Alembic Distillate Guitar

[DeadNZ]

Hi Folks,
I just recently purchased a 1981 Distillate Guitar in New Zealand. The electronics have been tampered with and I wondered if anyone could help me out with some schematics of the original setup. As you can see in the pic two of the switches have been taken out. The guy I bought it from said he got it this way and the electronics that someone removed are still in the guitar case. So I think I've got everything to let someone fix it, but do not know how. Greatly appreciate any help. Cheers Tom

[pauldo]

Take the cover off and snap a pick of the electronics cavity.  Snap a pic of the electronics that are in the guitar case.  Post them here.

Also note; pickup screws should be orientated diagonally with two under the pickup and two over the pickup.

[DeadNZ]

Thanks my friend, will do.

[pauldo]

You are welcome... helping others feels good! Here is a link stolen from a different thread that links to pickup screws and adjustments.

Here are two more helpful guides from the FAQ section.

Installing threaded inserts - this thread shows how to install threaded inserts; the last post addresses inserts for pickups specifically and the insert size.

Pickup height adjustment - talks about how to adjust pickup height.

[mica]

would be great to see an image of the electronics themselves, the knobs too have been changed, and that may indicate even more changes inside

[DeadNZ]

Hey Folks,
tried to post something with attachment here now for two days, but no luck so far. Will keep on trying.

[DeadNZ]

Hey Folks,
I took some pics and the last one is of the left over electronics that were in the case. Looks pretty messy inside....

https://mega.nz/#!NN8EWQyS!Sox7iAJ5K6yDqzlogzSKRW1aY0Sg3W-Lkzm5Yceze_M

https://mega.nz/#!JA0k3Sra!BXoz9sxQp6XyRlyycuK_ZANos6dgR6X_jvT3zOCqVts

https://mega.nz/#!ME8yFQqK!6T13csMdizYqyDvzlEgY0psa-NC6wvV5Kp3acg2aS3o

Thanks again for your kindness. Tom

[DeadNZ]

Here are the same pics just a bit smaller.

Seems like the site timed out when I tried to use the IMG function...

Cheers Tom

[mica]

I have no idea what's going on with those electronics on the plate - they weren't made here. The dual pot from the case looks like it was probably the original, but it's beyond repair. The module it's attached to is not Alembic.

[DeadNZ]

Oh bummer!
Is there any chance to get my hands on the schematics for the electronic setup?

[edwardofhuncote]

That's a cool old guitar you have there, Tom. Welcome to the Club. There's not a ton of information about them here, but probably more than anywhere else. As I understand it, these models with the electronics cavity routed to the front and the controls mounted a brass plate were made for export to Japan. Consequently, we don't see as many of them back here.

I believe the controls should have been like any other Distillate: Volume and lowpass Filter (the two knobs) and; 2-position Q-switch, Treble boost/flat/cut, Bass boost/flat/cut (for the three switches) Plus a 1/4" mono output jack.  (and that cool little battery-draining LED...)

The good news is; Alembic electronics are modular, no soldering required, so if you can find a set, it's a simple matter to install them and plug them in. The bad news; this might be the proverbial search for hens teeth. A call or email to Mica is your best bet for some appropriate replacement parts. Distillate is an inactive model, but there are some similar controls they can fix you up with. Being mounted on that plate should make it a piece of cake!

Again, welcome- that really is a sweet old guitar... it'll bring you many years of joy if you get her fixed up. I've been watching another one like it on ebay that was modified in an interesting way.

Good Luck!

[StephenR]

Hopefully the electronics in the guitar currently work and you are able to use it. It is hard to tell from your initial post if you are looking to repair the electronics or restore them to their original configuration. It is a neat old guitar definitely call (best option) or email MIca for information and options for replacing/restoring the electronics. May be tricky to call Alembic from NZ, they answer calls between 11AM and 4 PM Pacific Standard Time. If the existing electronics need repair you will need to take the instrument to a local tech since they are not Alembic electronics. Let us know how you make out. Good luck!

[DeadNZ]

Thanks guys, yes I already love this beauty. She plays very well and well, I would like to restore the electronics to the original but that might be nearly impossible.
Yes the guitar works how it is now, but quite strange on the up setting of the switch its very quiet with a nice warm sound, when I turn the switch down it becomes really loud and more treble comes through and less bass. I also noticed the led is not working either.
Okay, will try to email Mica and see what happens.
Thanks a lot for your help.
Cheers Tom