| Author | Message | ||
| alembicnoob
New Username: alembicnoob Post Number: 1 Registered: 7-2015 |
Hello all, First time to post on the site, and really just looking for some suggestions. A few months back I walked into my local pawn shop looking for anything new and came across a bass i liked. the guys said hang on i just got one in. goes to the back and brings back a bass in a custom leather case. he opens it up and it is the most beautiful bass i have seen. I didn't know a lot about Alembic except they were well made and hard to get. So I picked it up after a lot a haggling. Took it straight to the music shop to give it a good once over. They knew who's it was, and told me all about him. (how anal retentive he was, how demanding he was, and that he had passed away not to long ago). so the bass was noisy and we couldn't put our finger on it. so eventual I called Alembic, and i dont think i have ever had such great customer service in my 37 years. The fact that i didnt have to wait on the line, or find the right department. The young lady that answered the phone answered EVERY question i had. and here is where the "torn" part comes in. She informs me that i will need to send it in and get some of the electronics updated. (not cheap as you probably know). I'm back in school to be a nurse, and cant afford to do the update. I really want to keep the bass, and get it updated, because she is beautiful and will sound great when it is done. but who knows when that will be, and i have had no enjoyment from it yet. So do i sell her, put the money toward school, and buy another when i graduate? Do i let her sit and collect dust?  and if i do try to sell her, where does one even start posting? any help and advice would be great. thanks, one torn bassist.... | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 1662 Registered: 6-2002 |
Welcome to Alembicland ! Good call getting some advice from fellow Alembicians before you decide. I've had sellers regret with most the Alembics I have sold in the past, they really are addictive  Can you post a couple pics? The serial # ,woods used ,condition, year built,etc...would be good info for the discussion. Elwood | ||
| smokin_dave
Senior Member Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 422 Registered: 10-2002 |
First of all welcome.Glad to have you here.Second of all.... HANG ON TO IT. Don't know what you have but I would squirrel away money a little at a time until you can afford the necessary upgrade. By the way what treasure did you find? | ||
| charles_holmes
Senior Member Username: charles_holmes Post Number: 415 Registered: 3-2009 |
Keep it until you can get it repaired.I have a few friends that are nurses and they make sensational cash! So when you do become a nurse you can get it repaired properly. It's the same mindset as an old car....and once you have the loot to hook it up...GIT R DONE!!!!!!Hold on to it!! Don't forgtet to post some photos. We all love photos and drool over the pictures too! | ||
| charles_holmes
Senior Member Username: charles_holmes Post Number: 416 Registered: 3-2009 |
Hold on to it and when you become a nurse get the bass repaired properly and you will never, never never regret it! I have a few friends that are in nursing and they make sensational loot!!!! Do it like they do out in the country when an old car is stored in the barn until things are juuuust right! Then pow!! Get a complete make over from Stem to Stern! Don't forget to post some photos for us here to drool over even before you have the "makeover" Good luck in your studies!!!! | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Senior Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 485 Registered: 6-2014 |
I'll echo the Welcomes... A vintage Alembic Series bass is the pinnacle of bass guitars, and the staff at Alembic is absolutely the best. (read *any* testimony) Wait until you do have the available funds for the updates, but do not sell that bass unless you have no other option. You'll regret it from now on. If that day comes, and you must part with it, there are classified pages here. It won't sit long. Good luck with however you decide. Please do register your bass, and leave us some pictures in the Showcase section. It sure helps when keeping track of these classics. | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 2079 Registered: 5-2002 |
As others have said, keep it and update it when you can. I have a bass with early 70s Series II electronics and pickups and it's noisy in some environments, but it's still worth it as the tone is just amazing. It's also worth adjusting the trim pots (the inner two) to try to dial out the noise. It's possible that they aren't adjusted property. Keep it! | ||
| moongerm
Advanced Member Username: moongerm Post Number: 242 Registered: 8-2013 |
Welcome! It all depends, if you got the bass at a really good price you may want to hang on to it, especially if the bass really fits you well. If there are things you don't like about it that further lend itself to collecting dust, then why not sell it? Pay off school then in the future once you land a good gig that should warrant a custom build EXACT to your liking. Warning....it may take a year to mull over a new custom build since you can really go nuts with ideas as well as researching the options ... That would be the ultimate reward to yourself you can invest in and be proud of. And yes posting photos to see the gem you speak of would be great! This way we can provide more feedback, and drool a little (or a lot) too . Wishing you the best, Brian (Message edited by moongerm on July 26, 2015) | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 2400 Registered: 11-2004 |
DO NOT SELL IT ! Regard it as a future investment that will not lose money as the years pass(unlike pensions, shares and other volatile financial plans!) I am sure you got the best advice from who ever you spoke to, I guess it was Mica who is the CEO(yet another tick on the report of excellence) It may require an upgrade but then again try some simple stuff first like excercising the controls back and forth about 40 times, adjusting the trimpots as moongerm suggested, plugging the jack plug in and out of the socket a few times. If you can gives us all on here more info on the noise, there is an awful lot of experience on this site, sort of Alembicpedia, we may even solve your problem although if the boss says it needs an upgrade then her word is the absolute end! Some pics would be helpful too of the control cavity as well as the bass itself. | ||
| hammer
Senior Member Username: hammer Post Number: 725 Registered: 9-2009 |
Jacob I'm going to agree with Brian (moongerm) that you really need to look at all aspects of the bass and how well it suits you before making your decision. Is it the scale you find most comfortable, does it balance the way you like, is it a 4, 5 or 6 String and is this the bass you could see as your main instrument for many years. If you got a really good deal on it it could provide some nice cash for school if you sold it which you could probably do without having to make the upgrades. On the other hand if you got a good deal on a vintage series bass it's not going depreciate but rather likely appreciate in value over the next several years. If you think this is going to be your go to bass in the future and hold on to it until you have the cash to upgrade, you will likely end up with an instrument that will last you for a lifetime. | ||
| alembicnoob
New Username: alembicnoob Post Number: 2 Registered: 7-2015 |
Wow guys thanks! I make a post go to work and Pow!! you guys are all over it. I would love to put some pics up but the site tells me they are too big. I'll try to take some more. From what I can tell is it is a 78 series 1 custom. # 78 975. Wood is Neck; 3 maple 2 how do i make 150kb pics?? | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4593 Registered: 6-2002 |
hi alembicnoob, if you are having trouble resizing, forward them to me and I will resize them and repost for you. My email is in my profile. Also I get to see the bass before the rest of the forum. There is method in my kindness......-) | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2413 Registered: 9-2002 |
Keep it, until time and budget allow the required work. For less than the update costs, you can certainly pawn shop another axe to get by with. New Series axes are north of 10 grand, good used ones are around half to almost that much money, so from a strictly replacement standpoint, you're way ahead of the game money-wise. ALEMBICs generally aren't part of that 'the older ones were beter' syndrome. They're remarkably consistent over time. Electronics have obviously progressed since '78, and your bass will be updated by the very genius that invented all this; you're just not apt to have your bass fine-tuned for EMR rejection in a Ferriday Cage at Spector or Ritter. Dealing with Alembic, is different. So many of us here bought a used one, called Santa Rosa, and and were dumb-struck to be treated as if we were their best customer. The Wickershams treat every one of these axes as their personal products, and I can not tell you how welcome Mica and Susan and Mary have always made me (and most all of us) feel, and how helpful and generous they have been to us all. I can't speak to your personal finances or taste in instruments, and these axes aren't for everyone. But IF this bass speaks to you, keep it till you can get 'er done, as it will cost you far more to buy another one later. Pics ! ! ! Joey | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 2084 Registered: 5-2002 |
This is perhaps the most important sentence of the whole thread: "IF this bass speaks to you, keep it till you can get 'er done, as it will cost you far more to buy another one later." Chasing what you already had is always a losing proposition. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2740 Registered: 3-2004 |
I'll throw out the voice on the other side. Depending upon the state of the bass you've bought, it could cost something with three zeros on the end to make it right. If the bass is special for some reason, sentimental, perfect playing fit, beautiful top wood, or some other unique feature, then it could well be worth investing in. If, on the other hand, it is a typical four string Series I bass, then you can probably find another late 70s or early 80s model on the used market for 2500-4000 if you're patient. If you can get a reasonable chunk of that from selling the bass today as it is, then you might be in a better overall position applying those funds to school and planning to spend them again when you can afford it to buy a healthier bass. Yes, an Alembic will last you for a lifetime and there's really no upgrade other than a better Alembic. That doesn't mean that every Alembic in every condition is worth the cost of restoration. For the wealthier collector and lover of the brand, it may well be an act of kindness to bring one back. For the less affluent player who appreciates the quality, it can sometimes be better to look for one that is already in properly playable condition. -bob | ||
| alembicnoob
New Username: alembicnoob Post Number: 3 Registered: 7-2015 |
Pics or it didn't happen..... Jazzyvee is working on the pics now, so hopefully soon. It spoke to me at the shop when i bought it. so keeping it is of course what i want to do. Money wise, right now i get by. I'm a full time student and bartender so the bills are payed and the lights are on. but there isn't a lot of wiggle room. When I am done with school I will have plenty of funds to get another one if i do sell this one. BUT.... I just love the raw look to this bass. that is why without hesitation I jumped on it. For what they are worth compared to what I paid for it, I got it at a steal. I'm pretty sure that you guys have talked me into keeping her, and I appreciate that. Thank you -JP | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Senior Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 586 Registered: 6-2012 |
My advice - which is based on the perspective of someone who works for a small guitar store - is always: "If you really like it and don't need to sell it - hang onto it". 100% agreement with Edwin: "Chasing what you already had is always a losing proposition". We just love it when someone walks into the store with an instrument they absolutely "must" sell. Likewise, we love it when someone walks in with a request for an instrument they absolutely "must" have. Either situation puts us squarely in the driver's seat. As for advice on your repair: If the bass functions well enough, other than the noise, to use for your purpose I'd continue to use it until you have the funds and time required to upgrade it correctly (read: by Alembic). Also, remember you'll need a backup instrument to cover you for the duration of time it will be at the mothership. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 6174 Registered: 7-2004 |
Does it make noise in all environments? Not all the old instruments need the upgrade. I have a '76 medium scale guitar and a '77 long scale 12 string, both Series 1. Neither has had the upgrade. In most situations they do not make noise (unless, of course, I want them to). Sonicus, a member of this site, has an early Series 1 bass that made noise in the studio where he bought it (near lots of RF interference), but is relatively silent in my studio. Bill, tgo | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4384 Registered: 5-2009 |
Bill is telling it like it is ! We have not seen your instrument yet but I would tend to agree to keep it as well . I know sellers remorse all too well . Wolf | ||
| ed_zeppelin
New Username: ed_zeppelin Post Number: 9 Registered: 2-2010 |
Tell you what: as a Series 1 owner, not only do I agree that you should keep it, but if someone at the Mothership will set up an account, I will gladly contribute a significant amount toward the repair and encourage my fellow members of this elite fraternity to follow suit. After all, you can't make much money with a busted bass. I'm not doing you a favor, I'm repaying one (more like hundreds). The only condition would be that you do the same for somebody else up the road. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4598 Registered: 6-2002 |
Here are the pictures of Alembicnoob's bass       Enjoy | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 2086 Registered: 5-2002 |
Looks like it's in pretty good shape! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11888 Registered: 5-2002 |
Pickups need to be mounted properly. Pickup selector switch has been moved; but it looks like it was done quite nicely. Did you get a power supply and five pin cable with it? | ||
| alembicnoob
New Username: alembicnoob Post Number: 4 Registered: 7-2015 |
no power supply. how can the pickups be mounted better? could that be causing some of my noise problems? | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2741 Registered: 3-2004 |
Not noise related. Alembic pickups are mounted differently from most others. Many pickups use springs or foam underneath and just screw down from the top. As such, they aren't really locked into place. Alembic pickups are mounted with the screws/bolts on one diagonal pushing down and the other diagonal underneath the pickup holding it up. When they are all made snug, then the pickup is held firmly in place. All of your screws are mounted from above, probably by someone who wasn't used to the Alembic method, so you can't adjust the position correctly. To fix it, you have to loosen or remove the strings and remove all four screws. Then, put two on a diagonal back in before the pickup. Screw them in far enough so that you can place the pickup over them and then get the other two screws to bite on the other diagonal. At that point, you should be able to put a screwdriver through the hole in the pickup to adjust the lower screws and adjust the upper ones from the top. Be careful about how much pressure you apply anywhere or you might crack the pickup housing. Set the pickup height and angle any way you like it. -bob | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11893 Registered: 5-2002 |
No; not causing the noise. Take a look at this picture. Notice that it looks like there are only two screws for each pickup; that's because the other two screws are under the pickup. The pickup rests on two screws in opposite corners. Then the top screws hold it securely in place. Mica has written a nice description on how it works and how to adjust pickup height here in the FAQ section. There are also several posts about pickup height adjustment in the Must Reads section. Be sure to note that when tightening the top screws, you don't want to over tighten; that could result in cracking the shell. Similarly, you want to remember to loosen the top screws before raising the bottom screws. | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 1663 Registered: 6-2002 |
Have you plugged in a stereo(TRS) plug in to hear both pickups ?(headphones I hear can work) A mono plug will just give you the neck pickup. There is a thread here that shows how to make a proper mixing Y cord. You might be able to bring the noise down with the gain/humcanceller adjustments on the back plate. Hopefully you'll get a reasonably awesome sound to keep you busy until the upgrade. | ||
| sonofa_lembic
Member Username: sonofa_lembic Post Number: 85 Registered: 5-2014 |
Dude, the bridge is on backwards! Reverse it, and it will intonate and sound better. You will have to reposition the individual saddles for intonation, but at least get them going in the right direction. LOL. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4403 Registered: 5-2009 |
Could be after a cleaning it got put back wrong . Mr. Lindsey might be correct as he has seen quite a few of these . Wolf | ||
| charles_holmes
Senior Member Username: charles_holmes Post Number: 419 Registered: 3-2009 |
Good eyes Lindsey! But for me (IMHO)...This is a no brainer...KEEPER!!! Just sayin' mind ya! THanks for the photos Jazzyvee! | ||
| malthumb
Senior Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 573 Registered: 5-2002 |
sonofa_lembic said: "Dude, the bridge is on backwards! Reverse it, and it will intonate and sound better. You will have to reposition the individual saddles for intonation, but at least get them going in the right direction. LOL." Make certain you reverse the BRIDGE only (rectangular thingy) and NOT the TAILSTOCK (bird-like thingy) | ||
| malthumb
Senior Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 574 Registered: 5-2002 |
Since it is a '78, I will assume it is wired STEREO. While you are waiting to get the $$$ to have the electronics updated, you can still enjoy the instrument by plugging in stereo headphones. No preamp or earphone amp needed. It will play directly through your stereo headphones. Great way to practice without waking the baby / disturbing the neighbors. | ||
| tomiv9
New Username: tomiv9 Post Number: 7 Registered: 3-2015 |
How is the bridge on backwards? Looks just like my bridge. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 6194 Registered: 7-2004 |
The black end nuts are on the bottom (facing the tailpiece). They should be on top, facing the pickups. Bill, tgo | ||
| adriaan
Moderator Username: adriaan Post Number: 3254 Registered: 6-2002 |
Not sure about the bolt/nut orientation, as they are in the exact same orientation on both my basses. I'd say only the saddles are the wrong way around: the straight edge should be facing the bridge pickup. | ||
| rv_bass
Member Username: rv_bass Post Number: 60 Registered: 8-2014 |
Nice bass, what kind of fingerboard wood do you think it might be? | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 2095 Registered: 5-2002 |
I think it's ebony with some figuring. And I agree, the saddles are on backwards. | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 1043 Registered: 11-2003 |
Saddles are definitely backwards. | ||
| sonofa_lembic
Member Username: sonofa_lembic Post Number: 87 Registered: 5-2014 |
Only the orientation of the saddles is critical. If the bridge was reversed, the slots for the strings are wrong as well. On these older basses, the slots were simple V shaped, and are not as finicky as the new slots which are filed to the same gauge as the corresponding string. The slots are also angled toward the tailpiece when positioned correctly, so if the saddle is reversed, you can get sitaring. The other issue is there is no district edge for the string to pass over before leaving the slot, so intonation is difficult. | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 2257 Registered: 2-2005 |
The bridge is reversed and the saddles might be reversed left to right (not sure as I can't tell slot size from picture). When looking at the front of the bridge the threaded rod should be on the left and the smooth rod should be on the right to match the holes in the saddle. Keith Corrected comment on saddles. If the whole bridge is swapped 180 degrees they will be facing the correct direction. Not sure about slot sizes on E to G strings. (Message edited by keith_h on August 04, 2015) | ||
| ed_zeppelin
Junior Username: ed_zeppelin Post Number: 26 Registered: 2-2010 |
Oh, just take it apart and do it over. Piece o' cake. How many people get to experience the genius of the unique Alembic bridge design firsthand? It's pretty easy to tell the saddles apart (something the previous owner was oblivious to, apparently.). Hot tip: while you have it apart, clean the parts with a soft microfiber rag and put the tiniest drop of lube on the saddle bolts (I use a WD40 "pen" http://www.amazon.com/WD-40-No-Mess-Pen-Pack/dp/B000NV4DJA though opinions may vary) and run the bolts through them from one end to the other. Sometimes when saddles sit in the same position for years, corrosion can create problems. If you need help intonating it, just let us know. Probably save you fifty bucks over taking it to a shop, y'know? |
