1983 Alembic Distillate Exploiter

[Exploiter007]

Just picked her up today!  Amazing condition. 

[edwin]

How does it sound and play?


I have to say that I can't really see myself playing that body shape, but I hear that the playability and comfort is really great.

[Exploiter007]

The balance is spot on and it is very comfortable to play.  Fast neck.  In terms of sound, I'm still getting to know what it can do, but I can tell you it does A LOT in terms of "useable tones."  I play a Hamer Scarab in a Def Leppard tribute band that was owned by Rick Savage and singed by the band.  It belongs to our guitar player.  Anyway, if you know the Scarab shape it's an Explorer based instrument - I was amazed at how much fun it was to play, and like the Exploiter, balances very well.  That Scarab pretty much took any fear I had over playing Explorer shaped instruments, and besides, ever since I saw the cover of "Too Late The Hero" I've wanted Alembic's take on it.  Very pleased with this bass guitar. 

[hieronymous]

Congrats! My first Alembic was a Spoiler Exploiter - I eventually sold it, mainly because I wasn't playing out anymore and using it indoors I was always bumping it into doorjambs! Rather than keep injuring it I decided to pass it on to someone that would take better advantage and care of it. I remember Mica pointing out that it is actually a very comfortable shape to play, which I agree with (minus walking from room to room!).


Enjoy!!!

[Exploiter007]

Thanks!  I just dropped it off with Mica and the team yesterday for a refurbishment (electronics upgrade, refin, refret)!  I'm lucky enough to live 30 minutes away.  Got the grand tour from Chris and Bob, and was entertained by Susan and Mica for three hours!  Their hospitality was tremendous.  Alembic may be one of the most important guitar builders in history, but they are down to earth, regular people doing an incredible thing.  I was allowed to play several of the instruments in the lobby - a Spyder, Stanley Clarke Signature, Mark King Signature, an Essence - but the one that really blew me away was a quilted maple over purple heart Further six string - and I'm not a guitar player! 

[Exploiter007]

And now, the finished product.  Everything on this bass was either refinished, upgraded, polished or replaced, right down to the new recessed truss rod plate!  This picture doesn't do it justice.  Very pleased.  Plays and sounds like a dream, looks brand new.  The only thing I didn't replace was the back brass electronics cover.

[growlypants]

Simply beautiful!

[rv_bass]

Very nice, love the koa, bet it sounds fantastic!

[soflbass]

Beautiful bass! Enjoy! There's nothing like an Alembic, except another Alembic.

[gearhed289]

Dream bass right there.

[mtjam]

Very cool!

[edwardofhuncote]

Beautiful koa on that one!   

Congratulations & Compliments.