Hi Everyone,

I am a longtime lurker and have learned quite a bit from this site over the years.  I have not been in a position to own an Alembic previously, but have always loved them and am now approaching the point where a used one might be possible in the $3-4K range.  Like many here, I am drawn to Phil Lesh's mid-70's tones, but also love Entwistle and McVie and Clark, etc...  I had been eying used Series 1 or II, but a used Distillate just recently became available in my area and I am going to go check it out this week.  There is not much of a description other than, "maple neck thru body, maple top on mahogany body wings, ebony fretboard, ovak inlays, 24 frets, 2 soap bar pickups, active electronics, modern tailpiece, bridge and tuners, 1-3/4" brass scale, 34" scale, OHSC. EC."  And the price is $3,399.  That is the only description they give. 

I have only played a Series 1 once about 25 years ago and am not familiar with the Distillate at all other than some research here.  It looks like from what I've read a Distillate could possibly fit the bill in terms of the tones I am looking for.  My question for the club is when I go to play it what kinds of things should I be looking for?  I will check out the electronics and all, but there are certainly things I would completely miss that you folks here would dial in on and that is the kind of advice I am looking for.  Oh, I am also super excited to play an Alembic again after so many years!

Edit: After speaking to the seller he misspoke and is actually a Spoiler

I'm neither a luthier nor an electrical engineer but I am a bit of a researcher. I'd get the serial number and post it with some pictures of the bass in the serial number thread here. That way, if the bass still has the materials as described in the build sheet, you may have confidence in the bass's authenticity.

Good advice, thank you.  I will be going in on Wednesday to check it out and just spoke to the seller who said the serial # is 3463255 and that it is a Spoiler, not a Distillate.

My first and currently only Alembic is a Distillate. I think it's a fantastic bass, and a great way to get into Alembics. They have many of the high end features of a Series - crown headstock, 5 piece maple/purpleheart neck, oval inlays, brass bridge block and bird tailpiece. I'm a huge fan of Entwistle and Clarke, and I can get both those kinds of tones out of this bass. A local fellow bassist recently mistook it for my Ric on a track off my band's new album.  Here's a couple of links.
Some good grind at 2:45 -
Soloed bridge pickup riff at 1:32 -
One thing that sets mine apart from most is that it was ordered as a long scale (34'') whereas the vast majority are 32'' medium scale. I've been on the fence about this as I think I'd really like a 32'' scale Alembic. It does have the "newer" body style with the extended upper horn, so it balances well. She's a real beauty in ridiculously great condition, despite the fact that it's an '86!
Sorry about the goon with the beard, but this is the best pic I have handy. 

Verify the pickup selector switch functions and then with pickup "Q" switch turned on (up), do a trill with your fretting hand and sweep the tone knob up and down - you should hear a distinct wah-way sound which would verify that the electronics are indeed Alembic.

As Michael mentioned get pics of serial number, front, back of instrument and ask to take a picture inside the electronics cavity.

Hello, and Welcome.


Double check that serial number... it doesn't quite work. The first two digits represent the year, then a letter code, (S for a Spoiler, or D for a Distillate) then a four digit sequence number. I'll guess you have 84 S 3255 USA.


$3400 is a little bit steep for a secondhand Spoiler or Distillate unless some some pretty special custom options are there. If you watch the Swap Shop here, they come up for sale much less inflated, in the $1800-$2500 range isn't uncommon.


*34" would be unusual for a Spoiler but not unheard of... 32" is the standard scale length.


Again, Welcome. 

Thank you all!  Agree about the serial number and have a call in to him.  I am thinking it is 84S3255 as well.

@gearhed289 - thank you for posting the clips!  I will give a listen tonight when I get home.

Quote from: bayingRidges on September 16, 2019, 07:13:03 AM
Hi Everyone,

I am a longtime lurker and have learned quite a bit from this site over the years.  I have not been in a position to own an Alembic previously, but have always loved them and am now approaching the point where a used one might be possible in the $3-4K range.  Like many here, I am drawn to Phil Lesh's mid-70's tones, but also love Entwistle and McVie and Clark, etc...  I had been eying used Series 1 or II, but a used Distillate just recently became available in my area and I am going to go check it out this week.  There is not much of a description other than, "maple neck thru body, maple top on mahogany body wings, ebony fretboard, ovak inlays, 24 frets, 2 soap bar pickups, active electronics, modern tailpiece, bridge and tuners, 1-3/4" brass scale, 34" scale, OHSC. EC."  And the price is $3,399.  That is the only description they give. 

I have only played a Series 1 once about 25 years ago and am not familiar with the Distillate at all other than some research here.  It looks like from what I've read a Distillate could possibly fit the bill in terms of the tones I am looking for.  My question for the club is when I go to play it what kinds of things should I be looking for?  I will check out the electronics and all, but there are certainly things I would completely miss that you folks here would dial in on and that is the kind of advice I am looking for.  Oh, I am also super excited to play an Alembic again after so many years!

Edit: After speaking to the seller he misspoke and is actually a Spoiler

Hi, I have an 80s Spoiler that I can sell you for a lot less than that guy is asking!!
How do I contact you?

Hi @J9, my email is [listed on profile]

Thanks!

Quote from: bayingRidges on September 16, 2019, 03:23:40 PM
Hi @J9, my email is [listed on profile]

Thanks!

Thanks, just wrote you.

I would agree wholeheartedly with Greg. That price is extremely high for a Distillate even if it's in great condition unless it's got something really special about it.  If you do purchase it, I'd negotiate with the seller first as it's unlikely to sell at that price. At the asking price you are close being able to purchase a very nice Europa, or Signature standard, and not that far from a Series I.


On the other hand my first Alembic (you will be using the same terminology if you buy this one) was a Distillate and they are great basses!

Just a friendly reminder: please do not post your email address on these threads, as they are accessible to any visitor. Please refer to the poster's profile, which is accessible to registered users only, by clicking on the user name next to each post.

Thank you and apologies @adriaan.

So after all my ramblings about the Distillate, it's actually a Spoiler?  Kidding, all good. I suppose it's still good info to have. Best of luck in your search. It's hard to go wrong with an Alembic (just don't over-pay). Keep us posted!

Hi All,

So after all of the back and forth and uncertainty, it is definitely a Spoiler, with serial number 84S3255.  It was a beautiful bass in excellent condition but just not exactly what I was looking for.  I had never played a Spoiler before and was glad to have checked it out, but think I will wait until I can afford a nice Series.  For anyone who may be interested, the price is down to $2995 and as of now it is at Rogue Music in NYC.  I attached a pic I got of the electronics for anyone interested in seeing them.