Author Topic: I found an 83 Distillate...thoughts? (Read 662 times)

Bassman8416 · « **on:** December 06, 2012, 10:45:02 PM »

A very cool guy has this for sale for $1400. Just wondered what you guys think...supposed to be like new and no issues whatsoever. I was told by a 61 yr old bass player that has been around the block that this bass won't work for me for my Blues and R&B projects. I though that was BS. Am i correct, I thought there were many tone options even with a Distillate. Thanks.

(Message edited by Bassman8416 on December 06, 2012)

hieronymous · « **Reply #1 on:** December 06, 2012, 11:49:19 PM »

I think you are right - the Alembic filter is so versatile. You may encounter some people that will judge an instrument on looks instead of what it actually sounds like, but that's their problem - most people will probably be stunned by the looks AND the sound! That is one beautiful bass - scoop it up!

jazzyvee · « **Reply #2 on:** December 06, 2012, 11:59:30 PM »

That electronics package looks very similar to the Europa except for the Europa has a pickup blend instead of a pan pot. I have a bass with that package and I've used it in both of the genre's that you mention there plus reggae and funk and even though my bass is an Elan with all maple construction I can still get it to mellow down for a sweet mellow, punchy sound. I tend to keep the Q-switch off, the mid on cut then close down the filter to get that warmth.

The maple in my bass tends to want to stay bright so i don't doubt that the mahogany in the bass you are looking at should give you a warmer bottom end sound. Plus as has been said before on the forum, the fingers are a big component in getting the sound you want. So some experimentation is called for Worse case scenario? If you bought it and it didn't suit your needs you may find it quite easy to sell on.

Jazzyvee

flpete1uw · « **Reply #3 on:** December 07, 2012, 03:57:13 AM »

Craig,
I have a Distillate and can say it's a wonderfully versatile Instrument. I concur with Jazzyvee with the initial settings and experiment on, you'll be surprised where it will take you. $1400 for that Beauty? Snag it now for ever hold your peace!

Best wishes
Pete

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #4 on:** December 07, 2012, 06:20:04 AM »

I suspect That won't work for blues and R&B probably translates to I believe that a Precision is the only real bass. Let me guess; the person saying it is a guitarist, right? It's a great price for a beautiful, fine-playing instrument that can get a wide range of sounds; if at least one of those sounds works for you for R&B and blues, you're good. I, for one, am tried of blues bass going thud.

Peter

Bassman8416 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 07, 2012, 07:15:12 AM »

Great responses guys...I am going for it. I will keep you all posted....the seller seems really cool. he is actually taking a ferry over to Long Island from Connecticut to me meet me for the purchase. The 61 yr old cat is a bass player, nice guy but said that Alembics are amazingly well made basses, but with a lot of truss maintenance etc....he was saying that Xotic basses are where its at now....I play in a Female fronted Blues/R&B classic rock band, a Grateful Dead Tribute, a Little Feat tribute as well and a ton of subbing I think the Distillate will be fine for all the above and i will probably end up saving for a Series eventually.

flpete1uw · « **Reply #6 on:** December 07, 2012, 08:05:07 AM »

Lets see the Bassist for the Grateful Dead and Little Feat both used Alembics.
Congrats on the pending Bass!!! You could probably turn around and get $2000 for it in short order. But my guess you'll keep it.

Pete

jazzyvee · « **Reply #7 on:** December 07, 2012, 08:18:43 AM »

A wise decision bassman.

Jazzyvee

5a_quilt_top · « **Reply #8 on:** December 07, 2012, 08:33:30 AM »

Don't hesitate - BUY IT NOW!

I agree with Jazzy - the controls are very versatile. After you get used to how they interact, you should be able to dial up any sound you want from muddy to piano-string bright.

Due to the large amount of maple and the purpleheart neck lams, it will probably be a naturally bright, punchy bass. There's nothing wrong with that - always remember, you can't add high end that isn't there to begin with, but you can tame it as required with the filter controls.

It also appears to have a mahogany body.

If so, it will probably sound a lot like my Stanley Clark Signature Deluxe which has the same wood recipe. It is a tone that cuts through the mix even with the high end rolled off.

Bassman8416 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 07, 2012, 08:40:05 AM »

Man....this is an amazing site....its like family.....The Alembic family. I will be a proud member tomorrow at 3PM!!!!!!

5a_quilt_top · « **Reply #10 on:** December 07, 2012, 09:28:25 AM »

Congrats!

That's why we hang here - NOBODY takes care of you like family!

sonicus · « **Reply #11 on:** December 07, 2012, 03:42:08 PM »

You can play ANY style of music with that Bass ! If you don't want it ,I certainly would ____!

hammer · « **Reply #12 on:** December 07, 2012, 06:27:23 PM »

Grab it now or you'll regret it for the rest of your life. It's a beautiful bass at a great price.

David Houck · « **Reply #13 on:** December 07, 2012, 07:03:32 PM »

Congrats! Looks like a great deal on a great bass. It's a Small Standard body rather than a Distillate body, so it may be a short scale.

Bassman8416 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 07, 2012, 07:56:25 PM »

Thank you so much. Yes it is a short scale. Which is what I always wanted.