| Author | Message | ||
| ajdover
New Username: ajdover Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2003 |
Just bought a used '84 Spoiler-Exploiter off Ebay, and all I can say is WHAT AN INSTRUMENT! I've wanted an Alembic ever since I can remember, and now I finally have one. Like Oliver, I'm into John Entwistle (RIP), and have wanted an Exploiter the first time I saw him with one. And am I glad I have one now! Of course, it's not a Spyder, but I can always dream, can't I?!!!! I now know why everyone says Alembic is the best, because it is. I own 7 other basses ('94 and '73 Jazz Basses, two '74-75 Gibson Rippers, an '87 Gibson Thunderbird, a '79 Musicman StingRay, and a '76 Rickenbacker 4001), and I can honestly say I've never owned an instrument with this level of quality and craftsmanship. Sure, they cost a lot, but you get what you pay for. Amazing that I got it off of Ebay in this shape. I couldn't find a mark on it, and it looks like it just came straight from the factory, no joke. And the sound .... well, what can I say! I'm looking forward to being part of the club! Alan | ||
| bracheen
Junior Username: bracheen Post Number: 18 Registered: 11-2003 |
Hi Alan, congratulations on your bass. You must post pictures! I know just what you mean about Alembics being in a class by themselves. I only have two other basses other than my Epic, a PBass & a fretless Jazz that I bought in a fit of hero worship. If I have a fretless Jazz I can play like Jaco right? That didn't work. Anyway, welcome to the club and if I didn't mention it, pictures! Sam | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 748 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Alan, welcome from this side of the pond too. From now on you'll need always a handkerchief on the side of your computer. Why? How are you going to explain all that drool on the keyboard? Wait until you got trapped with your nose against the screen by your wife ..oh-o ... "I was looking at that nice body af that guitar"..." suuuuu-ure "nice body"! Anyway ...it's an addiction. Hey Holy Moder Val: with how many are we now in this club? Paul the bad one PS: watch out fr other Paul's (we got loads of those!!!) they like to welcome!!! Be gentle with them but don't feed them, they get sticky!! | ||
| jet_powers
Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 76 Registered: 2-2003 |
Hi Alan, I'm suprised Paul the good one hasn't beaten me here but welcome from New England! I too am a huge JAE fan and have an '83 Exploiter to go along with three other Alembics. It's my 4 string of choice. I'm afraid you may have just obsoleted a bunch of basses, but that's OK.I did the same thing. Alembics are a nice, clean, healthy addiction to pursue!!! Paul the John One..... Feed us pictures!!!! BTW- Hey Paul the Bad one!! Just had to respond to you from the other thread!!! Doin' OK here. You? | ||
| kenbass4
New Username: kenbass4 Post Number: 8 Registered: 10-2003 |
Welcome, Alan! I'm a couple of hours drive from the Alembic factory, so when I ordered mine I took my wife with...so she KNOWS what I'm staring at. :-) Ken | ||
| elzie
Advanced Member Username: elzie Post Number: 236 Registered: 8-2002 |
Well Jet Powers, I wanted to be fashionably late! Welcome to the club Alan! Of course, I don't need to say "we want pics" as everyone else has done so. Don't listen to the bad Paul, he is too far gone and beyond repair........ It is good to have you here as a new member of our slightly off-center group. Did I mention pictures??? Paul the good one | ||
| ajdover
New Username: ajdover Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2003 |
I'd love to post a picture, but I keep getting a message telling me the pic is too big (can't be any bigger than 150kb). If anyone knows how to do this here, let me know and I'll oblige. I've saved it as both a JPEG and a GIF, which I understand is the format needed, right? Help! Thanks, Alan | ||
| bob
Member Username: bob Post Number: 79 Registered: 11-2002 |
Without knowing what software, or even operating system/platform you're using, it's hard to be specific. However, nearly any program which lets you "save as" as jpeg, will probably also offer some options, including one for something like "jpeg quality". Reducing the quality from 100 to 85-90 percent will typically reduce the size of the file by at least a third, maybe almost half, and you'll have trouble seeing the difference. Depending on the photo, you can sometimes go lower. You may also have options to "scale" the image, so that it displays at a smaller size than the original (this is nice, since we don't have to scroll horizontally to read all of the following posts...). Mica had some helpful suggestions recently, see the post dated Nov. 17, in Factory to Customer/Randy's Custom Clarke Deluxe. Having just reviewed that, reducing resolution to 72dpi is pretty obviously the first step (hey, she does this all the time, and I don't even have a digital camera yet). You probably want to stick with jpeg, rather than gif, since gifs are limited to 256 colors. Reducing resolution, quality, and/or scaling should all help to get things down to a reasonable size. Just try saving a couple different ways, and look at the sizes of the files on your disk (and how the images look on screen). | ||
| senmen
Intermediate Member Username: senmen Post Number: 133 Registered: 7-2003 |
Alan, welcome to our intimate Alembic club and congrats to your Exploiter. Ok, I own two Spyders (4 and 8string) but you own a whole bunch of basses. Great! As for the pics, try to resize them to a smaller size, save them and then try again. Take care Oliver | ||
| janriviere
Member Username: janriviere Post Number: 71 Registered: 5-2002 |
Welcome Alan, If you want to reduce the pic size, and I am just guessing you are using a windows pc, then try the small graphical software irfanview. It's free and perfect for this kind of manipulations. You can download it at www.irfanview.com I hope that works. Cheers Jan | ||
| elzie
Advanced Member Username: elzie Post Number: 237 Registered: 8-2002 |
Also, if you have no luck, e-mail me your pictures and I will resize/post them for you. Paul II | ||
| ajdover
New Username: ajdover Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2003 |
Man, what a great group of folks here! I'll try all the suggestions. If I have no luck, I'll email them to Paul II and ask him to resize/post for me. Thanks again for the warm welcome! Alan P.S. Oliver, do you want pictures of my other instruments as well? Let me know. | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 752 Registered: 9-2002 |
Howdie Paul the John one! We live and making music! Sometimes live can be simple and beautiful! Paul | ||
| dela217
Advanced Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 219 Registered: 6-2002 |
I have tried some software called Thumbs Plus. It works for all my needs. It is available at www.cerious.com. They have a trial version available, but I think after 30 days or so, you have to make up your mind to buy it. | ||
| ajdover
New Username: ajdover Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2003 |
Here's my new Exploiter. Enjoy! Alan  | ||
| ajdover
New Username: ajdover Post Number: 5 Registered: 11-2003 |
Here's my new Exploiter. Enjoy! Alan  | ||
| ajdover
New Username: ajdover Post Number: 6 Registered: 11-2003 |
Here are my other guitars, minus the Ripper and the Rickenbacker. The Blond Fender and the Musicman are currently being refretted, but I should have the Jazz back next week. I'll get pix of my Ripper and my Rick in as well. Alan  | ||
| ajdover
New Username: ajdover Post Number: 7 Registered: 11-2003 |
Here's my '76 Rickenbacker. Alan  | ||
| ajdover
New Username: ajdover Post Number: 8 Registered: 11-2003 |
And finally, my 74-75 Gibson Ripper. I emailed Gibson, and that's as close as they could get on the date based on the serial number. This bass is a beast - it's really beat up, but man, it plays and sounds great. It's not an Alembic, but ... it takes me back to my childhood when I saw Gene Simmons playing one. He was, believe it or not, one of my earliest playing influences .. until, of course, I discovered Chris Squire, Geddy Lee, John Paul Jones, Greg Lake, John Entwistle, Paul McCartney ... you get the picture. Anyway, it didn't cost much, and now I have one. Enjoy! Alan  | ||
| mattheus
Member Username: mattheus Post Number: 72 Registered: 5-2003 |
Mmmmm, is it just me or....... I can't help..... I prefer the Alembic Exploiter. Did you know that it's actually a spoiler? Really cool collection by the way... Mattheus | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 753 Registered: 9-2002 |
Nice collection Alan. For me it's the Music man that brings soooooooo much memories. Back in 1978 I visited a friend in Groningen (Holland) who owned a fairly identical one. I played practically whole days on that instrument. I fell in love. Never played one afterwards. Just nice memories! Paul the bad one | ||
| ajdover
New Username: ajdover Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2003 |
Thanks for all the compliments on the collection! How did I amass all of these things, you may ask? These instruments reflect two things - instruments I always wanted but couldn't afford or get, and instruments I've always had or preferred. For me, the Rick and the Jazz are the two I've always preferred, since they were within my price range and fitted the music I played. The others (Thunderbird, Ripper, Musicman, and now the Exploiter) are the ones I always wanted growing up and later, but could never afford or find. Now that I'm older, I can afford them but not always find them. Imagine that! In the case of my Alembic, I've bid on EBay several times, but always lost the auction. This time I won, and am I glad I did! Matteus - My paperwork tells me my Alembic is a Spoiler-Exploiter. I understand that to mean it has Spoiler electronics in an Exploiter body. The way I see it, who cares! It's an Alembic! But I do appreciate the clarification, as I am a newbie here. BTW, what is the difference between a Spoiler-Exploiter, and a regular Exploiter, if there is such an animal? If anyone knows, please respond. Anyway, I'm so glad to be part of the club. Alan | ||
| valvil
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 255 Registered: 7-2002 |
A late welcome from me as well Alan. That's a nice collection of instruments. Most Exploiters were based on the Spoiler model, but Alembic has custom built several Exploiters with different electronics. The regular ones typically featured Spoiler construction (32 inch scale, maple neck) and Spoiler electronics. I'd say your bass is a 'regular' exploiter. Also, if you let me know the serial number I'll be happy to look up the file for you, see what information we have on your bass. Valentino | ||
| ajdover
New Username: ajdover Post Number: 10 Registered: 11-2003 |
Val, Serial number is 84S3364. Thanks in advance! Alan | ||
| valvil
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 257 Registered: 7-2002 |
Here's what the file says: 1984 Spoiler-Exploiter 4 string fretted Zebrawood top & headstock mahogany body maple neck Ebony fretboard oval inlays 32 inch scale Schaller tuners completed 10/29/84 sold through Lightning Music & Sound in Texas That's it. Valentino | ||
| ajdover
Junior Username: ajdover Post Number: 11 Registered: 11-2003 |
Valentino, That is consistent with the paperwork that came with the bass. The previous owner was a John M., currently residing in Atlanta, and he bought it at Lightning Music and Sound on February 28, 1985. He was the original owner, and didn't play it much past 1987. No wonder it's in such great shape! Thanks for the info, Alan [admin note: post edited, previous owner's name is private] | ||
| jet_powers
Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 79 Registered: 2-2003 |
Alan, Very pretty bass you've got there. Mine's maple but I really like the zebrawood..... Paul the John one Paul TBO- you're right. Life is best when it's simple....... | ||
| smuprof
New Username: smuprof Post Number: 1 Registered: 12-2003 |
Hi to all, I'm a new member with an '84 Spoiler-Exploiter. (long-time dream to own an Alembic, and now I do!) Alan (ajdover), I think you and I competed on a couple of eBay bids. There were about 4 Exploiters sold in Oct-Nov, 2 were maple top, the others looked like yours and mine (mine looks identical, only it has a bubinga top over mahogany - same electronics). I can't claim mine looks factory-fresh, although the frets show very little wear and there's only a few little nicks and dings on the wood - no real bad marks or belt rash. I'd like to ask the group for more information on the Exploiters. Apparently not that many were made, and it appears to be the only bass not shown in the serial number tables on the Alembic web site. That body style also doesn't appear to be offered any more other than the special Entwhistle Spiders (never was crazy about that split "Dean" looking head). Can anyone tell me any more about the specific history of the Exploiters? Thanks. John in Texas | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1280 Registered: 6-2000 |
Exploiters are an optional body shape for all models. Yours is a Spoiler with an Exploiter body shape. Some Exploiter body shapes will add and "X" after the "S" in the serial number, but it wasn't always done that way. You can still special order just about anything we've ever made, and the Exploiter body shape is still a current offering. Glad you're enjoying your new-to-you Alembic! | ||
| smuprof
New Username: smuprof Post Number: 2 Registered: 12-2003 |
Thanks, Mica. I played a friend's Series 1 in 1978 when I was in high school and never forgot what it was like. It's a whole different experience. After playing seriously from 14 to 24, I played ocassionally for fun for the next 18, until I started teaching my 12 y.o. daughter to play guitar. Funny story, that got me started looking into an inexpensive bass for around $250. Then on to the Mexican Fenders, then some of the Warwicks, but hey, if I'm going to spend that kind of money, shouldn't I get what I really want? Needless to say, my original $250 budget went out the window because I never forgot what playing that Alembic one time was like. That's powerful magic! John in Texas | ||
| bigredbass
Intermediate Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 200 Registered: 9-2002 |
SMU OK, as a transplanted Texan in Tennessee, my curiosity has got me: Are you a prof at SMU? It's amazing how that magic can stay with you. I played a Bosendorfer grand in my teens and I still remember it vividly, and I've played some great Steinways and Yamahas in my day. I never got that same chill until I got my ALEMBIC. So welcome, we're glad you found us. AJDover: My FIRST bass was a Ripper! I've often thought that they were the closest Gibson ever came to a good bass. I always thought TBirds looked impossibly cool, but they were always SO neck heavy. I was so disappointed when I first tried one. I always thought 4001/4003s were classics, and while I'm not a 'vintage' guy, I would like to have the 360-inspired 4005 one day. Glad you're here, too. J o e y | ||
| ajdover
Junior Username: ajdover Post Number: 13 Registered: 11-2003 |
smuprof and Joey, Smuprof: you're right, we were competing on Ebay for the same bass. As it is, it worked out for both of us. We both now own an Alembic! Like you, I've always wanted one, and now I have it! Joey: I've always liked Rippers as well. They have great tones, and play really well. You're right about Thunderbirds, they are neck heavy, but ... they just look so cool! I'm going to drop new pickups in mine when I get the chance (the ones in it now suck). Best regards, Alan | ||
| smuprof
New Username: smuprof Post Number: 3 Registered: 12-2003 |
Joey - You got it. Of course my hair's not as long, and the beard's gone, but I've had a blast the last couple of months with my Alembic. Where in Tennessee?? My Mom grew up near Knoxville and my family's still in GA. Thanks for the welcome. What a great group! John | ||
| smuprof
New Username: smuprof Post Number: 4 Registered: 12-2003 |
Hi Alan, Ebay's funny how you get to "know" people you're bidding against. I've been watching since then and haven't seen but one other Exploiter and it didn't sell for $1,500. Glad to know you. SMU | ||
| bigredbass
Advanced Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 204 Registered: 9-2002 |
smuProf I live in Madison, which is a suburb of Nashville. I go to Knoxville occasionally, and East Tennessee / North Georgia is a beautiful piece of the world. Took a short vacation a couple of years ago going from Chattanooga,TN to Asheville, NC, through the whitewater country along the Ocoee River below the Smoky Mountains National Park. Fabulous scenery, and I MUST repeat the trip via motorcycle one day. As it was, I was there during a Miata rally, and was utterly GREEN with envy. J o e y | ||
| bracheen
Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 55 Registered: 11-2003 |
Good morning and welcome to the group, Alan & John. Should of said that sooner since Alan's already a junior member. Please forgive my tardiness. Great collection Alan. I've never played a Thunderbird so can't comment on the balance but there is definetly one on my wish list! The TB and the EB3 are the only Gibson's I've fancied. John, like Joey I'm a transplanted Texan but in Florida not Tenn. My dad is living in Arlington and the rest of the family is scattered around the D/FW area. Sam | ||
| bracheen
Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 56 Registered: 11-2003 |
OK, my brain's gone. Everyone now knows that. It seems that I welcomed Alan in November. It must be this 50 degree weather we've been having lately. Sorry. Sam | ||
| bassman10096
Junior Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 48 Registered: 7-2003 |
Another welcome Alan from the ranks of Spoiler owners. Your Exploiter looks great. I got my Spoiler (Vector body) off Ebay as well and have been very pleased with the bass, as well as the seller. You've got a great collection there, too! Bill | ||
| dannobasso
Intermediate Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 110 Registered: 7-2002 |
Welcome from a fellow Exploiter owner plus 8 other "lembics". My first bass was a 77 Ripper like yours. I'm still looking for one to replace it, just for nostalgia. I lent mine to a guy while I was concentrating on fretless. No one told me he liked herion. Found it in Bronen's Music in Paramus NJ. Tracked the bastard down and made him pay me back the cost of the bass. First bass line I ever played was Cold Gin. Then I discovered the Romantic Warrior LP. Had to get an Alembic after that! Congrats! Danno | ||
| davehouck
Advanced Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 288 Registered: 5-2002 |
Romantic Warrior! Another of my all time favorites! | ||
| ajdover
Junior Username: ajdover Post Number: 19 Registered: 11-2003 |
(Message edited by ajdover on January 07, 2004) | ||
| ajdover
Junior Username: ajdover Post Number: 20 Registered: 11-2003 |
Dannobasso, I noticed your post, and you mentioned you're looking for a Ripper. Well, I own two, and am considering selling one. The one I'm thinking about letting go is a natural '74-75, with maple neck. It is in good condition, with nicks, scrapes, etc. It is by no means mint, but it everything on it works. The four position switch, however, needs work. It is a split post design, and one of the "sides" of the post is missing. Additionally, the "chicken head" knob is not original. However, I am told by a reputable luthier here in the DC area (Jim at musictechnology.com - he's done work on my Fender Jazz and Musicman, and I can vouch for his competency) that the switch can be repaired, and a reasonable facsimile of the orginal knob installed. It does need set up work, does not have a case, but does have the bridge cover. I have the cardboard box my Alembic came in, and will ensure it is packed properly should you decide to purchase it. I'm looking at about $300 plus shipping - not bad considering most go for $500 or more on Ebay. I'd rather sell it to someone who will appreciate it this way than on Ebay. Let me know if you're interested, and I will send detailed pictures to aid in your decision. Be advised I won't be back in the DC area until 9 Jan 04, so I won't be able to take pix until then (the bass is in DC, I'm on leave in Fayetteville, NC). Best Regards, Alan |
