(x) 82D2175 Exploiter 8

[StillLurkinAbout]

I just picked up what looks like a Exploiter Distillate 8 and being a noob to the marque am wondering what it's specs might have been. It's missing it's paperwork. The odd thing is it has a solid brass nut and since I that adjustable was standard I'm wondering if it left the factory that way.
There do seem to be a few threads on various forums where this bass or one very similar is pictured...
If these things could talk...

Cheers.

[JimmyJ]

Welcome to the forum and the Alembic family.  Serial number lookups can take some time so be patient.  In the meantime we all love pics so post some when you can (you may need to resize them to meet the file requirements - and there is no "preview" until you click "post"). 

It sounds like an usual axe.  The serial number shows it was built in 1982 but with pics many folks in here can help identify wood types and electronics packages.  So, do show!

Jimmy J

[edwardofhuncote]

Welcome, Lurkin'


Here is an old thread about an Exploiter Distillate 8, that someone had replaced the original nut. Most likely at some point someone wanted to try it as a 4-string with the strings centered, and later it was retrofitted with a replacement 8-string one. https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=12121.msg133548#msg133548


Maybe this is your bass, maybe a different one... the ebay link within is so old we may never know, but the explanation still could still apply.

[StillLurkinAbout]

Welcome to the forum and the Alembic family.  Serial number lookups can take some time so be patient.  In the meantime we all love pics so post some when you can (you may need to resize them to meet the file requirements - and there is no "preview" until you click "post"). 

It sounds like an usual axe.  The serial number shows it was built in 1982 but with pics many folks in here can help identify wood types and electronics packages.  So, do show!

Jimmy J

Hi and thank you. Picture attached to first post :-)

[rv_bass]

Welcome, that is a gorgeous bass, congrats!

[JimmyJ]

Oh yes!  That's a beauty and must make a heck-of-a sound!  Others here will help with the spec details. Nice catch!

Jimmy J

[pauldo]

Oh yes… that top is magic.  Looks like liquid. 

Controls look like like standard Distillate knobs-n-switches.  To mirror Jimmy, it must sound awesome!  8 strings roaring.

[David Houck]

Cool top!

[matbard]

I absolutely love 8-string basses with same-sized tuners!!!

[gearhed289]

That's a real beauty and a very special, rare bass. I have a '83 four string Distillate Exploiter.

[hieronymous]

Very cool! My first Alembic was a Spoiler Exploiter. An 8-string Alembic is a dream for me! Yours is superb - enjoy it!

[StillLurkinAbout]

Thank you all. Yes it is quite special and unique. When doing due diligence before buying I spent a while deciding on this one or a possible Spyder(Seller never responded so that was one strike). From my time online, it does appear that this bass has made the rounds over the past couple of decades but barring anything unfortunate, I think it’s found a long term home :-) What won me over on this was the scale length and the top. And it sounds huge. Seems like “Big Bottom” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” are must plays 😂. This thing is a gateway though!

[mica]

Here's what I found in the instrument file:

top: Quilted Maple
accent: none
body: Mahogany
neck: Maple and Purpleheart
scale: 32" medium
fingerboard: Ebony
inlays:mother of pearl ovals
tuners: Schaller
originally made for: Arnold & Morgan Music, TX
birthday: August 3, 1982

That's all there was until I added you to the file!

[mica]

Many 8-string basses and 12-string guitars don't get adjustable nuts - would be a complete nightmare to adjust!

[StillLurkinAbout]

Many 8-string basses and 12-string guitars don't get adjustable nuts - would be a complete nightmare to adjust!

Thanks so much. Nice to find out that it's still pretty much the way it left the factory. And quite agree that in this case, an adjustable nut could be a bit of a hinderance. Less is more.

:-)