| Author | Message | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2458 Registered: 5-2009 |
I saw this bass on Nevada City Craigslist last week for $3200 . It was described as a 2006 Alembic Stanley Clarke Fretless. I called the seller yesterday to tell him that this bass has Essence Electronics with a small standard body and a cone head stock and is not really a Stanley Clarke. He told me that the bass was already sold. Now this SAME bass has appeared on eBay for $3995 from a different seller ! This seller has the same description that seems incorrect to me . Am I wrong ? What do you all think ? This seller also has a bunch of really nice Alembics for sale on eBay! http://www.ebay.com/itm/2006-Alembic-Stanley-Clarke-Clark-Fretless-4-String-Bass-Guitar-/180873065766?pt=Guitar&hash=item2a1cdff526#ht_42896wt_1139 | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2459 Registered: 5-2009 |
They show a pic of the Alembic paperwork that even describes the electronics as "Essence" , yet in title and auction description it is described as "Stanley Clarke". | ||
| groovelines
Senior Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 714 Registered: 4-2003 |
Looking at the seller's other auctions, you could assume the seller "flips" a lot of used gear. Accuracy may not be that crucial, or may simply not know what he/she is selling. The only detail that is Clarkish is the body. Even then, Alembic refers to this as the "small standard" body shape. It wouldn't take much research on the sellers part to verify. An educated buyer is a great defense against fraud whether malicious, or unintentional. Nice bass, but not at that price. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10675 Registered: 5-2002 |
According to the picture of the build record, it's neither an Essence nor an SC; the model is listed as Custom, which the C in the serial number confirms. But yes; big difference between Essence and Signature electronics. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2460 Registered: 5-2009 |
Dave, Yes , "Custom" , I noticed that in the build record as well . It is my opinion that the current eBay seller would do the "public" a fair service by listing the instrument in title and description language pursuant to the build record. They are of course disclosing the build record but a correction on the auction page language would be nice I think to " Custom Fretless Alembic Bass". | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 1103 Registered: 1-2005 |
This is the same guy in this auction, as well as the 8-string distillate from before. | ||
| jcdlc72
Intermediate Member Username: jcdlc72 Post Number: 150 Registered: 11-2009 |
But Mom, I still want it!! :-) Which would you consider to be fair price to it? | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2461 Registered: 5-2009 |
Some real gems have been gone through this seller . (Message edited by sonicus on May 01, 2012) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2462 Registered: 5-2009 |
A fair price ? Same as a used Essence perhaps ? Would you think balance/neck dive would be an issue with this bass ? I do not think this is short scale . There is a way to avoid that problem with the right forearm of the plucking hand however it is an acquired technique that takes time to get used to. | ||
| jcdlc72
Intermediate Member Username: jcdlc72 Post Number: 151 Registered: 11-2009 |
Oh, I've had my fair share of neck dive myself with a (somewhat Alembic-y) beloved P-P Hondo Neck-thru which sounds awesome (couple DiMarzio P's from more than 20 years ago that were already there when I got it) but is real awkward to play in standing position. Had to move the "horn" strap pin to the same position this bass has it, and the "bottom" pin about three inches up the body contour to help with it a little... and wear it real high, but still the neck tends to project away to the front a little... I think I don't want it that much anymore, mom.... :P | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7712 Registered: 6-2000 |
It's certainly a short scale, and it will balance just the same as a Stanley Clarke model, maybe better since the peghead is a tad smaller. The dealer who originally sold these also referred to them as "Stanley Clarke" models, and we had to ask them to rephrase it. They are the least expensive way to get the Small Standard body and short scale combination starting at an Essence configuration. It's everyone's faaaaavorite game: Name That Alembic! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 2463 Registered: 5-2009 |
Thanks for the clarification Mica. That is valuable information for all of us. | ||
| pace
Senior Member Username: pace Post Number: 845 Registered: 4-2004 |
It says "model: CSB4" on the wood card, so is it actually 30.75"?!? | ||
| pace
Senior Member Username: pace Post Number: 846 Registered: 4-2004 |
CSB4 = custom scale bass 4? (Message edited by Pace on May 02, 2012) | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 7717 Registered: 6-2000 |
Custom Short scale Bass 4 |
