Author Topic: Loving the Distillate! (Read 260 times)

mtjam · « **on:** November 30, 2011, 01:43:37 PM »

I just got my first Alembic last week, an 83 Distillate, and played my first gig with it on Friday night. Looks like I have a new #1 bass! I'm really impressed with the feel and sound of this bass. Although it's a little on the heavy side, it balances pretty well with a wide strap. I still need to look inside at the electronics; maybe a little trim pot adjustment would give it a little more oomph.

Anyway, just here to say that I am extremely happy to be an Alembic owner!

pauldo · « **Reply #1 on:** November 30, 2011, 02:36:31 PM »

Rob -
That is awesome!
Welcome to the club.
Distillate's are a ton of fun.
Please go here:

and post pictures of your new favorite thang.

redcloud · « **Reply #2 on:** November 30, 2011, 03:27:28 PM »

Congrats on your new bass. Well done! You do know though that frequently one Alembic usually leads to another.

hammer · « **Reply #3 on:** November 30, 2011, 09:02:39 PM »

No question about it, you always fondly remember your first love, and for me it was a Distillate. While I still lust for and someday will eventually find an SC, I don't think I could ever sell my first Alembic (an 86' D).

rjmsteel · « **Reply #4 on:** December 01, 2011, 09:17:10 AM »

Alumni: \81D.
1st Alembic too, bought it new...

sonicus · « **Reply #5 on:** December 01, 2011, 09:43:05 AM »

81 single pickup here ________love it too !

David Houck · « **Reply #6 on:** December 01, 2011, 04:43:31 PM »

Congrats!

southpaw · « **Reply #7 on:** December 10, 2011, 03:15:55 PM »

Congrats Rob and welcome to the Distillate club. I have an '86 coco bolo, I love it. Your '83 has a shorter upper horn, the upper horn was lengthened in '85 to help the balance issue. As you discovered, a wide strap will help fix that on the early ones. A little heavy yes, but what a great feel and tone range! Feel free to ask the gang here for help setting up the trim pots/electronics, we have a lots of veterans here who are happy to help. Enjoy!

mtjam · « **Reply #8 on:** December 10, 2011, 06:56:52 PM »

Just got to play my newest bass for an extended period of time again last night, and I continue to be amazed by its sound. I did go inside the electronics cavity, and one of the trim pots is already turned up all the way. I'm not bold enough, nor do I have a steady enough hand, to do the mod to increase the output of the bass, so I guess I'll just need to turn up the volume on my amp! The output is really not all that low, I guess I just expected it would be louder.

Haven't had a chance to take any pics yet (it's hard to get anything done when my 2 year old daughter is so busy!), so here's a link to the bass I bought:

http://club.alembic.com/Images/395/113648.html?1319066783

I really think I am now done looking for other basses, unless it's another Alembic!

Great to be a member of the club; enjoy the rest of the weekend!

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #9 on:** December 11, 2011, 01:44:03 PM »

That sure is a pretty example of zebra wood. Enjoy it in good health.

bassthang · « **Reply #10 on:** December 14, 2011, 07:34:36 AM »

I'm gad you're enjoying it Rob, and that it's getting the playing time I wasn't going to give it.

mtjam · « **Reply #11 on:** December 14, 2011, 01:42:47 PM »

Thanks, Tommy! The bass is getting as much play as I can give it, and I am enjoying it a lot. Hope all is well with you.