Author Topic: 1986 Distillate on eBay (Read 379 times)

jagerphan84 · « **on:** July 27, 2004, 04:07:49 AM »

Hey folks,
Just happened across this on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4713&item=3738905228&rd=1
Looks to be in decent shape except for that chunk on the back of the horn. The seller lists the top wood as Coco bolo, but it sure looks more like koa to me. Any other opinions? If it can be had for about $1000, that's not a bad deal.

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** July 27, 2004, 05:05:31 AM »

That is indeed a nice bass.

lowlife · « **Reply #2 on:** July 27, 2004, 05:21:54 AM »

Since (to me, at least) this looks like a Spoiler, what then is the difference between the Spoiler and a Distillate, or is this a case of two words describing the very same thing?

Ellery (Lowlife

jagerphan84 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 27, 2004, 05:33:29 AM »

Distillate electronics are volume, tone, q-switch, bass cut/boost, treble cut/boost, and pickup selector. I am not positive about Spoiler electronics, but I know they do not have the bass/treble switches.

Looking at some pics, I would guess a Spoiler is volume, tone, q-switch, pickup selector.

Also, Distillates have purpleheart neck laminates, and Spoilers do not.

(Message edited by jagerphan84 on July 27, 2004)

lowlife · « **Reply #4 on:** July 27, 2004, 05:46:53 AM »

The Distillate model in question (based upon the photos in the eBay ad) does not have the electronics package you describe, but in fact has Spoiler electronics, which is what lead to my original question and my confusion.
Is this a Distillate with an electronics downgrade or a Spoiler with wood upgrade options?

Ellery (Lowlife)

jagerphan84 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 27, 2004, 05:55:18 AM »

Wow! I had somehow not even GLANCED at the electronics in the pics. That's what I get for posting so early in the morning. With the purpleheart in the neck, I would lean toward Distillate w/Spoiler electronics, but without a serial number we likely can't be sure. It also looks like there is no bridge block, but I don't think that makes any hard difference in what model this is.

lowlife · « **Reply #6 on:** July 27, 2004, 06:09:42 AM »

It's a pretty looking bass, and I'm going to watch the bidding on this one, but I can't see it sounding very different from my '85 Spoiler since the pickups & electrionics are identical. Maybe the neck lams would make a minor difference. For around $1,000 it would still be a nice addition to my polite addiction.

Ellery (Lowlife)

lowlife · « **Reply #7 on:** July 27, 2004, 06:22:50 AM »

OK, now I can see the difference.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4713&item=3738976760&rd=1
This is an eBay link to a 1986 Distillate, which has the cut/boost switches that was mentioned.

Ellery (Lowlife)

palembic · « **Reply #8 on:** July 27, 2004, 07:01:26 AM »

Yep ...this is the old Alembic trickery again.
Distillates were AND an model AND a type of electronics. BAsically the Distillate was an answer to all those people who really liked the Alembic looks and sound but were not in the position to spend the money to the Series (as you all know ... the saga started with only Series). So than cam the Distillate and she was pretty like a Serie (Standard Body) with no Omega cutout or point. Also the electronics were special and more like the present Europa (and a Rogue ...a Rogue has Europa Electronics or vice versa ...it'up to the client and adds more to the jolly confusion between name of electronics and models).
The spoiler is simpeler as said electronics wise. The model was most of the time medium-scale and with the pointed (huh) peghead.
As an example: I was misled once too. Bonnie is shown in the showcase under Series II. Well -back than I didn't know - she isn't! She is a Series I with Series II electronics. Beware ...I ORDERED a Series II. EVH gave me the upgrade as a kind of discount AND as a present because when I came in his shop back in 1996 I was completely surprised that ...oh ...huhuh ...she was a she ...or ...hu ...oh ..well ...you know what I mean.
As you know you can order a Rogue model -which normally has Europa electronics- with Series electronics (When paying the price of course). Although you cannot buy a Europa with Series Electronics (oh ....uuhuhu ...I THINK ...)

...far out no, those Alembics?!?!?!

Paul TBO

bracheen · « **Reply #9 on:** July 27, 2004, 07:34:52 AM »

That's why I like Epics, nice and simple.

funky4 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 27, 2004, 03:12:36 PM »

I requested the serial number from the buyer and he replied with ....86D4?31...from the fretboard so i guess it's a Distillate with the Spoiler electronics as mentioned above.

I'm new to the club, and looking for my first baby...would this be a good first addition, and can anyone shed some opinions on the Distillate vs. Spoiler electronics...ie...sound as to what would make one more appealing than the other?

Also wondering why no one is chiming in on the Series 1 that's currently on ebay as well:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4713&item=3738466282&rd=1

Thanks in advance

ChuckF