| Author | Message | ||
| WIJ (rpnfbywij)
New Username: rpnfbywij Post Number: 10 Registered: 1-2003 |
An Alembic with a broken, but supposedly well repaired neck.... is it worth even trying to get? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2505226745&category=2384 | ||
| Matt Bulmer (prime)
Member Username: prime Post Number: 76 Registered: 11-2002 |
Hmm. I would be EXTREMELY cautious if you were going to buy that guitar. Not only do you not have the chance to inspect it yourself before you buy it, but the seller is all the way over in Germany. Talk about a pain trying to get the guitar back to him if it turned out to be a lemon. He has good feedback so hopefully no problems there. I would suggest that if you are going to buy it to ask him ALOT of questions: Was the trussrod damaged when the neck was broken? Who repaired the neck? May I contact them? May I send it back right away if I'm not satisfied that the break is properly repaired? If he's hesitant to give you any info about the break that might be your clue to walk on this guitar. Matt | ||
| Sean Michaels (smichaels)
New Username: smichaels Post Number: 6 Registered: 6-2002 |
Well...seeing as it is in Germany and has been give the old Pete Townshend treatment, I wouldn't touch it. The repair doesn't look that great either...If Alembic would have repaired it, you would have never known the break was there. One of the things I like to do is find Alembic guitars that need a little help and get them restored at the factory. This one wouldn't qualitfy for me...too risky. Sean | ||
| Sean Michaels (smichaels)
New Username: smichaels Post Number: 7 Registered: 6-2002 |
One other thing I just noticed is that it doesn't have a case (and probably not the DS-5 power supply either). International travel without a case especially with that neck issue could be the recipe for disaster. You would also be responsible for any import tax when the guitar gets here to the states. Sean | ||
| Harald Rost (harald_rost)
New Username: harald_rost Post Number: 9 Registered: 6-2002 |
Also take care of shipping cost! I ordered a Chapman Stick and shipping cost from USA to Germany via UPS will be about $180! So it would be about the same with Fedex or UPS the other way for a guitar or a bass. All other options would take a long time and probably be without assurance. And I'm wondering if such a big damage at this point of the guitar could ever be repaired in a way that that the guitar will keep in tune and sound right again? But this point will be best answered by Alembic themselves. Best regards from Germany Harald I'm sorry but the town where the seller is, is too far away from my hometown. Otherwise I would take a look at. | ||
| Michael Delacerda (dela217)
Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 90 Registered: 6-2002 |
The auction states that the break was at the body joint. I can't even imagine a repair there! The instrument must have more damage than that if that area broke. I wonder if it really is broken there or is it just finish checks on the front of the guitar? It does not look damaged from the rear. But, the pictures are not the greatest. Either way I would be worried shipping an instrument without a case. | ||
| omega_heart81 (omega_heart81)
Junior Username: omega_heart81 Post Number: 43 Registered: 8-2002 |
Shipping is pretty steep, but since I have a contract with a local carrier, I usually pay about $120.00 to ship a bass in the USA. Since I live in Italy, if there's something I can do, I'll do it. Just let me know... | ||
| Sean Michaels (smichaels)
New Username: smichaels Post Number: 8 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi Michael...long time no see! I have never seen finish checking around the neck like those photos indicate. I would imagine there is more than just finish checking involved here. Oh yeah...got an email from the seller and he keeps the guitar tuned to a low C...he said he hears cracking noises if he tunes any higher....just kidding!!!! Sean | ||
| Michael Delacerda (dela217)
Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 91 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hello Sean...I am still up to the same ol thing. I know that I said I would refrain from purchasing instruments with problems, but it seems to still be happening! My new years resolution is to not buy any Alembics that need work. From now on, they must be mint and perfect playing condition,.......or better yet, NEW! I am sure my resolution won't last long. I just can't help myself. | ||
| WIJ (rpnfbywij)
Junior Username: rpnfbywij Post Number: 11 Registered: 1-2003 |
What about this one http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2506123561&category=4713 (it may be possible for somebody to snag it cheap as the only damage is cosmetic... but why don't the picups say Alembic? Did they not say that in 1983? | ||
| Matt Bulmer (prime)
Member Username: prime Post Number: 79 Registered: 11-2002 |
Personally, I would not buy that bass. It's in rough shape even if it is only cosmetic. I'd look to spend a little more ($200 maybe less) and get one that's in decent shape and not in need of refinishing. It'll cost you shipping + 750 to have Alembic refinish it making the bass cost over $1600. Not worth it to me. Matt |
