Author Topic: 84D3329 just hit eBay (Read 302 times)

bsee · « **on:** May 24, 2004, 07:49:04 PM »

Looks like a four string, zebra top and purpleheart lams, unknown scale length. I might be interested if it's a 32 and the price stays reasonable.

al_young · « **Reply #1 on:** May 24, 2004, 09:18:29 PM »

Hey Bob,
I own an 82 Distilate, which is what I think that bass is although it's an 84. Mine is a 32 inch scale. I'm no expert but I saw somewhere in one of the postings, someone said they thought the Distilates were all 32 inch scales. I saw your posting about medium scale five strings, and if this is medium scale I think you'll like it. I saw somewhere that they go for about $1300. I bought the Mark King you played at Bass Central, I'll let you know how I like the B string on it.

bsee · « **Reply #2 on:** May 25, 2004, 04:42:56 AM »

Hi Al,

Thanks for the info. Yes, the eBay bass is definitely a Distillate. That looks like a very easy-to-use electronics package, though I have never seen one of those in person.

That MK was a beautiful piece of wood! I am sure that you will like it. I think that my initial reaction to it was based upon the feel that I am used to, and that I would have adapted to it if I played it longer. I find that I can never really know how much I will actually enjoy an instrument until the first time I gig it. That's when I really understand what it can do.

Just out of curiosity, did my mention of the bass here lead you to it, or did you locate it independently? Though I have never actually owned an Alembic, it would seem that I have caused at least three of them to be sold. I am an Alembic-pusher, I hope that's not illegal.

bassman10096 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 25, 2004, 05:14:01 AM »

It seems like almost any time one of us has questions, is seeking a solution, looking for an item, such a variety of information emerges (because of the resources and the knowledge among this group) that others get engaged. I'm sure a couple of sales have occured as a result of these discussions. But the information shared and learning goes on in a subtler and (I think) more consistent way. This group is both rewarding (personally speaking) and fascinating!

Bill

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 25, 2004, 10:22:56 AM »

My '81 Distillate is a 32 scale (I feel so foolish when I make mistakes)(This Senior moment brought to you by misfiring neurons - Get Some Today!). I love it, although I'm currently trying to troubleshoot a noise issue. I'm waiting on a bottle of silver conductive paint due to arrive from AG&E on Tuesday.

Mike

(Message edited by dadabass2001 on May 29, 2004)

effclef · « **Reply #5 on:** May 26, 2004, 06:40:21 AM »

Mike, people have mentioned in the past that you should check inside the cavity and see if ferrite beads (little grey doughnuts) are slipped over the two pickup cables. Wrapping a turn around those helps cut noise. If yours doesn't have them, call Alembic and get some.

EffClef

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 26, 2004, 10:17:56 AM »

Thanks Eff
Been There, done that ... except the leads are too short to wrap around and so only pass through once. I've spoken with Mica about this and we're eliminating potential problem areas from the cheapest up. If it's worse case, I'll wind up replacing the DS-1 package.
Mike

funky4 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 27, 2004, 08:15:46 AM »

Hi,

New to the club. Currently use the F-1X Pre-Amp in the band I play in ( www.sleepingbootyband.com) and am quickly becoming an Alembic Bigot for all products.

I'm looking for my first Alembic bass, and am wondering if anyone can chime in on this '84 Distillate with some opinions, details, and what would be a fair price for this one in the ebay auction circles.....

thanks in advance.....
chuck

keavin · « **Reply #8 on:** May 27, 2004, 08:24:24 AM »

if you can get that distillate it's worth it,they dont make them anymore,you will be very happy if you do.

David Houck · « **Reply #9 on:** May 29, 2004, 05:34:05 AM »

Hi Chuck, welcome to the group. The electronics package on the Distallate is very nice; it is very similar to what is now called the Europa set up (the most obvious difference being the use of a pickup selector switch instead of a pan control). Also very nice are the Purpleheart neck laminates. There are two standard Alembic neck tapers; this one is the narrow taper as would be found on Signature and Series basses. If you are used to a wide neck, especially at the pickups, this could be an issue. For instance, there are certain right hand slap techniques that I find easier on a wide taper neck. And this bass is a 32 inch scale, what Alembic calls medium scale. If you've only played 34 scale basses, a 32 scale is a significant difference. Much more comfortable on the headstock end; but if you play a lot on the high end of the fretboard, the fingering can be a little more tricky.

Distallates do not show up on Ebay very often, much less that Epics and Series basses; thus it is not easy to say what a fair price would be. Personally, I think it's a very nice bass and I would be interested in this one except that I'm trying not to bid on everything I see and right now I'm kinda watching for a Rogue. Without speaking to the condition (the pictures are not great and I've not emailed the seller), the current bid of $1,025 is very fair.

(Message edited by davehouck on May 29, 2004)

bsee · « **Reply #10 on:** May 29, 2004, 02:36:59 PM »

Well, it's up to $1100 with a few hours to go. Winning the Persuader auction a few minutes ago has me dropping out of interest for this one, so that's one less thing for you interested buyers to worry about!

If there's no damage, this bass has an absolutely beautiful top, neck laminates, and a great electronics package. If Spoilers have been going for $1200, this should be worth at least that if not a couple hundred more.

Good luck to all!

funky4 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 30, 2004, 05:55:31 AM »

Thanks for all the info and opinions, especially about the neck taper and scale lengths as I have previously playing the 34 scales types.

I wasn't able to grab this one as the auction exceeded my personal limit for a used Alembic for the timebeing, so I'm going back to the ebay aution blocks on a few items I have to unload to re-fill the tank and come out swinging harder the next time out I find one of interest.....

Thanks again and see you soon

bsee · « **Reply #12 on:** May 30, 2004, 06:10:16 AM »

Guitar Center has a four string medium scale Persuader on their auction site for $800 with no case. It looks pretty nice and has gone around several times. I made an offer of $750 delivered and the seller said no to that, but the price may come down a little bit if it doesn't sell this week.

http://www.instrumentexchange.com/bid-form.asp?list_id=640356&pid=41&catid=131&scatid=495&status=1

good luck!