Two Boys and 2+3 Alembics

[dadabass2001]

Well, after seeing Paul TBO have all the fun of trying out so many beatutiful instruments, Kevin and I had to meet up just west of Chicago to try something similar (Paul, you know you were having too much FUN!).  So here's the result of cross-pollination of ideas:

  Here is a closer look at our stable for the the day

  from left to right:  a 98 fretted walnut Epic, a 99 fretless Epic, an 81 Distillate, a 04 Coco Bolo custom series 2 5 string, and a Coco Bolo Mark King Signature 5 string  We had a blast, although the day was too short. My bandmates were loading out around us for a Pickled BEATS gig tonight. We are going to do this again, I hope.   Mike

[David Houck]

Nice group of basses!
 
Mike; what is the inlay on the headstock of the Distillate?
 
(Message edited by davehouck on June 05, 2004)

[palembic]

Now THAT's what I call brotherhood (the guys) and sisterhood (the guitars).
Kevin: I just LOVE that body design. That's the one that eneterd bass-history as the K-design. Comparing the MK and the K, it seems a full size body with an extended balance point or am I wrong???
Mike: I learned the high value of the Epic tone controls when Jan-Willem came on visit. GREAT basses.
 
 
Paul the bad one
 
 
PS: I can't help to ask but ....tell em the secret ...what's the flag?

[dadabass2001]

Hi guys,
 
Dave - The headstock of the Distillate has a holographic picture of a human eye embedded in lucite (or some such) and glued to the headstock. That wasn't original, but I bought the bass used and didn't want to mess with refinishing if I can avoid it.
 
Paul - I'll have to ask my guitarist Steve about the flag. We were at his place.
 
Mike

[bracheen]

I'm guessing but that looks like the Wales flag.
Mike, looks like a lot of fun.  Can you imagine if the Club gathering ever takes place?
BTW did Kevin sit in on the gig?
 
Sam

[dadabass2001]

Hi Sam,
Yeah, we had some good fun that afternoon. If we can ever pull the club together, we'll be swamped in a gorgeous forest of standing art! Kevin wasn't able to make it to the show, but I'll make the official invite here ... Anytime you want Kev, we'll match up some songs for you, and have you come up.  The next gig at O'Brien's will be Friday June 25th.  
 
Mike

[hollis]

Looks like a great time. Each bass a beauty.

[kevin_k]

Thanks Mike for having me over & thank Steve again for me too please.  Yeah, we'll get together again in the near future, I just didn't have enough time on Saturday.  Plus I would like Steve to do a photo session of my bass some time down the line.  I would love to join in for a song, however I would think it necessary to practice with you guys once or twice before hand.  
 
Paul:  The body size is identical to the MK 3/4 body size, except the upper horn portion.  For the picture we had to angle the bass slightly because of the reflective surfaces the camera was picking up, so that may be why things don't look identical.  I never played a standard body, but the 3/4 is already big enough for me.  
 
I'll tell you, the balance is perfect compared to the regular 3/4 design.  I bet one could easily order 6 string versions or even longer scale lenghts and have no problems.  I sure would love to hear about it.

[effclef]

Mike - wow, look at how different the Epics are. The knobby headstock and bird tailpiece give the fretless one a whole different presence. Neat.
 
EffClef
 
PS that is a very twisted looking scratching post!

[rraymond]

Oh man, fabulous basses! You guys are killin' me! Do you suppose the owners of Fenders get together and do this kind of thing?! I'm guessin' not!  
 
Wonderful collection there, guys!

[dadabass2001]

We rehearsed at Steve's last night and, according to  him, the flag is Scottish. The whole bookcase to the left is full of Felix the Cat memorabilia.  
 
Mike