Greetings from a new owner

[jimbo]

Hi all,


I'd like to say hello to everyone after officially joining the club with the purchase of my 1981 Distillate.  I'm from the UK, currently living in London and I've wanted an Alembic since I started playing bass, so it's only taken me 32 years... I have to admit that I'm absolutely over the moon with it, the tone is outstanding and the craftsmanship is awe-inspiring - frankly, I'm in love!  There's a couple of little things to fix, the bridge and tailpiece need a good polishing and the slightly dodgy aftermarket truss rod cover needs to be replaced but nothing affects the playability of the best bass I've ever owned.


Cheers,
Jim

[hammer]

Congratulations. You have a very nice example of the bass on which many of us started on Alembic journies.


Cleaning up the bridge and tailpiece isn't that difficult. Just remember to take a photo of the bridge before you take it apart and remember that unless someone else has cleaned it before you the tailpiece is typically covered with a lacquer that needs to be removed prior to any polishing being done. I was also informed by someone here on the board that, after cleaning, a little VO5 (yes the stuff used for hair) does a great job at protecting these parts from tarnishing and it's worked wonders.


Elsewhere on the board you'll find information about the various ways people have cleaned up these brass parts. I use Flitz but there are a number of other options with which people have been successful.


Welcome to the club!

[David Houck]

Congrats and welcome!

[mario_farufyno]

Every bassist deserves an Alembic, welcome Jim!

[edwardofhuncote]

Welcome & Congratulations again, Jim. 

[jazzyvee]

Congratulations on your step into Alembic territory, they are incredible basses and once you get what they are about it's hard to play anything else.