I was lucky enough to pick this one up from Ara, an absolutely great guy. When I saw the pristine condition this bass was in, my jaw just about dropped. Ara has another custom Distillate he was looking to sell, and I would expect it to be in just as nice of condition as this one.

 

 

Oh yes!!,love the Koa.

A fine example of Alembic elegance!  Beautiful!

Koa is so beautiful

Your Distillate is in awesome condition!  
Love the Koa top/Mahogany back and brass plate and also their condition(s).  
 
I am the original owner of an '81 Distillate, having the top ordered in Purpleheart; however the patina with age, UV, (and the type of clear coat they used to use), has the color almost to Brown in hue. Be careful to put your 1/4 instrument cable through the strap as the top around the jack on my bass is cracked due to accidently stepping on the cord a long time ago. I\m not the only one with a Distillate to have this happen.
Enjoy the sounds you\ll get out of this instrument. Are you going to get the electronics upgrade to increase output/and I think to also reduce the possible noise generated from all the cell phones and such in use today since 1981? There is a thread in part about this upgrade.

Richard, I am not sure if I will opt for the electronics upgrade on this one. I have thought of maybe having the mothership replace the original nut with the adjustable type that is now standard. I think it would enhance to playability, with a little more adjustment of playing string height. Thanks for your tips as well.

Oh yea, Van, figured koa has to be my all time favorite for tops. These days I think, the really good stuff is becoming rare. I have a Boogie Bodies bass that has the most absolutley stunnig koa top I have ever seen. Good lookng koa, always makes me shiver.

You\re welcome... gorgeous flame koa top!

Welcome in the Distillation club.
 
We're all Alembicholic !

Enzo, ain't that the truth, LOL!!

MMMM! KOA! nice bass! Personally, I haven't noticed any noise problems with my '81, and I am a little scared of doing the output mod, I hit my amp hard as it is...Tony