1982 Distillate (Ebay Auction)

[drewtaylor3187]

This is a 1982 Alembic Distillate. Serial number 82D208. Top looks like walnut to me. Bidding starts at $3,500.

Would definitely love to see the specs on it. Wonder if it comes with paperwork.

https://ebay.us/m/j3A1hO

[garyhead]

Looks like the last number (under the string) is a 7.

[edwardofhuncote]

At 208X (and I agree with Gary, it looks like a 7 if I squint) that'll be fairly early in 1982. That looks a little dark for walnut, maybe some species of rosewood (?) which I'd consider to be an upgrade wood. Also of note, the maple pinstripe/accent between the top laminate and the mahogany core. Not commonly seen on Distillate. I remember only a few with this.

Looks like the Q-switch is rotatated 90°... maybe on purpose? And for whatever reason, they left that fool wax paper on the brass backplate. Good luck getting it off there now. Pass the acetone.

If I wanted another Distillate, I'd try to snipe this one at the last second. I like it. Mine was pretty special.

[StephenR]

Agree about the date it would be early 82. I still have the build sheet for the 82 Distillate that was my first Alembic, serial is 82D2344 or it may be 82D2349 hard to read the last character, either way the “birthdate” is 11/23/82. That also does not look like a Walnut top to me. Nice bass and decent price assuming everything works as expected.