Author |
Message |
chuen_monkey
New Username: chuen_monkey
Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2009
| Posted on Thursday, November 12, 2009 - 3:28 pm: | |
Hi i just bought this lovely bass and would love to know more. The pick ups don't have Alembic written on them ,is this normal? The guy i bought it from said it was an 88 Distillate. Its ma dream bass ever since i discovered Stanley Clarke (20 years ago). Thank you for making such a beautiful instrument. All the best Greg |
pauldo
Advanced Member Username: pauldo
Post Number: 338 Registered: 6-2006
| Posted on Thursday, November 12, 2009 - 3:58 pm: | |
Gregory - Welcome to the club and congrads on the Distillate! They are one of my favorites :-D I may be mistaken but I always thought that the first two digits designated the year - so yours should be an 83. Alembic 'embossed' on the pickups is normal. Please - PLEASE post some pictures so that we can ogle your newly prized possesion. |
fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler
Post Number: 1001 Registered: 5-2006
| Posted on Thursday, November 12, 2009 - 8:42 pm: | |
Welcome! '83 indeed and the blank pickups (no Alembic on it) are normal for that period ;-) I used to own a very close relative of your bass: 83S2433 (was finished January 10, 1983) |
mica
Moderator Username: mica
Post Number: 6602 Registered: 6-2000
| Posted on Friday, February 05, 2010 - 8:00 pm: | |
Hi Greg, Here's the details from the instrument file: DMB4 Distillate Bass top: Coco Bolo body: Mahogany neck: Maple and Purpleheart scale: 32" medium fingerboard: Ebony inlays: mother of pearl originally made for: Music World, ID birthday: Jan 10, 1983 Flip is correct about the pickup description. |
chuen_monkey
New Username: chuen_monkey
Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2009
| Posted on Sunday, February 14, 2010 - 8:39 am: | |
Thanks Miica,will get some photos up soon. Ive got a problem with the balance (top heavy)and was wonderin if i should move the front strap button to the rear (just under the base of the neck).Kinda looks like Stanley Clarke did this (School Days Vid on youtube).Im scared of doin any damage if it dont work.Any suggestions would be great. Thanks again All the best Greg |
chuen_monkey
New Username: chuen_monkey
Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2009
| Posted on Sunday, February 14, 2010 - 9:35 am: | |
DMB4 Distillate Bass photos |
sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus
Post Number: 736 Registered: 5-2009
| Posted on Sunday, February 14, 2010 - 9:53 am: | |
Nice Distillate |
chuen_monkey
New Username: chuen_monkey
Post Number: 5 Registered: 11-2009
| Posted on Sunday, February 14, 2010 - 9:58 am: | |
DMB4 Distillate Bass photos2 |
pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo
Post Number: 433 Registered: 6-2006
| Posted on Sunday, February 14, 2010 - 10:00 am: | |
Greg, I had trouble with neck dive on my Distillate also. I was going to move the front strap button as you described but the local music shop suggested that I do the back one like this (scroll down for detailed pics). It is not perfectly balanced but it did help alot. Good Luck |
chuen_monkey
New Username: chuen_monkey
Post Number: 6 Registered: 11-2009
| Posted on Sunday, February 14, 2010 - 10:43 am: | |
Thanks Pauldo,this could be the answer but im still intrigued by the Stanley Vid. All the best Greg |
keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h
Post Number: 1514 Registered: 2-2005
| Posted on Sunday, February 14, 2010 - 12:35 pm: | |
Greg, A note on Stanley's strap attatchment locations. This is the standard location for a small body bass. Make sure you are using a 3"- 4" strap as it improves control of the neck considerably. I would also suggest that the inside of the strap be suede leather to add additional friction. Keith |
pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo
Post Number: 435 Registered: 6-2006
| Posted on Friday, February 19, 2010 - 8:12 pm: | |
Greg, Another consideration in moving the strap from the upper horn to the middle of the neck. The strap will now be attached to the body several inches further away from the headstock. This will actually create more imbalance. Keith is right about a wide strap - wide is good. good luck |
chuen_monkey
New Username: chuen_monkey
Post Number: 7 Registered: 11-2009
| Posted on Thursday, April 01, 2010 - 3:05 pm: | |
Hey Guys Thanks for the advice,i got myself a wide strap and its loads better.Ive gigged with this bass a few times now and its great fun to play and sounds incredible.I have had a few bass players freaking when they see it coz Alembics are rare as hens teeth in Scotland.Sorry i took so long to reply,to many bairns(kids) in ma hoose. all the best greg |