look at this ruined alembic

[squirefan]

No thank you, if I want a Spector that's what I'll buy!

 

[Nephilymbass]

If i was to buy it i would definitely put some different pickups and or have some pickup rings made for it. But alembic is one of those companies where the electronics are a huge part of the basses sound so there's no way is pay that much.

 

[Arnie]

Back in the late 80's I bought jazz style pickups for a fender jazz, they were expensive. Now, I don't even see them listed for sale any longer.

 

[Mark4]

It's worth however much someone is willing to pay for it.

 

[jamminology101]

Shoot, cut out a custom pickguard that is snug to the pickups and we have a winner....thats how fender gets away with.....

 

[Major Softie]

There's still a lot of fine bass there. I don't think he ruined it, but he certainly ruined the "value."

Good luck on that opening price....

 

[Bassgeer]

Wow, forget the original pickups, that routing is a hack job. It looks terrible. Would not buy.

 

[Bassdude15]

I for one am horrified! What kind of a ****** puts EMG electronics in an Alembic??? Not only that, but the routing is crudely done, and the lacquer around the bridge is worn off.
If I were a newbie and desperate for a bass, I MIGHT pay $200-$300 max. But $900??! That guy is delusional.

 

[Bassisgood4U]

I bet some Gibson Thunderbird pickups would hide that routing.

 

[Bassisgood4U]

Well..maybe not. Just looked. 1964-type Tbird pups could work with some additional routing. I think I'm at least on the right track, though.

 

[FC Bass]

I think a pair of Alembic AXY pickups and a proper routing would be the best way to restore this bass, add a refinish + new truss rods cover and you'll have a "good as new" Alembic.
(will also get it back up to the normal retail value for an Essence)

 

[ojo]

Back in the late 80's I bought jazz style pickups for a fender jazz, they were expensive. Now, I don't even see them listed for sale any longer.

You can still get jazz style Alembic pups/electronics. They call 'em Activators, and run just over a grand new.

 

[Alex1984]

Those electronics get better with age, and he yanked it all out. Man oh man.

How does the electronics get better? This is the first time I've heard such a statement.

 

[BurningSkies]

Drop a couple of these in it and you're ready to go.

 

[christopherogut]

I sold an '85 Alembic Spoiler with EMGs here on TalkBass last year and a sh*tshow similar to this thread began both in my sale thread, in a separate thread, and via PMs. My bass, unlike this one, wasn't routed out to accept 'lowly' aftermarket electronics and could be easily restored back to former glory with a AXY pickup and preamp transplant. Also, I purchased it already modified, played and enjoyed it, and passed it on gutted of the EMG electronics. It eventually re-surfaced and re-sold here with restored electronics for a lot more money than it left my hands for. Truth be told, it was a fantastic piece of wood with low action, easy playability, and nice, quiet electronics. Would I have liked it to be all original? Definitely, but it was an excellent bass even with the modifications. Was it worth me sourcing the Alembic electronics, scouring eBay for weeks to get it all together or piece together everything needed? Not really, in my opinion, as Spoilers aren't worth crazy money and the bass wasn't lacking in anything other than originality.

What would I do with that eBay bass? Snag it for cheaper than asking price, toss some gnarly jazz pickups in there and cover 'em with carved exotic wood covers, toss on a ramp to hide the routs, and play it.