Object of the Day

Stanley Clarke Signature Bass

September 28

This Alembic Stanley Clarke Signature bassĀ guitar, with a body made of polished wood, was previously owned by bassist Stanley Clarke, a founding member of jazz fusion group Return to Forever.

Stanley Clarke Signature Standard 4 String Bass

Description
Alembic Stanley Clarke Standard model electric bass guitar with a body made of polished wood. Front of body has inlaid wood down the middle. Inlaid wood has two (2) wide strips of light wood with two (2) thinner strips of dark wood in the middle. Down the center is a thin strip of light wood between the two (2) darker lines of wood. Center inlay extends the length of the back of the neck. On either side of center inlay on the front body is dark wood with rings and dark growth lines displayed. Additional inlay around the outside edges of the body. Headstock has matching dark wood at front and back. On the lower portion of the front body on the PL side, are four (4) knobs and three (3) switches with an input jack. Bass includes two (2) pickups above the adjustable saddles and bridge. Fret board has inlaid mother of pearl of various sizes at various sections down the center. Headstock has four (4) pegs with strings strung to bass. At the top of the headstock is a metal logo of the manufacturer. Logo includes a cloud at the top with hand reaching down out of the cloud holding the body of a dragon that is shaped in a ring. Within the ring is a stylized alembic.
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Owned by
Stanley Clarke, American, born 1951
Manufactured by
Alembic Inc., American, founded 1969
Gotoh Gut Co., Japanese, founded 1960
Date
after 1990
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Stanley Clarke
Medium
wood, copper alloy, plastic, wire, mother of pearl and gold
Dimensions
44 1/8 x 13 1/2 x 2 3/8 in. (112.1 x 34.3 x 6 cm)
Type
electric guitars
musical instruments