| Author | Message | ||
| scott
Junior Username: scott Post Number: 14 Registered: 10-2002 |
Has anyone come across any used Alembic Series 1 or 2 six-string guitars for sale (or any other used Alembic six-string models for that matter)? Thanks in advance for any help, comments, or suggestions. | ||
| hollis
Advanced Member Username: hollis Post Number: 348 Registered: 11-2003 |
Every once in a while an Alembic guitar will find its way to these boards. I think the last one was Glocke's Skylark... http://alembic.com/club/messages/395/10300.html?1088343419 I don't know if it's still available... For some reason (one that I know well), people just don't sell their Alembic guitars very often. Hope that helps. Good luck in your search. | ||
| hydrargyrum
Junior Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 13 Registered: 3-2004 |
There seems to be a lovely Skylark on ebay right now also. I just bought a house or I would likely try to go for it. Good luck hunting. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2384&item=3748496187&rd=1 | ||
| bsee
Advanced Member Username: bsee Post Number: 265 Registered: 3-2004 |
I was looking at that one too, though I would prefer the shorter scale. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 490 Registered: 9-2003 |
It didn't sell. The high bid was $1380 and it didn't meet reserve. | ||
| bsee
Advanced Member Username: bsee Post Number: 278 Registered: 3-2004 |
And the "winning" bidder made another higher bid than that trying to reach reserve. Could have been $1400, could have even been $1500 that didn't make reserve. If you're interested, I'd contact him and see if he'll talk/deal. -Bob | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 493 Registered: 9-2003 |
Don't get me wrong: it's a nice guitar...I just don't think it's worth that kind of money. I offered Steve's Music in Canada $1500 for that NEW Skylark he had on ebay of months until someone else on this site bought it @ approx $1800. Personally, I would have gone $1200 or so TOPS, but that's just 'ole cheapskate me. This is a used Y2K guitar with the "old" body style (no rear tummy cut)...nice condition, nice natural figured top, and brass plates, but otherwise nothing particularly special. | ||
| hollis
Advanced Member Username: hollis Post Number: 362 Registered: 11-2003 |
Well, This seems to be my day for controversy. I guess I’ve let statements to the effect that a pristine Skylark is not worth more than $1200.00 go by with no response one too many times. So, with that in mind, here I go: I feel that anyone who thinks that the Skylark’s value should in any way be less than (or even in the same ball park as) Gibson’s or PRS has not spent enough time with a Skylark in their hands. I’ve said this before, however, here goes again: I own a Gibson Les Paul (an old one, built when they gave a damn), a 1990 PRS, a Heritage H-575 custom, a Travis Bean Artist, Martins, Yari’s, Guilds, and Taylors. Hand built guitars all. And yet, none of these instruments are even in the same league as my Alembic Skylark. The idea that this instrument is worth less than any of these is quite frankly, laughable. And, if I could get the tears out of my eyes from the laughter, it’d be more than a little insulting. Hey, I’m all for saving a buck whenever possible, but please. If somebody is fortunate to come across the right set of circumstances, by all means, recognize your good fortune, and buy it! However, value is a subjective commodity at best. I just find it interesting that there seems to be so much talk about what the lowest price is. Value is in the eye of the beholder. Not everyone is out for the almighty buck at the sake of all else. Personally, I don’t think anyone could buy my Skylark for any price. I love this instrument. I hope I haven’t stepped too hard on anyone’s toes, however mine are feeling a little less pained. It’s just my opinion however unpopular that may be. | ||
| bob
Advanced Member Username: bob Post Number: 322 Registered: 11-2002 |
"Well" said, Hollis. I can think of at least a couple of times where someone here (doesn't matter who) has said something to the effect, "the money doesn't really matter that much, I just have to get the best possible deal, that's just how I am". Fine, I can accept that, we all have our own priorities. But if you want to talk about what the instrument is worth - rather than what you would be willing to pay - I think you have to put some of those other issues aside. If I were in the market for a guitar, $1200 for this one would be a steal (though I'd have to replace those gold knobs...) -Bob | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1603 Registered: 9-2002 |
Brother Hollis, it IS good to hear someone saying these nice things about Alembic "normal" guitars - you know ...the wooden things with six thin strings on it , normally we use thicker strings HA. Over here I don't know 1 guitarplayer with an Alembic. I heard comments by musicians on nearly ALL guitars and got a lot of them in my hands personally but not ONE comment about Alembic. I really can't figure out how they sound. Please ...I don't want to question your point. It is just ....I have absolutely NO auditive reference point. Paul the bad one | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 496 Registered: 9-2003 |
Sorry I got you upset, Hollis. I'm sure you're correct about the quality and perceived value of an Alembic over just about anything else. That's a given here on this site anyway. Market value, however, is a different story. While there's nothing wrong with someone paying a premium for premium goods, I just don't happen to be one of them. I'm simply not willing to pay more than what the market dictates. Actually, I'm usually looking to pay less, LOL!. I really don't need anything that bad, nor is my wallet big enough to indulge my wants even if I did. Obviously, "worth" is a subjective term, and my unfortunate usage of said term ruffled some feathers. For that I apologize. It was not my intention to hurt anyone's feelings or demean their purchase or property in anyway. I am just a cheap b*****d that is only willing to pay what I'm willing to pay. This is certainly a free country, so anyone is free to spend their money anyway they wish. I was just expressing my own personal opinion. Cheers, Ke(vi)n (Message edited by kmh364 on September 21, 2004) | ||
| hollis
Advanced Member Username: hollis Post Number: 368 Registered: 11-2003 |
Hey Kevin, Thanks for being good hearted about my ranting... It's just a subject that's very dear to me, and sometimes my passion gets the best of me. No harm no foul.... One of the things I love about this group is the variety of opinions. Hey Paul(TBO), The response (auditory) of an Alembic guitar is every bit as amazing as the response of their basses. The only thing more beautiful than they look is how wonderful they sound. I don't pretend to be a bassist, but I do now (fortunately)know how amazing Alembic basses feel, and sound in person...... One day I may learn the bassist's groove. I'm sure that my Alembic bass will help me toward that end (if anything can!). I do consider myself a guitarist with at least some small understanding of the fretboard and technique required to express myself musically (If I didn't, I guess I would've just wasted the past 41 years LOL!). And what I do know is that I consider getting my Alembic guitar a milestone for my playing abilities. It's responsive and intuitive nature has opened up fresh avenues within whatever small skills I may have brought to the table. Bluntly, this instrument has made a better guitarist out of me, and for that, as well as many other facets of the Alembic experience, I am very grateful. I'm sure that as a bassist, you may have experienced something similar with your first Alembic bass? True? Anyhow, if you have any questions about Alembic guitars, please feel free to ask. My experience is limited, but I'm sure our other brothers and sisters of the higher frequencies will be happy to fill in the blanks... (Message edited by hollis on September 21, 2004) | ||
| kenbass4
Intermediate Member Username: kenbass4 Post Number: 119 Registered: 10-2003 |
Hollis, Kevin, Paul, et al. I think it all boils down to "what are you willing to pay for it" and "what's it worth to you" I ordered a custom Rogue about a year ago. I could have gotten one MUCH cheaper on E-bay. Why did I pay considerably more for the custom? Because there is no other bass like it in the world, and I had a hand in creating it. That to me makes it priceless. I won't be able to sell the bass for half of what I payed for it, I'm sure, but to me it doesn't matter. I did not pay full retail for it, because I went through an alembic dealer, so I was at least somewhat financially savvy. When you buy a custom, it's exactly that...You make the decisions about YOUR instrument. If an Alembic on e-bay has something about it that speaks to you, pay what you're willing to for it. But keep in mind that as the e-bay price increases, it may be worth spending a little more to get exactly what you want with a custom. Just my 2.5 cents... Ken (TEO) | ||
| hydrargyrum
Junior Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 14 Registered: 3-2004 |
I was the "winning bidder" on this item, and I have to admit that I was a little ashamed of the amount I bid on this item after reading some of the posts here. I would like to point out though that the price quote I received from Bass Northwest was a great deal higher than that mentioned in a previous post in this thread for a new Skylark. Taking into account production and delivery time is another concern (I can be very impatient). On the whole I don't feel that a mint quality Alembic really depreciates all that much either. Ultimately I would still be happy to purchase the guitar (yes, I realize I said in an earlier post that I could not afford it due to a home purchase, but the wood grain mesmerized me). If I should happen to work out a similar deal, my Orion Baritone will unfortunately have to be sold to compensate, and I will be sure to make an offer on the club first. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 498 Registered: 9-2003 |
Just for sh*ts and giggles, did J Hale Music renew the auction or offer a "second chance" auction to the high bidder(s)? As per the above link, it appears to be dead in the water. Anybody have any info? I did email them during the bidding to ask a few questions about the thing, but they never responded. | ||
| hydrargyrum
Junior Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 15 Registered: 3-2004 |
As far as I know there is no second chance auction, and from scanning e-bay, it hasn't shown up again yet. I believe J Hale may be selling it privately now, but I am not sure of that either. (Wow what a useless post!) | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 499 Registered: 9-2003 |
Kevin (hydrargyrum): Well, you still have a chance...Jeff Hale is selling the guitar on consignment for a private owner. The RESERVE price was $2095 D'UOH!!! The owner is mulling over an offer for $1950 currently. Jeff asked me if I had any interest...at that price, uh, um, eh, NOOOO! LOL! | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 500 Registered: 9-2003 |
And remember: that NEW Skylark from Steve's went for $1800 w/OHSC! And that was a nice wineburst like Hollis's! And it took three or four auctions to get that "buy now" bait to catch a fish. I'm betting that at the old MSRP, that guitar didn't cost much more than what he's asking when it was new in Y2K (after discount). At that price, I'm with Kenbass4: Order a new one just like it from Superbass at a steep discount and call it a day. | ||
| hollis
Advanced Member Username: hollis Post Number: 373 Registered: 11-2003 |
I understand your points, valid all. My point is simply this; That guitar(IMHO)is worth every penny that is being asked for it. If I were in the market, I'd feel just fine spending that for it. To each his own. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 502 Registered: 9-2003 |
I'm sure it will be worth every penny to the guy who buys it. Good on ya , mate...whoever you are. BTW, Jeff Hale intimated to me that he thought the asking price was high enough that it encroached on the price neighborhood of a new one and, as a result, he recommended to the seller to take the offer. | ||
| mooch
New Username: mooch Post Number: 8 Registered: 12-2002 |
I was just catching up with this discussion. First off I have to bolster what hollis wrote regarding Alembic 6 string guitars. I currently have 3 electrums and a skylark. Each is a beutiful piece of work with its own sound. My maple electrum unplugged sounds like a fine acoustic. My 2 rosewoods one has single coils one has doubles..together they are capable of every type of sound you would want. I do prefer, out of comfort and neck, the neck-thru electrums over my skylark. With that said I look at the going prices of these PRS's and gibsons and I can understand why a Skylark owner would be looking for at least $1800 to $2000. They are so much more versatile than the aforementioned. Anyone who plays guitar and has a chance to play a Skylark would have to agree. The fact that some skylarks have hung around on ebay etc does not tell me its market value...it tells me that most people out there don't know what they're looking for. Maybe it's just a name that they're after | ||
| zappahead
Member Username: zappahead Post Number: 93 Registered: 10-2002 |
If a guitar cant be sold for X amount of dollars then that is indicitive of its "market value". Market value does not = quality of craftsmanship of course, but what people are willing to pay for something is exactly what "market value" is. If you know you can get something cheaper or you know you can something brand new or better for slightly more then the prudent thing to do IMO is to wait and be patient. Is a good to great condition Skylark worth 2000 compared to a PRS, Gibson or Fender? Of course it is. But, the market is what it is. We saw a brand new one sell for less that was newer and IMO a better model. Personally I would wait, although I wouldn't begrudge a person for buying this Skylark, they wouldn't regret it as far as quality for the money goes. | ||
| hydrargyrum
Junior Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 16 Registered: 3-2004 |
Well, I can add a new element to this discussion as I am arranging at this very moment to buy the very guitar of interest for the price mentioned. I decided that with all factors considered (wait time, my budget constraints,etc), that the value was comparable to the asking price. I am sure the guitar will give me hours of rapture, and from that perspective haggling over a few hundred dollars for an undeniably amazing instrument just isn't worth my time. Ultimately I think we can all agree that we each benefit from the lasting value of our instruments. (A cynic is a person who knows the cost of everything, and the value of nothing) Just kidding all ;-) | ||
| kenbass4
Intermediate Member Username: kenbass4 Post Number: 121 Registered: 10-2003 |
Kevin, Have fun with your new (to you) Skylark! And welcome to a long and healthy addiction as well. (Trust me on this one. You'll play one of your other guitars and just feel...disappointed.) My point was as you stated...it's worth it TO YOU to get it now and enjoy it now. I had to wait 4 months for mine (which, BTW, isn't long for a custom) Ken(TEO) | ||
| hydrargyrum
Junior Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 17 Registered: 3-2004 |
Ken, Thanks so much. My addiction began however with the Orion Baritone I had previously purchased, so I am not unaccustomed to the "high." I will unfortunately be forced to sell the baritone to finance this purchase, and details will be forthcoming on the club. If anyone is interested they should check out the pictures in the showcase section under the the title "Orion Baritone." Thanks all. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 503 Registered: 9-2003 |
Congratulations on your purchase, Kevin. Play it in good health. Take some extra pix of it and post 'em on the site. Ouch! That barb about the cynic really hurt. Touche'! Cheers, Kevin | ||
| hydrargyrum
Junior Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 18 Registered: 3-2004 |
Thanks for the well wishes. I'll make sure to share my joy with everyone in the showcase. BTW hope the cynic remark didn't sting too bad, it was meant in the most lighthearted manner. | ||
| hollis
Advanced Member Username: hollis Post Number: 377 Registered: 11-2003 |
Congrats on the Skylark. I know how much you love that Orion baritone of yours.... If I hadn't just bought a Persuader, and an F1X, and an Ampeg PR2X12H..... We'd be talking shipping arrangements right this minute! Enjoy the Skylark (I know you will... it's a beauty!) | ||
| hydrargyrum
Junior Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 27 Registered: 3-2004 |
Hollis, Sounds like you are running out of hands! I know I am going to regret selling that baritone in the long term, but I couldn't resist the mesmerizing wood grain in the Skylark. Besides, I just had to experience that Alembic magic in the scale I was most accustomed to. I am waiting as patiently as possible, but am pretty impatient to caress that signal with some sweet tube loveliness. I will try and capture every square inch of its beauty for the showcase when it arrives. If I ever hit the lottery (which will be hard since I don't play the lottery), I am going to order a set of Alembics: Bass, Baritone, Guitar, and Octave Guitar each designed to compliment the others sonically and aesthetically. Of course I am still waiting to order a custom built from the woods my grandfather and I chose as well. Too little money, too many ideas, and such beautiful instruments to tempt me. Kevin | ||
| hydrargyrum
Junior Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 29 Registered: 3-2004 |
It arrived! It is absolutely dead mint too. I kind of wonder if the people who bought it ever even played it. In addition, it is only two years old, not four, as listed in the auction. I will post showcase photos soon (probably this weekend). | ||
| hollis
Advanced Member Username: hollis Post Number: 385 Registered: 11-2003 |
Cool! | ||
| tom_z
Junior Username: tom_z Post Number: 35 Registered: 7-2004 |
Congrats Kevin, can't wait to see the pix. Tom | ||
| glocke
Junior Username: glocke Post Number: 16 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi, My turn to chime in. I still have the skylark, and may offer it up for sale for the right price, but I feel I need to respond to kmh364 and his opinion that a skylark is worth $1200.00 bucks tops... If you honestly think that a guitar like that is only worth that amount of money, your interested in the wrong instruments pal..Alembics demand a high price for a reason, superior build qaulity, great sound, and great looks. As with anything used, a used instrument will lose some value, but to even suggest a used skylark without the tummy cut is worth only $1200.00 is ludicrous. Mine is the older style also, and would never be sold for that figure.... Same goes for my Series one bass. I bought a used Series one in mint shape (98 I think), for just under $4000.00. Some people told me I paid way too much, but when I look at how much a new one would go for I think I paid a decent price that may be slightly on the high side, but it was worth it to me.... | ||
| zappahead
Member Username: zappahead Post Number: 96 Registered: 10-2002 |
Glocke, Im not speaking for kmh364, but I know where they were coming from when they stated the price of 1200 bucks. The basis for that was that a brand new Skylark sat on ebay for probably months at 1500-1600 bucks. Im pretty sure the person who bought it only paid 1500 dollars for a newer Skylark with the tummy cut. It does stand to reason that an older model would go for less. That being said....I think 1500 was an absolute steal for a new Skylark. If I had been in the market I would have bought it when the guy had for the 1700 range and been thrilled. Its all relative. No one means any offense to any of the owners of these instruments. Honestly anything under what a new one would cost is a much better deal than 99% of the other guitars we see on ebay and in the shops. When you figure you can own an Alembic guitar for less than you would pay for a Les Paul or even some Fender models and definetly less than a PRS or the many copiers of PRS then you cannot argue with what was paid for this Skylark and probably what you want for yours. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 560 Registered: 9-2003 |
Sorry, but what your instrument is worth to YOU has little to no bearing on the real-world Marketplace. That is a fact, like it or not. Worth and value are highly subjective terms at best. No one on this site seriously thinks that a Gibson, Fender or PRS is a better guitar than an Alembic, myself included. That a similar or lesser MSRP-priced instrument of those brands commands a higher used/re-sale price over an Alembic is a shame, but it is a reality of the free market. Real quality has no bearing on this...it is the perceived quality of an item or it's popularity or the weight of it's trademarked name or it's celebrity endorsers or (fill in the blank) that determines it's market value. The biggest names usually have the crappiest quality, but have the highest resale. I firmly believe that unless you are willing to wait and find the relatively small contingent (i.e., many Alembic Club Members) that are willing to pay what an Alembic is truly "worth" in relative value to everything else out there, you are at the mercy of the used market if you want/need to sell. Your other choice is to keep it, play it, and enjoy it. You're not giving your's away and likewise I sure as hell ain't giving away my new $9k-plus custom Alembic to anybody. I'm enjoying it and hope to do so for the infinite future. The sad reality is, unless someone here is willing to pay top-dollar for the thing, I'd end up having to practically give the damn thing away on a re-sale (NOT happening anytime this century, BTW, lol). I justified my statement about what I was willing to pay for that instrument based on what I've seen NOS and used guitars go for and/or have been Blue Booked at. I also looked at what a new version would cost me at my discount. I'd personally rather put that money toward a custom Alembic guitar of my choice that I spec'd. I was only interested in the guitar in question if it was at the right price for me. It wasn't. For the guy who bought it, it was. That's his choice. He didn't care if it's used price encroached on new Alembic pricing because it was worth it to HIM to have it and not to wait for a new one, regardless of Blue Book value. I really don't need the thing, nor did I have to have it. It would have certainly been nice to have an Alembic to mess around on while I decide my custom specs and while I'm waiting for same's construction, but it just didn't happen for me. That's my choice: If I'm gonna spend "new" Alembic money, I'm going for a new Alembic and will put up with the wait in order to get it for what I wanna pay. Sorry if you're insulted about what I've said, but as I stated above, it was not aimed at anybody, it is just my opinion. Remember, opinions are like A******S,: everyone's got one, but they all stink, LOL! Cheers, Kevin | ||
| glocke
Junior Username: glocke Post Number: 17 Registered: 9-2002 |
No offense taken and none intentionally being given....Hope I didn't sound too cranky, but I had very little sleep when I posted that, and had just gotten off the phone with someone trying to tell me my all original '64 fender jazz bass was only worth $1000.00 arghhh.... I think overall where I am/was coming from with my post is that often times in the used market people expect things to be given away for practically nothing...$1500.00 for a new skylark is a steal, and is also a fair price for a used one. While unfortunate for those of us that buy these new and than find they need to sell them due to unfortuante circumstances, I guess that is something that we have to deal with... | ||
| hydrargyrum
Junior Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 31 Registered: 3-2004 |
I'm not sure that $1950 is really encroaching on the price of a new Skylark given that the lowest quote I received was ~$800 dollars more than that (plus shipping). This was from a dealer suggested by Kevin. I am not sure where he is getting quotes for $1800 dollar new Skylarks (unless there was a special exception), but I think there are probably a lot of us who would like to know : ) | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 561 Registered: 9-2003 |
Yup, $2100 (the reserve price) is very close to what I can get a $3700 NEW Alembic ORDER for, not $1800 (unless you include that NOS burst Skylark from Steve's in Canada which went for about that price on EBAY). Do what I did: solicit bids from dealers and make your deal. I was told by someone VERY prominent on this site (who shall be nameless) that I'd be smoking dope to get an Alembic for more than 15-20% off of MSRP (maybe 25% on an NOS that nobody wanted). Well, lets just say I blew those numbers WAY out of the water. I had to promise not to reveal my price...and I want to order more from my dealer...so you'll all have to guess, LOL! Let's just say that even the fine folks at Alembic would be shocked, LOL! I told you guys I was a cheap b*stard. I'm a VERY tenacious and ruthless shopper. Actually, I'm tenacious and ruthless at work , too, LOL! Must be because I've never been rich and I am a life-long Govt. employee, LOL! It truly is a buyers market, LOL! |
