I'd like to share the following story with you. In 1988, my father (who was completely crazy) gave me an Alembic Spoiler (body: standard pointed shape). After playing a Fender Jazz Bass, it took me a while to get used to it. Now I wouldn't want it any other way.
Due to circumstances, I sold "my" Alembic. Of course, I regretted it. Within a year, I bought a used 1983 Alembic Distillate. The only downside was that the original preamp wasn't working properly anymore. I shipped the electronics from the Netherlands to Alembic. Unfortunately, they never arrived. Attempts to buy new electronics from Alembic failed (sorry, Alembic, but this could/should have been handled better). Unfortunately, I couldn't get any further with it.
This whole ordeal took place about 10–15 years ago. At first, I used an ACG preamp (with two low-pass filters) for years. That worked fine, but recently I came across JTEX online. This small Canadian company makes the Distiller, modeled after the Alembic preamp with a low-pass filter. I now have two Distillers with 2 Q-switches installed. Okay, still not genuine original Alembic electronics, but this comes very close (maybe even better?).
Of course, I would never have replaced original electronics that worked well, but forced by circumstances, this is a very good option. If any of you are in a similar situation, I can definitely recommend JTEX.
I put a Distiller in a Warwick 5 string that I owned for a short while. I really liked it. About a year ago I put together a harness with EMG master volume and blend controls, a Distiller with 3 way Q switch, and a JTEX LFC (bass boost/cut). I installed it in my Rickenbacker with Ric pickups and couldn't be happier. I ended up putting the same parts in my fretless Kramer with EMGs with equally good results.
Hi, this is what my Distillate looks like now. Volume, blend, two JTEX Distiller low-pass filters with Q-switches, a battery voltage LED, and a set of new DR strings. It sounds fantastic.
Warning ;) I don't recommend replacing the original Alembic electronics, but if you really have to, the JTEX Distiller is a great option (no, I don't own any shares in that one-man company).
Hi fellow Dutchie, that's a great looking bass! Really the Distillate shape. Had some gas for one this year but I decide to go on the hunt for a series 1 (medium or short scale). Still hunting though.
Curious how close your preamp comes to the real deal? And how does it compare to the ACG? Does it still have the Alembic pickups? And is the JTEX modeled after the series 1 electronics?
I think we've that one before; the F clef cover where the selector was looks very familiar.
Lovely fiddle!
Peter
Quote from: Barend on May 25, 2026, 09:31:03 AMHi fellow Dutchie, that's a great looking bass! Really the Distillate shape. Had some gas for one this year but I decide to go on the hunt for a series 1 (medium or short scale). Still hunting though.
Curious how close your preamp comes to the real deal? And how does it compare to the ACG? Does it still have the Alembic pickups? And is the JTEX modeled after the series 1 electronics?
... Hi Barend, sorry for the late reply. Yes it still has its original Alembic pickups. Works great. The JTEX Distiller is indeed modeled after the Alembic electronics. Please refer to the JTEX website and read what Jerry says about this.
By tge way, I've listed to one of your albums. Great music, great bass playing!
I agree about the JTEX! I actually built mine into a pedal, so I could use it on the output of any guitar / bass / anything else. Works great.
Quote from: arjen on July 12, 2026, 06:17:44 AMQuote from: Barend on May 25, 2026, 09:31:03 AMHi fellow Dutchie, that's a great looking bass! Really the Distillate shape. Had some gas for one this year but I decide to go on the hunt for a series 1 (medium or short scale). Still hunting though.
Curious how close your preamp comes to the real deal? And how does it compare to the ACG? Does it still have the Alembic pickups? And is the JTEX modeled after the series 1 electronics?
... Hi Barend, sorry for the late reply. Yes it still has its original Alembic pickups. Works great. The JTEX Distiller is indeed modeled after the Alembic electronics. Please refer to the JTEX website and read what Jerry says about this.
By tge way, I've listed to one of your albums. Great music, great bass playing!
Thanks Arjen!!