My 1985 Distillate w/ Cocobolo

[Jeffrey N Eason (jeffbass4)]

I ordered this bass new and it's been the foundation ever since. It always sounds incredible in the studio and live. Thanks to everyone at Alembic for the beautiful instrument.

[Paul Lindemans (palembic)]

Hi Jeffrey,
 
welcome at the club.
That is indeed a beautiful instrument. It's almost celebrating it's 20th birthday I reckon?
What does she want? A fretless mate from the Alembic family?
;-)

[Jeffrey N Eason (jeffbass4)]

Actually, I would like in the future a 5-string, 35 scale Explorer body with the same electronics as this one. Maybe a 5A Quilted maple top with a translucent color. These electronics were replaced a few years ago with a newer set from the Europa and a pick-up blend knob replaced the 4 position selector. Oh yes, we need side LED's this time !  Could this one be modified to add those without damaging the instrument ??

[Clay Sharp (exploiterplayer)]

Hi Jeff, You can ask Mica about the side LED's in the Dreaming For Now section. I am pretty sure they can add the LED's without any trouble so check with Mica for the details.
Good Luck,
Clay    

[James L. Martin (malthumb)]

My guess is that LEDs can be added w/o damaging the instrument.  I had to have the LEDs in my Series I repaired last year.  If I recall correctly that involved replacing the ebony strip on the upper facing part of the finger board.  It sounds pretty much like one might expect a new installation to go.

[Jeffrey N Eason (jeffbass4)]

Thanks all for the input! Too many times we have been left on a dark stage between songs not being able to see, but being familiar with the instrument hasn't resulted in very many bad notes.  Also, I saw someone's build sheet from 1986 and it looked a lot like mine. I was wondering who wrote these. Any clues ??

[mica]

You can have LEDs added. We'll install them just like we would have in 1985 (though we've slightly changed the procedure now).  
 
It costs $970 to do it as a retrofit job. We route out a small channel under the tangs of the frets and install a strip with the LEDs fitted on it. We also route an axtra cavity on the back to hold the batteries for the side LEDs. If the bass has been played alot and has never been refretted, it's a good idea to have that done before we put the LEDs in (we can do this for you too) so you get the longest life possible out of the investment.
 
The sheets (we refer to them as wood cards or build records at the shop) have been filled out by a number of people over the years. These days, my aunt Mary does most of them for the new instruments.  Laurel makes the ones for the online registrations.  
 
I think yours was filled out by Sandi or Cathy, their writing is similar so I can't always tell the difference.