| Author | Message | ||
| barthartman
New Username: barthartman Post Number: 1 Registered: 6-2008 |
for sale   | ||
| ulisalm
Junior Username: ulisalm Post Number: 35 Registered: 2-2005 |
Great bass! What is your price? Thanks Uli | ||
| elwoodblue
Advanced Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 363 Registered: 6-2002 |
That's a sweety...I have some interest and I'm sure a few others from here as well. I bet she sounds Super! | ||
| kungfusheriff
Senior Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 690 Registered: 8-2003 |
Elwood's right...I just sent you an e-mail. | ||
| dela217
Senior Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 902 Registered: 6-2002 |
No logo? Maybe it's the angle of the camera, but I don't see any holes on the headstock either. | ||
| kungfusheriff
Senior Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 691 Registered: 8-2003 |
Nor do I, but the serial number looks right so I don't think it's a refinish job, and the wood's too nice to be a Fernandes. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 5337 Registered: 6-2000 |
I think I can see the holes for the logo in the serial number tilt picture. For the new owner: have the bass shipped here first. We can install the logo and give it the once-over (no charge for testing!). That way you will save some shipping charges. | ||
| kenonbass
Junior Username: kenonbass Post Number: 15 Registered: 4-2008 |
Very nice. I'm very interested! | ||
| robinc
Member Username: robinc Post Number: 54 Registered: 5-2008 |
what is the scale length? | ||
| kungfusheriff
Senior Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 692 Registered: 8-2003 |
The following is the response I got from the seller last night: The top and back wood is Padouk the body is mahogany no noise was played 5 yrs ago no power cords or special cord all can be bought at music store serial # 78-1255 Model # SSBI date of completion 9/5/78 13000.00 obo This was owned by Stevie Ray Mays of the Temptation | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3126 Registered: 7-2004 |
No power supply or 13 pin cord? (But you can get these at a music store? yea, right) No sound/Doesn't work? No logo? BUT it was owned by some guy with 2/3 of Stevie Ray Vaughn's name !!! WOW!!!!! (The Temptations web site lists all members, past & present. No "Stevie Ray Mays") Why waste $3000-$3500 on a used Series I in fine shape with all the accouterments when you can have this baby for only $13,000!!!!???? Dream on. Bill, tgo (Message edited by lbpesq on June 19, 2008) | ||
| jphilauren
New Username: jphilauren Post Number: 6 Registered: 5-2008 |
Thought price was a typo, maybe $3000.00 or best offer. Wasn't aware that power supply was missing,was emailed that logo was stolen.Anyone interested I have an Exploiter once viewed by Phil Stanley Entwistle in the band GratefulWho, asking $40,000 OBO | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 6675 Registered: 5-2002 |
I ran a search. There's a bass player in Portland named Stevie Ray Mays. | ||
| gtrguy
Intermediate Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 141 Registered: 9-2004 |
I also emailed the sellor, since I live near by. Got the same $13,000 nonsense and a story how they are selling it for some uncle. Dave | ||
| jedisan
Junior Username: jedisan Post Number: 19 Registered: 3-2008 |
I think it's a Fernandez. I had one with a spectacular zebra top. It had no logo either, no holes as well- but evidence on the headstock that some type of logo had been attached. I remember seeing a Fernandez at Leo's Music in Oakland around '78 that had an Alembic logo attached. These were the years of Japanese knockoffs, quite a few hit the shores before anyone took action. | ||
| barthartman
New Username: barthartman Post Number: 2 Registered: 6-2008 |
It is not a knock off I need serious intests only please Thank you | ||
| jedisan
Junior Username: jedisan Post Number: 21 Registered: 3-2008 |
Serious interest at 13k? As most of us know here, 13K could go along way at having a custom built, as they say, "my way." If you are serious, please establish provenance on the instrument. Thank you. | ||
| barthartman
New Username: barthartman Post Number: 3 Registered: 6-2008 |
 This is the paper work for the bass | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 1052 Registered: 12-2004 |
I'm confused. Alembic did not move to 3005 Wiljan Court until 1991 or so. When exactly did you get this wood card? If you got a wood card after the fact, it should help to establish provenance, since Alembic will certainly have your bass "in the files", so to speak. Nice looking bass, but you price is way above what the market will bear. | ||
| barthartman
New Username: barthartman Post Number: 4 Registered: 6-2008 |
Wow, your responses have been incredible.... and quite entertaining. We have the ultra right frenandez fear mongers, to the ultra left Alebic elitists. Those of you in the middle , count your blessings. I am the second ownerof a 1978 series 1 Alembic bass who's trying to sell it, that series. I was told prior to selling it, that series 1 Alembic basses had gone for as high as 13,000.00. I was also told that Alembic savy folks would be looking for a bargin, so now weve covered my mistake and your bargin hunting. This is a simple process Micah, at Alembic, very eloquently put forth the best solution: 1. Certify the bass 2. check it out 3. Put on the logo Then all the concerns have been addressed for this sweetheart, great sounding bass (with no powersupply or canon cord).......and to our friends with the 40,000.00 Greatful Entwisle, you stopped one puff too late. ALL OFFERS WILL BE SERIOSLY CONSIDERED. | ||
| effclef
Senior Member Username: effclef Post Number: 514 Registered: 1-2004 |
Elitists? You may get your price, you may not - it's what the market will bear, and one person willing to pay it makes you correct. That being said, the folks here in the board are VERY cautious about their loved instruments and will do a lot to look out for other folks. Missing logo, missing PS and five pin cord (not a standard music store item btw), raise many questions. We're just trying to make sure someone doesn't get taken - we HAVE caught lots of scams in our travels - check out some of the archives. There are the Fernandes ones being sold as if they are Alembics, there are outright fakes, and there are ebay hacks who post fake ads for $1000 buy-it-now and show photos of instruments still owned by Club members here! So we are cautious. I would not call it elitist at all. Want to get a sale? Spend some money and have it checked out and re-logoed at Alembic. A new power supply is $500 or so and the cables are $200 I think. Yes, that's expensive, for an instrument you are going to sell anyway. Is it a short scale bass? 30.5" scale length? THAT attracts a lot of folks here. You will probably have to adjust your price well south of $13,000 also. If I remember right, a Club member here bought the famous John Judge doubleneck bass for about $10,000 a couple of years ago. Your bass is certainly nice, but possibly not that nice. Though they are rarer outside the US so if you try to sell it in the UK, Europe, or Australia, you'll get more. Anyway, I hope you'll see these as helpful suggestions. Oh and the one puff too late comment killed me! EffClef | ||
| jphilauren
New Username: jphilauren Post Number: 7 Registered: 5-2008 |
I'm a recent new Alembic owner. This forum is great for info and advice, thats how and why I bought my Alembic from a fellow member. Why don't you look over and read your all of your forum posts and emails to members, would you buy from that person? A Series 1 just sold on ebay that had power, cords, logo, serial numbers for $3295.00. Your last post makes the most sense, you should have done your homework before hand! | ||
| jedisan
Junior Username: jedisan Post Number: 22 Registered: 3-2008 |
Anybody else notice the location of the upper strap button? Looks like it is on the upper horn, instead of the back center, as I would expect on a SSB. Maybe relocated at some time? | ||
| attmann
Junior Username: attmann Post Number: 19 Registered: 4-2006 |
I have followed this thread for a couple of days now and it really makes me sick.Here's my honest opinion: Arrogant and unreasonable guys like that gentleman seller don't even deserve to be addressed nicely by members of this honest and supportive Alembic community. And to me buying this bass means bad karma - coming from that source. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 6704 Registered: 5-2002 |
While I can understand Juergen's reaction, I disagree with his conclusion. In my view, all human beings are worthy of respect. All human beings are worthy of compassion. We don't know, none of us knows, what another human being has been through in their life. We can't know their suffering; we can't know the events that shaped their lives, that informed their relationship with the world. We can't know the flow of events, their karma. Taunia's only posts to this forum have been in this thread. It is not unreasonable to assume that this person is not as knowledgeable on the subject of Alembics and of the market in used Alembics as most of us are. And that's ok. There are a lot of things that I know little about; and that's ok too. And when our perceptions of the actions of others lead us to make judgments of the others' behavior, that's ok too; that's our karma. The next step, though, in my view, is to pause, step back, and see our karma, to see the events of our lives, to see our own suffering, to be compassionate towards ourselves. Then we can see that all of us our worthy of compassion; we're all on this little planet together. We don't have to react, we don't have to escalate. All of us make mistakes, all of us are caught up in our stories, in our perceived separateness, our perceived differences, our ideas of what we like and dislike. Just stories. Stories, thought patterns, self preservation techniques learned as children to survive in the less than perfect world of the adults around us upon whom we depended and yet whose actions we could often not understand. For they were human beings too; making mistakes all along the way. In the instant case, Taunia owns a very nice Alembic bass. If one assumes that perhaps Taunia is not as knowledgeable about Alembics as most of us here are, then it seems to me not wholly unreasonable that Taunia may have little knowledge of the expected market value of such an instrument. People may mistakes. Observations of human behavior might also suggest that it is not wholly unreasonable to expect that in such a situation someone might by chance become just a little embarrassed, or maybe defensive, or may react without thinking, or whatever; human beings are human beings. That Taunia, or anyone else, may think that we are "ultra right frenandez fear mongers" or "ultra left Alebic elitists" is ok. Taunia hasn't been here long enough to get to know us. This perception is a reaction based on a very brief interaction within which it was seen to be the case that the market value of the bass was perhaps significantly in error. It happens. If we were all here at my house right now, I would suggest we all take a break and go outside and sit on the porch and watch the rest of this evening's absolutely beautiful and sublime sunset. And then we can plug in some Alembics and jam for awhile. That's my view. Others will perceive events with a different perspective; and that's to be expected. Sunsets. Each one is unique, and because each of us has a different perspective, no one will see this evening's sunset as you will see it. This evening's sunset will be unique in the history of the planet; and you will be the only one who will have the opportunity to see it as only you can see it, from that vantage point that your life, your karma, has brought you; here to this very point in time and space right now. We will only get a chance to view, to experience, a significantly small number of sunsets. They are truly precious. Often when I'm driving home from town, and I crest a hill and the mountains, clouds, colors, sunlight, trees, all of it, one deeply amazing and singular confluence of events and beauty; and I get to experience it. We all suffer, we all make mistakes, we all have bad days, we all get discouraged, we all get upset, we all try to make sense of the world around us in whatever way we can. We experience tragedy, we worry about jobs, healthcare, family members, bills, mortgages. We worry about people we care for; we get upset with people we don't know, and those we know as well. But it's all still pretty amazing. All of the history of the universe, all of the story of humankind, all of the actions of the generations from whom we are descended, all of the events of our individual lives, all of it has lead us to this very moment. All of it has led to the experience that you are living at this very moment. On this little beautiful fragile and oh so improbable planet. I find it pretty amazing. Every unique, precious, and improbable moment of it. Enjoy your sunset, wherever you are. | ||
| kimberly
Advanced Member Username: kimberly Post Number: 252 Registered: 1-2007 |
David, I look forward to the day we're able to meet in person. You are one heck of a guy!  With the very best of my regards, Kimberly | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Advanced Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 320 Registered: 10-2006 |
Dave, you really stretch the boundries of human hippness. You're my hero (well, one of them) Peter | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 6705 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hee hee!! I can't even get my act together enough to wash the dishes; and you should see the shower, well no, you shouldn't. Thanks. | ||
| 3rd_ray
Junior Username: 3rd_ray Post Number: 40 Registered: 2-2008 |
Nice words Dave! Mike | ||
| wayne
Intermediate Member Username: wayne Post Number: 160 Registered: 5-2002 |
Dave- I needed that. Thank You. wayne | ||
| artswork99
Advanced Member Username: artswork99 Post Number: 374 Registered: 7-2007 |
Great words of wisdom Dave... They help to make this evenings sunset a more memorable one! Art | ||
| keurosix
Advanced Member Username: keurosix Post Number: 337 Registered: 10-2005 |
Hello Taunia, Can you please post a close up of the front of the body and the back of the guitar too? I see a dark shadow around the bridge which may indicate an ebony tone block? (That would be custom) Does the bass have led's on the neck? Can you measure the scale length of the bass? Nut -to- bridge center? Looks like a short scale. Is there a truss-rod coverplate at the end of the neck? Hard to tell from the pic. Thanks Kris | ||
| attmann
Junior Username: attmann Post Number: 20 Registered: 4-2006 |
Hey Dave, thank you so much for your elaborate comment. I admit that my emotional reaction to the thread and my conclusion was based on my very subjective and therefore limited point of view - resulting from my personal definitions of "rights and wrongs". You are absolutely right and highly appreciated for pointing out there is also an objective point of view that lets us see the BIG picture - which of course creates better understanding for every individual human being's backgrounds, motives and desires. Looking at someone's behaviour and action or reaction from that wider angle it is very true that every human being acts ultimately reasonable in their very own perspective. And I agree with you: every human being is deserving love and respect - which are the basic spiritual needs in everybody's life. This even might apply - I don't mean to be cynical here, just extreme - to dictators and totalitary regimes in mankind history who caused the deaths of billions of people for obsessive political or ideological reasons. Although I guess it takes a lot of that "Big Picture" awareness and strength when the Dalai Lama is able to pray for the Chinese government supressing and killing the Tibetian people... But once again I highly appreciate you suggesting to be grateful, step back, take a breath and think. Thank you!! | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1815 Registered: 10-2002 |
"If we were all here at my house right now, I would suggest we all take a break and go outside and sit on the porch and watch the rest of this evening's absolutely beautiful and sublime sunset. And then we can plug in some Alembics and jam for awhile. " One of these David. One of these days... Graeme | ||
| barthartman
New Username: barthartman Post Number: 5 Registered: 6-2008 |
  I will get the other information to you I am trying to sell this for my uncle and I will get all the other info to you after I get it from him. I hope the pictures are what you were asking for Thank you | ||
| barthartman
New Username: barthartman Post Number: 6 Registered: 6-2008 |
| ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 6707 Registered: 5-2002 |
Juergen and everyone; thank you. | ||
| the_mule
Senior Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 706 Registered: 1-2004 |
Dave wrote: "Taunia's only posts to this forum have been in this thread." And that's the problem. In my opinion (FWIW, it's not my forum) the sale/trade section shouldn't be open to first time posters. And I'm not talking about a treshold of hundreds of posts. What's wrong with introducing yourself first, getting to know the place and people, and asking questions about the instrument you own and/or want to sell? I personally wouldn't buy anything, let alone something as expensive as an Alembic, from someone who hasn't even bothered to do that. He/she would certainly not be welcome in MY house. There are and have been several examples of people only contributing a for sale ad to this forum. From their perspective I can fully understand that: if you have an Alembic to sell, the best (and easiest) way is to target this forum. But it can't be a coincidence that many of these threads lead to miscommunication or in some cases even to downright rudeness. A certain amount of trust between more or less likeminded people who at least (think to virtually) know each other a bit, should be the starting point of a sale/trade-section. But again, that's my opinion as others have their own... Wilfred | ||
| 3rd_ray
Junior Username: 3rd_ray Post Number: 43 Registered: 2-2008 |
Good point Wilfred. Personally, I don't like hard rules about who can and can't post. Human nature says that a first time poster isn't going to be perceived as being as trustworthy as someone who's been around for a while. I recently bought an Essence from a club member who only had around 10 posts. The question of trust definitely crossed my mind. I would have felt better about it if he had more posts. And I probably wouldn't have bought the bass if it was an eBay ad from an individual. So my point is that instead of making a rule about it, everyone should keep in mind that you have to be careful when you're buying from someone you don't know. Mike (Message edited by 3rd_ray on June 27, 2008) (Message edited by 3rd_ray on June 27, 2008) | ||
| barthartman
New Username: barthartman Post Number: 7 Registered: 6-2008 |
Ok I see there is allot of things being said here ,, I am Taunia I am selling this Bass for my Uncle , This is all new to me and I have to say this is all so confusing,and some of you have made this a very unpleasent experence. My uncle has talked to Michah and this is where we were told to post this bass for sale. Trust is earned you are right but you are not even giving me that right to earn it, I want to sell this bass for him and that is all that I am doing. So keep that in mind when you are posting or what ever you all call it Thank you Taunia | ||
| the_mule
Senior Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 708 Registered: 1-2004 |
Being a member of this forum, including the use of this subforum to bring the Alembic you want to sell under the attention of the best target group you could wish for, is a privilege and not a right (for me, for you, for anyone here). If you've only joined this forum to sell a bass, and it hasn't got a logo, is only said to have a provenance and if you asking price is about what a new one would cost, you risk critical questions being asked. To sell things with less "unpleasant" strings attached, but to a far less specific target group, there's eBay, craigslist etc. You win some, you lose some... Wilfred | ||
| elwoodblue
Advanced Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 392 Registered: 6-2002 |
my 2cents: I'm thinking of the word 'Alembic' given a situation ...it can often be refined ,improved,distilled...to be a better experience for those involved. Communication is the solvent in this case as I see it. ..and it ain't always easy,sometimes it's worth it. Ramble on... | ||
| gtrguy
Intermediate Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 143 Registered: 9-2004 |
Looks nice, assuming it all works fine, I'll put out the offer $2,500 for it with local pickup. Let me know, Dave | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3139 Registered: 7-2004 |
Dave: I'd love to hang out and watch the sunset from your porch. O.K. to spark one up? lol Bill, tgo | ||
| barthartman
New Username: barthartman Post Number: 8 Registered: 6-2008 |
my uncle had decided to send the bass to Alembic for what it needs, He is also still seaching for the power supply and cord | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1818 Registered: 10-2002 |
Bill... I was there first. Bring some cookies ;-) Graeme. p.s. taunia, good luck with finding a buyer. it's a shame you're not a player yourself, then you could take this beauty off your uncle's hands. | ||
| gtrguy
Intermediate Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 144 Registered: 9-2004 |
Let's see, power supply - $500, cord - $150. Factor in non-original case, extra holes, missing logo, shipping to and from Calif. at $100 a pop, possible work needed after it reaches the mothership, EBay fees, shipping to buyer fee, not dealing with the principal owner hassles and not being able to actually see or play the bass in person if sold over the internet, unknown fret and neck condition, and no board noise upgrade. Balance out with possible Mica input if this reaches the shop. Going rates for series ones are around $3,000. That's with original case and cord and power supply. I think I'll pass on the cookies. Bye, Dave | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 425 Registered: 6-2002 |
David H.-wasn't it Cosmo Kramer who put his dishes in the shower ? ...let me know when the porch party is Taunia -good decision on your uncles part, an interested buyer might even get a little feedback from the mothership...if anyone is a good judge of a vintage hippy sandwich it would be the folks in Santa Rosa. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 6739 Registered: 5-2002 |
You are all welcome, I'll put some chairs out. And Bill, I don't think that would be a problem. Having the bass at the shop could be advantageous to a buyer. After all, the bass is right there. If you wanted to spring for a refinish, or electronics upgrade, replating the back plates, or anything else, you don't have to ship it. It might even be worth asking if there are options for the logo. And while it's there, I think I would at least have the strap button relocated and the hole filled. It looks pretty nice in the pics; it could be that the power supply, logo and the strap button are all it really needs. | ||
| gtrguy
Intermediate Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 145 Registered: 9-2004 |
As far as early series one celeb owned basses, this one from the Doobie Brothers has been listed for months at 6K with no takers: http://www.gbase.com/Stores/Gear/GearDetails.aspx?Item=1801628 Save a chair for me! Dave | ||
| new2alembic
Junior Username: new2alembic Post Number: 32 Registered: 9-2008 |
I wonder what ever happened with this Bass. Mica did you ever receive it? Carl | ||
| gtrguy
Intermediate Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 158 Registered: 9-2004 |
Yes, I'd like to know the outcome on this too. Dave | ||
| dgcarbu
Advanced Member Username: dgcarbu Post Number: 259 Registered: 6-2004 |
I like that Yabba-Dabba-Doobie Alembic! | ||
| wibbersengland
Junior Username: wibbersengland Post Number: 15 Registered: 5-2007 |
Hi y'll - England calling to ask - is this saga 'on pause'? Did you get the bass Mica. What an incredible thread! I'll make do with my standard SC + SF2 for now! Having said that I tried a gorgeous S1 MK ('old shape') a few years ago which had the most AUTHORITY clarity & power of any bass I've ever used! | ||
| gtrguy
Intermediate Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 176 Registered: 9-2004 |
This thing ever come up for air? Dave | ||
| kungfusheriff
Senior Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 799 Registered: 8-2003 |
Do you think it existed in the first place? | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 5877 Registered: 6-2000 |
Oh yeah! It had slipped my mind about posting pictures when this bass visited us. Here's some of them:          | ||
| kungfusheriff
Senior Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 800 Registered: 8-2003 |
Well, color me dead wrong! Has it since returned to its' old master or gone on to some new one? | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7588 Registered: 5-2002 |
It has a shiny new logo! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 5878 Registered: 6-2000 |
We sent it to the old master. I don't think it's been registered anew. | ||
| dela217
Senior Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 942 Registered: 6-2002 |
That has got to be the worlds smallest truss rod cover. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2178 Registered: 3-2004 |
Everything looks so sweet on that rich maroon carpet. Not sure if the owner is still looking to sell, but I suspect someone will offer him a fair $3000-3500 for a functional '78 Series I without the power supply and cable. Other than the finish on the back looking a bit chewed, this bass appears to be in pretty solid shape. Is that some sort of rosewood-family sustain block under there, or maybe mac ebony? -bob | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7591 Registered: 5-2002 |
- I was just getting ready to post about the block. You can see the bridge block much better in these pictures. As Kris noted above, it does appear to be Ebony. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 5884 Registered: 6-2000 |
The bridge block is brass. There's an inlay around the bridge block in what appears to be Macassar Ebony. Here's shot to show it:  That is a teeny truss rod cover, I agree! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7594 Registered: 5-2002 |
Interesting. Thanks Mica! | ||
| hifiguy
Intermediate Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 165 Registered: 10-2006 |
Fascinating discussion, but I wouldn't spend a nickel on it unless Susan and Mica saw it in person and vouched for it. But Mica seems to have done just that. And I ain't gonna contradict the Alembic Goddess, no how, no way, no where. Now I just want it! |
