FS/FT Feeler: 1985 Alembic Spoiler...

christopherogut · #1 11-18-2012, 04:53 PM

I'm considering selling ~~or trading~~ my 1985 Alembic Spoiler 4 string. I've had this for about 6 months and, while it's an awesome player, I haven't given it much play time and am kinda looking for something else. I'd be really interested in a trade for an '80's American Reissue Fender Precision or Jazz, or an older Fender Jazz 'player' with some mojo or mods... with possibly some extra money from me to make a good deal work. Cash works, too.

The bass has a quilted maple top (not AAAA but nice looking), mahogany body, 3-piece maple neck, ebony fretboard, 32" scale length, 1.75" nut width. Body is in very good overall condition but there are numerous small dings and dents on front and back and some finish cracking/crazing on the back around the upper horn. There's a decent dent/scratch on the back near the upper horn and an impression on the back of the neck around the 11th fret. The bridge shows some oxidation from age and the tailpiece has some flaked off glaze. Headstock has a spot with four small gouges at the upper right. The 3rd fret inlay is missing. Frets are good, neck is good. Action is pretty low and plays well but could use a good setup and some fresh strings. Serial number: 85S3453.

Now, the modifications... the bass has EMG 35 pickups installed along with the associated EMG electronics... It's a Volume, Volume, stacked Tone setup with a dummy EMG volume pot installed in the extra hole and a 9V battery. There is an additional rout on the back with a black plastic cover for another 9V battery but this is unused. An area of the top above the pickup and extending to the truss rod cover has been routed out and finished, showing the mahogany underneath the maple top, perhaps more clearance for pop/slap? The tuners are chrome Schallers marked Made in W Germany.

I have no case for this and so I would carefully double box this for shipping.

I can take and upload some more detailed pictures if there's interest.

EDIT: I'm asking $800 shipped. For anyone local, I'm in Monroe, NY, about 45 miles North of NYC, and we could work out a better deal ($750) if it doesn't have to be shipped.

Feel free to PM me. Thanks for looking!

justjake · #2 11-18-2012, 09:54 PM

do you have the original electronics ? bump for my favorite alembic model

christopherogut · #3 11-19-2012, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justjake

do you have the original electronics ? bump for my favorite alembic model

No, I don't have any of the original electronics. They were long gone before I purchased the bass. Original owner said he got it back in '99 and the pickups were dead and preamp was missing.

I was unsure of how to price this for sale with non-original electronics, rout on the front, and lack of a case... if anyone is interested and wants to PM me a realistic offer I'll certainly listen.

KUNGfuSHERIFF · #4 11-19-2012, 03:16 PM

Quackhead · #5 11-19-2012, 05:38 PM

Even without the original electronics, this is a hell of a deal. If this went to a good home and someone spoiled her, she would love you for the rest of your life.

The Nameless · #6 11-19-2012, 05:45 PM

Yes. I priced the original stuff. A big hunk of cash. However, wit a big dealer discount, and fact the folk at Alembic are SUPER nice, an happy ta help in almost any situation, I'm sure they could be had for a lot less than online list prices, an even IF ya paid full price, this bass is still an incredible deal. I'm still searchin for way ta bring her to me, but alas, the cupboard bare... GLWTS... inCREDible instrument.

christopherogut · #7 11-19-2012, 05:56 PM

Thanks for the positive comments. I was dreading pages of responses like "WHY WOULD SOMEONE REMOVE THE STOCK ELECTRONICS?!" and "ITS NOT AN ALEMBIC NOW" but, seriously, it's still a beast. I'm sure someone could pull some strings with Mica at Alembic and get replacement electronics for less than their list prices. I considered finding some used AXY4 pickups and Alembic guts to swap in but, honestly, the EMG 35's are a damn decent set of pickups and the bass certainly isn't lacking in the tone department.

Marcury · #8 11-21-2012, 08:25 AM

Damn, that's worth it for the bones alone! GLWTS

christopherogut · #9 11-22-2012, 08:27 AM

Happy Thanksgiving Bump

**Mrfstop** · #10 11-22-2012, 09:38 AM

I love my Alembic.
Killer basses.
I am sure even as this one is, it is fantastic.
And the price is super reasonable for an alembic with or without the factory guts and pups. GLWTS man.

christopherogut · #11 11-24-2012, 06:18 AM

There's a pair of Alembic pickups and electronics from a Spoiler on eBay right now...

iriegnome · #12 11-24-2012, 07:47 AM

killing me here

Jaymi · #13 12-09-2012, 04:07 PM

searchfunction · #14 12-09-2012, 05:11 PM

PM Sent

christopherogut · #15 12-12-2012, 08:38 PM

bump, still available.

As many are interested to restore this Alembic with correct pickups and electronics, I have removed the EMG setup and decided to snap a quick picture...

I appreciate all of the varied trade offers. It's bartering and trading like this that make the internet, and TalkBass specifically, a great place to do business and encounter exciting opportunities.

Thanks for all the interest so far!

Jaymi · #16 12-15-2012, 08:28 AM

I still think this is really cool

iriegnome · #17 12-19-2012, 05:36 PM

No really killing me.... I WANT.........Christmas......4 teenagers...

Jaymi · #18 12-31-2012, 03:12 PM

It should come here!!!!

christopherogut · #19 01-12-2013, 10:54 AM

bump. reinstalled pickups and re-did the wiring. i almost forgot how good it sounds!

Jaymi · #20 01-12-2013, 12:47 PM

surprised it is still here..