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Alembic Club » Swap Shop and Wish Lists » For Sale & Trade » Archive 2004 » Archive through August 21, 2004 » Left-handed, six-string Elan for sale -- need info on its value « Previous Next »

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coppertop
New
Username: coppertop

Post Number: 2
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 - 10:23 am:   Edit Post

Hi folks -- About 12 years ago or so, I bought a used, left-handed, six-stringed Alembic as gift for my brother, who later told me that although he is left-handed, he learned to play bass right-handed and unfortunately couldn't do much with my gift.... anyway, I have this bass in my possession; it is beautiful and in near-pristine condition, and I have no idea how to sell it (as you can obviously see, I don't know much about basses in general).

Someone told me that it is an "Elan" model but I know nothing more, except for the serial number (90 H 5961 USA) -- Is there a way that I can get more information on its construction/features and an estimated value based on this serial number?

And are there any suggestions about how to go about selling it, whether on eBay or an alternative means? I'm selling it now because I need to pay for hospital bills, so ANY help whatsoever is greatly appreciated.

Thanks -- Jack
jagerphan84
Junior
Username: jagerphan84

Post Number: 50
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 - 11:41 am:   Edit Post

Hi Jack,
I'm sure other club members will be chiming in soon with their thoughts on this topic, but I thought I would throw in my two cents.

As far as the value of the instrument, this is difficult to determine. It would depend on factors such as wood options and any unique features the instrument may have. Being a 6-string and being in great condition are working in your favor for price. Being left handed may do the opposite. It is hard to judge what kind of market exists for a lefty 6. From my many months of eBay shopping and general overuse of the internet, I would estimate that this instrument would fetch between $1500 and $2000.

As far as HOW to sell, you've already posted here, which would be my first recommendation. If there are no takers here in the club, you may want to try posting ads on sites such as www.bassgear.com or www.harmony-central.com. I have had mixed luck with those type of classifieds. If you use one of those, watch out for scammers. If you smell something fishy, you're probably right. If you have no luck there, I would then give eBay a try.

Hopefully someone from the mothership will get back to you soon with the information from the build record, and that should help you narrow down an asking price.

And as I'm sure the Pauls will tell you, nothing helps like PICTURES, PICTURES, PICTURES!!

Sorry if this was a little rushed, but my boss prefers when I use my computer to do work. Go figure.

Adam
davehouck
Senior Member
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 726
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 - 2:15 pm:   Edit Post

The "H" in the serial number indicates that it is indeed an Elan. And like Adam said, if you can post some pictures that would be helpful.
coppertop
New
Username: coppertop

Post Number: 3
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 12:22 pm:   Edit Post

As suggested, here are some pics of this bass:

Elan 6-string (lefty) full body

close-up 1

close-up 2
811952
Advanced Member
Username: 811952

Post Number: 234
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 2:10 pm:   Edit Post

That's pretty enough to learn how to play left-handed for....
John
jagerphan84
Member
Username: jagerphan84

Post Number: 51
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 3:31 pm:   Edit Post

I second that.


Wow . . .
davehouck
Senior Member
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 727
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 6:17 pm:   Edit Post

A very nice bass indeed!
jlpicard
Member
Username: jlpicard

Post Number: 77
Registered: 7-2002
Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 8:38 pm:   Edit Post

Jack, I am interested in the Elan. Have you decided on a selling price? thanks, Mike
coppertop
New
Username: coppertop

Post Number: 5
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 5:09 pm:   Edit Post

Some people have contacted me privately and asked for pics of the back, as well, so I thought I'd post them here. It looks like there is significant interest in this instrument and I'd like to thank those of you who offered your advice to me -- Jack

backfull

backclose1

closeback2

closeback3
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic

Post Number: 1415
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 - 11:24 pm:   Edit Post

Man ....that IS a beautiful instrument. Hum ....should I start learning to play left handed??
coppertop
New
Username: coppertop

Post Number: 8
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - 1:59 am:   Edit Post

Well, this beauty has been sold to a member of this discussion community - thanks to everyone for their interest and good luck to all.

Jack
jlpicard
Member
Username: jlpicard

Post Number: 78
Registered: 7-2002
Posted on Sunday, August 08, 2004 - 10:54 pm:   Edit Post

Everyone!! I am now the proud papa of the Lefty Elan 6! The pictures don't do it justice! The finish looks flawless.This thing has a great big BALLSY sound, yet tight and very well defined as all Alembics do. The neck on this thing is a monster(P-bass string spacing at the nut),yet it balances very well (just a tiny bit neck heavy). The first thing I did was give the new baby a well deservered bath: (polished the body, cleaned and polished the frets,hardware and logo and oiled the fingerboard. As per Alembics recommendation, after lemon oiling, I remounted the old strings for a couple of days. Then it's a fresh set of .027" to .127"s, a tweak on the truss rod, maybey a bit of bridge adjustment and Voila! I have already used it on a recording session. My fellow bandmates did the "Alembic Jaw Drop" and then procceded to comment about how great the bass sounded direct into the board without any tweaking. Duh! No one ever asks me to bring a Fender to the gig! Ha! another bunch of "Bolt-on" lovers bites the dust!! Mike
davehouck
Senior Member
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 772
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 9:32 pm:   Edit Post

Congrats Mike!
dadabass2001
Advanced Member
Username: dadabass2001

Post Number: 203
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 4:58 am:   Edit Post

Indeed, congratulations. I'm sure you'll have many years of joy from this beauty. Is the top lam Coco Bolo?
Mike
jlpicard
Member
Username: jlpicard

Post Number: 79
Registered: 7-2002
Posted on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 3:56 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks, The top is absolutely cocoobolo! My favorite. The photos really don't show the contrast between the red and black grain lines.Coco truly is one of natures great works of art. Mike

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