| Author | Message | ||
| tbishop
New Username: tbishop Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2003 |
Can anyone direct me to information on the Alembic "Spoiler" 4-String Bass? I cannot locate any information on the Alembic Web Site. Is this a model Alembic no longer makes? What is the Retail Price? The one I found appears to be a neck-thru, quilted maple, brass nut and bridge, etc. nice Bass, I just don't have any info on it. Can you help? | ||
| davehouck
Intermediate Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 181 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Tim; the Spoiler is not a current production model, but you can special order one. Go here to see some pictures of Spoilers owned by members of the group: http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/420.html?1063840435 Besides the unique Spoiler body shape, Spoilers came with an electronics package of volume, pickup selector, filter control and Q switch. I think they also came with the narrow neck width and I'm thinking most were medium scale, but I might be wrong about that. Generally I think they had mahogany body cores and maple necks; although early ones apparently had solid koa bodies. As far as price, I'm guessing you could use the Essence as a starting point and probably figure some additional cost for the Spoiler body and for the modifications to the electronics. | ||
| valvil
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 231 Registered: 7-2002 |
hello and welcome to the club, as Dave pointed out, we can custom make a Spoiler for you; the retail price for a Spoiler 4 string is 4250$ which includes Mother of Pearl oval inlays; if you select premium woods or other options then the price goes up. Dave is also correct on the woods & electronics and yes, they were mostly medium scale basses. Valentino | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1197 Registered: 6-2000 |
The last Spoiler page still exists here: http://www.alembic.com/prod/spoiler.html We'll be adding similar pages for all the models that aren't in the current lineup someday. Just another item on the endless to-do list. | ||
| tbishop
New Username: tbishop Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2003 |
Dave and Val, thank you very much for your response. I am considering purchasing this Bass. How much do you think I should expect to pay? Again, this Spoiler appears to be in very good to excellant condition. Is there anything I could pull off this Bass to track it (i.e. serial no, etc.) and determine it's value? Tim B. | ||
| tbishop
New Username: tbishop Post Number: 3 Registered: 10-2003 |
All, I just checked out the "Spoiler" Bass and now I'm not sure it is a Spoiler. The Serial Number is 87P4563. The Bass has P-Bass Type P/U's at the Neck and J-Bass Type P/U at the Bridge. 2 Volume Controls (1 for each P/U) and a Tone Control. Your Thoughts? TB | ||
| valvil
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 235 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hello Tim, That's a Persuader model; same body shape as the Spoiler but with the different electronics layout which you described. It is also a discontinued model, but as with the Spoiler we can still build you one. I can look up the serial number for you on Monday when I'm back at the office. Valentino | ||
| tbishop
New Username: tbishop Post Number: 4 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks Val. I will look forward to your response on Monday. I am curious what a fair price would be for this Bass. Also, I'm not sure if the machine heads and some of the other parts are original. Any information you could provide would really help me know. Tim B. | ||
| valvil
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 241 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hello Tim, here's what the file says: 4 string medium scale Persuader bass Quilted maple top & headstock Maple Neck Ebony Fretboard gotoh tuners P & J pickups That's all we have. Valentino | ||
| bigredbass
Intermediate Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 174 Registered: 9-2002 |
tbishop: If memory serves correctly, I've seen PERSUADERs like this in the range of $1000-$1500 range in good shape with case. If you can try this bass out (in other words, not on eBay a 1000 miles away), check for condition, sound, and playability. If these are all good, and you're in the price range, you'd have a LOT of bass for the money. P/J is a favorite combination sound of mine, second only to my MXYs. ALEMBICs last a LONG time because they are BUILT to LAST. But as always, buy the cleanest used example you can find. J o e y | ||
| tbishop
New Username: tbishop Post Number: 5 Registered: 10-2003 |
Val and Joey, Thank you for taking the time to respond. I appreciate your input and advice. Tim B. |
