| Author | Message | ||
| bobbydevlinny
New Username: bobbydevlinny Post Number: 2 Registered: 4-2007 |
Entwistle one of your big influences? Me too... House shopping so, I'll make your day: 1983 Series I in Birdseye over hollow Walnut (dragon is an easily removed decal) 1986 Series II in Flame Maple over solid mahogany Both mint with all the toys plus an extra Series 20' cable. $10,000 for the pair. Almost half the list on ONE new one ! No fighting, kids! Haha!  (Message edited by davehouck on May 07, 2007) | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 628 Registered: 12-2004 |
Oh dear. | ||
| the_mule
Senior Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 632 Registered: 1-2004 |
Wow! Wilfred | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 482 Registered: 5-2006 |
Stunning! Bassbeest... Dutch roots? | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 493 Registered: 11-2003 |
Sorry, I'm having a replica built, with a few mods, but closer than what you have. You can view it in the factory to customer section, under Alan's Custom Exploiter. It will have the note inlays, Series II electronics, and also bird's eye maple, which is what John's Exploiters had. The neck will be to my specs, but other than that, it will be the only replica I'm aware of of John's Exploiters. Alan | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1567 Registered: 3-2004 |
For any with interest, that Series I looks like it has an added master volume and deluxe neck (3 PH stringers). It also has the older style pickup positioning where the neck pickup is closer to the end of the board. Also, I don't see strap pegs on the Series I. Have they been removed, or was it built with those inset strap locks? When you say "Both mint with all the toys plus an extra Series 20' cable." Do you mean two DS-5 boxes and three cables are included? Are they the little blue boxes or the rackmount versions? How about the cases? Are they "regular" hardshells or flight cases? Are both basses 34" scale? I can't tell for sure if they are the same or a trick of the perspective. Just trying to pre-ask the questions you are likely to get from any interested parties. Also -bob PS - Alan, did you notice that the shapes are slightly different on these two? I remember you going around several times to get the shape right on yours. | ||
| effclef
Senior Member Username: effclef Post Number: 483 Registered: 1-2004 |
Also note the reveral of 5 pin vs 1/4" jack comparing the two. I've never really compared S1 and S2s ... maybe that was normal at the time, or a user request, or...? | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 659 Registered: 7-2003 |
Guys, two really stunning basses but as Alan and me beeing 300% JE fans, unfortunately not close enough to the originals. The upper one has a similar body style than the reissue Spyders or to Johns original Spyder with the V-head. The lower one has the typical Exploiter shape where the front horn is too narrow, to my taste. And, sorry to say, both headstocks are wrong. Attached plse see a pic of the exact shape of Johns No.1 or No.2. Oliver (Spyderman)  | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 4532 Registered: 6-2000 |
Well, I wouldn't say the headstocks are wrong - Bobby's not saying these are replicas of JE's basses. These basses have the typical headstocks for the time they were built. Where's that picture from, Oliver? I haven't seen it before. | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 660 Registered: 7-2003 |
Mica, sorry, I meant about the headstocks that they donīt have the right shape for us critical JE fans. Sorry. As for the raw Spyder this is NO Alembic. Sorry to say, a good friend of mine who is luthier of guitars and me have created this. It has the exact shape and dims of Johnīs Spyders but is still in this raw stage as I dontīt know yet how to finish it electronicswise etc. I wanted to have a spare bass on stage besides my DW until I am able to order also an exact Spyder like Alan did. So hopefully I win the lottery this weekend.... But: as for the bass I take it as a compliment !!! Oliver (Spyderman) (Message edited by senmen on May 04, 2007) | ||
| dela217
Senior Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 791 Registered: 6-2002 |
Those are 2 beautiful basses at a great price. I think you should have no trouble finding a home for those babies. I am a small standard kind of guy, so they are not for me. Now if those were a matching pair of small standards from '75 or so.... Maybe I should post this in the dreaming section. Michael | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 494 Registered: 11-2003 |
Bob, Yes, as Oliver has noted the body shapes are different. Even John Entwistle's Exploiters were each a bit different. The one I'm having built is much closer to JE's than the Exploiters above, but that doesn't tarnish what fine instruments they must be. For me, I didn't want my pickups placed as close to the end of the fretboard as with the first Exploiter above, so mine are going to be more like where the pickups are placed on my Essences, which I find very comfortable for slapping and popping (I'm not great at those techniques, but I do throw a few in occasionally). JE used to pop in between the pickups, one of the things that I think made his technique so unique. Oliver and I have discussed the body shapes at length, and it looks like the one he posted above is pretty darn close to JE's Spyders listed in his book, Bass Culture. I think mine is too - the folks in Santa Rosa have done a great job from what I can tell at this point. JE's were much thinner at the "waist," and the cutaway on the lower horn went slightly below the end of the fingerboard from what I can tell. Alan | ||
| bobbydevlinny
New Username: bobbydevlinny Post Number: 3 Registered: 4-2007 |
The scale on both of these basses is 34". The Series I has had the straploks turned down to 5/16" diameter and sunken into the body (turned 'em on the lathe myself) and included are TWO DS-5 small versions, and yes THREE 5-pin cables as well as the original PERFECT form fit hardshell cases. The Series I was actually my first Alembic I ever owned and the number is currently at 7 out of my 72 basses total. My last one purchased was the 2003 MK5 in Buckeye Burl and is my 17th Alembic that I have owned. Anyway, I never intended these to be replicas, which to me are second-best, at best....these are contemporaries to the Exploiters (Spyders) which my dear departed friend John once owned and he commented that my birdseye Series I was the finest he had ever held. How come none of you detail freaks (lovingly & respectfully, I call thee) noticed the Maximua 24 Karat Gold strings on both of these ( also on my 6 Warwick Buzzards ) which NONE of your "replicas" will EVER have...haha! Thanks for all the great feedback  (Message edited by davehouck on May 07, 2007) | ||
| bobbydevlinny
New Username: bobbydevlinny Post Number: 4 Registered: 4-2007 |
Please forgive the typo on "Maxima" and sorry Flip, no Dutch roots..."Bassbeast" was loooong gone, so I had to settle for the seemingly Dutch spelling "bassbeest"! I do certainly enjoy my Heineken and Konigsegg CCX's ! ! ! | ||
| valvil
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 1018 Registered: 7-2002 |
I loved Jeremy Clarkson's raving review of the Koenigsegg on Top Gear "..it sounds like Thor gargling a hammer..." Gorgeous car. How about some pictures of THAT? I bet lots of us would love 'em. Valentino | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 495 Registered: 11-2003 |
Bobby, I didn't notice because I use DRs myself (.40-.100). As far as the Warwick goes, well, let's just say that if I were on a deserted island and I discovered a Warwick laying around, my first instinct would be to use it for a signalling fire to get off the island. I know JE liked and used them extensively in the 80s and 90s, but I've never played a Warwick I've liked (and yes, I have played them outside of a Guitar Center). Baseball bat necks, way too heavy (even heavier than my Alembics to me), and every single one I've ever played had horrible action. Sound and tone were nothing special to me. Different strokes as they say. Alan | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 537 Registered: 3-2004 |
Beautiful basses. Wish I had the scratch, they would be a great addition to the collection. AJ, I would take a slightly different approach. If there was other wood, I'd use that and then spend time practicing on the Warwick. That way I would be scary good when I got back home to my real basses. Would also have a good substitute to swing for a baseball game with the hopefully friendly natives.(possibly a girl's softball team?) Oh yeah! Make a great paddle so Wilson and I could get nearer the shipping lanes. Come to think of it, another good reason not to get hitched, when I got back she would have sold the basses and went to Nordstroms or Saks or some such other place, or finding some guy named Chuck playing with them along to Hootie cds. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1569 Registered: 3-2004 |
Danno, it would be a shame to see that pair painted black! | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 487 Registered: 5-2006 |
All right!  I found another cool Series 2 Exploiter on the web, not for sale btw. click here !*!Warning!*! The basses on that page can be harmful to some of the viewers keyboards,monitors or whatever that is not waterproof and can be damaged by fluids... Sorry for the  btw...  | ||
| bobbydevlinny
New Username: bobbydevlinny Post Number: 5 Registered: 4-2007 |
I don't usually get like this as I am a gentleman, BUT, Alan, do you EVER have a positive thing to say about anything other than your own? The Maxima reference was in the context that those were the ONLY strings John Entwistle would ever use..as a 300%er YOU should have known that!....and DR's are the only strings which I broke and A and a D string in the same set of music. As for your attitude, I have broken more basses on stage than you will ever own and that being said, you should bring a little respect when flaunting your self-given authority. With 494 postings it seems that someone should have handed you your fat ass by now. You may not have met me yet, but I am JUST the man for the job. When I get no respect, I offer none....Much respect to the rest of the posters, but my work is done here! Good luck folks!  (Message edited by davehouck on May 07, 2007) | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 496 Registered: 11-2003 |
Bobby, First, my response was not an attack on you or Warwicks. I was merely stating what my (albeit) limited experience has been with them. You'll not that I used the phrase "to me" in the post - I wrote that because it implies that it just doesn't work for me personally. Warwicks are played by a lot of people, and happily so. As I said, different strokes. John Entwistle actually used Rotosounds until the 80's-90's at some point (they still use a picture of John with James How of Rotosound on the packaging). Apparently, Rotosound made a "signature" set for Billy Sheehan, and that didn't sit well with JE for some reason, so he switched to Maximas. At some point in the 90's he went back to Rotosounds. Looking back at my post, I can't seem to find anything I said that could be construed as disrespectful to either you or anyone else here, so I'm a bit puzzled as to why you took offense. If my comments came off that way, my apologies. BTW, nice Triple O. Alan | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 538 Registered: 3-2004 |
AJ, a wonderful and truly classy response to a very hostile post that shows a lack of knowledge of you person, vocation and physique. An excellent application of your character and training. Continued success to you, your mission, your collection and the nation. I salute you as best a civie can. | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 497 Registered: 11-2003 |
Danno, thanks. For anyone interested in the strings JE used and when, see this site http://www.thewho.net/whotabs/equipment/bass/equip-entwistlegear-misc.html. There's also a listing of the equipment JE used throughout the years. Great resource for JE fans I think. Alan | ||
| ndr_bass
Junior Username: ndr_bass Post Number: 14 Registered: 5-2002 |
Alan, Thanks for that link! It says JE switched back to Rotosounds 2001-2002, but no explanation. Anybody know why he went back? Did Rotosound solve the core issue that made JE go to Maxima? Chris | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 661 Registered: 7-2003 |
Guys, I think the main problem with the Maxima/Optima strings was the then stop of production under the brand Maxima. I used Maximas back then too and they were really fantastic. After the name was changed to Optima I think there must been something changed also productionwise. I checked two different sets of Optima Gold last year and they didnīt reach the quality of the Maximas. My two Optima sets were dead after two rehearsals. I claimed with Optima and got a new set for free, but without any explanation. But also this third one was not comparable to the old Maximas or Rotosound Swing or DR Highbeams. The Optimas get dull very quickly while the Rotosound and the Highbeams hold their brightness for a long time. Oliver (Spyderman) | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1292 Registered: 2-2006 |
WOW, I kind of like the 4 Warwicks I have. Oh well, to each his own I guess. | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 498 Registered: 11-2003 |
Olie, Exactly. To each his/her own. You don't have one of those Jack Bruce "Cream Reunion" basses, do you? They look kind of like a cross between an EB3 and a Wal to me - interesting. I'm just curious as to how they sound and play, so if you can elaborate, please do. Alan | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 490 Registered: 5-2006 |
I kinda like this:   And of course the basses offered in this thread. (like some Warwicks to btw) | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2348 Registered: 7-2004 |
Danno: Single and stranded on a desert island with a girls' softball team, and you're thinking about signal fires, paddles, and shipping lanes? No offense intended, but ARE YOU NUTZ! LOL Bill, tgo (Message edited by lbpesq on May 06, 2007) | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 579 Registered: 9-2005 |
Alan, nice restraint on dealing with the "gentleman." After I read the hostile post/attack, I went back and reread everything that you and everyone else said to see if there was anything that remotely justified that nonsense (and I didn't find it). Hopefully we can take him at his word, and his "work here is done." Kind of amusing... the notion that anyone would consider buying instruments from someone who exhibits behavior like that. | ||
| lindoom
Junior Username: lindoom Post Number: 16 Registered: 1-2004 |
To each his own? different strokes? in the voice of Yosemite Sam, them theres fightin words rabbit! | ||
| bobbydevlinny
New Username: bobbydevlinny Post Number: 6 Registered: 4-2007 |
Changed my mind...my stuff "ain't fer sale" ....I feel like anyone who thinks calling a very fine and beautiful instrument "firewood" is not disrespectful is in no position to judge my response, which I felt was quite tame (danno & 8 string). I'll miss you guys dearly....haha. | ||
| bobbydevlinny
New Username: bobbydevlinny Post Number: 7 Registered: 4-2007 |
As for Alan....your apology is respectfully and sincerely accepted. Best of luck to you, my friend! | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1293 Registered: 2-2006 |
Alan, No Jack Bruce model for me, I've never been a fan of the SG body. I do have a 4,5 & 6 string Thumb Basses and a Dolphin-Pro 5 string. In my opinion all very nice axes but not like my Alembics. Now I don't really care for the bolt-on neck WW's but I like the neck-thru models. Bobby, I hope you change your mind and stick around. There is some good info here. I wish the best for all and all you do, Olie | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 539 Registered: 3-2004 |
Olie, I happen to love the shape of the Dolphin and Thumb. I just never liked the neck shape and I like a shiny gloss finish as opposed to Wenge. Bill, point taken but we must maintain a spirit of decorum and respect.The softball team could turn on me at any minute. Kind of like the Lillith fair with bats and cleats! I suppose our thread friend will find a more understanding group on a Warwick forum. Is legend in own mind yes? Why have to break basses on stage? Make sense no to me, but to each his own as you say. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2349 Registered: 7-2004 |
Personally, if I ever find myself stranded on a desert isaland with a girls' softball team, the first thing I'm doing is becoming a Mormon! hehehehe Bill, tgo | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1294 Registered: 2-2006 |
Danno, the necks on the Warwicks are a little odd feeling. Kind of a round shape to them. But the body shapes are great. I especially like the cotoured body. And you are absolutely correct about maintaining respect on the forum. ".....can't we all just get along?" Getting back to the threads title, I have never really been a fan of the Exploiter, Explorer or Firebird shapes. They just don't fit me real well. | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1435 Registered: 6-2002 |
Did somebody already mention that Koenigsegg is Swedish, not Dutch? You may be confused with Spyker. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5021 Registered: 5-2002 |
I would like to make some comments on this thread. But first, my apologies. As much as I love this group and the work I get to do here, I have been falling behind. It seems recently that I get to log on only every few days or so, instead of every day as I would like, and then try to hurry through all the threads until I've read everything. (Well not everything, I've only been skimming through the thread about motorcycle races.) So my apologies. Hopefully I'll be more successful at getting to the board on a more regular basis. Now ... This thread was brought to my attention by a fellow club member who was concerned about the tenor of some of the posts. (Thanks again!) In Mica's post above, I perceived some familiarity on her part with Bobby. In Bobby's post #3 above (his second post in this thread) he mentions that he has owned 17 Alembics. At this point I'm thinking there is a possibility that Bobby may be a really good customer of Alembic. And this discussion board is of course owned, operated and provided as a courtesy of Alembic. And we all know how Alembic treats its customers, whether or not they are members of this board. There have been cases here in the past where a new member, unfamiliar with our community, unfamiliar with the daily flow of conversation among people who have grown to know each other, has started posting in such a manner as to ruffle some feathers. In most of those cases, the new members sooner or later caught on to the ebb and flow of life here in our community and became valued members and friends. It is reasonable for members to a see a post in the For Sale section by someone with a Post Number of 1 and assume that this person joined the board for the sole purpose of selling something. It also follows that such a person probably is unfamiliar with our community, our members, and the contexts in which we know each other, and has probably not read The Posting Guidelines. My guess is that had Bobby been more familiar with our group, the tenor of this thread would have been different. I don't think anyone is at fault here. My take is that this was a series of unfortunately worded and unfortunately interpreted posts that resulted in an exchange that was a bit unpleasant. Bobby. I know the guys here and I can say that they are a great group of people. And Alan in particular is very highly respected. Most of us are aware of the context in which he has led his life in the recent past; and personally I'm grateful he made it out alive. Anyway, I just wanted you to know that any negative impression you may have drawn from your experience here was in my opinion just an unfortunate exchange among people who did not know each other, posting written messages on an internet discussion board. Such errors in communication do happen in this medium. It's certainly not the same as meeting in person. In closing, it seems to me quite valuable to us as individuals and as members of communities of people that we care for each other, that we help each other, and that we treat each other with respect. Compared to that valuable asset, what kinds of and how many instruments we own seems unimportant. | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 540 Registered: 3-2004 |
Well, threatening a member of the military after claiming gentlemen status is a bit beyond the pale. Unfortunate wording or no. | ||
| juggernaught
Junior Username: juggernaught Post Number: 45 Registered: 3-2007 |
Got a request. Can yous guys move this to a general discussion forum? It seems to be sufficiently out of context for a "for sale" post, and it's starting to look like spam on my email. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5024 Registered: 5-2002 |
Devon; a good idea, and I originally considered starting a new thread, but then I thought that this is probably the only place Bobby was likely to check. That's why I chose to post to this thread. | ||
| bobbydevlinny
New Username: bobbydevlinny Post Number: 8 Registered: 4-2007 |
Thanks to Dave for putting all in context....danno for continuing to stir the pot and all of you for whatever positive additions to the thread. I have received many emails also positive explaining the attitudes towards newbies, but I can assure you I am no newbie outside this forum. We'll "chat" again...time to move on. Best regards to Mica & all at my favorite bass company for providing a forum such as this. Moving on.......Bobby Devlin  | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1440 Registered: 6-2002 |
Pepperpot: Speaking as a public opinion poll, I've had enough of the permissive society. Man In Dirty Raincoat: I havn't had enough of the permissive society. Episode 12B: Full frontal nudity |
