After years of surfing this site I decided to finally join. I'm a retired Bricklayer, disabled due to a bad back...go figure!  I'll be 50 next year.  I started out playing drums when I was around 17.  I played out in a few bands but the setting up and tearing down of the drums got to be a major hassle.  That, plus the fact that I seemed to have a good ear for music, made me decide to try bass.  I picked up a Peavey T-40 bass when they were first introduced.  I used to think I was pretty good...until I saw all of the YouTube vids of bassists!  WOW!  I used to play out, back in the '80's, but now I just jam for the fun of it.  I own an '82 Exploiter 8-String and an '86 Spoiler, both bought new.  THE OX (R.I.P.) has been a major influence, obviously.  I always knew I had something special with my Alembics.  It wasn't until I read through these forums that I realized just how special!  Knowing the same people that worked on my bass are the same as worked with John is truly an honor...and many are still there today!
 
I didn't mean to ramble,
Thanks for your time,
Lloyd

Hi Lloyd,  
 
Welcome to the 'family' and the best discussion board on the net.  
 
Best Regards,
 
Kimberly  

Love that profile pic!

Welcome Lloyd.
What wood is the 8 string? Walnut? Whatever it is, it is an outstanding piece...just beautiful. The offer of a good home still stands ;-)
Gareth.

I never got a Birth Certificate with the Exploiter, as I did with the Spoiler.  I purchased them both from a reputable dealer on Chicago's South Side.  The serial number is 82DXXXXUSA.  I seem to remember trying to register both basses on Alembic.com many years ago, but I don't remember getting a reply as to it's spec's.  She's been babied ALL of her life.  I have no intention of letting her go.  Perhaps I'll enter the serial in the proper thread to see if I get a response.  I'm also curious as to how my Spoiler ever left the factory missing a side fret marker?  It doesn't even have the hole drilled for it!
 

 
Thanks for the post,
Lloyd

that is a odd phenomena, no side fret marker. nice basses though. ive never seen a walnut exploiter.

Good morning Lloyd nice to meet you. I can live without fretboard inlays but I need my side markers.  Of course those are the types of things that happen when something is hand crafted.
 
Sam

Hi There,
 
If anyone is interested, I've posted pics of my Ex in Showcase - Distillate basses - '82 Exploiter 8-String.
 
Later,
Lloyd

...By the way, Nice to meet all of you!  Thanks for the warm welcome.
 
Lloyd

You've posted pics of your Ex?  Please tell me you mean your Exploiter.

N'yuk, n'yuk, n'yuk!
 
If I was to get a third Alembic then MY WIFE would be my Ex!  We've been married over 21 years...5 of the happiest years of my life!
 
With tongue planted firmly in cheek,
Lloyd

Lloyd,
Welcome to the board.
Rich

Thanks for the Rich Welcome!
 
Lloyd