Author Topic: Distillate / Persuader / Spoiler (Read 196 times)

tcube · « **on:** December 21, 2010, 04:31:42 PM »

Where on the Alembic website might I find descriptions of the Distillate, Persuader, and Spoilers? (They're not on the Products-Basses page.) Their body shapes are similar and there seems to be a variety of electronics configurations, so it's difficult to distinguish between them.

Are they all 32 scale?

pauldo · « **Reply #1 on:** December 21, 2010, 07:10:34 PM »

Terry,
I sent you an e-mail with a couple of documents attached. One describes the electronics, the other describes the build record of my 84 Distillate.

If you go to the area you can look up different years of basses and glean the build record for comparisons.

tcube · « **Reply #2 on:** December 21, 2010, 07:18:58 PM »

Thanks!

mica · « **Reply #3 on:** December 21, 2010, 08:55:13 PM »

The also has many examples of each. Generally these models are 32 scale, but there are of course exceptions!

mica · « **Reply #4 on:** December 21, 2010, 09:01:20 PM »

Oh, and Persuaders have the same shape as Spoilers unless they have the optional Vector, Exploiter or other shape. The Distillate is a little flatter at the bottom, and the horns are a different shape from the Spoiler.

tcube · « **Reply #5 on:** December 21, 2010, 09:30:48 PM »

Mica, pauldo,

A big thank you! I'll check it all out.

Yikes - there seem to be more variations within a model as there are across models! Which just means more to drool over.

tcube · « **Reply #6 on:** December 22, 2010, 02:31:38 PM »

What are the advantages of a 32 scale over a standard 34? Are they built to be tuned to higher pitch (e.g. AGDC)?

Most importantly, do they still have the monster Alembic sound?

mike1762 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 22, 2010, 04:51:24 PM »

Advantage is in the eye of the beholder!!! I have Alembics in short, medium, and long scale. I like 'em all for different reasons. The shorter scales are easier to maneuver around on because... well, they're shorter!!! The shorter scale length also translates to less string tension (all other things being equal). If your used to 34 scale, 32 may not be a noticeable difference.

sonicus · « **Reply #8 on:** December 22, 2010, 08:04:55 PM »

I have Long and Medium Scale Alembics .Like Mike writes I like them for different reasons and I LOVE them all ! And Yes ,__both my long and short scale Alembic friends can have the monster Alembic sound if I want them to. . I like my medium scale ones for playing Bass chords !

JimmyJ · « **Reply #9 on:** December 22, 2010, 09:58:12 PM »

To get an idea of the difference, medium scale (32) is like putting a capo on the first fret of a long-scale (34) bass and tuning down a 1/2 step (and moving all the markers...). Short scale (30) is almost like putting a capo on the second fret and tuning down a whole step. Then you can get into string guages and tweak it all to your liking. It really is up to the individual...
Jimmy J

tcube · « **Reply #10 on:** December 23, 2010, 11:44:37 AM »

Has anyone had problems with the strings on a 32 feeling too floppy (assuming EADG tuning)?

What gauge strings do you all use?

adriaan · « **Reply #11 on:** December 23, 2010, 12:08:04 PM »

I'd say you need to look at gauge and make and type, but this is what I've found with my Spoiler (32):

D'Addarrio XL 45-105 - not at all floppy.
DR HiBeams 45-105 - not at all floppy.
DR LoRiders 45-105 - tighter than the HiBeams.

I've never even tried finding medium scale strings - these were all long scale.

skyboltone · « **Reply #12 on:** December 23, 2010, 12:08:54 PM »

Great post JimmyJ. Don't forget the weight part.

sonicus · « **Reply #13 on:** December 23, 2010, 12:16:34 PM »

On my medium scale 81 Distillate I have had good luck with Dean
Markley Blue Steel set #2670 40-95 . Decent tension through out as well as quite tight close to the bridge the way I like it.

mike1762 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 23, 2010, 04:23:03 PM »

I use progressively heavier strings the shorter the scale length: Long scale - 95/75/60/40, Medium scale - 100/80/60/40, Short scale - 105/85/65/45. All are DR Hi Beams. The exception is that I use DR Hi Beam flats (125/105/85/65/45) on my 35 5 string fretless and DR Lo Riders (125/105/85/65/45/30) on my 34 6 string.