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gregduboc
New
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 6
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 7:35 am:   Edit Post

This is my most recent Alembic:

Full Front


Body

It has its dings and scratches, but it is one brave warrior!
gregduboc
New
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 7
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 7:40 am:   Edit Post

Here is some info from Mica:

Distillate Serial Number: 81 1904
top: Walnut
accent: not recorded (likely no accent laminate)
body: Mahogany
neck: Maple, 30.75" short scale
fingerboard: Ebony, inlays not recorded
pickups: AXY
controls: volume, filter, Q switch, bass cut/flat/boost, treble cut/flat/boost, mono output
originally made for: Vic Zinn Music, Indiana
birthday: August 21, 1981 (Happy Belated Birthday!)

Original owner was in England, registered in August of 1981.

(Message edited by gregduboc on February 25, 2009)
funkyjazzjunky
Advanced Member
Username: funkyjazzjunky

Post Number: 358
Registered: 5-2007
Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 9:01 am:   Edit Post

Beautiful bass. I love the top
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 7635
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 9:04 am:   Edit Post

Very nice early Distillate!
gregduboc
Junior
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 12
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 - 12:39 pm:   Edit Post

More pictures, with details:




gregduboc
Junior
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 13
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 - 12:40 pm:   Edit Post



gregduboc
Junior
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 14
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 - 12:43 pm:   Edit Post



gregduboc
Junior
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 15
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 - 12:44 pm:   Edit Post



davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 7681
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 - 12:46 pm:   Edit Post

Classic!
gregduboc
Junior
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 16
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 - 12:46 pm:   Edit Post



gregduboc
Junior
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 17
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 - 12:48 pm:   Edit Post

gregduboc
Junior
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 18
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 - 12:51 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks Dave!
I must say, it sure gives me some good times...
It has never been baptized, though... Can anyone think of a name to it?
funkyjazzjunky
Advanced Member
Username: funkyjazzjunky

Post Number: 376
Registered: 5-2007
Posted on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 - 2:15 pm:   Edit Post

'Chocolate mama'

'Value Pack'
cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member
Username: cozmik_cowboy

Post Number: 424
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 - 4:02 pm:   Edit Post

How about "Peter's Birthday Present"? :-)
Very nice.

Peter
southpaw
Advanced Member
Username: southpaw

Post Number: 206
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 - 6:09 pm:   Edit Post

Very cool! I too have a "road worn" Distillate, mine is from 1986, I love it. This Distillate has a couple of features that mine does not; the scallop nut, slotted screws in the tailpiece, LED for the jack. Also I noticed that I am not the only one who believes Alembic saddles are too tall: noticed how deeply cut the saddles are to bring the action down. Someday I will send the saddles back to be filed down. Great bass, play it in good health.
Southpaw
southpaw
Advanced Member
Username: southpaw

Post Number: 207
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 - 6:14 pm:   Edit Post

Oh yeah, one more difference: the shorter upper horn from the early 80's. I believe the upper horn was extended in '85 for better balance. My '86 has the longer horn and balances very well but I like the look of the shorter horn.
gregduboc
Junior
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 19
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Thursday, March 05, 2009 - 6:23 am:   Edit Post

I gotta say, 'Chocolate Mama' sounds better than 'Peter's Birthday Present'... Sorry Peter!! But who knows, maybe in the future YOU can give me an Alembic for MY birthday and I'll be honored to call it "Peter's Birthday Present"!! Sounds good? Do we have a deal?
Greg
gregduboc
Junior
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 20
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Thursday, March 05, 2009 - 6:33 am:   Edit Post

Southpaw, I'm glad you liked my bass. Yes, I like my strings pretty close to the neck... I'm not the one who did this to the bass (perhaps the last owner, I don't know), but it fits me perfectly! I think you should send them in, you will be impressed!
The short horn gives me a balance at more or less 3 o'clock... I'm more of a 2 o'clock guy, but somehow, it just doesn't bother me at all. I also like the looks of the shorter horn.
Do you have pictures of your saddles? I'm interested to know how they were originally! Thanks
Greg
adriaan
Senior Member
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 2129
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 05, 2009 - 7:12 am:   Edit Post

Hm - the bridge is riding much higher on the E string side than on the G string side, so the saddles were cut perhaps a bit too deep. But as long as it plays well, I wouldn't complain. That's a nice chunk o'cacao you've got there!

Much prefer the looks of the short horn over the extended one, too.
gregduboc
Junior
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 22
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Thursday, March 05, 2009 - 7:46 am:   Edit Post

Here is a close up, for a better inspection!

southpaw
Advanced Member
Username: southpaw

Post Number: 209
Registered: 12-2004
Posted on Thursday, March 05, 2009 - 7:04 pm:   Edit Post

I do not have a picture of my bridge saddles (photographically challenged) but if you look at some basses in the Showcase section or monthly featured section, you will see the saddles have a small groove for the strings to sit in, not very deep at all. If it plays well, leave it alone! It took me years to learn that...
I love my Alembics, the saddles are a minor detail, not a big deal at all. Greg, you have a beautiful bass, may you have many great years with it.
gregduboc
Junior
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 23
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Friday, March 06, 2009 - 9:30 am:   Edit Post

Southpaw, your advice will be remembered, don't worry! I'll never put a finger down there on the saddles... It suits me great and I'll leave it alone! Thanks for the nice comments on the bass, I really appreciate those.
Greg
goop
Junior
Username: goop

Post Number: 19
Registered: 7-2008
Posted on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 6:46 am:   Edit Post

Greg I am curious. When and where did you find this beauty? I have been looking for a similar bass for almost a year. Pretty hard to find.

Colin
gregduboc
Junior
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 29
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 7:52 am:   Edit Post

Colin, it is quite a funny story...
Somewhere around august last year, I purchased a 78 Jazz Bass here in Brazil. It was an absolutely awesome bass, with so much punch... But, don't ask me how, it brought me some weird moments... I don't know why, but it simply did. I loved to play it, but a lot of stuff happened in my life that I didn't want. And that scared me! I honestly don't think the bass stole my luck, but I didn't want to risk it. So I decided to sell it. I put it up for sale on Mercado Livre (a sort of a brazilian EBAY).
Everybody wanted it, it was amazing. Until one day, a guy came and offered me a "81 Alembic". When he did so, I was on the process of getting myself a brand new Alembic, so I needed the money. I wasn't considering taking a bass as part of the payment. But unfortunately, I wasn't able to get myself the brand new one. I went back to the guy and I found out he was selling his Alembic just to buy my Jazz Bass. And as a fair trade, I went to his house and we exchanged basses! Simple like that. And the happy thing is, we could be happier with our new basses. He got what he was looking for, and so did I.
I don't know with you are aware of this, but Alembic basses are very, very rare in Brazil. And I consider myself pretty lucky now. I knew very few things about this amazing basses, as here in Brazil they are more expensive than everything. Just so you can have an idea, this Distillate cost me about US$4000, which is a bargain here for such thing here, believe me or not.
I hope you get to find one, they are "simple" (compared to S-I, S-II) but they sure know how to sound good.

Greg
jorge_s
Intermediate Member
Username: jorge_s

Post Number: 177
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 12:31 pm:   Edit Post

I know what you are talking about Greg. I have a close cousin to yours. Mine is 81 1883. The Distillate is simple compared to the Series basses but it sounds so good!! I've become quite attached to mine.
gregduboc
Junior
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 34
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Friday, March 13, 2009 - 3:56 pm:   Edit Post

Jorge,
How come I can't find your bass under the showcase thread??? I'm curious to see it now... Families should stick together, let my bass meet his cousin!!! :-)
Greg
goop
Junior
Username: goop

Post Number: 24
Registered: 7-2008
Posted on Wednesday, April 01, 2009 - 7:14 pm:   Edit Post

Greg, can you believe it...I just purchased
81 1855. It should be here on Friday. It is beautiful and I can't wait to get my hands on it and show you some pics.
gregduboc
Junior
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 39
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Thursday, April 02, 2009 - 3:21 am:   Edit Post

Congratulations Colin!!!
Man, isn't it such a great feeling to finally get your hands on what you want???
I'm very happy for you indeed! Can't wait for pictures...!
What is the top?

Greg
keavin
Senior Member
Username: keavin

Post Number: 1597
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Thursday, April 02, 2009 - 5:59 am:   Edit Post

Lovely!!!
keavin
Senior Member
Username: keavin

Post Number: 1598
Registered: 12-2002
Posted on Thursday, April 02, 2009 - 6:00 am:   Edit Post

Lovley!!!
goop
Junior
Username: goop

Post Number: 27
Registered: 7-2008
Posted on Thursday, April 02, 2009 - 10:35 am:   Edit Post

I am not sure what the top is. Some members advise it is likely koa. not sure if it is a solid body. i am waiting for the serial number look up and will let you know.
gregduboc
Junior
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 40
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Friday, April 03, 2009 - 2:58 am:   Edit Post

Can't wait to see some nice pictures!
pauldo
Intermediate Member
Username: pauldo

Post Number: 110
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Sunday, April 05, 2009 - 2:07 pm:   Edit Post

Love those Distillate's !!!
peoplechipper
Member
Username: peoplechipper

Post Number: 70
Registered: 2-2009
Posted on Tuesday, April 07, 2009 - 1:09 am:   Edit Post

Mine is 81 1975, and I will put pics up soon...top is Bubinga, and I prefer the short horn too...Tony.
gregduboc
Junior
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 41
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Tuesday, April 07, 2009 - 6:33 am:   Edit Post

I'm love them too Paul!!
Hey Tony, I wasn't aware you had such a close cousin of mine.
Time to share some family pictures, right?

Greg
gregduboc
Junior
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 42
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Tuesday, April 07, 2009 - 6:35 am:   Edit Post

Double post, sorry

Greg

(Message edited by gregduboc on April 07, 2009)
peoplechipper
Member
Username: peoplechipper

Post Number: 83
Registered: 2-2009
Posted on Sunday, April 12, 2009 - 11:05 pm:   Edit Post

Sure, maybe tomorrow...I'm a real gimp at computer stuff, so we'll see how successful I am...Tony.
charles_holmes
Junior
Username: charles_holmes

Post Number: 19
Registered: 3-2009
Posted on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 - 6:48 pm:   Edit Post

That is one groovy bass! I just love Distillates!! Probably cause I have one too!
Hang low brother!

Chalie Holmes
gregduboc
Intermediate Member
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 102
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 - 8:09 pm:   Edit Post

Charles, thanks on the comment!! Impossible not to love Distillates!
I guess you gotta have one to understand it, right?

Greg
enzo
New
Username: enzo

Post Number: 8
Registered: 4-2009
Posted on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 - 8:28 pm:   Edit Post

Hey guys, the difference between the Distillate and the Spoiler are only those 2 switches ( cut/boost trebble/bass ) or there is more ?
I mean besides optical differences.

Enzo
adriaan
Senior Member
Username: adriaan

Post Number: 2179
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 - 11:34 pm:   Edit Post

As far as electronics go, that's correct. The LED is only on the earlier Distillates - IIRC, they would drain the battery real quick.

As to construction, a standard Distillate will have the purpleheart laminates in the neck while a standard Spoiler will have a three-piece maple neck.
gregduboc
Intermediate Member
Username: gregduboc

Post Number: 103
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 - 6:15 am:   Edit Post

Enzo, sorry I can't help...
I know very little about the technical stuff on my bass. As you can see, when my bass was made, I was a single cell hanging around...! :-)

Greg
tcube
Junior
Username: tcube

Post Number: 42
Registered: 8-2007
Posted on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 - 3:35 pm:   Edit Post

I see that the pickups don't have "Alembic" engraved/painted on them. Is that the case with all Alembics of that vintage?
that_sustain
New
Username: that_sustain

Post Number: 3
Registered: 8-2012
Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2012 - 10:30 pm:   Edit Post

Under the bridge, there seems to be an extension. Is this one of the rare Alembic's with 2 sustain blocks?
wfmandmusic
Junior
Username: wfmandmusic

Post Number: 27
Registered: 1-2012
Posted on Thursday, August 09, 2012 - 12:34 pm:   Edit Post

nice bass! Im enjoying mine very much.
pauldo
Senior Member
Username: pauldo

Post Number: 864
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Thursday, August 09, 2012 - 5:23 pm:   Edit Post

Daniel,
My 84 made for the US market has a brass piece under the bridge like Greg's.
I believe it is standard.

Under the Bridge
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 7837
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Thursday, August 09, 2012 - 5:38 pm:   Edit Post

I think the Distillate in the beginning of this thread has an extra large sustain block.
that_sustain
New
Username: that_sustain

Post Number: 6
Registered: 8-2012
Posted on Thursday, August 09, 2012 - 5:48 pm:   Edit Post

Thank you both. Two very nice basses, btw.

Greg..I lost my truss plate screw, too. lol

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