| Author | Message | ||
| jeffbass4
Junior Username: jeffbass4 Post Number: 11 Registered: 2-2003 |
OK so I just wanted to jump on the Distillate bandwagon. Bought mine new in 1985 and it has survived many shows with very little difficulty. I did have a problem years ago with the 4 position pickup selector switch (I broke it playing and it went to the "off" position at the same time) so I had Alembic send a pan pot with updated Europa electronics and it was a lot better. I am currently playing it thru a new SVT-VR (vintage reissue) all tube head and an 8x10" cab. It is a medium scale and I am tuned down 3 half steps with a drop whole step on the E string. B-F#-B-E. It sounds awesome and about as rock as it gets. No problems for me with the loose string tension.  | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8281 Registered: 5-2002 |
Nice shot of the bass in action! Is the picture after the upgrade? | ||
| chalie_holmes
Member Username: chalie_holmes Post Number: 94 Registered: 3-2009 |
Distillates are my favorite! (probably cause I have one too!) Nice axe man! Rock it baby! | ||
| jeffbass4
Junior Username: jeffbass4 Post Number: 12 Registered: 2-2003 |
Yes, that picture was taken this last April at Mulcahys in NYC (on the SnoCore Tour with Static X) and the upgrade was done probably in the late 80's. The only funny thing about the change was the 3 tone switches used to be bass, treble and Q. But because of the different way they were wired at Alembic its now treble, bass and Q, and you pull the switch up to boost. I really liked it better the way they were before. Just seems backwards to me but it wasn't that big a deal. The previous pick-up selector was the small shaft design and all it took was one good whack and away it went. The pan pot has the larger shaft and hasn't been a problem at all. Also, when I sent my electronics back to them for repair they also changed the pickups. Not really sure why but I don't know if it made any difference. Was there a color difference that indicated something about the pickups? I believe mine was the first year that they made the upper horn a little longer for better balance and they removed the little LED that was back by the volume knob. It only has the tiniest bit of neck dive but again, not a problem for me. I love it! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8283 Registered: 5-2002 |
Are the bass, treble and Q separate switches, or are they mounted together on a card? If they are separate, and if there is enough free wire, you could probably switch the placement of the bass and treble switches and turn them around so that the boost position is on the bottom. | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 1470 Registered: 11-2003 |
Awesome bass! I like the Mach 1 that's on your myspace page too. In my younger years I've had a '70 and a '71, both were green. Sam | ||
| sonicus
Intermediate Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 150 Registered: 5-2009 |
Swell Bass ! | ||
| jeffbass4
Junior Username: jeffbass4 Post Number: 13 Registered: 2-2003 |
I've never played a Series I or II but would like to hear the difference in the tones. Who has played both series basses and distillates? I liked the simpler controls and one volume on my bass. Here's a pic of the first day it arrived. What a happy day that was!!!  | ||
| chalie_holmes
Member Username: chalie_holmes Post Number: 96 Registered: 3-2009 |
I wish that I was luck enough to have owned both types of Distillates but I have the Series I Distillate. I love the ability to be able to dial in exactly what I want. You can see my axe under Chalie's Distillate. For me though, it's like comparing apples and oranges, blondes, Brunettes,redheads....it's all good baby!! It's whatever flips your switch or floats your boat. Peace! Get Low!!!! | ||
| jeffbass4
Junior Username: jeffbass4 Post Number: 14 Registered: 2-2003 |
I already saw your bass and I'm jealous! :-) Beautiful! I just love that classic Alembic look. Maybe one day I'll have another, but if I don't oh well. I have my one! I just wonder how several people have so many!?? Do they work for Microsoft or what!? :-) | ||
| chalie_holmes
Member Username: chalie_holmes Post Number: 97 Registered: 3-2009 |
Yeah man, I'm feeling that too (type of job and all of those basses). I guess those guys were more focused in on their educational goals than me. (I was the party type, finally got my degree @ age 40)Anyway Jeff, I'm with you man...I have my one Alembic (thanks for the compliment), But I'm playing the Pa Lotto in hopes to get lucky and buy 2 distillates (5 string series II, and Series II four string tuned like the tenor and the Classico bass)I'll keep dreaming! (ha!) Locked-n-Low-ded ready ta thump!!! | ||
| pauldo
Intermediate Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 171 Registered: 6-2006 |
Jeff - sweet Distillate! I am actually on my 3rd pickup selector switch, you are correct about the assesment of the thin shaft.... or maybe we just play too darn hard!!! (one of the times it broke was my own fault - being clumsy.) Fortunately for me the two times that the switch snapped off it was turned on to the bridge pickup so I was still able to play whilst awaiting the replacement. Chalie you may not have the money for multiple basses but you certainly made a VERY wise investment in amplification! | ||
| chalie_holmes
Member Username: chalie_holmes Post Number: 100 Registered: 3-2009 |
Merci! Pauldo! | ||
| jeffbass4
Junior Username: jeffbass4 Post Number: 15 Registered: 2-2003 |
I 2nd that! VERY Nice rig. I still love my SVT though. :-) My friend who owns bass NW has told me a lot about the Bag End cabs and I've listened to them in the store. I've never heard the Alembic amp stuff. Glad to also hear I'm not the only one who has broken that selector switch! I guess sometimes the downstroke finger strums go a little crazy. :-) | ||
| chalie_holmes
Intermediate Member Username: chalie_holmes Post Number: 101 Registered: 3-2009 |
Hey Jeff, Are you speaking of Evan @ Bassnorthwest? That is where I got my Distillate from as well as my Superfilter. I order my DR strings from him too, usually 3 pks of the short scale. He seems to be a great guy, but anybody that has a store dedicated to the bass has to be a marvelously astute individual! P.S. Send photos of your bass and rig man! Peace my low end amigo!! Chalie | ||
| jeffbass4
Junior Username: jeffbass4 Post Number: 16 Registered: 2-2003 |
Hey Chalie, That's exactly who I'm talking about and yes, Evan is a super cool guy. I've known him almost 20 years since him and Chad were at Seattle Music. I just spoke to him yesterday as a matter of fact. He's a well respected businessman and musician here in Seattle and I'm glad I know him. Where are you at, anywhere around here? Here's a couple of photos of my stuff. The instruments are L-R; 73 Jazz with Lindy Fralin pick-ups, 76 Precision, Chris Squire Rickenbacker, Peavey Strat, Alvarez Acoustic, Aria Acoustic Bass, Alembic Distillate, Yamaha 5-string fretless, BC Rich Heritage Classic, Modulus Genesis 5-string, Modulus Flea Bass model, 73 Gibson Grabber, Epiphone Viola, Casio 88 key digital piano. Amp Rig; Ampeg SVT-VR, SVT 8x10, 2)Madison 1x18s, Avalon preamp for recording. In the rack; Korg Tuner, Nady 201 wireless, Trace Elliot preamp(backup), BBE Sonic Maximizer, Furman power conditioner and an Ampeg SVT 1600 power amp used to power the 18's or as a backup amp with the Trace. That just about covers it! How do you like the bass clef I free-hand painted on the wall? :-)    | ||
| chalie_holmes
Intermediate Member Username: chalie_holmes Post Number: 103 Registered: 3-2009 |
WOWWEEEEEEE!!!!!! Now dat dere is a fierce collection of basses and guitars!!! My first pro bass was the Rickenbacker 1973 which I purchased brand new back then and it was black. My 2nd great axe (I still have it)...a used Tele bass I got it in 1972 but I put a Music man pick up in it...My 3rd pro axe was 1975 Jazz bass but I cut the lower horn off for easy access to the upper register and installed Alembic Activators.I have a few other basses too! Man I really love that bass clef that you painted on the wall!!! SWEEEEET!!! I was wondering about those Madison 18's. How do they sound and project? That is one hellacious rig you got there! I live in Williamsport Pa. If you are familiar with Litle League baseball then that is where I live. I'm originally from Philadelphia but moved here 21 years ago. Please tell Evan that I said hi! I'm positive that he'll remember me, if he doesn't just tell him the guy whose wife bought him the Alembic Distillate from BassNW for a Christmas present 2 yrs ago. Like I said, I just purchased 3 packs of DR's from him about 2 weeks ago and I'm going to order another 3 pack next week too, just because I believe that Evan's a cool cat! (he's gotta be, he has a business dedicated to the bass) Anyway Jeff, Happy 4th of July to you and your loved ones!! Peace!! Chalie Holmes | ||
| jeffbass4
Junior Username: jeffbass4 Post Number: 17 Registered: 2-2003 |
Thanks! The Madisons sound pretty good. Better drivers would be even better, but with the low tuning we use they just round out the sound a lot. I'm more into the fullness of the sound than volume. Some people see it and think why do you need all that? Why...because it sounds great! I didn't drag them on tour with me tho because we needed to be very efficient getting stuff on and off stage. We should be back in Allentown, PA. in the next 2 to 3 months again on the next tour. Check out www.thefloodtheband.com for upcoming tour dates. How close is that to Williamsburg? Christmas present huh? Sweet! The Gibson Grabber was a birthday present my wife got from Evan. They did a good job keeping it a secret. :-) I'll tell him you said hello the next time we talk. Rock on brother and have a safe and Happy 4th of July!! Jeff~  | ||
| jeffbass4
Junior Username: jeffbass4 Post Number: 18 Registered: 2-2003 |
Here's our buddy Evan from Bass NW.(in case you've never seen him)  | ||
| neyman
Member Username: neyman Post Number: 80 Registered: 7-2002 |
HA! I also bought my Distillate from Evan! Greetings from the east coast of WA state! | ||
| chalie_holmes
Intermediate Member Username: chalie_holmes Post Number: 104 Registered: 3-2009 |
Aw Man Jeff! Thanks so much for helping to put a face to the voice! we gotta talk Evean into purchasing an Alembic now! Hey Dan, Show us your Distillate please! I love photos, espicially since I'm so far away. | ||
| neyman
Member Username: neyman Post Number: 81 Registered: 7-2002 |
"Dan's '90 Distillate" in the Showcase http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/1107.html?1165827689 | ||
| pauldo
Intermediate Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 174 Registered: 6-2006 |
Dan - Love the maple accent/ binding..... sweeeeet! | ||
| jeffbass4
Junior Username: jeffbass4 Post Number: 19 Registered: 2-2003 |
Agreed! Dan, that looks awesome. :-) Love that Flamed Walnut with the Maple accent. Does yours have a pickup selector switch or a pan knob? Evan has touched several of us it seems. He doesn't carry many new Alembics anymore but does see a supply of used instruments come thru the store. Although I don't know why people want to part with them. ??? I think Evan plays a Mike Lull bass now. Not sure tho. But I played Mike's basses too and I liked them a lot. Mike was a very nice guy also. (I'm going to ask Evan if he ever owned an Alembic) Can you still get the Distillate body shape made if you want a bass built that way? | ||
| goop
Member Username: goop Post Number: 66 Registered: 7-2008 |
Jeff, who has signed your chris squire? yes is one of my favourite bands and i love 4001's. very cool picture and sweet guitars. nice paint job too, by the way. Colin | ||
| jeffbass4
Junior Username: jeffbass4 Post Number: 20 Registered: 2-2003 |
Hey Colin, Thanks for the kudos. My first thought was to make a top border around the room of a music staff and transcribe bass lines that I have written onto the border. But, that seemed like it was just going to take too long so I opted for the big bass clef. I still think its a cool idea though. The Rick was signed by Rick Wakeman, Steve, Jon, and Alan across the top, and Chris signed below down by his printed signature on the pickguard. I'll include a picture close up. Some have different opinions on whether or not is was smart to have them sign the front of the bass but I thought it was cool. I don't know if I ruined or increased its value.?? Thoughts on this anyone? I was reading in another post about getting Stanley to autograph theirs and it was suggested to put it somewhere inconspicuous.  | ||
| pauldo
Intermediate Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 177 Registered: 6-2006 |
Cool - certainly cool, having a signature ANYWHERE on an instrument shouldn't matter because we buy them as an extension of our inner selves not some material commodity that needs to retain a certain dollar value. But enough of that,,,, how cool is it that you got to meet them and have them sign it in person.... how did that happen? | ||
| jeffbass4
Junior Username: jeffbass4 Post Number: 21 Registered: 2-2003 |
they were starting a tour here in Seattle a few years back and they had two public rehearsals in Kirkland at an arts theatre. They were charging quite a lot to see rehearsals but it was going to charity. I took the bass down there and after the show we waited around and finally caught Rick outside the theatre. The others had already left but a guy who works with them said Alan was just a block away eating at The Kirkland Pub. We walked down there and Alan was very courteous considering we were interrrupting dinner. That guy (??name) told me if I wanted the others to be at The Paramount around 3pm when they arrive for soundcheck and that's where I got Steve, Jon and Chris. They put on the greatest show that night too! We were pretty close to the front and after their first song I looked around and the smiles were incredible. They are truly amazing!! | ||
| jeffbass4
Junior Username: jeffbass4 Post Number: 22 Registered: 2-2003 |
Anyone know how I can get Geddy, Alex and Neil to sign the back of the Jazz? That's a REAL challenge!!! | ||
| artswork99
Senior Member Username: artswork99 Post Number: 709 Registered: 7-2007 |
Jeff, Always been a Yes fan. Thanks for sharing the great story. Real nice collection, I've enjoyed all that you've shared here. The Bass Clef is a great backdrop. Play em Healthy! Art | ||
| jeffbass4
Junior Username: jeffbass4 Post Number: 23 Registered: 2-2003 |
Art, Thank you so much! I just love them all (the basses) because they are all unique in their own way!! But at rehearsal this week after playing the BC Rich and Flea Bass for a couple of days, I took the Alembic with me yesterday and I was just thinking to myself...it was like coming home. Its just the best! The Flea is one of the 1st ones and it has the no longer available Lane Poor pickup. It really does sound great and the pickup it super responsive to nuances. You can't play sloppy on this one either. Some players have said they just don't like the sound of the graphite neck. The BC Rich electronics were improved by Mike Lull and that is a really good sounding bass now too. Inside the control cavity was a mess when it was new. :-( By the way, I talked to Evan and he has in the past owned an Essense 4-string and a 4-string Exploiter. Steve Fossen, the original bassist for Heart works there also and a while back he sold several of his basses thru the store that were aquired during the hayday. There were some Alembics in that group. Nice guy too. Anyway, cheers everyone. Happy 4th of July!! | ||
| artswork99
Senior Member Username: artswork99 Post Number: 710 Registered: 7-2007 |
Happy 4th to you too! If you speak with Evan again would you mind asking him to speak with Steve about the Hyak brand. I had always heard that Heart played on Hyak gear for a bit during the companies short existence. I've had one of the basses since 1980 and there is so little in print anywhere about them. I like to hear stories behind the gear if possible. Best, Art | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8323 Registered: 5-2002 |
There are some previous threads about one or more Steve Fossen basses on the forum; a search on Steve Fossen should turn them up. | ||
| artswork99
Senior Member Username: artswork99 Post Number: 714 Registered: 7-2007 |
Thanks for that info Dave. I'll do that search too. | ||
| peoplechipper
Intermediate Member Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 164 Registered: 2-2009 |
Try to find Neil Peart at a bike shop or motorcycle shop before the gig; he is quite the two-wheel fan...my brother met him at a bicycle shop he worked at years ago...I think he's more motorcycle these days...Tony |
