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edmouk
Junior
Username: edmouk

Post Number: 32
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 1:27 pm:   Edit Post

Hi there
Here's my recently bought Alembic Series I. Very good bass, sound is excellent and is more comfortable to play than my other S I from 1977.
However I'm a bit disappointed as I got a problem with it since I started putting new strings : the previous strings had a rather heavy gauge (maybe 105 for the E string) , which I don't really like. So I put a lighter gauge string set, the one I usually use on my other basses, 35-95. Then the frets began to buzz very much at the 3rd fret. Looks like the neck backbowed. And of course the truss rods adjustement didn't help as they'are both completely loose.
So here's a fantastic bass but unplayable at the moment !
If anyone can suggest some advice, that would be wonderful. Thanks.





(I'll post better pics soon !)
pierreyves
Advanced Member
Username: pierreyves

Post Number: 212
Registered: 11-2006
Posted on Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 2:14 pm:   Edit Post

many Alembic have this problem, thank's Alembic.
I too I can't choice light gauge, I must run with 105-40, 105-30 for my 5 strings and 80-30 for my tenor.
If trussrods are loose, like on my SC deluxe, the only thing you have to do is to elevate (put higher) the bridge and wait 1 week. You adjust after a little. Don't forget to put some oil on the fingerboard, it protect against humidity and dry.
I did one thing when I was on hollidays: you elevate your strings with the bridge very high, you put a big book (3.93701 inches) on the middle of your neck under the strings, you really loose completly your trussrods and you wait 2 weeks.
After you can adjust the truss rods. Mines are not more loose now.
Good luck
PS: maintain your bass at constant hygrometry in a dry place and out of his case.
edmouk
Junior
Username: edmouk

Post Number: 33
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 12:01 pm:   Edit Post

Merci Pierre-Yves ! I hope I can solve this problem very soon as I can't wait to play this bass with my bands !
Je vais donc suivre tes conseils.
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 5587
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 10:33 pm:   Edit Post

If it's just the third fret, you might want to check to make sure that the fret heights are consistent. But if you're seeing a back bow, then a heat bend might be the answer.
adriaan
Senior Member
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 1659
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 2:47 am:   Edit Post

I would suggest raising the bridge just a fraction. Not sure if 78 is too early for an adjustable nut - that could also help you eliminate buzz on the lower frets.
edmouk
Junior
Username: edmouk

Post Number: 34
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 3:28 am:   Edit Post

Thanks for your replies mates !
Actually it's not just the 3rd fret (it rattles up to the 5th fret), but it's the worst. It is also much more important on the E string than on the 3 other strings.
The nut is not adjustable and as Adriaan wrote it, maybe I should inquire about raising it a bit, or see if I can replace it with an adjustable one.
... Very frustrating ! Yesterday, I took time to plug my new Series I on my rig (300 watts Ashdown head + 2 Trace Elliot Cabinets) and the sound is just amazing. You get the best of all the frequecy range. Not many basses can achieve that.
edmouk
Junior
Username: edmouk

Post Number: 38
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 3:04 pm:   Edit Post

Here's the same again, outside.

davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 5611
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 3:10 pm:   Edit Post

The outdoor pic looks nice!
edmouk
Junior
Username: edmouk

Post Number: 39
Registered: 7-2007
Posted on Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 2:30 pm:   Edit Post

Two more of the same :





Et voilą...

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