| Author | Message | ||
| tsarter
Junior Username: tsarter Post Number: 23 Registered: 5-2002 |
Is anyone able to give me an idea of the typical(if there is such a thing) going rate for a used Series II in excellent condition. Is 3K in the ball park? | ||
| angelboy
Junior Username: angelboy Post Number: 44 Registered: 1-2004 |
I think you have to be a little more specific. What's the materials used? Which body shape is it? How old is it? I'm sure the more experience Alembicians can ask you a few more delving questions. Can you post any pics of it? (Yes!............got there first!) Paul TAO | ||
| keavin
Advanced Member Username: keavin Post Number: 216 Registered: 12-2002 |
ive seen them at various prices, like angleboy said, it depends on the materials (woods etc... leds or the actual age & body shape, & the condition)some people beat their basses up, but (I) think a series II would start around the 3K & up range. | ||
| tsarter
Junior Username: tsarter Post Number: 24 Registered: 5-2002 |
> > > > No pics to post yet, but will later. This one is an '86 w/ quilted maple front and back on mahogany core. All chrome harware, Elan body and peg head shape. Star and moon inlay on neck. All other specs are standard. I'm thinking it a pretty good price (3K) and a chance for me to check one out. > > > | ||
| tsarter
Junior Username: tsarter Post Number: 25 Registered: 5-2002 |
Every time I try to upload pictures the site times out. So, here's a link to some photos: http://www.shplack.com/tsarter/Series2 I'd really appreciate any input that can be offered. I'm looking at spending $3000 plus tax on this. If I buy it I need to feel fairly confident that I can re-sell if for about that much if it is not a fit. Thanks fo your help! - tim | ||
| dela217
Advanced Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 332 Registered: 6-2002 |
Not my cup of tea, but really nice. I love the series II electronics. Very versatile when you finally figure them out. As far as 3K goes, seems fair, it seems that what series II's are going for. It is just that this body style may be harder to sell. You have to love Alembic and be a Fender fan too. | ||
| hollis
Intermediate Member Username: hollis Post Number: 116 Registered: 11-2003 |
Tim, You're in Santa Rosa, right? I suggest that you pay the folks at Alembic a visit..... I can't think of a better place to get Alembic advice... BTW, the bass is very nice indeed, but what I've come to understand is the instrument is only worth what you're willing to pay for it. That being the case, the resale value is only worth what someone who is in the market and has the dollars is willing to spend.... What I'm saying is; The value is very subjective.... I don't plan on selling my Alembic, and if I am fortunate enough to aquire another along the way... they will go to family members after I'm outa here. Give Alembic a call.....Hell, if I lived in Santa Rosa, I'd be camped out in the Alembic Parking lot.......... Lucky for all involved I'm in Washington State!! LOL | ||
| valvil
Moderator Username: valvil Post Number: 399 Registered: 7-2002 |
A minor correction, that body style is a Vector, not an Elan. Valentino | ||
| bassman10096
Advanced Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 303 Registered: 7-2003 |
The body on the S2 Vector is widened out (to make room for the Series electronics and controls, no doubt). The "standard" Vector body is slimmer. Pictures of a Vector-style Spoiler (That was my first Alembic.) are at http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/5426.html?1059921530 . There was another S2 in a Vector body on Ebay about 6 months ago. If I recall, the top was quilted like the one we're talking about here. When I tried to link back to the Ebay ad, the ad had expired. So - can't tell if it's the same one. I don't recall what was being asked for it or whether or not it sold. Bill | ||
| tsarter
Junior Username: tsarter Post Number: 26 Registered: 5-2002 |
Thanks to you all. Good points. Having worked a lot with my Superfilter I think I'd like the Series II electronics. At this point my favorite package is the Signature or Anniversary electronics, but I'd really like to check out a Series II as well. Hollis, I'm quite close to Alembic and have been there on a number of occasions. Great fun to visit and I've always found the gang there most helpful, but it is really not the place to get a sense of used prices, if you know what I mean. Thanks for the correction Valentino - I had not heard of that body style before. - tim | ||
| knight
Junior Username: knight Post Number: 11 Registered: 9-2003 |
Bill is right, the same bass was on Ebay a few months ago, and sold for slightly under $3000 (something like 2700??). I recognize it from a chip on the top of the peghead (you can see it in the pics you posted). As far as I remember, it's a 32" scale. Given all this, I'd say it's worth the asking price. I believe the electronics from '86 don't need to be upgraded (please correct me if I'm wrong), which is a plus. If I had the cash I might be tempted. knight | ||
| bassman10096
Advanced Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 306 Registered: 7-2003 |
With the body widened, it has a look vaguely akin to a Rickenbacker. At least I see it in the shape of the butt and the crook of the top horn... If you like the 32" scale (I happen to love the ease of fingering) and the body shape (which is unusual, thus maybe not everyone else's cup of tea), I'd go with Knight on this. S2 electronics (assuming all works OK) will not disappoint. Bill | ||
| bbe1020
Member Username: bbe1020 Post Number: 87 Registered: 5-2002 |
Nice bass, I really like this one. The "asking price" is certainly fair in my opinion. Series II electronics too? Don't think that you're the ONLY person eyeballing it...hmmm, April 15th, electronic refund=sold.(Someones going to be very, very happy) If I could, I would! | ||
| tsarter
Junior Username: tsarter Post Number: 27 Registered: 5-2002 |
I certainly don't presuppose I'm the only one looking at this bass. I'm basically waiting to hear from the seller if it includes the power supply and cable. They are notoriously bad in the customer sevice area... | ||
| dela217
Advanced Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 333 Registered: 6-2002 |
I would be worried about the power supply too. I did not see a battery cover plate on that bass. Maybe it does not have batteries? I don't keep batteries in any of my basses. So, I don't think it is a problem as long as you have a power supply. | ||
| prockenklang
New Username: prockenklang Post Number: 1 Registered: 4-2004 |
This is my old bass,I sold it to Guitar Center in San Jose!! It does have batteries,you access them through the top back plate.I also included the 5-pin cord and the power supply when I sold it to them. You will love this bass,it plays great! By-the-way,hi Mike!!! | ||
| prockenklang
New Username: prockenklang Post Number: 2 Registered: 4-2004 |
This is my old bass,I sold it to Guitar Center in San Jose!! It does have batteries,you access them through the top back plate.I also included the 5-pin cord and the power supply when I sold it to them. You will love this bass,it plays great! By-the-way,hi Mike!!! | ||
| susan
Moderator Username: susan Post Number: 38 Registered: 5-2002 |
Prockenklang, Hello my son-I didn't have to even check your registration to know who you are! It's about time you joined our ever expanding group. I expect to see lots of posts from you. -Susan | ||
| prockenklang
New Username: prockenklang Post Number: 3 Registered: 4-2004 |
Hi Mom, It's me!! We can't come up this weekend,but we will give you a call.Sarah would love to talk to her Grandma Susan! Happy Easter, John | ||
| dela217
Advanced Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 334 Registered: 6-2002 |
John - It's been a long time indeed. Call me when you get a chance. Michael | ||
| kungfusheriff
Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 74 Registered: 8-2003 |
Hey Tim, FYI: http://www.instrumentexchange.com/bid-form.asp?list_id=186185&pid=41&catid=131&scatid=495&status=1 | ||
| bsee
New Username: bsee Post Number: 7 Registered: 3-2004 |
Nice bass, sheriff. $2600 to start or buy it now for $3K. | ||
| lowlife
Junior Username: lowlife Post Number: 44 Registered: 12-2003 |
FYI: Instrument Exchange will only register members from within the continental U.S., which means that being a Canadian, I'm automatically excluded from joining and bidding; too bad! Maybe someone in the U.S. could adopt me? Ellery (Lowlife) | ||
| kungfusheriff
Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 75 Registered: 8-2003 |
Not mine, bsee. Guitar Center bass that one of our members was checking out, but at a higher price. Ellery, if you're serious, and Mr. Sarter passes, then I'd be happy to use my IE membership to help you out...if I can remember the damned password. | ||
| tsarter
Junior Username: tsarter Post Number: 28 Registered: 5-2002 |
Well, guess the cat is out of the bag now!  That's where I first saw it - I later found out from John that is was at the San Jose GC which is near to me. Both he and Mica told me it was in need of the Series upgrade, which could run as much as $1200. While it would still not be a bad price, I decided to pass. Knowing what they paid for it I made a lower offer which thus far has not been accepted. The short of it is that it looks like I'll be passing on this one. - Tim PS - Ellery: If you are serious I'd be happy to buy it on your behalf and ship it north for you. Drop me a line if you'd like to do this. | ||
| tsarter
Junior Username: tsarter Post Number: 29 Registered: 5-2002 |
Ellery - Feel free to call me too: (707) 328-9600 - Tim | ||
| lowlife
Junior Username: lowlife Post Number: 45 Registered: 12-2003 |
Considering $3K for the bass & another $1.2K for the upgrade (which I was not aware it needed) and $0.2K for the shipping/insurance, that would put it at about $4400.00 US, which translates to $6000.00 Canadian. A little to rich for my blood for the moment. There's always next time. Thanks nonetheless for the offers to purchase and trans-ship. Ellery (Lowlife) | ||
| kungfusheriff
Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 76 Registered: 8-2003 |
Ellery, GC generally likes to move their overpriced prestiege pieces after they collect dust for a few years...before I found the S2 I'm in the process of buying, I contacted them about Series basses. One, which may have been this one, had sat around for something like six years tagged at $4K. No surprise there. But after I got them to check the Blue Book value (duh!), they agreed to sell it for $2.5K, and that was without haggling on my part or them smelling cash/credit card/my firstborn. Point is, there's a decent chance they'd go below the $2600 minimum bid if it doesn't sell, which I predict it won't, unless one of us obsessive types gives in and rescues it. Forego the upgrade for a while, and it could ease the pain of investment a bit. Just my .02, or .03 in your country (grin). KFS | ||
| lowlife
Junior Username: lowlife Post Number: 46 Registered: 12-2003 |
Shawn, thanks for your .03 (that's exchange rate, not inflation) When I was 4 years old, I could sometines get what I wanted by crying and stamping my feet; nothing like a good temper tantrum. But that will not provide me with the necessary funds to acquire this fine instrument. As nice as the bass seems, there are still two issues. One, my disposable income grows constantly, so 6 or 8 months from now this discussion would be acedemic. Secondly, and far more important, Tim has not pulled out of the bidding and with that in mind, I will not knowingly bid against another member of this group. I'm not 4 years old any more; I can wait. (Just listen, can you hear the tantrum?) Ellery (Lowlife) | ||
| tsarter
Junior Username: tsarter Post Number: 30 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hey Ellery, Thanks for the kind consideration, but I pulled myself out of the running for this one when my offer was not accepted. They may eventually come around, but certainly don't let my interest stop you, or anyone else, from pursuing this one if you're interested. - Tim | ||
| 811952
Intermediate Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 154 Registered: 10-2003 |
As far as the electronics upgrade goes, my '81 series I is still quite a bit quieter than most other basses on the planet (the pots are a bit scratchy), even if it is noisier than a new Alembic. It's perfectly quiet in any properly-wired studio space. I would hardly consider an upgrade as being critical enough to thwart the purchase of an otherwise beautiful bass... John | ||
| bob
Intermediate Member Username: bob Post Number: 196 Registered: 11-2002 |
John - a quick tip. Mica has suggested in the past that 'scratchy pots' can usually be remedied simply by rotating them back and forth a bunch of times. Worked for me recently (on a non-Alembic), so it's worth a try. |
