Hello again every1, just had a question.  Ive noticed on johns main spider basses is that on the lower horn, there is an additional rotary knob and a mini silver toggle switch. The other 2 being the obvious master volume and pickup selector.. so what do the knob and switch do exactly??? Also, if anybody wants to see john and his alembic spider in action....then check out the dvd release of the kids are alright dvd #2, there is a section of the dvd that u can see him play baba o'reily and wont get fooled again. Check it out!!!!!!!!!!

Fretted,
 
This is a good question.  I think Oliver or Mica might be able to answer this better than I can.  I'd like to know myself.  One of the toggles may be for the LEDs in the neck but not sure.
 
The TKAA bonus disc is indeed a touching tribute to John.  I had to re-learn WGFA all over again after watching that!!!
 
Mike

Hi Tracey, I can't help you with your question, but I ditto your recommedation of the 'The Kids Are Allright' DVD, and like to add that those wonderful extras you mention are only found on the 'Deluxe' 2DVD edition. Great stuff!
 
Wilfred

Actually, now that I think about it, the extra pot (besides the obvious master volume pot) might be a master filter pot.  And again I think the toggle might be for the LEDs.  But...Mica and Oliver would know best.
 
Mike

I've always thought that rotary was a master volume added to the standard S1 harness in those basses.
The little switch makes the notes sound twice as fast--i.e. 16th notes sound like 32nd--which is what allowed him to be so chilled-out on stage.
He actually slept on stage for an entire year after taking delivery of the Spiders, and no one noticed.
Little-known secret. Sssh.

Oh, is that what that switch is for???
 
Mica, can you install one of those 16th-into-32nd note switches on my Spyder, while you're at it?  I wouldn't mind catching a nap during a gig.
 
I'd appreciate it!  Thanks!  Mike

LOL! A 16th-into-32nd note switch. That's the first good laugh of the day for me, thanks guys!
 
Wilfred

Tracey,Guys,
to bring some information to your life:
Mica once told me, that Alembic has buildt at least 6 Spyder basses for John. Well, I have seen only four different yet.  
Two conehead 4strings, the V-head 4string and the conehead 8string.
Mica told me once that they also had produced an 8string with the V-head, but I haven?t seen it yet anywhere. Also John had a Flying V bass with a V-head.
As for his main basses:
1. Spyder, conehead. His main bass until the  
   Live Aid gig, very similar to the spare bass,
   main difference: neck pickup closer to the
   neck than the spare bass. Currently at the
   Hard Rock Vault in Orlando.
2. Spyder, conehead, sold at Sothebys. His former
   spare bass.
3. V-head Spyder, sold at Sothebys, only very rare
   seen on stage due to it?s heavy weight which
   was much higher compared to the other Spyders
   (old statement of John).
4. Conehead 8string Spyder, frequently used on
   stage in his Alembic days, whereabouts unknown.
 
The V-head Spyder had a master volume and the pickup selector on the lower horn.
The two conehead Spyders as well as the conehead 8string all had this located on the lower horn:
Pickup selector, two master volumes, one switch to change between the two master volume settings.
To my knowledge the LED?s were constantly on.
If you need more info, plse let me know.
 
Many greetings
Oliver (Spyderman)

I wonder if Alembic could maybe create a 32nd to 16th note switch just for guitar players ?

make that 32nd to 4th for me ...and with some rests and silence in it too!!!!
HA!
 
Paul TBO

That would be the hemi demi semi quaver model with the simple duple option.

Is that the 'hip' square dance call, Sam?

Can I get the hemi demi semi quaver simple duple retrofitted on my Persuader?  I could sure use it.
 
Also is a smoother groover back beat louver available?

It was a flashback from theory class. I'm over it now.

Oh ...huhuhuhu ...Brother Dino will never need THAT option ...he is a walking metronome (on Ouzo) whole by himself.
Paul the good one has a head usable as amplifier, Paul the fake one is the metronome ...ok ...I'll do the playing ...badly of course.
LOL
 
Paul the bad one