Author Topic: Distillate v Spoiler (Read 569 times)

Bassman8416 · « **on:** May 18, 2015, 09:05:07 PM »

I recently owned a Spoiler that i regretfully sold. I have an opportunity to purchase a Distillate that's in very good condition., 32 scale. What is the difference between the two. Electronics?

mica · « **Reply #1 on:** May 18, 2015, 09:35:53 PM »

Very similar electronics, build on the same preamp. Distillate adds a bass and treble cut/flat/boost switch that in the flat position will behave exactly like a Spoiler.

The Distillate body shape is a little different, with a flattened bottom, but a similar length upper horn. Both are standard 32 medium scale. Unless you had a solid Koa Spoiler, they should have more in common than not.

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #2 on:** May 18, 2015, 09:37:20 PM »

Very similar electronics. In addition to standard Spoiler package, Distillate has boost/flat/cut switches for bass and treble.

Distillate: http://club.alembic.com/Images/16271/24726.html?1138816475

Spoiler: http://club.alembic.com/Images/16271/16327.html?1107554623

Someone on this board once pointed out to me, Distillate is very close to modern-day East-Meets-West electronics.

Good luck... I know you hated to let that Spoiler go. Hope this one works out.

edwardofhuncote · « **Reply #3 on:** May 18, 2015, 09:47:45 PM »

Mica is 2 minutes quicker, and far better sourced... =)

hammer · « **Reply #4 on:** May 19, 2015, 06:17:21 AM »

The Distillate is a great bass and my introduction to Alembic. There appear to be both a standard Distillate body as well as more than a few that were made with longer upper horns. I know some people have talked about the standard Distillate being a little neck heavy but the body type with the longer upper horn that I had was perfectly balanced for me.

sonicus · « **Reply #5 on:** May 19, 2015, 06:33:21 AM »

I have an 81 Distillate , the older type. She is truly a sweet little Devil with her single pickup and always seems to get compliments where ever she speaks .

gearhed289 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 19, 2015, 01:07:24 PM »

Distillate has some nice, higher end features than the Spoiler - purpleheart neck laminates, brass block under the bridge, crown headstock, and the bass and treble boost/flat/cut switches mentioned. The longer upper horn came in '85 or '86 I believe. I have a beautiful 34'' long scale '86.

gearhed289 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 19, 2015, 01:16:07 PM »

Distillate has some nice, higher end features than the Spoiler - purpleheart neck laminates, brass block under the bridge, crown headstock, and the bass and treble boost/flat/cut switches mentioned. The longer upper horn came in '85 or '86 I believe. I have a beautiful 34'' long scale '86.

Bassman8416 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 19, 2015, 06:58:38 PM »

Here is a pic of the bass I might be buying. Is there a knob missing? Any thoughts on the bass itself?

sonicus · « **Reply #9 on:** May 19, 2015, 07:06:45 PM »

Where would there be a knob missing ? Nice Bass! It Looks complete externally . Nice find.

mica · « **Reply #10 on:** May 19, 2015, 07:37:07 PM »

No missing knob... looks like volume and filter with a rotary pickup selector on the upper horn. The row of three switches looks normal. This is an early 2-pickup one with an LED (may or may not be hooked up). Nice looker!

Probably will need the electronics RF upgraded - it's not as spendy as the Series I/II but it does cost something as these are completely handwired, even the board isn't printed.

Bassman8416 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 19, 2015, 07:52:26 PM »

Thank you so much Sonicus and Mica...I am going to get it.

sonicus · « **Reply #12 on:** May 19, 2015, 07:55:57 PM »

You are very welcome. Congratulations !

Wolf

mica · « **Reply #13 on:** May 19, 2015, 08:00:44 PM »

One thing to note is the truss rod cover is not recessed and there isn't a ton of room between the end of the fingerboard and the bass pickup. That's good - it will have a deeper bass tone for its position, but, some people need more room to play there for their style. Just a heads up there.

Bassman8416 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 19, 2015, 08:06:06 PM »

Good point Mica....I will be using this for a Grateful Dead tribute...using a pic. I can make it happen. Eventually I will get the Series. Oh, as far as the upgrade is that something a really good luthier can do...one that is great with wiring?