I've only wanted one since, I don't know, 1981? ;-) After MONTHS of searching for the right one at the right price, every day, a simple posting in the club's wanted section got me what I was looking for. Specifically -  
 
Must have:
4 strings
Neck through construction
Mahogany body
Fingerboard inlays
 
Must NOT have:
Maple or Zebrawood top (negotiable)
Inline headstock
P and/or J pickups  
 
Hammer was kind enough to offer his '86 Distillate, complete with original case and paperwork, ALL in outstanding condition. It fit the bill, and we did the deal! As I mentioned elsewhere, I pretty much expected to end up with a Spoiler, and I was tempted by 2 or 3 that I'd found. But they all had something not right about them, and I'm really glad I held out. Having the purpleheart laminates, brass sustain block, and bass and treble boost/cut switches is a real bonus. It even had a Hipshot already installed, which I use regularly. Now to see how it fits in with the rest of the arsenal...
 

You WILL be assimilated into the Alembic family.  Don't doubt it for a minute.  Congrats!!

Nice choice Tom,
I have a 85 Distillate and love it. It has a great range of sounds and is easy to dial in quickly. Very stage friendly.
May you have years of great playing ahead!
Peace,
Pete

Nice bass Tom
Good way to start your collection.  
It might be out of context but as brother Paul would say
There will be another.......
Welcome to the club
slawie

Tom,
Welcome to the camp!
You will find that your Distillate will surpass the rest of your arsenal's abilities.
 
I couldn't be happier with mine:
http://club.alembicguitars.net/Images/411/41664.html?1329696239
Pardon the zebrawood.  :-0
 
I like how yours has the longer upper horn and the pickup selector switch is near the other controls.
 
ENJOY!
:-D

Tom:
 
I'm glad she has gone to a good, new home.
 
However, even though its only been days since she left I'm finding trouble living with only my Signatures in the stable. I got GAS in a bad way. Hopefully I'll soon be adding a Europa to my collection.

An Europa is a superb way to mend a broken heart. :-)

An Europa is a superb way to mend a broken heart. :-)

I hope to put that theory to the test very soon.

Paul, I'm happy about the longer upper horn too. Helps with the balance with it being 34'' scale. I do miss the older pickup selector location and brass ring on the lower horn, but I'm not complaining! And your zebra looks great! I don't know if it's the way it's cut or what, but the grain looks a lot wider than some of the more stripey looking zebrawood instruments I've seen.  
 
Brian - GAS already? LOL! I still want an Exploiter...

Tom - congrats! Looks like you found a good one!

only wanted one since...  
 
I know exactly what you mean. Congratulations.

Congrats Tom!......on the first.

...of many.
 
 
How many is too many?
 
Just one more...