| Author | Message | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Intermediate Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 118 Registered: 6-2014 |
Couple eBay finds here, both look to be in pretty nice shape. Looks like the seller is a pawn shop in Maryland. http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=201227603499&alt=web http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=201226788040&alt=web | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2277 Registered: 9-2002 |
I really like that five, sustain block and stripe-y ebony fingerboard, nice touch. Hard to go wrong with flame walnut. I've always wondered what that axe with three pickups would be like . . . . Joey | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Intermediate Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 119 Registered: 6-2014 |
I'd be in full-crisis-mode if that Europa 5 were fretless... and I suppose it could be *made* fretless. It's just... I am trying to be good, and stay on course with my plan for a custom order. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4317 Registered: 6-2002 |
+ 1 on that Joey. Hard to go wrong with an Europa. If you want to know about a three pickup Europa, you need a chat with FC http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjP-5sf0kAw | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2278 Registered: 9-2002 |
Well yes, but no: Three MXY's, splayed like a Strat, I've seen a G+L prototype of just such a thing that LF was working on at the time of his passing. Never made production. FC's wonderful Elan is laid out like a Stu Hamm, jazz/pbass/jazz, not what I'm thinking. Joey | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4318 Registered: 6-2002 |
I know this is not what you mean either Joey but it can be done. :-)  | ||
| frankfiveinc
Junior Username: frankfiveinc Post Number: 27 Registered: 6-2014 |
Does anyone have a thought about a fair price for the 5-string Europa on this thread that was listed on eBay and is now retracted? | ||
| mtjam
Advanced Member Username: mtjam Post Number: 236 Registered: 11-2011 |
I thought 3K for the Europa was a fair price. It looked to be in excellent condition, and I was surprised it was on Ebay as long as it was. If I didn't buy a Series 1 in October, I would have driven over to Dundalk in a flash! | ||
| mtjam
Advanced Member Username: mtjam Post Number: 237 Registered: 11-2011 |
Did you get the Europa? | ||
| hammer
Senior Member Username: hammer Post Number: 646 Registered: 9-2009 |
I'd agree with Rob that for a 5-string Europa $3,000 was a fair price "if" they would have accepted that price. I recently purchased a 96 6-string Europa in Maple from someone connected to the club for that price and personally felt it was a fair deal. As someone else indicated the seller appears to be a pawn shop in Maryland (Poplar Jewelry & Loan) with 2 stores. I don't know why the Europa was retracted (maybe the owner had second thoughts and/or came in to some cash) but the seller now has "0" items listed on E-bay and when checked out on the web one of their stores no longer has any items listed. If you're really interested, I'd give them a call Parkville, MD. 410-663-1458/Dundalk, MD. 410-285-2687 | ||
| frankfiveinc
Junior Username: frankfiveinc Post Number: 28 Registered: 6-2014 |
Thanks everyone! I thought it might be a fair price because of where it "ranks on the hierarchy" of Alembic models. But I couldn't find any Europa models that sold on eBay or any other auction site to determine the typical price of a used 5-string Europa bass. I heard it was at a Pawn Shop in MD and called a month ago after it failed to sell on eBay the 1st round and then later noticed the same thing you did, in that they removed many of the items they had on their site. They put it on eBay a second time and again it didn't sell. I then wondered if it was set too expensive and also noticed a circular mark that looked unnatural by knob at the bottom of the bass and below the bridge and then I wondered if that was an issue. I may give them a call again. How does a Europa differ from a Spoiler, Distillate, or Essence in terms of tone, playability, weight, overall quality, etc.? I was planning to purchase one of these less expensive models if I found a nice, used 5 or 6-string….but there are very few out there since I have been monitoring them online. Thanks again! Dan | ||
| pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 1376 Registered: 6-2006 |
Pardon the hi-Jack. Is there a link that gives more detail to the bass that Jazzyvee posted? It looks like a freak of nature that has some awesome sonic capabilities, I can't take my eyes off of it and am curious about the control configuration . . . . | ||
| frankfiveinc
Junior Username: frankfiveinc Post Number: 29 Registered: 6-2014 |
It's gone….just called and they said they sold it in the store. He quoted when I asked him about the selling price "I wanna say we got $3500", so take that for what it's worth from a pawn shop. | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Intermediate Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 144 Registered: 6-2014 |
Good! It was haunting my dreams, and threatening my resolve anyway! Tough break frankfive, but I'll find you another. =) | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Intermediate Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 145 Registered: 6-2014 |
Maybe these two basses will turn up here. I am at least hopeful they went to good homes. Whether naivte' or sentimentality, I was a little sorry to see these two turn up in a pawn shop. I know firsthand life isn't fair, (Mom said so!) but just knowing how we Alembicans tend to be, I'd bet almost anything (other than my Alembic) these belonged to the same person, who obviously found themselves faced with a hard choice. Bittersweet thought really... someone's loss is another's joy. Could've been any of us. I hope they get another one day. | ||
| frankfiveinc
Junior Username: frankfiveinc Post Number: 30 Registered: 6-2014 |
Go figure…….the Europa is on eBay again after I called them on the weekend and the told me it already sold. I called again today to ask why they told me it already sold and she said, "it was transferred to the eBay business associated with their pawn shop." It is $200 cheaper as a starting bid…..good luck….I'm out! http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alembic-Europa-5-String-Bass-Guitar-USA-Walnut-/391015521971?ssPageName=ADME:SS:SS:US:1120 | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Intermediate Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 148 Registered: 6-2014 |
Yeah, that's weird. $3500 was (supposedly) the sale price on the Rogue 6, so maybe they were confused. Having already made the mistake of buying a used (abused) Alembic on the e-market, other than a sale from a member on this forum or one other one, I would be extremely hesitant to do it again. | ||
| hammer
Senior Member Username: hammer Post Number: 647 Registered: 9-2009 |
If this is something in which you're really interested I bet you could find an Alembican in that area of Maryland who would be willing to visit the shop and take the bass through its paces for you. The bass does look to be in good shape and if no one else bids on it and you have been able to see it through the eyes of a member of this topic board it certainly would appear to be worth the starting asking price. | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Intermediate Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 149 Registered: 6-2014 |
That's one of the cool things about this forum... if you're here, you at least have some idea of what's what. Had I known about this resource beforehand, I wouldn't have gotten doinked like I did. As it turned out, without the help of Mica and the members on this forum, I'd have just been... well -screwed. Now I have a restored Persuader 5-string that I'm only slightly underwater with. Since it isn't investment property per se, I don't care that much. As attractive as that walnut is, and the price not outrageously inflated... something just seems odd about this one, so I'm just watching to see what happens... I had mulled over buying this one, and doing an EMW conversion but had reservations. At the moment, if I were going to put $3000 into a second Alembic, I'd be more inclined to put a little more with it and go for something with Signature electronics. | ||
| frankfiveinc
Junior Username: frankfiveinc Post Number: 31 Registered: 6-2014 |
Well, I broke down because I was in Maryland for another reason yesterday and visited the shop. At first they weren't sure where it was until he asked the eBay rep and it was in their warehouse. I had a Vox pocket amp with headphones to try it out. At first the battery was missing so it didn't do anything until I told him about it. After that I played it in the pawn shop with my pocket amp, which isn't a great indicator, but it gave me a decent feeling that it had that quality Alembic sound. I did hear some intermittent interference through my headphones that was electronic in nature and would come and go as though it was feedback from the preamp, or some interaction between my pocket amp and the preamp or 60 Hz noise, etc. When I would adjust the low pass filter on the Alembic when it occurred, it would fade out and not return until I played for another few minutes and then it would come back. So I am not sure if it is an Alembic problem or something else. Either way I told him I would keep an eye on the bidding because it is a beautiful instrument, but I'm just not sure I want to take that chance as it is higher than I wanted to go for a bass at its starting bid anyway. With that noise I heard I am afraid that I might be sending it back to the factory after I pay for it and incur more costs. Although that is pure speculation on my part and it may be something else unrelated to the instrument. | ||
| hammer
Senior Member Username: hammer Post Number: 648 Registered: 9-2009 |
Dan. Good call checking it out yourself. I'd say it all depends on how much you like/love this specific Alembic. I've got a SC, a Signature custom Mk, and a Europa and I play the Europa live more than the others because as others have commented its easy to dial in the tone you want. At $2,7xx it's a very fair price for a Europa if it's in good shape and you can get it for that price. You might inquire as to whether you could have a luthier look at it if your the winning bidder to ascertain the nature of the interference. It may be a very simple fix. On the other hand, if you're not in love with a Europa you'll find you can purchase a number of other Alembic basses (Élan, Spoiler, Persuader, Epic, Distillate, etc.) at $700-1,000 less if you're patient. Good luck | ||
| frankfiveinc
Junior Username: frankfiveinc Post Number: 32 Registered: 6-2014 |
Thanks for the advice Brian. I have to admit, it played like butter….very low action and the neck seemed very fast. I had no experience with the controls and couldn't remember the switching, so I had to use a logical sequence to determine the controls and it was very easy to figure out. The Vox headphone amp does a decent job (and helps my neighbors sleep). I love the bass, but I just don't know if I $2799 love it, especially with that electronic interference I heard. I never heard that with other basses when I used it. It's possible that there was an electrical source inducing the wires of the headphones because they are long and I may have compounded the situation by looping some portion of wire to stick it in my pocket and keep it from dragging on the floor. As I think about more, I'm not sure if the wires were close to my phone, which could have been another problem. But I don't want to make excuses for myself to feel comfortable buying it without checking it out again or going with the luthier conditional approval pathway, as you suggested. So I guess I'll think about it until bidding gets close to ending and make a decision at that time. I have been looking at Spoilers, Distillates, and Essence when they come up because they have the low pass filter, which I thought was the key to getting the true Alembic tone, and are closer to my reservation price. But I've been waiting for a 5 or 6-string in nice condition, and they don't come up often.! Thanks again and Happy New Year! | ||
| hammer
Senior Member Username: hammer Post Number: 649 Registered: 9-2009 |
Dan: If you haven't seen this post yet on the board in the For Sale and Trade Section, I'd JUMP ON IT QUICK. These appear to be in your price range (although not the 5-string Rogue) and might fit the bill. http://alembic.com/club/messages/395/205201.html?1420113285 | ||
| frankfiveinc
Junior Username: frankfiveinc Post Number: 33 Registered: 6-2014 |
Thanks Brian, they look like a great opportunity, but I'm looking for at least a 5 or preferably a 6-string. The Rogue is higher priced than I can afford. If the Europa doesn't pan-out, I may buy a used Ibanez SR5006 and keep my eye on future Alembics for a possible deals. They aren't Alembic quality, but their Prestige line is very nice nonetheless for the price. I can get a used 5006 for between $1300 and $1500. I've been looking quite awhile for an 5/6-string Alembic in my price range but it doesn't seem to be very probable. With a few kids in college and one still to go, it's doubtful I'll afford the Alembic of my dreams at this time. Thanks for your help Brian! | ||
| hammer
Senior Member Username: hammer Post Number: 650 Registered: 9-2009 |
Don't give up. It took me 9- months to land my first Alembic (an 83 Distillate in 2007) and I've acquired three others since then. In the past I've seen plenty of 5 and 6 string Epics and Essences, and a few Spoilers of that type for sale, many on Craigslist for very reasonable prices. Just make sure to create a thread in the Wanting and Wishing section and bump it every few weeks or so. Two of the three Alembics I now own we're brought to my attention by other club members and I probably never would have found them without their help. Good luck with your search! | ||
| hammer
Senior Member Username: hammer Post Number: 651 Registered: 9-2009 |
And check in with the Low End Bass shop if you haven't already. They always seem to have some used 5 and 6 string Alembics. | ||
| frankfiveinc
Junior Username: frankfiveinc Post Number: 34 Registered: 6-2014 |
Thanks again Brian…I've been doing exactly what you suggested. But I have not considered the Epic, as I thought it didn't have the signature low pass filter tone control. I'm really not sure about the differences in the lower-end models without the low pass filter and the set-neck construction as opposed to the thru-neck basses. I have been checking out Craigslist weekly and through "Tempest Search", I'm able to scan every post in the United States within minutes. I haven't found much in my price range and/or desire for a 5/6-string as well. I'll have to look at the "low end bass shop"; I never heard of that one. If I didn't feel so concerned about the Europa electrical noise issue, I might just "splurge" and fight buyer's remorse until I convince myself that I made the best decision of my bass playing life :-) | ||
| flpete1uw
Senior Member Username: flpete1uw Post Number: 433 Registered: 11-2011 |
She's back, http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alembic-Europa-5-String-Bass-Guitar-USA-Walnut-/391015521971?pt=Guitar&hash=item5b0a575eb3 Good Luck Pete | ||
| frankfiveinc
Junior Username: frankfiveinc Post Number: 35 Registered: 6-2014 |
What I find strange is that I do not see many "watching" this beauty….read my posts above Peter…I just visited the shop and played it on Tuesday. | ||
| flpete1uw
Senior Member Username: flpete1uw Post Number: 434 Registered: 11-2011 |
Frank, You'll get there, Filters are a different kind of animal and if your not used to them they can be a bit disconcerting. For some reason there seams to be a lot of Basses for sale at some good prices. Oh wait I know why I'm not currently in the market for one. ;-/ Best of Luck Alembics are worth it. Peace, Pete | ||
| hgregs
Member Username: hgregs Post Number: 59 Registered: 4-2010 |
this seems like a great deal on a sweet bass. call me biased, I have one just like it, I think about a year older, and paid $3k used a few years ago. I did a lot of research on the price first and felt comfortable paying what I did, and I've been very happy ever since. mine does have LEDs, and narrow spacing (preferred for me). hope this is helpful. personally, I would rank a neck-through bass like the Europa (With 3 purple heart laminates) higher than a having a specific low-pass filter for tone. but I think the europa has a LPF. the last dial on mine is a LPF with a Q switch. anyway - good luck. | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Intermediate Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 159 Registered: 6-2014 |
Agree. I'll be a little surprised if it doesn't sell at $2799. Another couple hundred bucks less, and I'd be tempted to drive up there myself... FWIW - frankfive tried it out in-hand, and heard a hum/interference, could be a simple shielding issue. Still, for $2800 you don't really wanna do much work. | ||
| frankfiveinc
Junior Username: frankfiveinc Post Number: 36 Registered: 6-2014 |
I'm surprised that I don't see anyone "watching" it on eBay. I am watching, but just for the spectator enjoyment at this point. I didn't feel comfortable about the intermittent electrical noise I was hearing that seemed to subside after adjusting the LPF. I use the same headphone amp all the time and it doesn't make that noise with any other bass.……50 minutes….we will see…... | ||
| hammer
Senior Member Username: hammer Post Number: 656 Registered: 9-2009 |
No bids again. Maybe they'll get tired of it hanging around and bring the price down a bit more so that it will be worthwhile to take a chance that the issues will involve a relatively easy fix. In really good condition I'd say it's easily worth $3,000. If they bring it down to $2,300 or so I might be interested. | ||
| hgregs
Member Username: hgregs Post Number: 60 Registered: 4-2010 |
hey frank... did you test another bass right there at the shop when you heard the interference? just wondering if it could have been non-bass specific, and more related to something in the environment at the time. cellphone? grounding? fluorescent lighting? | ||
| frankfiveinc
Junior Username: frankfiveinc Post Number: 37 Registered: 6-2014 |
I did not test anything else Greg. Being a pawn shop, they were just very happy I was using a AmPlug and playing quietly. The one point in my memory that still makes me wonder if it was the bass or some interaction between the bass and my Vox AmPlug was that the interference subsided after I would turn the LPF knob. That could still be external EMI that was being attenuated by the LPF to the headphones, but I didn't turn the knob the same way each time as it was a random situation. Mica said last night that all the knobs and switches should be cycled at least 50 times because there could be some issue with it sitting in the case for a very long time. I told her that he did say the bass was with them for over a year because they were waiting for the guy to buy them back, but he never returned. So there may be some oxide build-up on contacts or wipers of the pots and "maybe" that is causing some issue, but I'm not sure how probable it would be to hear an oscillating popping sound riding on a tone from an oxide build-up. I don't want to falsely represent the issue, so it would make sense for someone else who is knowledgeable about Alembics to check it out. I'm on the fence about it because I don't know if I can get back to Maryland anyway in the near term and don't want to buy without checking it out again. | ||
| lyla53
Junior Username: lyla53 Post Number: 39 Registered: 8-2013 |
I called these guys after the second auction ended with zero bids and did not come away with a good feeling - something strange for sure. | ||
| frankfiveinc
Junior Username: frankfiveinc Post Number: 38 Registered: 6-2014 |
As a pawn shop first, they're not so apt to give customer service and have a "take it, make an offer, or leave attitude." I had to be very patient with the guy behind the counter who wouldn't check the battery when I discovered it wasn't working and kept talking about me coming back later in the day and he would see if they had time to check it. I could have changed the battery in the time it took him to tell me that story. I called again after the 3rd bid-less auction and asked for the eBay person, who seems to now be in charge of that piece, and the guy at the counter wouldn't pass me along to him and instead told me to make him an offer over the eBay post, which just expired, So I told him that and asked for the guy's email, and he told me to send him an email over the eBay post…. either they are very obtuse or there is something else wrong that I just don't understand…. I decided last week to let it go and wait for another opportunity. |
