| Author | Message | ||
| kylierider
New Username: kylierider Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2003 |
I am new to this site. I have always loved the Alembic look and sound. My local music shop has a 1980 signature series standard. It is a very modest bass with oiled finish. One of the black pickup covers is cracked and there are not many swiches and knobs on this bass. I don't even think that it has an XLR jack on the front. He is asking $1799.00 for it. It is a nice simple bass, but is it worth the money? Also where does the power supply plug in to? I've heard that Alembic basses go through batteries very quickly. Thanks for your help. Mike | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 760 Registered: 9-2002 |
Hi Mike, welcome to the club. NIce to have you here and we surely want to help. Although ...you din't gave us a lot of info. Maybe you should ask the deales for a "type" of bass, a model, a serial number. You can also wander through "this virtual garden of the low frequenced species" and check which one is that you think ressembles the most at the object of longing (***sigh***). Than we can help. "Signature" means at least 6 knobs: 2 volume, 2 tone, 2 switches. If not the case it's not a Signature in my opinion (I CAN make mistakes!!!!!). Paul the bad one | ||
| kylierider
New Username: kylierider Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2003 |
It looks like the bass in the showcase section played by jazzyvee, Listed under 1987 Stanley Clarke, But It is not a Stanley Clarke model. I think it does have 2 volune and 2 tone knobs, and maybe a switch or two. Mike | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1259 Registered: 6-2000 |
A 1980 Alembic bass with 4 knobs and a couple of switches is probably a Series I. We did not start making the Signature basses until a few years later. It's also possible that you're looking at a custom made bass that defies model categories. Paul's advice is good - you need to get that serial number. From it we can find out the model, woods, history and the Club will be better able to offer advice on the value you're being offered. Also, check the Distillate pictures for similarities to the bass you're considering. Series I and II models indeed go through batteries very quickly (~40 hours), that is why they are supplied with an external power supply. All other models are much kinder to batteries, maybe only need changing one or two times per year. Anybody with an older bass or guitar that is easting batteries at a faster rate can order a low-drain IC for the preamp. Before the low-drains were quiet enough, the ICs allowed about a 1 month battery life. | ||
| davehouck
Advanced Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 209 Registered: 5-2002 |
As Paul said, generally a signature bass will have 2 volume knobs, 2 filter knobs, and 2 Q switches; that setup is referred to as signature electronics. Signature electronics do not have, nor do they need, a power supply. Only series electronics have power supplies as they do run through batteries quickly. That's James Martin (Malthumb) in the picture you cited. If it's a 1980 model then it's probably not a Signature bass. It may be a Spoiler. You should get the serial number and post a request to have Val or Mica look it up for you. They can tell you what model it is and other details about the bass. There is generally a difference in value between a Spoiler and a Signature and between a Signature and a Series I or II. Also if you have a camera handy, a picture would be helpful. | ||
| kylierider
New Username: kylierider Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2003 |
I will go get the serial # off of the bass. Are they usually located under the neck on that gold plate? If it is not, where else will it be located. Is there any other information I should get from the bass? Thanks for all your help. Mike | ||
| bracheen
Junior Username: bracheen Post Number: 22 Registered: 11-2003 |
Mica, I hate to expose my ignorance but I've always wondered about the external power supply. That explaination not only makes since but seems painfully obvious to me now. Thanks for clearing that up. Sam | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1261 Registered: 6-2000 |
On a 1980 you should look for the number stamped directly in to the ebony fingerboard below the 24th fret. If it isn't a 1980, then check the serial number guide. | ||
| kylierider
New Username: kylierider Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2003 |
It looks a lot like the Distillate model basses. The ones that have that darkish brown color that has been oiled. What is one of those generally worth? | ||
| malthumb
Intermediate Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 119 Registered: 5-2002 |
Kylierider, There is a member selling a Distillate on this board. Go to the "Swap Shop and Wish List" section. The following is my opinion, so take it as you will... (clears throat, steps up on soapbox) You asked if the bass you saw was "worth the money". It was $1,799 if I recall correctly. I have not yet seen an Alembic that is NOT worth at least that. If you base worth on quality, content and what else you can get for the same amount of money. Alembic's are definitely worth the money. I'd spend $1,800 on an Alembic sooner than I would on most other basses asking for that same price. IF you ask a DIFFERENT question, like "What's a good market price for a Distillate?" I'd have to give you a different answer. You can get an excellent Distillate for less than the music shop is asking. It's extremely tough, especially in this economy, to sell any used bass for more than $2,000 so you see the prices of used Alembics sitting waaaaayy below their actual value. (sips water, climbs off soapbox, bows, waves) Peace, James | ||
| malthumb
Intermediate Member Username: malthumb Post Number: 120 Registered: 5-2002 |
Kylierider, Here's the link to the member's bass for sale http://alembic.com/club/messages/395/6858.html?1069428308 Davehouck, Yup that's me. Anybody else notice that the strap sorta matches the neck laminates? Don't know what I did with that strap. | ||
| davehouck
Advanced Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 211 Registered: 5-2002 |
You're right, the strap does sort of match the neck! And appause on an excellent soapbox speech on the value of Alembics! | ||
| tv_king
New Username: tv_king Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2003 |
Greetings,Guys and Gals, I am preparing to sell my Mark King Deluxe-5 and spoke to Mica earlier regarding this forum.All here seem to be friendly and knowledgeable so I thought I'd try to find a home for her here before I braved that chaotic mess more commonly referred to as Ebay.Here is the info and some pix: Model #-MKXLSB5 Serial #-98MK11736 Completion Date-8/26/98 Top Laminate-Burl Maple Accent Wood-Purple Heart Body Wood-Mahogany Neck Woods-Maple and PurpleHeart Fingerboard-Ebony Abalone Inlays Burl Maple Veneers This may very well be the most insane bass guitar I've ever had the pleasure to play.If there is anyone here in the forum that might be interested in purchasing this bass or has any comments,questions or suggetions please post them.I'm learning something new everyday. Thanks, Ray Mauldin  | ||
| thebass
Member Username: thebass Post Number: 77 Registered: 3-2003 |
@Ray: Wow !! What a unique beautiful figuring of the maple top. I never saw this before. Looks like shadows on silk to me. If I wouldn't refuse to play more than 4 strings I would buy it. It must break your heart to sell it. | ||
| tv_king
New Username: tv_king Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2003 |
I really wanted to post the previous picture of my Mark King 5 as a new thread.If anyone knows how to do that,please do it or tell me how. Thanks, Ray | ||
| bob
Member Username: bob Post Number: 80 Registered: 11-2002 |
Ray, Since you clearly now khow to upload images, I assume you're having trouble starting a new thread. Go back from here to the page listing all threads in this section. At the bottom of the list, in the blue border, should be an item saying 'Start New Thread'. Click that, and you should be able to handle it from there. (oops, looks like you figured that out about an hour ago...) (Message edited by bob on November 25, 2003) (Message edited by bob on November 25, 2003) | ||
| tv_king
New Username: tv_king Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2003 |
Thanks,Bob.Seems like I'm collecting dummy awards today... | ||
| kylierider
New Username: kylierider Post Number: 7 Registered: 11-2003 |
Well thanks for everyones advice. I am now an owner of a nice Distillate bass. I traded my 66 Kay upright bass in for a down payment. I will be picking it up in a couple of weeks when I come up with the rest of the cash. Its not as attractive as a lot of the others I have seen (expecially that Mark King 5 shown above) but it is the best hand crafted bass I have ever played. The most important thing is that its MINE!!! When I pick it up in a week or so I will post pictures. Mike |
