Author Topic: Japan Distilate? (Read 113 times)

gbarchus · « **on:** May 20, 2006, 10:19:50 PM »

I found this in Tokyo. Is this single pickup model made for Japan?

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f217/gbarchus/Distilate.jpg

Does anyone have any idea what it's worth?

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2006, 12:03:12 AM »

Yes; single pickup Distillate basses and guitars with the top mounted brass electronics cavity covers were made for export to Japan. There were apparently a little more than 300 in the run which appears to have started in late 1980 with most being made in 1981. Here is another; and there are several at that web site. Eiji (room037) could probably tell you what they trade for in Japan. In fact, I think he owns the one that's on this page. Val owns this one.

room037 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 22, 2006, 09:50:41 AM »

Hi Dave,

Thank you for introduce me.
Yes, I own 1PU Distilate bass (Dis-B).

Alembic instruments were imported by YAMAHA in late 70's.
1PU Distilate was produced as entry model.
But the list price was over JPY 500000 (US$ 5000).
At 1981, These instruments were discounted for sale, because they abandoned the distributor.
I bought my bass at the point.
Many japanese started his Alembic life with Distilate.
The series instruments were rare and expensive for amature musicians.
Because, thees were made only 1700 before 1981.

I think, 1PU distilate is just like Fender P-bass.
If you are slapping lover, 1PU is very useful.

Now the information !
1PU Dis-B often appeared at used market.
These prices were JPY 160000 to 300000 (US$ 1400 to 2700) .
This Dis-B is JPY 198000.
The brass plate has some stain spot, but total condition is good from pictures.

I own Series 1 basses and 20th Anniv.-bass.
But 1PU Dis-B is still one of my favorite.

lidon2001 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 22, 2006, 10:02:16 AM »

The gallery on the link to Eiji's bass is great! I liked the similar Distillate guitar a few pages down, very unique, as well as the Retro Special guitar with the Skylark-like cut top.

Of course, there's a bass or two as well.

T

(Message edited by lidon2001 on May 22, 2006)

trekster · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2006, 11:11:41 AM »

wow..the entire japanese site is something to behold..

--1 pickup Distillate guitars?

--8 string Stanley Clarke's?

--1-pickup Distillate basses with a split wood cover on top (only time I ever saw a cover like that before was on the 80's active-circuit Aria basses I'm so fond of)?

Totally bizzare...and lost an hour's worth of work to boot.

--T

David Houck · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2006, 06:55:53 PM »

Thanks for the info Eiji!