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Alembic
Spoiler Bass
Serial #83 S2829 USA
(1983) SOLD
The 1983 Alembic Spoiler Bass comes
in an "UglyBassPlayer" Premium heavily padded Gig-bag. Played but not
abused. Some dings at the upper and lower bout edges and
couple of edge
dings on headstock. Three piece laminate Neck through body
with Mahogany Body wings and either Koa or Bocate (Mexican Rosewood)
cap. Ebony fingerboard and Mother of pearl oal inlays with
brass adjustable nut, bridge and tailpiece. Alembics are known for
quality of design and construction and verisitility of tone
options.
My
Observations
Neck
Width: @ Nut = 1- 23/32”
@ Heel = 2- 3/16” (20th
fret)
Finish: I would
say it appears more polished uniformly than a “satin” finish would tend
to age, so I believe it has a glossy look certainly on neck along edges
and top. The back center appears a little less “glossy”. It
might well be that it was a “hand rubbed” vs buffed finish or a satin
finish that has been buffed over time. You’d have to check
the spec on this guitar with Alembic to see what the options were, but
the guitar does glimmer and angles views have a crisp light reflection
which is more consistent with a gloss finish. I have not
polished it, but imagine it would shine even more with a little elbow
grease.
Dings and
dents: There are dings and finish marks on the
upper and lower bouts, head stock and a light scratch in middle back.
(See Photos Album) To look at the bass in general, it appears
in great shape, but it clearly has several dings from 20+ years of life
after the
factory.
Frets: The
frets have some wear particularly 2nd, 3rd & 4th, but I don’t
notice them to be effecting play. No buzzing or anything like
that. The nut is adjustable as well. (Not the expert
here)
As for the truss rod and neck. This
guitar does look good from my eye, BUT I am no luthier or
dealer. Straight with slight bit of relief. It does
have a double truss rod system and I am not comfortable making this
adjustment. I personally would not rely on my observation in
this regard.
Misc.: Note picture of
nut. There appears to be a little mar in the wood at the nut
and the bottom brass plate of the adjustable nut has a bit of a “bump”
at this spot. I have never seen one of these nuts before, so not sure
if this is anything, but it appears someone might have stuck a
screwdriver in there and lifted for some reason. Does not
appear to have any impact on the functionality of the bass.
One brass screw missing from back electronics
plate.
Controls/Electronics:
This bass appears to have the following
functions
- Volume Knob:
Works
- Tone Know:
Works
- 2 position
toggle> Not sure what it’s doing, but there is a
different sound in each position. Might be coil
tap.
- 4 Position rotary
switch. Appears to be: MUTE – Neck – Neck and
Bridge –
Bridge
No electronic dead spots
noted.
Disclaimer: These are my
friends guitars from his collection which he decided to liquidate and
I’m helping him with the web, etc. I am not a dealer or
luthier, but I am not ignorant either. I personally
own and have owned many top brand and quality guitars and have
experienced good ones and bad ones. I think you can
appreciate I am attempting to represent what I see, so you have no
surprises when this guitar is in your hands.
High Resolution Photo Album (Downloadable PDF
5.1Mb)
For more, please
contact me.
  
  
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