I think I have decided my first Alembic will be either an Essence 4 or what I really like, the earlier Distillates with the short horn.  There seems to be a steady supply of Essence basses, but the Distillates seem rather difficult to come across, particullarly the earlier ones I am after. What are your thoughts about availability and price range of earlier Distillates? Thanks guys.  
 
Colin

They do come up from time to time.  At one point I think the price range was around 1,900US.

I like the Distillates also