| Author | Message | ||
| rockbassist
Intermediate Member Username: rockbassist Post Number: 197 Registered: 8-2005 |
I have the opportunity to buy a 1986 Spoiler. The asking price is $1,299 but I can probably get it for less. I currently own a 1995 Epic. Not sure if I would keep it if I buy the Spoiler or sell it to get something else. So I have 2 questions. Is the Spoiler worth the $1,299 asking price and would I be better off with the Spoiler or the Epic? Thank you in advance for your feedback. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 9875 Registered: 5-2002 |
Pictures would help. As a generalization, in the past, if I recall correctly, Spoilers were selling for around $1,500. I have no idea what they are trading for now. The condition can be a factor in market value; but, again as a generalization of past observations, if it's in reasonably good shape, $1,500 would not be unreasonable. However, current market conditions are a bit slow, as is the economy in general. The Spoiler should sound significantly different from the Epic. The Spoiler is a neck-through, while the Epic is a set-neck; so there is a difference in the frequency curve. The Spoiler will have a more even response curve, while the Epic while have that set-neck/bolt-on mid-range bump. The Spoiler has a low-pass filter and a Q switch, where the Epic has bass and treble boost/cut controls. The tones that can come from a low pass filter circuit are significantly different from the tones that come from bass and treble boost/cut controls. And the 8db bump the Q switch provides at the low pass filter cut-off point adds another source of tones that the Epic doesn't have. I believe the Spoiler probably has a brass bridge block under the bridge, while the Epic probably does not. Along with the neck-through construction, the bridge block helps add sustain. Any differences in body woods will also result in differences in tone. As to whether you are "better off" is for you to decide. Both are quality instruments and each has its own distinct voice. When I sent my Essence to Santa Rosa for upgrades, I purchased a Spoiler which was my main bass for a while. I was quite pleased with it; it played great and it had a great tone. | ||
| oujeebass
Intermediate Member Username: oujeebass Post Number: 176 Registered: 10-2002 |
Play them and let that guide your decision. The answer will jump out at you. | ||
| rockbassist
Intermediate Member Username: rockbassist Post Number: 198 Registered: 8-2005 |
I have seen the bass and it is in great shape. I have owned several vintage Fenders and an Epic 5 and 4 string. I am involved in 3 projects. One is an 80's rock cover band, another is an original/cover modern country band and I do some studio and tv work. I am looking for a bass that will give some flexibility. Sometimes I go from one gig to another and it's a pain in the butt to carry three basses around. | ||
| artswork99
Moderator Username: artswork99 Post Number: 1322 Registered: 7-2007 |
If the bass is in "great shape" then I would consider $1299 a good price (especially if it has the OHSC). If it turns out not to your liking and you place it back into the market at that price I don't believe it would sit for long. Pictures do tell a thousand words if you are able to get some here. Is the Spoiler a decal logo (short run) or a metal logo? Good Luck! | ||
| adriaan
Moderator Username: adriaan Post Number: 2688 Registered: 6-2002 |
The original Spoiler controls include a pickup switch, and as I was used to the blend pot of my Epic I found that limiting. Plus I found the effect of the Q switch a bit too harsh. So I sent the electronics to the mothership (it's all modular, easy to deinstall) and had them replace the pickup switch with a blend pot, and the 0/8 dB Q switch with a 0/3/6 dB Q switch. Couldn't be happier! And I was surprised at the low costs. | ||
| rockbassist
Intermediate Member Username: rockbassist Post Number: 199 Registered: 8-2005 |
Thanks for the feedback. I haven't decided yet. I have emailed the seller a couple of times and haven't received a reply. |
