| Author | Message | ||
| bassplayer
New Username: bassplayer Post Number: 8 Registered: 4-2005 |
Hi All, Been a while since my last posting, so i thought i'd return with a couple of questions. I've searched the forum for similar topics, but couldn't find any; so, taking the risk of performing yet another re-run of something that has(probably)been done before, i thought i would ask anyway: 1.: What does the term "Spoiler" mean? When people start talking about certain models, sometimes it is referred to it as a "spoiler" 2.: Why the use of a double trussrod?? Is a single one not enough, or is a double one a custom option? 3.: I've heard that a double trussrod can cause so called "dead spots" in the fretboard; true or false? and: 4.: How does one adjust a double trussrod? I think THAT'S enough for the moment, but your input will be greatly appreciated!!! Cheers, Bassplayer | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 3948 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Frits; 1) The Spoiler is a specific Alembic model. It is most easily identified by the letter "S" in the serial number. It was first introduced in 1980. It is not a current model in that it is not one of the models shown on Alembic's Basses page, but you can still order one if you wish. The Spoiler has its own specific body shape and electronics. However, as with all Alembic models, when you look through the Spoiler section of our forum's Showcase, you'll see Spoilers with other body shapes and electronics packages. A few of the earliest Spoilers had a decal logo instead of metal; these are pretty rare. Also, many of the earliest Spoilers has solid Koa bodies with no top laminate. Probably the most common configuration is a three piece Maple neck, Mahogony body and Koa top. 2) Alembic was one of the first builders of five and six string basses and if I remember correctly I believe it is the case that when they started building fives and sixes they found that indeed one truss rod was not enough. I imagine the advantage of two truss rods maintaining a consistent relief across the width of the fretboard became readily apparent and was thus made standard for all Alembics. I believe the switch to dual truss rods on all models was made sometime in 1977. 3) I would imagine that's an incorrect statement. My guess is that "dead spots" are most likely to be found on necks that are one piece rather than on multi-laminate necks. All Alembics have multi-laminate necks (excepting of course the graphite necks). 4) The "official", and quite detailed, instructions for adjusting the truss rods can be found in the Owners Manual. Mica recommends adjusting the rods together, the same amount of turn on each nut. However, some club members will make small adjustments on one or the other to get the action just where they want it. For many of our members, one of the most helpful guides for setting up your bass is Joey's post, which can be found here. | ||
| bassplayer
New Username: bassplayer Post Number: 9 Registered: 4-2005 |
Dave, Thank you for your reply: it is VERY informative AND helpful to get to know these wonderful basses!! And (last but certainly not least) the thread of fellow member Joey was also a revelation to me...... Thank you BOTH for the insights. Cheers, Bassplayer | ||
| bassplayer
New Username: bassplayer Post Number: 10 Registered: 4-2005 |
P.s.: sorry for the (very!) late reply...... Bassplayer |
