Author Topic: Defining a Distillate (Read 403 times)

tcube · « **on:** January 03, 2011, 10:10:06 PM »

Lurking on the forum, I saw pics of Distillates w a variety of body shapes. So what defines a Distillate if its body shape can vary? Is it the electronics?

Thanks & begging pardon for waxing philosophical.

adriaan · « **Reply #1 on:** January 04, 2011, 12:00:20 AM »

Always a fun game, name that Alembic!

The body shape can often be a source of confusion. The electronics package and the neck recipe are usually the best way to determine the model.

For a standard Distillate, the neck would be maple with purpleheart laminates, and the electronics would be volume/filter/Q switch/bass & treble quick-change switches + pickup switch.

The Distillate was the first more affordable model, and it was soon followed by the Spoiler, which lacks the purpleheart neck laminates, and the quick-change tone switches. So for instance, on an Exploiter the neck laminates and electronics will usually tell you if it was a built as a Distillate or a Spoiler.

serialnumber12 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 04, 2011, 03:54:04 AM »

what defines a Distillate is how you beat It!

white_cloud · « **Reply #3 on:** January 04, 2011, 05:37:26 AM »

Funnily enough the Distillate has always been the bass I have lusted over most in the Alembic stable despite it being a cheaper model.

I remember when they first became available wwwway back . I saw one in the early 80's in a guitar store window in Glasgow with a card above it which read Yes, it is the real thing! - I looked at the dude standing next to me also admiring it and it was Midge Ure.

Do Alembic still offer the Distillate model as a custom build? Anyone?

adriaan · « **Reply #4 on:** January 04, 2011, 06:04:22 AM »

Of course you can still order a Distillate - no model is discontinued, and instruments are built to order.

Check the Custom Quote Generator. At the bottom of the page, choose the model with the standard features that you prefer, then start playing with the custom options ...

pauldo · « **Reply #5 on:** January 04, 2011, 09:22:09 AM »

Terry - Does the philosophical waxing help with taking out small surface blemishes??
:-D
I just love seeing Keavin beating on mine!

I have noticed that there is sometimes a variance in neck pickup location, some 'overseas' models only have 1 pickup, and control layouts vary; in particular the pickup selection knob can be found on the lower bout on some instruments and near the tone controls on others.

I truly love mine - everyone should have one!

tcube · « **Reply #6 on:** January 04, 2011, 11:18:27 AM »

Pauldo, Philosophical waxing buffs your soul, but does little for blemishes in polyurethane.

tcube · « **Reply #7 on:** January 04, 2011, 11:27:08 AM »

Adriaan, Thank you for identifying the features that define a Distillate. I had concluded that the electronics was an important factor but didn't know about the M/Ph laminates.

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 06, 2011, 03:36:37 PM »

There is also a Distillate body shape as seen in the photo Kev posted (kinda like a small standard, but with the bottom flattened). But since you can order a bass with almost any body shape, that's not an absolute either.
Here's mine, with flame koa top:

Mike

peoplechipper · « **Reply #9 on:** January 11, 2011, 11:17:43 PM »

I LOVE MY DISTILLATE!!! I recently tried an Elan and the Distillate just seemed so much better; I have to admit I prefer 32 scale, but I've owned and played 34 before and the Distillate just has the best feel, build, body shape, everything! the fact the neck sits at 9:00 has even changed my playing and that's fine with me...maybe one day I'll get another to contrast with my burl bubinga one...and yeah, beat on it; my Distillate seems to take my abuse(playing) very well and a lot better than many other instruments I own...granted, I've never kicked my bass(as I have a couple guitars for squeals of feedback at the end of a gig) but I haven't babied it either and it still looks better than me...Tony

sonicus · « **Reply #10 on:** January 12, 2011, 02:26:13 AM »

Here is mine

tcube · « **Reply #11 on:** January 12, 2011, 02:38:31 PM »

Sonicus,
That's a very nice looking Distillate - Early export model I presume? The neck seems wider than on mine. Is it a 32 scale?

sonicus · « **Reply #12 on:** January 12, 2011, 04:10:28 PM »

Hi. tcube.
Thanks , she's 81-0325 . An Export Model 32 scale. The neck is great for playing Bass chords. The Dean Markley 2670 XL 40-95 sound great on this Bass.

(Message edited by sonicus on January 12, 2011)

tcube · « **Reply #13 on:** January 12, 2011, 10:48:44 PM »

Sonicus - Thanks - I was wondering if it looked wider because it was 30 as opposed to 32. But nope.

Oy, Yet another way in which Distillates can vary! Neck width. P vs J all over again!

I was torn between medium vs light(ish) gauge. I went w/ medium-light Dean's (45-105). I was worried about slackness w lighter strings - but now that I've got my Dist in hand (literally) I don't think slackness would be a problem. The string brand I chose to was kind of random - I'm going to try different ones and of lighter gauge, so I shall definitely remember your endorsement of the XLs.

sonicus · « **Reply #14 on:** January 13, 2011, 01:40:49 AM »

I was worried about slackness with lighter strings as well since I like to sometimes play in staccato finger style that requires a bit more tension. When I play close to the bridge I get all the tension that I need on any of my Bass's with the Dean Markley 2670 XL . For Flat wound strings I have been using the Pyramid Gold Flat Wound strings. They are as smooth as glass.

Author Topic: Defining a Distillate (Read 403 times)

white_cloud