Does anyone know the difference between the 1986 spoiler and persuader. thanks Ken

I was going to send you to the FAQ board, but there's no listing there for the Persuader electronics.  
 
Electronics are pretty much the only differentiator.
 
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 switch.
 
It is also not unusual for the Persuader to have a P/J pickup config rather than the soapbar shape on the Spoiler.  
 
I would recommend a perusal of the FAQ board anyway to read more about the Spoiler if you're interested.

Also the Spoiler has the Q switch, but that's indeed about it...
I've also noticed on most Persuaders and some Elans, that the truss rod cover is a half circle
 
(Message edited by fc_spoiler on January 14, 2007)

Which one is more valuable or are they about the same. Thanks for all the help

I think about the same, depends on woods and overall looks I guess...

Hey there,
 
Ya, I think the Persuader is a Spoiler wood wise that was used as a platform for the P/J Activator Pickup system. At least that's always been my understanding.
 
I've always wanted a true Spoiler to complement my Persuader.
 
I would absolutely love to have an Exploiter though, OMG!

The first Spoilers had the 3pc maple neck with solid Koa wings and no top laminates. It was the affordable entry level model. (that's the only was I was ever gonna get it!) Laminates came a few years later. My 83 is solid, my 86 has a purpleheart body and maple top with deluxe laminates.  As 72rick suggests the Persuader used the PJ combo. I also have an Exploiter with double P activators VVT. The Spoiler is a more expensive instrument due to the electronics VT selector and q switch.

Well, i've got to jump in here. Alembic's are order specific, By that i mean jf you ordered w/P-JZ pup's,that's what you'd get. On the other hand one can also upgrade electronic pkg's within reason. For instance, i believe you could upgrade a persuader to signature electronics. my .02 cents. FWIW

The Persuaders were originally the same as Spoilers but with our Activator electronics. Traditionally, a Persuader was about $200-300 less than a Spoiler for that reason.  
 
The purpose was to showcase our Activators. There are Persuaders with PJ, JZ, and AXY pickups. There's some with only one pickup too. Controls were one or two volumes (depending on the number of pickups) and a single filter control.  
 
We discontinued the Persuader because of the obvious confusion with the Spoiler basses.

Thanks Mica!