Author Topic: A question about the Distillate series. (Read 222 times)

blazer · « **on:** September 23, 2009, 06:24:18 PM »

Today I was at Strings and Things in Antwerp Belgium where I tried out a second hand Alembic bass which had been retrofitted with blue LEDs in the fingerboard (Not a pro job but not badly executed either) it played really nicely and it sounded downright amazing.

The actual bass I played.

The price for this bass is just a little under two grand and I'm seriously tempted to go for it.

So what kind of bass is this? The ultra simple lay out would suggest it's a Distillate but did they come in this shape?

lembic76450 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 23, 2009, 06:36:36 PM »

Looks like a Spoiler to me with an Alpha point.
Very nice.

tmoney61092 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 23, 2009, 06:40:07 PM »

it's got Spoiler electronics(Volume, low-pass filter, pickup selector, and a q-switch) but it looks like there is something else that i don't know what it is, but not a Distillate

~Taylor Watterson

blazer · « **Reply #3 on:** September 23, 2009, 06:44:40 PM »

That extra switch right next to the filter pot is the on-off switch for the LED's

tmoney61092 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 23, 2009, 06:50:21 PM »

good call, didn't think about that

~Taylor Watterson

blazer · « **Reply #5 on:** September 23, 2009, 06:56:26 PM »

Anyway, thanks for clearing up what kind of bass it is.

lembic76450 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 23, 2009, 07:10:24 PM »

Did you see the serial number? That would answer the question. I have always been a sucker for the Crown headstock.

lembic76450 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 23, 2009, 07:21:10 PM »

Similar, but, a different top.
http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/28653.html?1149700508

sonicus · « **Reply #8 on:** September 23, 2009, 07:54:52 PM »

Might anyone have a clue as to whom might have done the LED work ?

sonicus · « **Reply #9 on:** September 23, 2009, 08:00:36 PM »

Nice bass , quite rare body style I suppose for Spoiler electronics .
Is that right ?

David Houck · « **Reply #10 on:** September 23, 2009, 08:24:31 PM »

Wolf; there have been a few to show up here and on the bay, one of which I see you've already found. I'm thinking Joey's bass is a Spoiler with a Standard Point body too, but my memory isn't highly reliable.

sonicus · « **Reply #11 on:** September 24, 2009, 02:07:38 AM »

Thanks for your reply Dave. I wonder what kind of a difference that the added body mass makes sound wise .I have always found the Standard point body with crown head stock to be an attractive design.
Wolf .

terryc · « **Reply #12 on:** September 24, 2009, 02:41:28 AM »

well it looks like a standard body shape with Spoiler electronics and the LED's look like Martin Sims work in Essex who did my MK back in May.
It must be a recent retro fit as his earlier work involved routing another cavity for extra batteries with a brass plate with his name on it.
His later fits use the existing battery to power the pre amps.

terryc · « **Reply #13 on:** September 24, 2009, 07:41:47 AM »

Think I have found you bass on Martin SIMS site, it is in the LED gallery on page 5. This is the link
http://www.simscustom.com/html/popups/ledgallery/

Fourth line down, second one from left

georgie_boy · « **Reply #14 on:** September 24, 2009, 08:17:52 AM »

Link's not working Tel!!