Author Topic: 1986 Distillate (Read 198 times)

brainiac · « **on:** April 04, 2008, 06:30:31 AM »

Bought recently.

brainiac · « **Reply #1 on:** April 04, 2008, 06:32:49 AM »

brainiac · « **Reply #2 on:** April 04, 2008, 06:34:24 AM »

brainiac · « **Reply #3 on:** April 04, 2008, 06:35:45 AM »

eligilam · « **Reply #4 on:** April 04, 2008, 07:15:58 AM »

I wasn't much of a Distillate fan before...but that thing is incredible. Thanks for participating in my conversion.

brainiac · « **Reply #5 on:** April 04, 2008, 07:45:32 AM »

I took most of it apart, used a Dremel tool to remove all the old oxidation from any brass pieces, then resprayed new clear coat on them. They look nice. I also did the gold leaf treatment on the Alembic logo in the pickups. I broke off a corner of one pickup before I realized just how they are set up. So I invented a new way to mount them with a foam rubber seat under both pups that allows all four screws to be threaded from the top uniformly. Makes it much easier and less destructive to adjust height. Put it all back together, added some Black Beauty strings, and voila!

southpaw · « **Reply #6 on:** April 04, 2008, 07:54:29 AM »

Hey Brainiac, congrats on your new bass. I too have an '86 Distillate that is just amazing. I notice that yours has the little LED next to the jack, I have not seen that before on a mid 80's or later Distillate, only the earlier ones. What is the top wood? Beautiful bass, play it in good health.

adriaan · « **Reply #7 on:** April 04, 2008, 08:14:04 AM »

Fine specimen! Too bad about the corner of that pickup ... Not sure if you play with your thumb resting on it, but doesn't the pickup wiggle when you do that? Another reason to stick with the original mounting system! I presume you glued that broken corner back on again.

If I remember correctly, the LED is a battery drain and should be disconnected.

brainiac · « **Reply #8 on:** April 04, 2008, 11:34:07 AM »

Yes, superglued the corner back on. No wiggle at all on the pickups. just do a concise job of cutting the foam rubber--and use a dense foam rubber--and you can now use all four screws and tighten it down to your desire. I have to say, it works really well. And the gold leaf in the pickup logos was also pretty easy and looks very nice.

bassman10096 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 04, 2008, 03:19:57 PM »

Really nice looking bass. I love the look of old cocobolo and the older style sandwiches. I was tempted a few months back by a very abused Spoiler that could otherwise have been the twin to your bass. Enjoy it.
Bill (the other one)

pauldo · « **Reply #10 on:** April 07, 2008, 07:47:08 PM »

Brainiac - Distillates kick!!!
Your's is gorgeous, it looks like your upper bout is bigger than mine. I guess I have 'bout envy'. :-|

I am currently without a band so I am thinking of doing the complete strip and polish everything up also.

brainiac · « **Reply #11 on:** April 10, 2008, 12:18:29 PM »

I was told that this was coco bolo but I have no idea. Also, in looking at the serial number on the neck, it begins with 85 so I guess it's a 1985 (regarding the question concerning the LED next to the jack). It plays and sounds great.