| Author | Message | ||
| echo008
Advanced Member Username: echo008 Post Number: 240 Registered: 2-2003 |
Hello, What would you think a fair price would be to pay for Used Europa 6 string... Stock... meaning 11 piece neck/walnut top/Ash Body/MOP ovals/minor dings nothing major at all w/ohsc? I dont currently have the serial number but I went and played the bass tonight and it was beautiful! Unless someting unforseen happens its coming home with me tomorrow. But I wanted to see what the general consensus was regarding pricing these days... It seems even Epics are going for 1500-1900 which is the highest Ive ever seen. - Tom | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1307 Registered: 3-2004 |
How old, Tom? If it is 2003-2005, anything under $3500 would be reasonable. If it were mid to late 90's, it might be more like $2500. I would expect a price around $6K for a brand new stock Europa these days, so nearly new and near mint might even be a little higher. I must say that I haven't been paying as close attention to actual sale prices these days, so I could be off here. Ash would be a non-standard body wood, though probably not an up-charge. Walnut over ash probably provides a nice middy growl with a little crispness on top. Since you've played it, you already have a good feel for the tonal capacity of the instrument. What it always comes down to on price, though, is the mutual comfort level of both parties. A Europa six would be pretty rare on the used market to begin with. With the replacement cost around $6K, I wouldn't feel bad about paying even $4K for a prime used model that has all the features I wanted. If I keep it to play, it's worth paying a few hundred over street value if that's what it takes to put it in my hands. | ||
| echo008
Advanced Member Username: echo008 Post Number: 241 Registered: 2-2003 |
Hi Bob, I think I recall a 98 in the serial somewhere Ill post more info tonight when I get it, The bass also had Brass plates, but I think thats standard on the Europa. Love the Electronics simple low pass with Q but what exactly are "quick tone change" switches Ill have to do a search on the forum and dig up some good stuff on the electronics package (Europa/Rouge circuit. I dont even really want to say too much more at this point until I actually have it in my hands, I dont want to Jinx it  I figured the bass was worth around 3k, from the looks of it I cant see it selling for any less, and judging from ebay I can see it going for 3000-3500. I am getting a very good deal on this one. - Tom | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 802 Registered: 10-2002 |
Tom. The quick tone switches either cut or boost the bass and treble frequencies by about 6db either way. They're very useful for getting the bass to cut through for a solo if you have time to flick them mid song. I've never used mine to cut the frequencies. Graeme | ||
| keurosix
Member Username: keurosix Post Number: 70 Registered: 10-2005 |
Tom, I currently have a new Europa 6 string with 5A Quilted maple top and mahogany body. List price is ~$7,775.00. The one you are looking at is standard except for the ash body. It should be real warm sounding. The quick tone switches are 3 position Bass and Treble boost. 0 db, 3 db & 6db. (I think). The bass boost is outragious! Treble is not really necessary because the standard electronics give you everything you need and more. However, a quick adjustment can compensate for no tweeter, old dead strings, a loud band, room full of people, acoustics, etc. The discount from list is ~ 20% depending on where you buy for new. Used, any thing under $3,000. is a great buy. Kris. | ||
| echo008
Advanced Member Username: echo008 Post Number: 242 Registered: 2-2003 |
Thanks Guys for the info ... very helpful! I did not have alot of time to play with the electronics last night when I went to check it out, but man did it sound good... very "uncolored and woody" The switches seem very handy indeed. Im sure, practically speaking, to help compensate for room dynamics or even recording. The bass itself had extremely old, dead strings on it I dont think the previous owner ever changed them... Cannot wait to get her cleaned up. - Tom | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1308 Registered: 3-2004 |
I don't know, Kris, warm isn't the first adjective I would think of for an ash bass. Add the walnut top, and it sounds like a good wood recipe for a fretless. I have been playing a bass with Europa electronics for the past 18 months or so. Since the filter only provides a treble cut and band boost (with the Q switch on), the switches have been useful to me. Here are a couple ideas: Bass +6 / Treble +6: This can give you a volume increase for a mid-song cut through. With the Q off, it can give you slightly scooped mids (if that's what you really want) Bass +6 / Treble -6: As close as you can get to upright sound. Bass off, Treble +6: A little extra sparkle, especially if the filter is backed off a little | ||
| echo008
Advanced Member Username: echo008 Post Number: 244 Registered: 2-2003 |
Bob, If you dont me asking what are you currently playing? and how much longer til your custom is home? Thanks for those settings I will certainly give it a go. When I think of Ash I generally think of more "Snap" or "articulation" being brought out in the tone, but I must say that the bass did sound very warm and growly. Ill say that this one sounded more "Natural" it kinda reminded me of Phils tone back in the day. - Tom | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1309 Registered: 3-2004 |
The custom showed up about a month ago, so that's what I am playing now. The other bass was someone else's unwanted custom job. SC shape, vermillion on vermillion, AXY pickups and Europa electronics with narrow string spacing. The neck of your bass will provide a tremendous portion of your tone. The amount of purpleheart in the 11 piece neck is very significant. That adds a great amount of sustain and bottom compared to the traditional ash-bodied bass with an all maple bolt-on neck. Sounds like you're still getting some of that ash growl coming through, though. | ||
| echo008
Advanced Member Username: echo008 Post Number: 245 Registered: 2-2003 |
Ahhh, you have your custom. Seems my memory is not what it used to be. now that I think about it Im pretty sure I already asked you about it. Anyway... Ill post pics and whatnot probably tonight (if all goes well). - Tom | ||
| keurosix
Member Username: keurosix Post Number: 72 Registered: 10-2005 |
Tom, I checked on the price quoter to see what the new list price of an Europa 6 string is. Base price is $7,900.00. That would be with a standard mahogany body and california walnut top. A Walnut Burl or Splendid Walnut top would be additional ~ $1,500.00 more. I'm not sure if there is an up charge for an ash body. You would need to ask the experts at the factory. I agree with Bob about the 11 piece neck thru. It has a substantial foundation with loads of sustain. I find the mahogany body / Maple top combo to be extremely bright. A truly outstanding sound. Great for upper register chords, harmonics, etc. Bob, when I said "warm" I was comparing the Ash / Walnut combo to the Mahogany / Maple and not considering the Ash body only. But I agree that the 11 piece laminate neck-thru smokes a bolt-on Maple Ash (Fender?) any day. Kris | ||
| echo008
Advanced Member Username: echo008 Post Number: 249 Registered: 2-2003 |
Hi Guys I just picked up the bass this afternoon, and I decided to put it up for sale, you can see pics in the "For sale" section http://alembic.com/club/messages/395/31219.html?1157773935 for the price I got it for I could not pass it up but ultimately the bass is very BIG, and not for me, so hopefully this will go to a good home and Ill get something I can really connect wtih. - Tom |
