| Author | Message | ||
| stevie_g
New Username: stevie_g Post Number: 3 Registered: 4-2009 |
Hi all, I was just wondering how many people here have bought a used Alembic "blind," i.e. without playing it beforehand, such as on eBay, for example. What I'd like to know is: Did you get what you were expecting in terms of quality and playability? Or, have there been any nasty surprises!? I've been lucky in the past, but parting with large sums of cash for an instrument I've never played before seems to make me very nervous... Stevie p.s. I know this question could easily apply to any brand, but hey - this is an Alembic forum! ;-) | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 1081 Registered: 3-2004 |
I buy my from the factory that way. Before FTC I only saw it when I opened the case. So far so good on used items but every transaction requires some faith. | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1078 Registered: 11-2004 |
I purchased my first one here on the forum. I had been here long enough that I felt comfortable with the transaction because I 'knew' the guy I was buying from. | ||
| jagerphan84
Advanced Member Username: jagerphan84 Post Number: 282 Registered: 10-2003 |
My main bass, an '82 Distillate, popped up on eBay years ago at a buy-it-now price that I couldn't resist. When I received it, I was dismayed to find that the jack had been violently ripped out, with a chunk of wood missing and gray epoxy sloppily patching the jack back onto the body. Naturally, the seller had curiously declined to include any photos of this area or any mention of the damage in the auction listing. I haven't changed a thing on it. It plays and sounds better than any other bass I've used. The only disappointment was at the moment I opened the case and saw the damage. It's still an Alembic, this was just an unscrupulous eBay seller. Bottom line, it was still beyond a worthwhile purchase; one of the best I've ever made. | ||
| mike1762
Advanced Member Username: mike1762 Post Number: 350 Registered: 1-2008 |
I bought my SC and Series I "blind". I couldn't have been more pleased with the SI (I bought it from a club member). I really like my SC, but it's condition was not quite as advertised (I bought it from Tom's Guitars via the web). It wasn't beat-up or anything, but it was described as "Mint" when it was, at most, "Very Good". Someone here pointed out that when they said "Mint", they were referring to the color (see my profile pic)!!! I bought my Spoiler (used) at Atlanta Bass Gallery; therefore, I did get to play it first. However, they had a new SC and a new Rogue that they would barely let me look at... much less play!!! They probably cost themselves the sale of a new instrument that day since they were kind of shitty about it. Turns out that is not an unusual policy; therefore, even if you can find one in your area, you might have to buy it to play it!!! | ||
| mike13
Member Username: mike13 Post Number: 56 Registered: 11-2007 |
I bought my 81 S2 from a guy in Arcata sight unseen put $4000 into his account and mailed UPS to pick it up and bring it to OZ all arived fine | ||
| tmoney61092
Intermediate Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 168 Registered: 9-2008 |
Mike, still a very gorgeous bass(from the picture at least). i am yet to own an actual Alembic, but i do go out on a limb and buy some pickups and electronics on ebay without knowing how they sounded(still don't, at the mothership getting fixed/checked out). so sometimes you just have to follow your gut feeling ~Taylor Watterson | ||
| harald_rost
Intermediate Member Username: harald_rost Post Number: 178 Registered: 6-2002 |
Bought my Series 1 in 1999 via Ebay from a musician in Austin, TX. Located in Germany that was a great risk in these days without Paypal and such services to pay the money with the hope to receive a bass some weeks later from USA. I had been looking for a long time here in Europe but Series Basses a very rare here. In the end I was very glad everything went fine. Harald | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 967 Registered: 11-2004 |
I have bought pedals/amps on the blind as usually they do what it says on the tin, with basses/guitars, well I prefer to inspect and play before parting with hard earned cash. If you are buying blind from a forum member that is a good guarantee as I would hate to think we would rip each other off in this place. Mike1762..nice collection! | ||
| bassilisk
Junior Username: bassilisk Post Number: 45 Registered: 4-2009 |
I purchased a custom Rogue off ebay 3 weeks ago, from a zero feedback seller in California no less(I'm in New York)! Between Paypal guaranteeing the full price and using plastic I felt I was pretty safe (NEVER send cash). Everything looked okay in the pics too. As it turned out, the seller was an upstanding gentleman and actually mailed the bass before I completed payment! We had spoken on the phone immediately after I hit and discussed the shipping - off he went to UPS and sent me the tracking number AND the updated BOS with the actual amount. A very smooth deal. He was very concerned that I didn't feel it was misrepresented in any way and offered a full refund if I wasn't completely happy. As for the bass - everything as described and more. All it needed was a cleaning and set-up to my specs - what a beauty! I have bought many basses off ebay over the years (25 give or take) and have done a number of deals/trades off of forums. I could say I've been lucky, but it's an amount that exceeds coincidence. There were one or two borderlines (that got resolved) and only one true AH that I reported to ebay and got a resolution in my favor. Of course you hear horror stories but I feel that, if you do your homework and exercise some common sense in protecting yourself, the overwhelming majority of people are solid and reasonable, and expect the same kind of above-board treatment. Ask the right questions beforehand and make sure you get it in writing. If it looks shaky or too good to be true it probably is - let it go. If you feel like taking a chance, then be prepared if it doesn't pan out in your favor. Basic stuff. Having said that, every great once in a while you might actually come across that incredible deal - sometimes you just gotta jump or somemone else will! (Message edited by bassilisk on August 05, 2009) | ||
| hg30904
Junior Username: hg30904 Post Number: 47 Registered: 6-2003 |
I have found SOME Alembics that I liked (feel) better than OTHER Alembics, but EVERY Alembic I have played I have liked better than ALL other guitar and bass brands. Have bought quite a few from music stores (GC, etc) and that was a time to compare them to other Alembics in the store. Have bought a few online and the sellers have been uniformly good. Have tried to trace down a couple of the "too good to be true" deals like the recent S2 for $4k on Craigslist, but none of those have worked out for me yet. If aesthetics are important, ask for a lot of pictures. If feel is important, it's an Alembic and you will grow to love it. If you feel that the deal is shaky, then let it go. Few of us can afford to let $4k or $5k go into the wind. My 2 cents... | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 1494 Registered: 11-2003 |
I bought my Epic off of ebay. It was exactly as advertised and I'm totally satisfied with it. I bought it from a store not an individual. I don't know it that makes a difference or not. Sam | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 780 Registered: 6-2002 |
Most my online instrument purchases (over 100), have been satisfactory, A couple times I never received the item ...and that stings. Only one Alembic was not as advertised...looking back the deal I got wasn't too bad; a series 1 guitar with the guts cut up for 900 dollars. When I sell things online I do my best to bring up any details that might be an issue. One of my more memorable sales related conversations was with a guy who kept asking me to call him direct instead of using email. After a great discussion (about 1/2 hour)of 70's funk and equipment preferences he mentions he is blind. ...so my pictures in the auction only allowed his wife to describe second hand what I was offering. He was looking for a bass that not only sounded good but had an impeccable finish because it was truly about how the instrument feels. If someone is willing to speak directly about a sale I feel a little safer about a purchase and I think that goes the same way when I'm selling something online...it's always a bit of a gamble, and I try not to forget that. | ||
| bass4worship
Junior Username: bass4worship Post Number: 11 Registered: 7-2009 |
I just got my first Alembic Excel in a trade and it went very well. I never played one or hear one live so I took a chance on what most of the guy's here had to say. I have had many basses that I got off E-bay and was very happy with most of them, never a problem. I do use Ebay or TB to sell my basses and always supple pictures. | ||
| glocke
Senior Member Username: glocke Post Number: 619 Registered: 9-2002 |
I've bought four Alembics off the internet. 3 used, and one new from Bass Central. For the used basses, I only went through with the purchase after extensive talks with the sellers, and in the case of the SII i had shipped over from England, only after one member from the board and a luthier from England were able to see and play the bass. With each bass, I didn't have any surprises, but I also told myself I was buying an instrument that was one or two decades old, and as such was not new and may have an issue or two that the owner may or may not have been aware of. Fortunately, with the exception of the SII from england which needed a refret,(and which I was aware of from the start) all were in fine shape. There were a few sales I was interested in over the years also that I did not pursue. The reasons for this mainly had to due with lack of communication on the sellers part. | ||
| stevie_g
New Username: stevie_g Post Number: 4 Registered: 4-2009 |
Thanks to everyone for their feedback on this point. And glad to hear that everyone has generally had positive experiences. I guess it's all down to trusting the seller and learning as much about the instrument as you can before parting with your hard-earned cash. (Keeping the old "caveat emptor" phrase at the back of your mind proabably doesn't hurt either!) And buying from amongst the folks on this forum strikes me as a very good idea. I'll continue to keep an eye on the "For Sale" section, just in case that special Series II jumps out at me and I feel the urge to mortgage my nonexistant French villa ;-) | ||
| apdavis
Member Username: apdavis Post Number: 91 Registered: 5-2004 |
I agree with much of the above. "The product" has a quality that reamins and sustains the usability and value. You will find a good deal of critical observations when reading the comments in the Swap shops, seen on craigslist . . . section noteably because many of us have experienced some history with our instuments and have sent the instrument(s) in my case, in for repair. Given that, if what you find is in decent shape, that quality mentioned before can allow for the resurection of your instrument into a wonderful tool. I picked up this Ebay pawnshop purchase and was concerned, sent it back to Alembic and never was unhappy about it. | ||
| eligilam
Intermediate Member Username: eligilam Post Number: 194 Registered: 2-2006 |
I got my Alembic from a store during a business trip. I bought my 7 string on ebay with great success. I'm currently waiting on UPS to deliver my ebay-bought 1984 Steinberger XL2 (arrives tomorrow). I live in a fairly rural area in Arkansas, and ebay shopping has been a godsend for guitars. If I limited myself to shopping for only those guitars I could lay my hands on without driving for 6 hours, I'd have a bunch of Schecter Guitar Center crap. | ||
| bassilisk
Junior Username: bassilisk Post Number: 48 Registered: 4-2009 |
You're gonna love that XL2. I have a white '86 XL2 and it's really an amazing thing. Enjoy! | ||
| afrobeat_fool
Junior Username: afrobeat_fool Post Number: 39 Registered: 7-2009 |
I bought my S1 from Edwin(Boulder) A little more than a week ago. Fantastic transaction. Not only did I get the Bass of my dreams, but I made a wonderful friend in the process. Thanks Edwin! I decided to name the bass Edwin. As we share that name, and the Bass makes us a trioka. | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 445 Registered: 5-2002 |
Wonderful! I bought my Starfire sight unseen and it's been a good companion. I usually go with my gut on this one. Edwin | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8493 Registered: 5-2002 |
Stevie; your initial post in this thread asked about "quality and playability". I suppose "playability" could refer to such personal things as reach, balance, string spacing, etc. that differ among the models and options, and may be hard to determine from an Ebay listing for a particular instrument. And I suppose that with the term "quality" you could be referring to the condition that a used instrument is in. But when I first read your post, my immediate thought was that Alembic doesn't let anything out the door that upon final inspection appears anything less than the absolute best quality and playability. | ||
| mjurey
New Username: mjurey Post Number: 3 Registered: 6-2009 |
I purchased my Special Edition Epic on eBay, sight unseen. I had never played an Alembic prior to my purchase but was advised by a coworker, who had ordered a new Alembic, to go for it. I was told that, as far as quality of instrument, you could buy an Alembic "sight unseen" and trust that you would get about the best instrument one could find. My friend's advice was right on. The bass needed to be setup, which went very smooth. I had owned a Rick 4001, 74 Jazz bass, and a 1980 aluminum neck Kramer and the Epic is octaves above the rest. I don’t believe it matters if new or used, Alembic is the way to go. Good luck | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 1230 Registered: 7-2003 |
As Danno said, when you commission a new build, you are likely (unless you are located near Alembic and can visit at key times) to be handling the bass for the first time quite a long while after you've committed to it. As others have mentioned, used Alembics will inevitably show signs of use and wear, even damage. However, based on the several Alembics I've bought sight unseen off the 'bay and far greater number of used Alembics I've played in music stores, I'm firmly convinced that there aren't any "lemon" Alembics built. Such is Alembic's build process and its standards. All my cup of tea? Nope. Possibility of undisclosed damage or degrees of wear? Certainly - but that's where dealing with sellers who've got a demonstrated track record (eg Ebay feedback) is essential. The other good news is that, provided you don't overpay for a used Alembic, your investment is pretty safe. If the bass and you don't get on too well, there's generally someone willing to pay a reasonable price to give it a whirl. New Alembics take the mother of all depreciation hits once they leave the factory (most of the hit in the first year and a half or so, I'd venture). So if unsure, you might be better situated to look for a very well kept slightly used Alembic. Just my two cents. Good luck. Bill | ||
| jon_jackson
Junior Username: jon_jackson Post Number: 12 Registered: 12-2008 |
A year ago, I was ready to buy an Alembic without having played (or seen, for that matter) one. However, I'm particular about neck width so, after several conversations with Will Gunn, I decided to order a custom. A member with a previous custom build described this as "a leap of faith". I felt comfortable in doing this in large measure because of club members' descriptions of the sound and build quality of their own instruments. I think my bass is getting reasonably close to completion, so I hope to be able to see, play and hear it soon. -Jon | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 1231 Registered: 7-2003 |
Actually, one of the best things about custom builds is Alembic's willingness (and ability) to match the dimensions and contours (so, the feel) of your favorite bass neck(s). In my case, I combined the best of the traditional standard Alembic neck with some elements of a Jazz and a couple of other twists, including a rather unique fret choice. It plays like we grew up together. I've heard several instances where a favorite bass was shipped to Alembic prior to build-time for measurements. Just another really cool thing you can't find many places in this world... | ||
| alembickoa
Member Username: alembickoa Post Number: 70 Registered: 5-2002 |
When I bought the Koa, I had many long and wonderful conversations with the 2nd owner, Dalton. In those conversations I came to know him and was not only comfortable with him, but with the fact that he was well versed in his knowledge of the instrument, it's history, and his knowledge of Alembic in general. I bought it blind and never did anything but change strings on it. An instrument that is the quality of an Alembic is pretty much a no brainer once you establish your relationship with the seller. This is, of course, all my lowly opinion. A great advantage now is the presence of this forum. I bought the Koa before this forum was established, but recently we had an incident involving this forum and my old bass where a person in possession of the Koa out on the east coast was trying to sell it on the net and misrepresented the instrument in what I would call an illegal manner. The bass was recognized by people on this forum as my bass, I was notified, and the seller was contacted and made aware of the fact that he was being monitored by this forum. So, all that said, it is pretty easy buying an Alembic blind. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1592 Registered: 6-2002 |
When I bought first my Alembic Orion guitar, I had never heard one before neither on record ( to my knowledge) a had never seen one in the flesh. I got it from a German music shop via ebay. There were some problems with the knobs coming loose during transit due to the case being the wrong size allowing too much movement of the guitar, the guitar was fine and in perfect condition. Since then I've bought an Elan, Orion Baritone and Series I guitars without hearing them first and they are all fine. Maybe I was fortunate. I doubt if I would do that with another manufacturer. Fortunately the Elan and Baritone were from forum members so that gave me some comfort. Strangely enough, I think If I had the chance to hear the Series I guitar beforehand, there is a good chance that I may not have bought it. I've had it a couple of months and it's only now that I'm starting to find settings that I feel give me sounds I want. I think If I was sitting in the shop with hard cash I would have wanted to hear something I liked straight off before parting with that much money. That said I'm glad I have it now. Jazzyvee (Message edited by Jazzyvee on August 10, 2009) | ||
| mike13
Member Username: mike13 Post Number: 58 Registered: 11-2007 |
Hey Taylor,thanks for the nice words,it sounds as good as it looks | ||
| toma_hawk01
Junior Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 40 Registered: 7-2009 |
Not unless its was brand new from the Mothership. | ||
| smokinbear
Junior Username: smokinbear Post Number: 25 Registered: 11-2008 |
Bought my Distillate 5 from Danno just going off the pics in his profile and man is it way better than the s2 i bought in the early 90's that i picked out at Rockley's in Denver when i was a dumb little pipsqueak. 32" vs. 36"scale makes all the difference. By the way i know i keep saying it but THANKS AGAIN DANNO!!!!! Best bass i have ever had, they will have to pry "my cold dead hands" off it to get me to sell it. So i also have a persuader with alot of mojo(read: wear) that i got off the bay seller was very honest said bass was in a very played but perfect working condition, and sold it accordingly, welll it's one of my fav. 4 strings to play next to my starfires, which i have also bought more than a few unplayed and all have been worth it so far. Each is like a different friend with all thier little individual quirks e.t.c. ,but all are my "friends" my kinda peoples(Basses that is)>Only bass i didn't like iv'e bought over the years unplayed was an epi Jack C. model that hurt the F%*& out of my forearm cause the body binding was hella sharp, needed a banjo forarm rest!! | ||
| toma_hawk01
Junior Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 41 Registered: 7-2009 |
Both of my series I (one long scale, I sold... after 10 years of lugging the heavy monster...) was strapped on, fitted, and I spent hours before dropping the Benjamin Franklin's without any disappointments, or low expectations what so ever. | ||
| tmoney61092
Intermediate Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 170 Registered: 9-2008 |
i know it's a different playing field, but i bought my first 5 string and bass with active electronics(Traben Array Premium)for $550, note that i had never even played a 5 string or a bass with active EQ, and it was the best decision i ever made and now play it almost exclusively(still give my other basses a whirl ever couple days). now i also strung it with the tuning EADGC(which is currently tuned a half step down, LOVE IT!!!!!) and will probly never go back to BEADG, so it all depends on the risks you want to take. Mike, how could i not compliment such a beautiful instrument??? ;-) ~Taylor Watterson (Message edited by tmoney61092 on August 11, 2009) | ||
| eligilam
Intermediate Member Username: eligilam Post Number: 195 Registered: 2-2006 |
Update to bassilisk and others re: my post 194 above...I got the XL2 a few days ago, and I must say, it was another good eBay gamble! Clear, articulate sounds. Great condition. Still in tune out of the shipping box. Definitely the perfect '80's-sounding twangy, synthy thing I'm getting into now...it's now my #2 (after my SCSD, of course...I ain't no blasphemer). |
