Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Showcase => Distillate Basses and Guitars => Topic started by: qualloyd on September 20, 2008, 07:59:10 PM

Title: '82 Exploiter 8-String
Post by: qualloyd on September 20, 2008, 07:59:10 PM

Hello to all!  
 
I've been surfing this site for years and finally decided to join so I could post a pic or two.  If this generates any interest then perhaps I'll post more.
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/56409.jpg)
 
I've owned her since the beginning.  After seeing  THE OX (a moment of silence, please...okay)  with his I just HAD to have one.  I was so impressed I bought a Spoiler 4-String in '86.  I traded in a Music Man Sabre on that one.
 
Thanks for your time,
Lloyd

Title: '82 Exploiter 8-String
Post by: garethnh on September 21, 2008, 03:53:49 AM

If you ever wanna sell her.... I'll give her a good home in the UK! (I won't hold my breath!)

Title: '82 Exploiter 8-String
Post by: hieronymous on September 21, 2008, 07:09:12 AM

Excellent! Definitely post more pics!
 
Interesting tailpiece on that one. I've always wanted an Alembic 8-string...

Title: '82 Exploiter 8-String
Post by: qualloyd on September 21, 2008, 02:02:36 PM

Thanks guys,  I've been searching my hard-drive for more pics but only came up with these.  Later, Lloyd  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/56430.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/56431.jpg)

Title: '82 Exploiter 8-String
Post by: qualloyd on September 22, 2008, 09:41:56 PM

Hello to all, I've got an inquiry on the serial number thread.  If I get any info I'll post the results here.  In the meantime, I took some more pics.  My brother is the photographer of the family (I used to help him in his darkroom back in the dark ages).  I know all about lighting and macro and blah, blah, blah...But I just point and shoot with MY WIFE's digital to post!  Enjoy the day, Lloyd  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/56530.jpg)
 See the brass...  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/56531.jpg)
 See the brass shine?  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/56532.jpg)
 Looks pretty good, eh?  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/56533.jpg)
 Last year I polished each individual piece after disassembling and lightly oiled before reassembling...MAJOR work but after 25+ years she needed it!  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/56534.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/56535.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/56536.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/56537.jpg)

Title: '82 Exploiter 8-String
Post by: jet_powers on September 23, 2008, 08:28:05 AM

She's a beauty allright!

Title: '82 Exploiter 8-String
Post by: qualloyd on September 23, 2008, 08:57:26 AM

Thanks!

Title: '82 Exploiter 8-String
Post by: hieronymous on September 23, 2008, 10:21:39 AM

Man, that first picture from the bottom blows me away! Love the way the grain and flame look different in the different pictures.

Title: '82 Exploiter 8-String
Post by: funkyjazzjunky on September 23, 2008, 11:10:37 AM

Great bass
 
Thank you for taking the time to share

Title: '82 Exploiter 8-String
Post by: to_81_0190 on September 23, 2008, 08:59:44 PM

Cool bass!
 
I have an interest in the different color of string silk.
Are you putting on each set for main and sub?
How is the sound?
I'm serching string for my 89SC 5460 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8690)

Title: '82 Exploiter 8-String
Post by: qualloyd on September 24, 2008, 08:25:43 AM

Hi Toshiaki,
 
I use D'Addario Chromes on all but my Lotus/Steinberger bass, although different gauges.  On my Exploiter I use D'Addario ECB80SL XL Chromes, Super Light Gauge (.040 .060 .075 .095) for the main four.  I order GHS Singles (DYB-20, DYB-25, DYB-35, DYB-45) from JustStrings.com for the top four.  I use Super Light Gauges because I want the least amount of tension on the neck.  Flats are generally not as bright sounding as round-wounds but they hold their tonal qualities much longer since the fingers aren't constantly filing off skin and oil that builds up in the grooves of round-wounds. The top four ARE round-wound and provide plenty of high/bright tones.  I've never been a daily player and over the years I've progressed (regressed?) from round to ground to flat-wounds.  I'm not a Pro Player as I'm sure you are, but I love the sound.  Finger playing has a nice warm/full sound but using a pick brings out the highs that cuts through everything!  I hope this helps.
 
Thanks for viewing,
Lloyd

Title: '82 Exploiter 8-String
Post by: new2alembic on September 24, 2008, 03:23:31 PM

Very nice bass!

Title: '82 Exploiter 8-String
Post by: to_81_0190 on September 24, 2008, 03:37:03 PM

Hi Lloyd,
 
Thank you for the explanation. It's an interesting thing to use flat wound and combination of flat-main round-top on 8string bass. I like flat wound sound too, but I never realized to use it on 8string. I'll try it some day.
 
Toshiaki

Title: '82 Exploiter 8-String
Post by: hieronymous on September 24, 2008, 05:51:10 PM

I've heard of the flat/round combo for 8-strings, but never tried it myself.
 
(Hi Toshiaki! Genki?)

Title: '82 Exploiter 8-String
Post by: artswork99 on September 24, 2008, 07:07:52 PM

Toshiaki,
Stunning and gorgeous bass!
Play it Healthy!
Art

Title: '82 Exploiter 8-String
Post by: qualloyd on September 24, 2008, 08:49:18 PM

Thanks for the interest and comments,
Lloyd

Title: '82 Exploiter 8-String
Post by: David Houck on December 05, 2008, 08:33:41 PM

Nice Exploiter; and a wild top!

Title: '82 Exploiter 8-String
Post by: qualloyd on December 05, 2008, 11:17:06 PM

Thanks, Dave.  You've got quite the demonic looking six-string!
Lloyd

Title: '82 Exploiter 8-String
Post by: qualloyd on March 20, 2009, 10:09:41 AM

Here is the link to the Exploiter's birth certificate details.
 
http://club.alembic.com/Images/394/56516.html?1237509344 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=5873)
 
Yes, I know it lists a 4-string, not an 8.
 
What has me bummed is the fact it states the original owner lived in Illinois.
 
I've never lived in Illinois.
 
I was told it was new.  I've got a headache from the multitude of emotions I'm experiencing.
 
Lloyd  :-(