An Alembic user encouraged me to post pics of my 5-string Distillate.  It's definitely one of a kind... and sounds as good as it looks!

5A Quilted Maple

back

headstock

back of headstock

Close up

Closer

Backside

Back body

Showcased

Now THAT is a special Distillate! 

(Belated) Congratulations & Compliments, and welcome to the Alembic Club.

Thanks Edward!

Quite swell !

From another Distillate lover, your 5 string Distillate is my absolute favorite !!!! (I have the photos from previous for sale postings saved on my phone/computer).

My question is how does it balance??

As the original owner of an `81 Distillate yours looks like it balances well. Huge Congratulations and well, we are very happy to see a club member taking ownership this bass: Enjoy!

The balance is good - no neck dive.
The weight is more than I'm used to - 12 lbs, 12 oz. - but I'm spoiled by my short scale basses
The neck is fast for a 5-string (string spacing is tighter than average - same as my short scales).
The sound is pretty sweet - I have a unique way of dialing it in, but I love the tone