I used to own one of those (the four-string version) back in the late 80s-early 90s. These beautiful pics make me regret selling it!
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NBD - Alembic Spoiler
- Thread starter blacktocomm
- Start date
May I be the first...OK, among the first, to congratulate you on your purchase!! Very nice!
ahhh....my favorite alembic model !!! i've owned two and some day hope to own one again.
i miss my alembics !! question for you , are you sure it's 1.75 at the nut ? i've never experienced a spoiler with that nut size.
i miss my alembics !! question for you , are you sure it's 1.75 at the nut ? i've never experienced a spoiler with that nut size.
I just measured to make sure and you are correct. It measures 1 11/16.
Beautiful Alembic. Congrats
Is that actually a Persuader? Same body as Spoiler but different electronics ?
Persuaders have a volume control for each pickup and a single filter for tone control. The Spoiler has a single volume control and filter, but has a pickup selector/Q switch
Is that actually a Persuader? Same body as Spoiler but different electronics ?
Persuaders have a volume control for each pickup and a single filter for tone control. The Spoiler has a single volume control and filter, but has a pickup selector/Q switch
Got my first Alembic after only 40 years of playing, so I guess I'm ahead of you. 
A short scale Spoiler with a koa top and fat boy in the bridge position. We're both lucky ol' farts. Enjoy!
A short scale Spoiler with a koa top and fat boy in the bridge position. We're both lucky ol' farts. Enjoy!I owned a long-scale Spoiler Five for quite a few years, and I can tell you that this combination of quilt maple over mahogany is a great 'all-rounder' tone-wise. These are essentially lifetime instruments, generally require only minimal maintenance. I always say they're not for everyone, but if you 'get it', there is no substitute for an Alembic.
If you're new to the ways and world of Alembic, the best resource is at Alembic.com, and find the Alembic Club chat room. All sorts of tips and advice, can't recommend it enough. Great basses built by the best people in the world, who fortunately just dodged the bullet in the NorCal fires.
BTW, I'm guessing that fingerboard is their 'standard' taper neck profile: 1.75" at the nut, 2.25" at the 24th fret. It's a Spoiler/Persuader inasmuch as it's a Spoiler body planform (which were usually medium scale . . . ) and Persuader (v-v-filter) electronics.
If you're new to the ways and world of Alembic, the best resource is at Alembic.com, and find the Alembic Club chat room. All sorts of tips and advice, can't recommend it enough. Great basses built by the best people in the world, who fortunately just dodged the bullet in the NorCal fires.
BTW, I'm guessing that fingerboard is their 'standard' taper neck profile: 1.75" at the nut, 2.25" at the 24th fret. It's a Spoiler/Persuader inasmuch as it's a Spoiler body planform (which were usually medium scale . . . ) and Persuader (v-v-filter) electronics.
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sure is nice! and good on you for being patient (?!) as good things come to those who can wait. very nice to see that piece in such great condition. congratulations on your new instrument! 
Got my first Alembic after only 40 years of playing, so I guess I'm ahead of you.
I should have specified I've only been playing 30 years. I started at 15 or so. The 45 is my whole lifetime.
This one is 32" scale, but has V/B/Filter electronics.
If you go to their site they have "standard" specs for each of their models. But Alembic is the epitome of custom and will make a neck profile any way you want it. Of course, if you're picking up a used bass, it will more than likely be to the model specific specs on the website. For the most part, the necks are only slightly tapered on most models unless you order something different.
Dang, that's gorgeous! Like you said, looks practically brand new! I played one once, the "One that got away", thinking "all this Alembic business must be hype". Nope, they really are just that nice. Unforgiving of sloppy technique, however, they catch and amplify every nuance, which may force you to polish your technique as far as touch and muting. What's the control setup? Some of the Alembics suffer from serious "Knob-itis", wandering into the Silly-Zone of tone control. I've never played a bass with more than 4 knobs I thought were really necessary, and I'd rather have three: Master Volume/Pickup Blend/Master Tone.
Welcome to the Alembic Club! That's a very cool bass you have. One thing I noticed is that the knobs look like aftermarket ones. If it is any concern of yours, you could contact Alembic for period correct ones.
The volume, blend, filter electronics are what are currently the "Essence" version. Super flexible and gets to the heart of what an Alembic can do.
Enjoy your new bass.
Bones
The volume, blend, filter electronics are what are currently the "Essence" version. Super flexible and gets to the heart of what an Alembic can do.
Enjoy your new bass.
Bones
This one is set up Volume/Blend/Filter. I have another bass with an ACG EQ02 preamp that has separate filters for both bass and treble and a cut/boost on each. That one is linked to a set of DiMarzio model J's. The Alembic having a single filter knob makes it a bit easier to dial in your tone but doesn't have quite as wide a palate. The pickups are the huge difference. They literally pick up everything that's happening as you play and the electronics stay dead silent. As you said, it's not very forgiving if you get sloppy. It sounds absolutely incredible though. Unlike anything I've ever played.
Closet queen, indeed! That's in fantastic shape. She's a beauty!
