| Author | Message | ||
| glocke
New Username: glocke Post Number: 5 Registered: 9-2002 |
I am looking at a used series I in "prisitine" condition. SN# 97-11013 USA. Is $3600.00 too much for this? | ||
| rami
Advanced Member Username: rami Post Number: 262 Registered: 6-2002 |
I suggest going to the "Custom Quote" page; http://www.alembic.com/cgi-bin/quote/quote Then selecting a Series I, and adding all the exact features of the one that you're thinking about. Then decide for yourself. Rami | ||
| bigredbass
Intermediate Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 190 Registered: 9-2002 |
Glocke: As they say in the Westerns, 'you must be new around here', so welcome. Besides being a chat corner, this is really a users' group for our avowed axes of choice. Sponsored by ALEMBIC, it's very useful inasmuch as LOTS of people know very little about this brand. You can easily go to www.alembic.com, and see that the price you mention is much less than a new one. I'd just make a few points: FIRST, what kind of shape does 'pristine' mean actually? Can you go see this axe? Can you play it first? Is it EBay? If it's EBay, is it somebody with lots of good feedback, even a retail store (preferable)? And remember, a Series One MUST include its rack-mount power supply, 20-foot 5-pin cable, and the original case. Think of Series basses like phantom power mics: Without offboard power, you're limited to 9v's, which don't last long. Plus these components were included with every Series and are expensive to replace separately. SECOND, it's good that you have the serial number. Come Monday, probably Val or Mica can give you a history of the instrument. Watch the replies to this post. Any 97-build Series One would be identical to current production in most ways. THIRD is the most important: Is it worth $3600 TO YOU? ALEMBICs are the ultimate bass guitar. But they are different. The fact that you are eyeing one that's only 6 years old that probably hasn't been played should tell you that these aren't the usual instruments that some people expect. The Series bass with its shape, build quality, and electronics package was a landmark, like a Stradivarius, the Telecaster and original Precision, Cristofori's first practical piano, etc. This was the original artist-level bass. All of us here found every other bass short of this level of achievement, artistry, and tone. Older guys like me wore out everything else until I found my ALEMBIC. Younger guys found one early and fell in love. But we all know people that will never 'get it', that will never understand what they are, and would frankly rather stick with a MusicMan and an SVT and not be bugged with filters, mil-spec electronics, adjustable nuts, power supplies, etc. As regards the price, it's like all used instruments: I've seen 'em for more, seen 'em for less. I'm sure my co-conspirators will chime in, but I wouldn't think that's out of line, money wise. Chisel 'em if you can. If it's a (non-dealer) store, you'd be surprised how many of 'em are scared to death they'll 'never move that expensive bass'! But should you buy it, I can utterly GUARANTEE you that the support you will find here in the Club, as well as from ALEMBIC (even though you bought a used one) will be like nothing else you've ever experienced. Best of Luck J o e y PS: Nice play on spelling your username, but I'm an H+K man myself. | ||
| dfung60
Junior Username: dfung60 Post Number: 23 Registered: 5-2002 |
Just a minor note here... I concur with bigredbass that you want to make sure that everything in included here, but I think the changeover to having the rack mount power supply/splitter was only in the last year or so. Most Series basses have a standalone DS-5 in a nuclear-bomb-shelter strong metal box that's about 1/3 of a rack space in width. Same functionality though. I'd also add that the normal kinds of things that you'd check for on any bass should be checked out here - damage to the neck or finish, full functionality of all the electronics (no small task on a Series bass). Checking the action is especially important - for these prices, you want to make sure that the action is right or can be adjusted to what you want. As for the price... Well, it's a very personal decision as to what to pay. As a Series owner, I think they should be worth a LOT used ( :-) ), but the reality is that high end instruments like this lose a terrifying amount of value at resale. With something more pedestrian like a Stingray, you would hope to get back maybe 60% of what you paid when selling in perfect condition. Because the is so many dollars in absolute terms with Alembics, they just don't get that much. It's not because they're not worth it - it's just that there's not a really strong market for used basses that cost $2500+. You may try offering less - the worst that can happen is that you won't get it, and might have to offer more if you want to try again. Good luck, David Fung | ||
| glocke
New Username: glocke Post Number: 6 Registered: 9-2002 |
Thanks for all the responses guys. I've been around for awhile, but am more of a lurker. A series bass is something I have wanted for a long time, the one I am looking at is here, http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2575370626&category=4713 Thanks for all the help guys. BTW, bigred, the play on my name is accidental, although I am a proud owner of Berettas, Rugers, and springfield armory. | ||
| janriviere
Member Username: janriviere Post Number: 81 Registered: 5-2002 |
Glocke, no doubt about this one , I can only say : what are you waiting for :-) Really, here in Europe you can't find that kind of Series bass in such a condition for that price. Good luck with the bidding, I'll hope you win it in a couple of hours. I don't think you are going to be the only one around at the end of the auction... Cheers Jan | ||
| bigredbass
Intermediate Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 192 Registered: 9-2002 |
Glocke: Thanks for the link, I remember seeing this one last week on my usual 'wonder what's on EBay this week' cruise. Depending where this auction goes, if you're a 4 string player and comfortable with vibe of this ad, I'd sure think about this one. Like David F said, all high end basses take a crash dive price-wise in the used market. This is good for those of us that could never afford new ones. The real lunacy is these schnooks in the vintage market that would pay 6 or 7 grand for a used Jazz. Thank goodness ALEMBICs haven't gotten sucked into that warp. Ultimately, ANY used guitar is only worth what someone will pay ca$h for today. J o e y | ||
| rami
Advanced Member Username: rami Post Number: 263 Registered: 6-2002 |
That's one GORGEOUS Bass! Wow!!! According to the "Custom Quote" page, a new one like that would sell for $11,700. I'd say $3500 is worth it. Buy it fast, or someone else will. I'm getting that urge again! Rami | ||
| 811952
Junior Username: 811952 Post Number: 31 Registered: 10-2003 |
It looks like a good deal to me. I'm sure you could find an older one cheaper if you looked around, but probably not nearly as nice as this one. John | ||
| cdf
Junior Username: cdf Post Number: 26 Registered: 5-2003 |
I agree that is one sweet looking bass! No doubt pretty sweet sounding as well. I'm just a humble guitarist, but looking at that beauty I can hear the call of the low frequencies. As a recent first time Alembic owner I can say that while prices may fluctuate, the value of these instruments lives on. | ||
| bob
Member Username: bob Post Number: 84 Registered: 11-2002 |
(Hey Court, congratulations! Didn't know the Tribute was finished. You'll have to give us a report some time, a nice happy ending to close out your factory thread.) | ||
| cdf
Junior Username: cdf Post Number: 27 Registered: 5-2003 |
Bob, Thanks! Yeah all done and I couldn't be happier. Looks great sounds even better. I will put up some pics as soon as I can force myself to put 'er down long enough to take some. Here's hoping your project soon comes to fruition as well. Court | ||
| glocke
New Username: glocke Post Number: 8 Registered: 9-2002 |
Well, it looks like this is going to go for $4,000. This seems a little high to me, but considering that I have seen series 1's from the 70.s and 80's going for $1500.00-$2000.00 it may not be that high (especially considering a new S1 would reatil for around 7k to 8k). |
