - same electronics).

I can't claim mine looks factory-fresh, although the frets show very little wear and there's only a few little nicks and dings on the wood - no real bad marks or belt rash.

I'd like to ask the group for more information on the Exploiters. Apparently not that many were made, and it appears to be the only bass not shown in the serial number tables on the Alembic web site. That body style also doesn't appear to be offered any more other than the special Entwhistle Spiders (never was crazy about that split Dean looking head).

Can anyone tell me any more about the specific history of the Exploiters?

Thanks.

John in Texas

mica · « **Reply #28 on:** December 02, 2003, 05:25:35 PM »

Exploiters are an optional body shape for all models. Yours is a Spoiler with an Exploiter body shape. Some Exploiter body shapes will add and X after the S in the serial number, but it wasn't always done that way.

You can still special order just about anything we've ever made, and the Exploiter body shape is still a current offering.

Glad you're enjoying your new-to-you Alembic!

smuprof · « **Reply #29 on:** December 02, 2003, 06:14:32 PM »

Thanks, Mica.

I played a friend's Series 1 in 1978 when I was in high school and never forgot what it was like. It's a whole different experience.

After playing seriously from 14 to 24, I played ocassionally for fun for the next 18, until I started teaching my 12 y.o. daughter to play guitar.

Funny story, that got me started looking into an inexpensive bass for around $250. Then on to the Mexican Fenders, then some of the Warwicks, but hey, if I'm going to spend that kind of money, shouldn't I get what I really want? Needless to say, my original $250 budget went out the window because I never forgot what playing that Alembic one time was like. That's powerful magic!

John in Texas