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Alembic Club » Swap Shop and Wish Lists » Seen on craigslist, eBay, and elsewhere » Archive through September 10, 2012 » Short Scale w/ EMGs « Previous Next »

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longhorncat
Senior Member
Username: longhorncat

Post Number: 460
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 11:52 am:   Edit Post

This Koa beauty just showed up today.
Purchased site unseen, I was excited when I the beautiful top-wood was revealed.
Then sick to my stomach when I saw the EMG's.
The Alembic electronics are completely gone.
The seller will take it back, but I'm out a couple hundred for shipping.

Anybody got a guess on the market value for this bass as is?




(Message edited by longhorncat on August 15, 2012)

(Message edited by longhorncat on August 15, 2012)
longhorncat
Senior Member
Username: longhorncat

Post Number: 461
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 11:59 am:   Edit Post

More Koa goodness on the back.
That's making tape on the brass covers.

longhorncat
Senior Member
Username: longhorncat

Post Number: 462
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 12:02 pm:   Edit Post

last two



funkyjazzjunky
Senior Member
Username: funkyjazzjunky

Post Number: 809
Registered: 5-2007
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 12:14 pm:   Edit Post

Love that Koa. Worth restoring to Alembic specs
longhorncat
Senior Member
Username: longhorncat

Post Number: 463
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 12:18 pm:   Edit Post

How much are new Series pickups and preamp?
I don't think I've ever seen a used set for sale.
hammer
Advanced Member
Username: hammer

Post Number: 218
Registered: 9-2009
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 12:23 pm:   Edit Post

I agree, it looks like a beautiful instrument. The Koa has, at least in these pictures, developed an amazing patina. Is the finish in as good condition as the pics suggest? How could anyone of sound mind have pulled the electronics from what appears to be a gorgeous series bass.

Anyone have ideas How much would it cost to restore?
pasewark
Intermediate Member
Username: pasewark

Post Number: 166
Registered: 4-2003
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 12:25 pm:   Edit Post

Sacrilege! Blasphemer!
longhorncat
Senior Member
Username: longhorncat

Post Number: 464
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 12:33 pm:   Edit Post

Looks like it went back to the Mothership for an electronics upgrade at one point.
Notice the Return Authorization # at the top:



(Message edited by longhorncat on August 15, 2012)
tmoney61092
Senior Member
Username: tmoney61092

Post Number: 808
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 1:53 pm:   Edit Post

Do all the switches work or are they just there? What are the controls?

~Taylor
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 3102
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 1:59 pm:   Edit Post

Shame about the electronics, it's a beauty with a broken heart.

Jazzyvee
longhorncat
Senior Member
Username: longhorncat

Post Number: 465
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 3:09 pm:   Edit Post

Who knows Barts?
All four tone/volume controls work.
Two are stacked.
One Q switch works three ways.
If someone is really interested, I could sit down and map everything out.
The bass sounds good, just not as good as it should.


fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1386
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 3:54 pm:   Edit Post

Keep it... it looks awesome!

What's with the headsock, almost looks like its been burned? And looks like there's an Ebony nut?

In the quote generator the series I electronics is an upgrade of $6000 for the Europa model. You should contact Alembic to be sure, but it won't be cheap...

You could also (first) go for an activator setup, though I'm not sure if AXY pickups will fit without making the pickup cavities deeper.
If I remember correctly, Series pickups are much thinner than the AXY pickups. (transducers, sorry Mica) :-)
edwin
Senior Member
Username: edwin

Post Number: 1246
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 5:49 pm:   Edit Post

I'd be tempted to keep it. As much as I love series electronics and pickups, I think a lot of the Alembic tone we love is in the bass itself. I would ask for a partial refund and then be patient about searching for some series pickups and electronics. They do show up every now and then. Also, see what Mica can do for you. They might be able to work something out. It's a really beautiful bass and the wood is stunning.
longhorncat
Senior Member
Username: longhorncat

Post Number: 466
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 6:02 pm:   Edit Post

That brings us back to "What is it worth" as is?
I paid way too much to just keep it.
fc_spoiler
Senior Member
Username: fc_spoiler

Post Number: 1387
Registered: 5-2006
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 6:16 pm:   Edit Post

Somewhere between $2000-$2500 I guess?
nnek
Member
Username: nnek

Post Number: 75
Registered: 8-2009
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 6:57 pm:   Edit Post

WOW that's nice looking KOA! Someone has a set of series 1 pickups for sale in the forum....(look under bird tailpiece) how much would it cost for the rest of the setup? That's one sweet looking bass that should be restored...
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 2592
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 7:52 pm:   Edit Post

Nice Alembic wood work ! Beautiful !

This is what I would tell the seller; "The Bass that you sold me was represented as a complete Alembic Series I bass, however it is not complete without it's correct pick ups and electronics, therefore you owe me the monetary compensation needed to make it complete." I am not a lawyer but my statement seems fair to me . Are there any legal precedents to ask for such a settlement. Would my argument hold up under litigation ?
longhorncat
Senior Member
Username: longhorncat

Post Number: 467
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 8:20 pm:   Edit Post

Asking for a partial refund is hard to do. It can be seen as a renegotiation and can anger a seller. This is from personal experience.

At this point, a return and full refund was offered. I'm not sure I want to risk that.

If I kept the bass, it would take $2500+ to restore it to stock condition and a used Series One can be had for under $4000. The numbers just don't add up on my end.



(Message edited by longhorncat on August 15, 2012)
bsee
Senior Member
Username: bsee

Post Number: 2633
Registered: 3-2004
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 10:15 pm:   Edit Post

Beautiful piece of wood and work, but I agree that it isn't worth a penny over $2500 if it would cost another $2500 to make it right. Not sure where you bought this from or the circumstances, but the seller should eat a large part of the shipping costs if the bass was misrepresented in any way.

-bob
bigredbass
Senior Member
Username: bigredbass

Post Number: 1911
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 11:04 pm:   Edit Post

IF you bought it with the understanding that it had the OEM electronics and the seller represented it as such, angering said seller would not keep me up nights.

ON THE OTHER HAND . . . . sight unseen? On EBay? Really?

For me, IF this axe was exactly what I wanted save for some finish touch-up and an S1 electronics package, that would still be way, way less than duplicating this at today's prices, if that refurbished axe is really what you wanted to begin with. In that case, you'd be money ahead.

You could probably put in AXY's or FatBoys my vote) and a tone circuit, and if I remember, I've seen Mica talk about a setup where you can complete a full Series installation at a later date: It looks like the hum-canceller is still there, so that may be an option.

I'm a complete slob for flame koa, so I may be a wee bit gobsmacked by these photos !

J o e y
tmoney61092
Senior Member
Username: tmoney61092

Post Number: 810
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2012 - 8:51 am:   Edit Post

I'll give you a $100 since it doesn't have the original electronics ;) but that is seriously the most gorgeous bass I think I've ever seen. If you think you didn't overpay too much then I'd definitely keep it. but I'm sure if you decide to keep it and then want to sell it later that there'll be some memebers here who will gladly take it off your hands!

~Taylor
yogalembic
Intermediate Member
Username: yogalembic

Post Number: 135
Registered: 5-2012
Posted on Friday, August 17, 2012 - 3:55 am:   Edit Post

Not sure how you paid for it. If you used a Charge Card, go to your bank and file a formal Charge Dispute.
I've done this a number of times and have been fully compensated every time.

Fraud is fraud. Banks hate it and, in my case, they've vigorously gone after the violater.
longhorncat
Senior Member
Username: longhorncat

Post Number: 468
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Friday, August 17, 2012 - 6:35 am:   Edit Post

"Not sure how you paid for it. If you used a Charge Card, go to your bank and file a formal Charge Dispute. "

Why would I do that? You saw they offered me a full refund. Anyway, I paid cash.
bigbadbill
Senior Member
Username: bigbadbill

Post Number: 535
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - 10:17 am:   Edit Post

That koa is just utterly, utterly stunning. It would depend on how much I'd paid, but I'd be tempted to just keep it.
longhorncat
Senior Member
Username: longhorncat

Post Number: 469
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - 11:26 pm:   Edit Post

Grinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!


keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 1787
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2012 - 4:40 am:   Edit Post

So tell us the rest of the story.

Keith
tbrannon
Senior Member
Username: tbrannon

Post Number: 1526
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2012 - 4:58 am:   Edit Post

Sweeeeeeet!! As Keith requested- Storytime!!

I absolutely love that Koa. This is my all-time favorite small standard SI.
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 2601
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2012 - 4:31 pm:   Edit Post

LOOK ! no more EMG's . Alembic Pickups installed and brass is shiny ! Alembic style hat knobs( AKA Raytheon Knobs )

Fully restored now ?
jon_jackson
Intermediate Member
Username: jon_jackson

Post Number: 149
Registered: 12-2008
Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2012 - 5:28 pm:   Edit Post

Much better!
flpete1uw
Member
Username: flpete1uw

Post Number: 93
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2012 - 6:12 pm:   Edit Post

Out Standing!!! You chose correctly Sir!!
jzstephan
Intermediate Member
Username: jzstephan

Post Number: 117
Registered: 1-2012
Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2012 - 6:20 pm:   Edit Post

How did that happen so fast? Amazing!
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 10876
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Saturday, September 01, 2012 - 4:49 pm:   Edit Post

Now that looks much better!
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 3123
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Sunday, September 02, 2012 - 3:00 am:   Edit Post

Maybe the seller still had the original alembics parts.
Jazzyvee
cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member
Username: cozmik_cowboy

Post Number: 1279
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Sunday, September 02, 2012 - 9:00 am:   Edit Post

Pic 1 reaction: Awwwwwww, ma - bummer!
Pic 2 reaction: Pant lust drool

Nicely done!

Peter
edwin
Senior Member
Username: edwin

Post Number: 1267
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Sunday, September 02, 2012 - 4:06 pm:   Edit Post

I think we've been pranked somehow. Beauteous!
longhorncat
Senior Member
Username: longhorncat

Post Number: 472
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Sunday, September 02, 2012 - 4:15 pm:   Edit Post

No prank. The seller funded my acquisition of the pickups and controls.
The PF6 amp was still in place.
It's still not quite altogether, but will be soon.
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 10879
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Sunday, September 02, 2012 - 4:55 pm:   Edit Post

Cool! Congrats!
gtrguy
Senior Member
Username: gtrguy

Post Number: 491
Registered: 9-2004
Posted on Monday, September 03, 2012 - 9:10 am:   Edit Post

That's great and good for them!! Nice looking bass!!
hammer
Advanced Member
Username: hammer

Post Number: 226
Registered: 9-2009
Posted on Monday, September 03, 2012 - 9:45 am:   Edit Post

It's nice to hear that there are still honest people in the world who will make good on things. That bass is the most beautiful Koa I have ever seen.

If you don't mind sharing for those of us who are always looking to add to our Alembic collections, where did you find this beauty? Was it really ebay as someone suggested or a local CL.
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 1790
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Monday, September 03, 2012 - 10:00 am:   Edit Post

Happy to hear things worked out for you. It's nice to see it back with factory parts.

Keithj
wookie
Intermediate Member
Username: wookie

Post Number: 124
Registered: 8-2010
Posted on Monday, September 03, 2012 - 12:41 pm:   Edit Post

I'm personally not a fan of the body style but I love Koa! And that peice is more than enough to make me want this bass! I think you did the right thing too, by keeping it. It's amazingly beautiful. Congrats : )
wayne
Advanced Member
Username: wayne

Post Number: 206
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, September 03, 2012 - 7:39 pm:   Edit Post

This lovely little bass now has a loving home in North Texas where the final rehab will be carefully monitored. ;-)

C-Ya...........wayne

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