It's time. This is not a day I've been looking forward to, but there are a pair of Distillates here that need new homes.
First, 81D 1986
Birthday: December 11th, 1981.
Walnut top, mahogany core, maple/purpleheart neck, ebony fingerboard with pearl ovals, 32" medium-scale. No breaks, therefore no repairs, no foolishness. Only mod is the pickup selector switch was swapped out for a pan pot. It's mounted in the same location as the former 4-position selector switch. It is an Alembic pot with the correct witch-hat knob. I didn't do it, don't know who did, it was thataway when I got it. Works great, and I actually like it better than a switch. If you'd rather have a switch, I imagine the mod is easily reversible.
So if you are not familiar, early Distillates don't balance great. They do balance on a strap if properly adjusted and postured. If you're looking for that perfectly balanced bass, this is not it; you should shop for a Europa or Elan, or another model. This bass is the lightest Alembic that I have. Don't know exact weight, but I think less than 9 lb. It's pretty light. I'll weigh it if needed.
This bass is also the most Series-like sounding bass I have that is not a Series bass. It just has that juice. Especially so, while currently strung with T-I Jazz Rounds. I also have a set of T-I Jazz Flats cut for this bass if you prefer them.
*The brass washer is not covering a jack repair. I'll remove it before shipping, or leave it if you like. I think it's cute. The red power-on indicator LED still works on this one. Some people disconnected theirs to slow the battery drain. Cheapskates... let your red lights shine, says me.
$4000 - shipped, domestically.
Next... 85D 3696
Birthday: August 23rd, 1985 (also Barbara Eden's Birthday, coincidentally...)
This one has a few custom touches. The basic build is; figured bubinga-top and back laminates on a mahogany core, maple and purpleheart neck, fretless ebony fingerboard, 32" medium-scale. The body shape is a custom pattern, part Distillate, part Standard Point with the mid-80's extended upper-horn. This greatly improves the balance.
When I got this bass, it still had the wax paper on the brass plates... that's how unplayed it was. There are two very tiny dings in it, one in the top, and one in the back. They are only noticeable if you are looking for them. Not sure they would even photograph. I don't think you will find many cleaner 1985 Alembics, but I will try to picture them if one of these is your deal-breaker.
The original AXY pickups were replaced with a new set of Classic shell AXY FatBoys. I will put the originals back in if you want, but I can't imagine why you would. If you want both sets of pickups, we can discuss a price for that. They look identical if that helps. The FatBoys are sublime. The AXY's were just fine too. These just took it up a couple notches.
It's currently strung with T-I Jazz Flats. I have a set of D'Addario Chromes cut for it you can have, if you want them. They sounded okay, but I didn't care for the extra tension. I am an OCD freak about strings, so they are very nice and neatly cut and wrapped, back in packages.
This bass is a hefty one. 10-1/2 lbs at least. And it is physically just... BIG. The redeeming quality is the perfect balance. I will definitely miss that.
$4500 - shipped, domestically.
Both basses are in their original hardshell cases. The '81 has seen more use than the '85, but both are pretty nice and all latches work. No floppy, loose handles, no unidentifiable funkiness within. If you want, I'll peel the bumper stickers. Nothing offensive, or political, just stuff I thought was cool. They're just cases. Couple scuffs, no rips or puctures. Nothing to write home about. Put your bass in it and go to the gig.
So there they are, gang. Two fine ones here that have served me well. It's just time to move them on. As always, I'm glad to chat about these things, and anything else Alembic-related, so just hit me. I want you to love them like I have, and would feel better knowing you did.
I have plenty more pictures if you need detail.
~Ed of H.
