http://kansascity.craigslist.org/msg/902440571.html

That's a Spoiler with a crown headstock.
The body looks a little wider that normal.

Could be a Distillate with Spoiler electronics.  A Spoiler four would not normally have had purpleheart in the neck, just three pieces of maple.  There are plenty of hybrids out there with customized features and the serial number will tell you how Alembic characterized it when they built it.  I'd say it is more than a Spoiler and less than a Distillate.
 
Beyond that, purchasing decisions need to be made on the features rather than the model name, so it doesn't really matter what this thing is called.  It's not like he put a $2500 price tag on it, so he's going to get an offer of about what it's worth.
 
-bob

Whoops...good catch, guys!

I thought the electronics packages defined the model - Distillate, Spoiler, Persuader, I, II.
Then you could have custom construction variations on that - Exploiter, Vector, Scorpion, lams, headstocks.
You are right, a quick look at the serial number would settle this.
Has anybody called about it?
 
(Message edited by longhorncat on November 03, 2008)

I think I want a distillate.  I particularly like the earlier versions with the shorter upper horn.  They are not that easy to find. Can anyone offer any insight to the lack of availability and price range I should expect. Thanks guys. colin

Expect a Distillate to come within a couple hundred either side of $2000, depending on condition, top wood, etc.

He's asking $2100.

That would be high/reasonable with the full electronics package.  I think it's too much for a Spoiler with purpleheart in the neck.  Again, a purchasing decision should be about features, not the model designation.  I would say something in the 1600-1800 range would be more like it.  If he understands that it isn't a full Distillate, he may be happy with a reasonable offer.
 
Of course, if I were looking and could actually put my hands on it first, a bass with the magic can be worth more than its cash value, if you know what I mean.

I've got a mint actual Distillate 5 in flame walnut for $2900.