Hi All,

A used Alembic recently became available in my area for $3,399.  I am going to look at it on Wednesday but just spoke to the seller who said it is a Spoiler with serial #3463255.  Is this a correct serial number (?) and if so, I would appreciate any info that there may be on it. 

The format of the serial number is NOT correct.
Generally first two digits are year, then a letter designation for the model and finally a 'count' number.


Example, my Distillate is 84D3204. 
Built in 1984
"D" for Distillate
3204th bass made (not sure if this is per model, per year, or


Here is a link to a database of serial numbers that one of the club members put a lot of effort in to.
http://www.fcbass.nl/alembic/10.htm


Found an 84S3285 (which is kinda, sorta, almost if you squint, close to what you might have).  It is listed as a Spoiler Exploiter- which would be the body shape ala The Ox's spider bass!

Thank you.  When he read it to me I thought it didn't sound right but figured I would ask.  I will call him back and confirm.

Just edited message above.... did the seller say it looks like an Entwistle spider bass?

Yes, he did say it looked like the Enwistle bass, at least the headstock does he said.  Can't get through to him right now but I am thinking it must be 84S3255

Have you been able to see any photos of this bass?

He just sent me this one a few minutes ago, but it's all I have.  I will see it in person on Wednesday.

Definitely a Spoiler. Looks like maybe a koa top. Measure that scale to the 12th fret and double it... could be a 34", but most likely a 32". You may try the medium-scale and love it... it was a game-changer for me. 


Good Luck - looks like a nice one!

Quote from: edwardofhuncote on September 16, 2019, 11:19:13 AM
Definitely a Spoiler. Looks like maybe a koa top. Measure that scale to the 12th fret and double it... could be a 34", but most likely a 32". You may try the medium-scale and love it... it was a game-changer for me. 


Good Luck - looks like a nice one!

Thank you @edwardofhuncote!  It has been about 25 years since I last played an alembic (Series 1) and I finally have the $ to try for a used one.  He is asking $3,399 for this one and I'm looking forward to trying it out! 

Pretty looking bass, hopefully the seller is willing to negotiate a better price if you like it, as listed it is high for a Spoiler and approaching used 70s Series territory.  Good luck!

Quote from: pauldo on September 16, 2019, 09:24:55 AM
The format of the serial number is NOT correct.
Generally first two digits are year, then a letter designation for the model and finally a 'count' number.


Example, my Distillate is 84D3204. 
Built in 1984
"D" for Distillate
3204th bass made (not sure if this is per model, per year, or

The number represents the total number of instruments Alembic has produced, both basses and guitars, starting with #1 in 1972.

Bill, tgo

Thanks Bill! 

HI All,

Just wanted to update you al that I was able to confirm the serial number is definitely 84S3255.  It is a beautiful bass but not quite what I had been looking for so I passed on it.  I was originally told it was a Distillate but it turned out to be a Spoiler, which is great obviously, but just not what I need right now.

Mystery continues.

84S3255 is for a Bubinga Spoiler Exploiter body. "The 84S3" portion of the number is likely correct. But we'll need to find out the rest of the numbers for sure to figure what this bass really is. From the photo the top looks like Koa (but it's could possibly be Walnut (both get lighter over time)). Neck is typical 3-piece Maple and Ebony fingerboard.