| Author | Message | ||
| u14steelgtr
Member Username: u14steelgtr Post Number: 78 Registered: 7-2003 |
When you are looking at a for-sale listing for an Alembic instrument on a web site like eBay what are the data points which you want included in the description? I typically want to know the folowing things: * Type of electronics * Materials of the components * Model * Which preamp or power supply is included * Type of case * Price * Why it is for Sale * Features (locking nut, LED's, straplocks, et cetera) What else would you want to know when you read a listing and more importantly WHY do you want to know that? -- Eugene | ||
| garethnh
New Username: garethnh Post Number: 6 Registered: 5-2008 |
for an alembic the serial number is a must. it gives you the year of manufacture and the letter gives you the model. after the letter there is a typically a four or five digit number which started from zero in 1972. e.g 02K12345 - built in 2002; K is the code for an essence and the final number means the twelve thousandth three hundred and forty fifth bass that alembic have built. hope this helps! | ||
| mike1762
Member Username: mike1762 Post Number: 59 Registered: 1-2008 |
Better yet, what are some questions you could ask that would demonstrate that the seller actually HAS the instrument and is not running a scam? | ||
| garethnh
New Username: garethnh Post Number: 7 Registered: 5-2008 |
i would ask for more photos than are actually posted in the ad. if it is a shop track down the phone number and ring them. if its a private seller ask if you can pick it up in person and pay cash...that normally rings a bell if they say no. | ||
| hieronymous
Advanced Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 308 Registered: 1-2005 |
Scale length! That one seems to get left out a lot of the time, and then someone has to ask the question. | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1419 Registered: 12-2002 |
don't forget about previous repairs. | ||
| keurosix
Advanced Member Username: keurosix Post Number: 296 Registered: 10-2005 |
I think high quality digital photos with date stamps should be easy enough for someone who wants to sell high end gear. A few close ups to show any wear or condition of bridge, etc. I would also like to know if the neck has a dead spot, or if the truss rod works correctly. These last 2 items usually are never disclosed properly. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1955 Registered: 3-2004 |
Some of you guys seem to be a bit paranoid and over the top. There are two different questions here and you're blurring the lines. The first question to answer for yourself is: "Is this the instrument I am looking for?" That's where this thread looked like it was directed. The second question is: "Is this a legitimate listing?" Is a completely different issue. As far as the original question is concerned, here's what I think matters: Simply, you need to know if the features you are looking for are there. Some players looking for their first Alembic don't need any info at all. They don't care if the $1200 bass is a Spoiler or Persuader, they just want an Alembic. This is a little bit foolish to me, but it happens. Of course, when you're looking at $2K+ instruments, the bar is a little higher. Generally, an educated eye can tell almost everything about a newer instrument from looking at a set of photos. The older finishes and time aging the woods can trick you on the wood recipe. It can be hard to distinguish purpleheart neck stringers from walnut in a photo of a 20+ year old instrument with yellowed finish. Replacing the guts to change the tone was popular in the 80s and 90s as well. Since, in my opinion, the pickups and electronics are what sets Alembic apart from the best of the rest, knowing you're getting the original stuff is critical. Beyond that, it's a question of what features matter to you individually. Do you care what woods were used? The scale length? The electronics package? If so, then ask if it isn't listed. For any Series instrument from before 2000 or so, I am concerned about the electronics upgrade since that can be a $1500 fix if it is needed. The serial number is always nice if you can get it, but not critical to the decision. If it's a public for sale listing, a serial number check may not be done before someone else buys the item. You can, and should, check the stolen instrument listing though. Now comes the hard part. You're looking at a listing for an '84 Spoiler on eBay with a buy now price of $2K. How long before someone else grabs it? Do you ask ten questions to see it sold before they are answered, or do you just do it? Your call. I might do it and ask the questions before paying if everything looks legit, or send the payment via PayPal and credit card so that I am fully protected. An old adage says that missing out is no big deal because there will be another listing in the future. Sometimes, especially for unusual pieces, it isn't really true. Finally, let's remember that not every Alembic owner knows what they have. We've seen plenty of legitimate listings described incorrectly in every way. Woods are often mis-identified, as are electronics. We've even seen some set necks made to look neck-through and advertised as such. You can get a completely honest answer to any question you ask, but it may not be correct. Be prepared. | ||
| artswork99
Advanced Member Username: artswork99 Post Number: 351 Registered: 7-2007 |
I too thought that the threads origination was more about an instrument's specifications. The more you know about an instrument the better to determine if it's right for a purchaser. Many variables come into play here along with personal budget which will usually limit one's choices. While I agree with Bob completely about the stolen instrument list I don't feel that it's as up to date as possible. An honest description of the condition with pictures trying to show any imperfection is a good addition here and the WHY is pretty obvious. Spelling, whoops... (Message edited by artswork99 on May 11, 2008) |
