| Author | Message | ||
| bucky
Junior Username: bucky Post Number: 18 Registered: 6-2003 |
Hey Mica (or anyone in The Club): Does anyone here know where I can get vintage Gold-plated Schallers for my '74 Brown Bass? I need to replace one and I want to match the originals. They are a bit unusual according to my luthier friend Ron Thorn. They have three rings engraved in the shaft cover and an extra piece there too. . any sources (including WWWeb) I can be pointed to that anyone knows about will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in Advance! Jeff aka bucky | ||
| bucky
Junior Username: bucky Post Number: 19 Registered: 6-2003 |
An Update in my gold Schaller Tuner search; Ron my luthier friend has found that Schaller still makes the same model tuner. . at least in chrome. I haven't been able to locate it in gold yet. Anyone out there know Schallers address? Aren't they German? A contact phone maybe? Mica? I can't seem to find a web page for them. . Thanks, Jeff | ||
| bob
Member Username: bob Post Number: 58 Registered: 11-2002 |
Jeff, I think this is the place: http://www.schaller-guitarparts.de/ | ||
| ganque
New Username: ganque Post Number: 3 Registered: 3-2003 |
the schaller web site is http://www.schaller-guitarparts.de/ even have 2 choices of language! Edit: looks like bob beat me to it... ah, i tried didn't i (Message edited by ganque on June 15, 2003) | ||
| dela217
Intermediate Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 157 Registered: 6-2002 |
I think that Schaller is still around, but I do not think they make the same exact key. The key you are looking for has it's anchoring screw in a different spot. I hope I am mistaken and that we can still get these keys. Please keep us posted on your search. Michael | ||
| bucky
Junior Username: bucky Post Number: 20 Registered: 6-2003 |
Thanks Everyone! Michael you are right. . it doesn't appear Schaller makes the same gear now. The quest continues. . again thanks to all you Alembic brothers. . this forum is the best! Jeff | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 970 Registered: 6-2000 |
I've referred folks to Subway Guitars for various obscure and rescue parts. They usually have a lot of good stuff around. Occassionally I get the old Schallers from Fat Dawg there. | ||
| bucky
Junior Username: bucky Post Number: 21 Registered: 6-2003 |
Mica: I just got off the phone with Fat Dawg - a man of few words - and he told me he would "think on it" and "look around" through what he has. I believe after talking to him that he is aware of the gear I speak of. He told me to give him a call "in a couple weeks" and he might have something even if he has to take it off another guitar. This is the best lead thus far unless someone else comes forth. Thanks for your time. I called Alembic today too BTW and left a message for you with my Cell number. Please feel free to contact me day or night if you find something in the interim. Jeff | ||
| dela217
Intermediate Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 159 Registered: 6-2002 |
This Fat Dawg guy........I dunno. Why would someone call himself that? I have tried to do business with him several times. Advertises old Alembics on his site, etc... He is impossible to work with. Maybe if you go see him in person. Otherwise, I think you will be out of luck. He is indeed a man of few words. Makes promises he never keeps. His loss I guess. I keep hearing all this stuff he has for sale.....but he never sells it. If you act interested in a part or a bass, it just gets worse. Good luck! | ||
| bucky
Junior Username: bucky Post Number: 22 Registered: 6-2003 |
Michael: You know. .that's the vibe I got too! Whether he has what he says he does or not will remain to be seen, but one thing is certain - he needs to brush-up on his People Skills(-; Jeff | ||
| bucky
Junior Username: bucky Post Number: 43 Registered: 6-2003 |
Hey Michael: I got your package the other day with the copy of the manual and the ads. You know I have to smile, my band Glass got our first Mellotron 400 through L.D. Heater. It was SN# 88! The first one ever in Washington State (to my knowledge). . WOW THANKS this stuff is GREAT! Sent you a long rambling email about it all. . I may have to take a special trip down your way just to check out your basses! I am so envious. . I posted this originally in another thread hoping you'd see it there. Let me know you read this, please. I don't want you thinking I'm ungrateful of your very generous offering! Jeff | ||
| jogi
New Username: jogi Post Number: 5 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi, I think this: www.schaller-guitarparts.de/0135.htm should be the exact same tuner that´s been around as M4 for quite some time. At least it´s just what´s on my Small Standard Series 1. Jogi | ||
| bucky
Junior Username: bucky Post Number: 44 Registered: 6-2003 |
Jogi: That is the current version of the Schaller M4. Sad to say it is not the same as the one on my '74 Brown Bass. According to Mica, Schaller quit making my bass' version of the M4 twenty years ago)-: So my hope lies in trying to find one on an instrument being sold for parts. . and the quest continues! But thank you for your time regardless. . Jeff | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1011 Registered: 6-2000 |
I've emailed Schaller today to find out if they by chance have old stock they'd like to liberate. I also asked about getting a run of tuners made with the original anchor screw location. I'll let you know what I learn from them. | ||
| bucky
Junior Username: bucky Post Number: 45 Registered: 6-2003 |
Mica: You're a Sweetheart Mica. . thanks! and I most definitely will be paying Alembic a visit with my Brown Bass in the next few months. I've located the Flitz for the brass and now I'm looking for boiled linseed oil for the finish. I've been that that is the best for these old Alembic finishes. That is true, right? Jeff | ||
| bucky
Junior Username: bucky Post Number: 46 Registered: 6-2003 |
Mica: You're a Sweetheart Mica. . thanks! and I most definitely will be paying Alembic a visit with my Brown Bass in the next few months. I've located the Flitz for the brass and now I'm looking for boiled linseed oil for the finish. I've been told that that is the best for these old Alembic finishes. That is true, right? Jeff | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 483 Registered: 9-2002 |
***sigh*** now you see why Mica is moder and I'm the senior clown around here. I was just getting this idea: "hey Jeff , why not contact Schaller directly and bluntly ask what you need. I've experienced them as friendly people, and speaking english!" But (aoh that but) good-ol "flashy" mica outsmarted me here! Well ... there must be one in every crowd LOL Paul the slower one | ||
| bucky
Junior Username: bucky Post Number: 47 Registered: 6-2003 |
LOL!!! What can I say Paul. . .all that and she's cuter than anyone around here too! She truly is The Goddess Alembica. . . Jeff p.s. You are greatly appreciated too(-; Heck I didn’t even think of it. . how slow does that make me. . | ||
| dfung60
Junior Username: dfung60 Post Number: 15 Registered: 5-2002 |
I don't know if this will get you anywhere, but you might give Steve Soest a call at Soest Guitar Repair (www.soestguitar.com) in Orange, CA. The number used to be (714)538-0272. He's got a fairly enormous stock of vintage guitar parts. He may have other pointers as well if he doesn't have 'em. Another guy with loads of vintage parts is Koz-Ax's Guitars (www.kozaxs.com). They have a pretty enormous stock of old stuff. They were good for a long time, then the owner left and things went downhill, but I believe he's back now. Again, if they don't have 'em, they can probably point you to someone who will. Another stab in the dark - try calling Hipshot, the guys that make D-Tuners. They may have a line on some of this old stuff, and if they don't have one, they can probably steer you to somebody who can make the needed mods on a newer Schaller (assuming that the ratio and feel would otherwise match, which may not be the case). The guy to talk to there in the past was somebody named Dave (Borosky or something like that, I think). I've never met anybody that was more of a bass tuning head geek than him. Also, if you can't score a vintage head, you can certainly have them make you a D-Tuner which will match your existing holes so you won't need to change anything around. Good luck in the search. David Fung | ||
| bucky
Junior Username: bucky Post Number: 48 Registered: 6-2003 |
David: That is a goldmine of resources, thank you so much! Thus far I've drawn a blank. I'm going to call ol' Big Dawg back at the end of the week per his instructions and I'm not exactly excited by the prospect. Maybe one of these other leads will pan out and I won't have to. The two problems I have are this: 1. I'd like to maintain the "vintage value" of my instrument by only using vintage parts. For obvious reasons. And 2. The post with the anchor screw is placed differently on the older Schallers. .and there is NO WAY I'm going to drill new holes in this Baby! Thus far I have located one set of vintage Schallers that are the right type but they're chrome not gold-plated. And though I understand that Alembic did use the chrome plated gears at one point MY Brown Bass had the rarer gold-plated ones and I intend on keeping that specialness. Anyway, I will check out these two websites and because I live here in Southern Cali I'll even *drive* to Orange to Soest Guitar Repair if need be to get the right tuners! You've been a real help, Jeff | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 484 Registered: 9-2002 |
Jeff Hi there ...old slow stupid me again but (AND his but) can't you let thos originals get a "gold plate"??? I don't know anything about metas tools and their (re)-plating but .... you never know. Seens to be cool to have 4 the same ones (in the case you can't get 1) Paul the simple one | ||
| bucky
Junior Username: bucky Post Number: 49 Registered: 6-2003 |
Paul: Yeah.. you know I agree there. Here's the situation now - three of the tuners are still working fine. One was broken and instead of keeping it the previous owner, not knowing they could be fixed, "lost it. So he found two Gotohs that were similar (and thank god he didn't drill any new holes into the headstock!) and replaced the two on the bottom edge of the headstock. Thankfully he kept the one tuner that was working. I guess he thought the "symmetry" looked better with the two Gotohs there instead of one. Go figure. So. . I will either get one that matches the other three perfectly OR maybe replace all of them with a set of 4 of the exact same tuner. As far as having the chrome ones plated. . I hadn't thought of that! Mica? Anyone. . do you know of such a procedure? Would it work? Would it devalue the bass at all? I'm intrigued. . .all comments welcome Oh My Alembic Brothers (and sisters!) Jeff | ||
| mnewman
New Username: mnewman Post Number: 3 Registered: 5-2002 |
I have a whole set of Shallers off my '82 series1,would these work on your '74? | ||
| bucky
Junior Username: bucky Post Number: 50 Registered: 6-2003 |
MNewman: Maybe. . Wow that would be perfect. Is there some way you could take a picture of one and post it? Front and back? I'd gladly pay for a set to have the right ones on here. . Mica. . what do you think? Would they be the same "M4s" you and I have discussed, oh Queen of All That is Alembic? Made my day, Jeff | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1027 Registered: 6-2000 |
We'll have to rely on Matt for this one. Are the anchor screws toward the bottom or the inside of the peghead? The basic M4 design is fairly unchanged, it's just that pesky anchor screw that's migrated over time. I know, I know... Dannobasso thought they were non-migratory! | ||
| bucky
Member Username: bucky Post Number: 51 Registered: 6-2003 |
Mica: Well let's see a picture of them. That’s the only way we’ll know. I know it's a hassle but I promise you I *will* buy them if they're the right ones. As Mica mentions, it's mainly the anchor screw position. However there is one other difference I've noticed (and correct me if I'm wrong Mica, please) but it appears as if the actual shaft of the older Schaller M4 is a bit longer. Not much but a bit. And last but not least, and I know this is probably silly but in your opinion if I put '82 Schallers on my '74 Brown Bass will it make it any less "valuable" as a vintage Alembic? Not that I will EVER let this out of my possession again! Jeff | ||
| dela217
Intermediate Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 163 Registered: 6-2002 |
I think the position of that anchor screw changed sometime in 77 or 78. Hope this helps. | ||
| bucky
Member Username: bucky Post Number: 52 Registered: 6-2003 |
Michael: Thanks! BTW don't know if you saw my post to you in the other threads but thanks a TON for the written material you sent. It's the greatest. Now I know how to properly care for the finish of my Brown Bass. It sounds like you have quite a collection. And I think our taste in basses are similar. I'd love to see your basses. Maybe I'll make it down your way sometime with my Brown Bass. When my band tours to support the new CD we're working on I'll lobby for a swing through your area. Jeff | ||
| jogi
New Username: jogi Post Number: 7 Registered: 6-2002 |
hi, it´s me again - I had an ´81 small standard that had M4s like those you get now - but bucky, you´re right, they´re quite different in appearance (though not in function) from those used in the mid ´70s. I checked my ´74 Pedulla Orsini which has the old M4s and in addition to the fixing screw, the housing is also different... Maybe if we try real hard, we can get Schaller to reissue them: (shout all with me!) OLD STYLE! OLD STYLE! ... :o) | ||
| bucky
Member Username: bucky Post Number: 57 Registered: 6-2003 |
OLD STYLE OLD STYLE OLD STYLE OLD STYLE Am I shouting loud enough(-; Thanks for your time anyway my Alembic Bro. . the search continues. . perhaps Mica will get a positive response from Schaller. . if she can't n one can! Jeff | ||
| poor_nigel
New Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 3 Registered: 7-2003 |
OK - If anyone is still paying attention to this thread - I will donate a tuner, or set, to Bucky simply for trying so hard. HOWEVER - they are chrome and off sixties Gibsons. It is late and dark in my room and I am not moving a ton of cabs and racks to dig some out to check, unless I know Mr. Bucky is still in need of this. The possible bad news is that althought they are physically what you are looking for, they may have a 'G' instead of an 'S' on their backs. AND you will need to have it/them (depends on my mood, which is always better than Fat Dawg's!!!) gold plated. If Mica reads this and does score some gold ones from Schaller, I would pay big for an original gold plated set, regardless of which initial it has on the back side. Are we havin' fun yet? | ||
| bucky
Member Username: bucky Post Number: 73 Registered: 6-2003 |
poor_nigel: That is a *REALLY* awesome offer Nigel. And if anyone contibutes I would be more than grateful. I have managed to locate one other which I haven't yet gotten in my actual possesion but should have soon. . so actually if you donate that one I would then only have to have them plated. As I said I'm not sure about this one - I haven't seen it yet so I don't know if it's actually working but someone else also told me that if you have the actual shell pieces you can replace the insides easily enough. . Oh yes! We is havin' a blast!! Jeff p.s. I'm more concerned about the post being in the 6 o'clock position than about the "S" on the back. How shall we proceed than? | ||
| poor_nigel
New Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 5 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hmmm: Schallers are known for quality, so how are people 'breaking' them??? I have two sets of these, one set in MINE! Goes to my '70 Les Paul bass. The other set is from an EB-0 that I bought to rape for parts for the previously mentioned guitar. Note: The differences between old Schallers and new are more than just the screw support on the back. The gear cover plates are differently shaped, also. The old ones are round, while the newer ones are round on the bottom and squarish on the top. Why is this important to you? The ones I have do indeed have a 'G' for Gibson on them. I am positive that your others will have an 'S' for Schaller. It is a shame that you no longer have the broken tuner. If all else fails, I will donate one or two of these sixties Schallers and you can either hunt down back plates with an 'S' or simply go to a reputable machinist (I found a great one on the Internet, but he is not cheap) and have he or she make you one. I am sure this is going to cost you a couple hundred which ever route you take, but I am also sure it is worth the sum to cherry out your 54th Alembic made, eh? The fact that the plates on the old ones are round means that they can be replicated much cheaper than if they were shaped like the newer ones. So life does not totally suck. Let me know what goes on. Two are yours if requested - Done deal. I assume you are talking about a treble side and a bass side, and not two from the same side, right? | ||
| bucky
Member Username: bucky Post Number: 74 Registered: 6-2003 |
Hi Nigel: Thanks for writing again. I have been getting educated (dela217 has two Alembics of my model and year and has proven to be a veritable fount of knowledge about this particular Alembic bass). According to him they quit making the gold plated Schaller that I need in 1975. Pre '75 Schaller’s are notably different in that the shank is longer and as mentioned before the screw post goes straight down in the 6 o'clock position. The successor to my Schaller’s - the Schaller M20s - look similar but are definitely not the same gear and would require drilling new holes. Can't do that of course. I haven't been able to get my hands on that other Schaller gear but any gear you donate would be SO appreciated. Even just one. If you gave me two that would complete the search! That would really make my year. It is unbelievable really that I was even able to get this incredible instrument back. But to be able to cherry it out would be the icing on the cake! Jeff p.s. Should I give you my mailing address? Can I offer you a little compensation for it/them? Can't afford much but I feel I should. Your generosity has been overwhelming! | ||
| poor_nigel
New Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 6 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hey Jeff: E-mail me your shipping address to tshaw@maine.rr.com and I will send you the two Schallers you need. The G's are not very noticable, and it would not be tough for an experienced machinist (Good luck!) to make you the samll circle replacements for them. Actually, he or she could fill in the G's and an engraver could ebgrave the S's and then get them plated. There is a lot more on the back plate than just the S's and G's. I have to mail out a money order for a rack I bought, so I will probably send the tuners out tomorrow, as well. Next time someone needs some help, it is your turn to offer some to them. Sounds fair to me. Enjoy. If you want the e-mail address to the machinist who did wonderful work for me, let me know and I will dig it up. He is expensive, but all his work is gauranteed to .005" and he is well worth the expense in my opinion. Again, I am assuming that you want one bass side and one treble side. These are not interchangable like some are. If this is correct, just e-mail me your address and all is take care of. | ||
| bucky
Member Username: bucky Post Number: 75 Registered: 6-2003 |
Wow Nigel! That is so cool. . the tuners that need to be replaced are on the "bottom" side) or that would be the right side of the headstock looking down at it from above). As I said in my email I have managed to locate one more so I only need that "G-String" tuner. I'll worry about the "G" on the back later. IN fact, come to think of it before you go to all that trouble let me contact my luthier friend Ron and see if he's had any luck locating one. THIS is *greatly* appreciated my Alembic Brother! My shipping address is: Jeff Sherman PO Box 1649 Ojai, CA 93024-1649 I'll also send this to the other email address. You're a Champ Nigel! Jeff | ||
| poor_nigel
New Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 7 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hey Jeff - Excuse me, Mr. Lucky: Somebody up there likes you. I got your address too late to ship yesterday. While I was putting the 60's tuners away, I found I have one that has an 'S' on the back, and it is a treble-side one (As in G and D strings). Thinking back, this is not that uncommon of an occurance. I have seen it before. Upon closer examination of the tuners, we have another question that needs to be answered, as there is a difference between the two sets. One set is circa 65 and the other is 70. One has rounded (dome shaped heads) on the screws holding the 'ears' on and the other set has flat ones. I could assume since your bass is a 74(?) that you would need the flat head (barrel shaped head) screw one, but let's just check to make sure you get one that matches. Well, when you get this, all you will have to do is send it off to be striped and gold plated, and you will have a real set. Might be a good idea to send it to the plater Alembic uses, as they are experienced doing guitar parts all the time. Just let me know the head type of screws on your other tuners, and you should be in business sooner or later. | ||
| bucky
Member Username: bucky Post Number: 76 Registered: 6-2003 |
Nigel: Yo DA Man!! This selfless act makes you a Saint in my book My Alembic Brother. An act that won't soon be forgotten I can tell you! The screws on my other tuners are the brass round head Phillips type! I'll be waiting in anticipation my friend, Jeff p.s. The very least I can do is send you a copy of my bands release - the one that has my Alembics sound on it of course! Give me a mailing address and it's yours! | ||
| poor_nigel
New Username: poor_nigel Post Number: 8 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hey Jeff: Part went out by priority mail today. You only need to get it plated by a pro, and you should be good to go. Have fun and take care. | ||
| bucky
Member Username: bucky Post Number: 77 Registered: 6-2003 |
Nigel: You are the greatest man! Give me a mailing address and I will send you some music with my Alembic on it. I feel it's the least I can do for your kindness. Take Care My Alembic Brother, Jeff |
