| Author | Message | ||
| jcdlc72
Junior Username: jcdlc72 Post Number: 39 Registered: 11-2009 |
Greets!. I don't know if this post really belongs here, but anyway. I was browsing thru eBay, and found this Epic for sale. But I am somewhat amazed, I find the body shape is not the same as my Epic, or any other Epic I've seen anyway. It seems like the upper horn is somewhat shorter... Is it me, or is there really some sort of mod to this body shape? CHeck the auction (and pics) here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ALEMBIC-EPIC-4-STRING-BASS-GUITAR-GREAT-CONDITION_W0QQitemZ200434513860QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item2eaad3f7c4#ht_11471wt_1026 | ||
| mike1762
Senior Member Username: mike1762 Post Number: 458 Registered: 1-2008 |
I think it's the "weird" camera angles. The Vermillion is a nice touch. | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2413 Registered: 6-2002 |
No, the horn is most definitely shorter than normal:  If it's a refinish, it's a pretty good one. | ||
| bassfingers
Advanced Member Username: bassfingers Post Number: 270 Registered: 11-2005 |
Looks like someone was going for the look of a singlcut.I can't decide if they succeeded or just maimed a gorgeous bass!. | ||
| jbybj
Advanced Member Username: jbybj Post Number: 265 Registered: 6-2006 |
Reminds me of the top horn of a Thunderbird. Still feels "organic" to me. | ||
| toddharris
Intermediate Member Username: toddharris Post Number: 186 Registered: 7-2008 |
It doesn't look like anyone has done anything to it. It's always hard to see the shape at an angle - look at the picture of the back on the listing - it looks right. What I don't like is his obscure remark about not including the hard case unless the price goes up a few hundred dollars - makes it hard to know what you will actually get for your money. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4311 Registered: 7-2004 |
The top horn is definitely shorter than standard. On the regular Epic, the end of the top horn is roughly at the 11th fret up from the bottom. On this one, it is at the 8th fret from the bottom. Still, it looks like it may have come like this from the factory. If this was an aftermarket job, it looks like a very good one to me. Bill, tgo | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6603 Registered: 6-2000 |
This bass was not born with the present shape. It was on ebay a few years ago with this same modification, I remember it. | ||
| jcdlc72
Junior Username: jcdlc72 Post Number: 41 Registered: 11-2009 |
It looks awkward.  At least to me. | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2566 Registered: 10-2002 |
It's possibly had an accident sometime in the past, maybe the straplock ripped out and someone reshaped the ripped wood instead of filling it. Graeme | ||
| mike1762
Senior Member Username: mike1762 Post Number: 464 Registered: 1-2008 |
Bo Diddley would have liked it... | ||
| kungfusheriff
Senior Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 913 Registered: 8-2003 |
Now at Bass Northwest for (GASP!) $1999! | ||
| terrace
Junior Username: terrace Post Number: 16 Registered: 3-2008 |
It seems that it's now for sale @ Bass Northwest for $2K. | ||
| southpaw
Advanced Member Username: southpaw Post Number: 249 Registered: 12-2004 |
I am very disappointed with Bass Northwest. As an Alembic dealer I find it disturbing that: 1) They do not mention the modification, the ad says "This bass is in beautiful condition", except for the large chunk of wood missing from it. There is no way that bass will balance correctly, the strap button is now at the 17th fret on a 34" scale bass. 2)$2K?? it was recently purchased for $1085 for it from EBay. I hope they update their ad to mention the modification, after all it says Alembic on it. What a shame on so many levels. Profit or reputation...hmmm... (Message edited by southpaw on February 19, 2010) (Message edited by southpaw on February 22, 2010) | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 1007 Registered: 6-2002 |
I agree southpaw. High prices aside, the mod should be in the first sentence of the description. | ||
| pas
Advanced Member Username: pas Post Number: 230 Registered: 3-2003 |
Last time I checked, Bass Northwest was no longer listed as an Alembic dealer on this site, and they haven't caried any new Alembics in ages...I think they're out of the loop. The one time I tried to do business with them, the fellow I spoke with on the phone came across as rather surly. Perhaps it's best they're no longer an Alembic dealer. | ||
| southpaw
Advanced Member Username: southpaw Post Number: 250 Registered: 12-2004 |
Right you are Pas, Bass Northwest is no longer an Alembic dealer. How foolish of any business to engaged in such deception in the age of the internet. How many thousands of musicians are checking this site regularly and will now have second thoughts about dealing with Bass Northwest? The internet has made this a much smaller world and smart businesses should realize this. | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 1210 Registered: 3-2004 |
Though I agree that the mod should be clearly stated and the price should be lower, I did buy a used bass and new amp head from them and it was a painless process. | ||
| svlilioukalani
Member Username: svlilioukalani Post Number: 69 Registered: 6-2008 |
BassNW is one of the few stores that still values honesty. In a world ruled by places like guitar center, they are always a breath of fresh air. You guys are kind of extreme. BassNW sells used basses on consignment. They will sell a bass for what ever the customer tells them to. Seems kind of high, but some fool is going to come a long and buy it. And like the shape more. They have turned a bunch of Alembic basses recently for some crazy high prices. Why bitch, this is increasing the value of your bass. | ||
| effclef
Senior Member Username: effclef Post Number: 578 Registered: 1-2004 |
I was going to speak up, too - yep, they sell on consignment, so whoever bought the ebay bass (with only 19 feedback; ebay hides the buyer's ID now) probably marched it into BassNW wanting to flip it for nearly twice that. They've seen lots of Alembics, sure, but with Alembic doing custom work they might have missed the fact it doesn't look like an everyday Epic. I agree, with the internet and word of mouth, it's important to have great customer service and attention to detail - but cut BassNW some slack unless/until they chime in with a voice of their own, here. Maybe someone can email or call them. | ||
| j_gary
Advanced Member Username: j_gary Post Number: 274 Registered: 6-2005 |
While I understand wanting to be fair with BNW, I bought a very nice Rick from them last year, I think they need to watch what they sell. An analogy would be a car dealer selling a car claiming it's 100% when any knowledgable car guy would know better. A new young bassist could think he is buying a dream bass only to find out later it's not even close. | ||
| kungfusheriff
Senior Member Username: kungfusheriff Post Number: 914 Registered: 8-2003 |
I agree with effclef. My first Alembic came from Bass NW, in modified condition, which they were honest about and the price reflected the mods. That was the only instrument I've bought from them but I have had very positive contact with them over the years. Even in a recession, trying to make a quick buck by pulling a fast one would be out of step with their business practices as I experienced them. More likely that someone bought the bass on eBay for $1085, didn't like it, and put it on consignment in hopes of making a profit. We should remember to be careful of remarks based on groundless assumption, because careless remarks can easily be taken as truth and spread, causing needless and baseless damage to an honest broker's reputation. None of us would want that done to us, I'm sure. | ||
| effclef
Senior Member Username: effclef Post Number: 579 Registered: 1-2004 |
Thanks for those excellent points, KFS. BassNW - if they are no longer an Alembic dealer, that's too bad for us - is still a great source for lots of great basses. And in this economy, the fact they have four used Alembics in stock is a really nice thing overall. I did email Evan and hopefully he will let me/us know what's up with this Epic. | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 502 Registered: 5-2002 |
BassNW has updated the listing and mentioned the mod. I've always had great dealings with them. | ||
| southpaw
Advanced Member Username: southpaw Post Number: 251 Registered: 12-2004 |
Thanks for the info guys, it's good to know there have been positive experiences. I still believe BNW knew it was a chopped up Epic since they were an Alembic dealer for years and have sold many, many Alembics including Epics. As for the price, I guess it is up to the buyer. No ill will intended towards BNW, I am glad they corrected the listing. | ||
| southpaw
Advanced Member Username: southpaw Post Number: 252 Registered: 12-2004 |
Svlilioukalani, I see you are in Seattle so you are probably a regular customer. I trust you if you say BNW can be fair & honest, thank you. Please know I am not trying to be extreme, I am only trying to protect the "fool" you mention who would unknowingly purchase the bass thinking they are getting a genuine Epic and protect Alembic;s reputation. As stated before, there is no way that bass is going to balance in its present condition, the headstock will hit the floor quicker than a prom dress! If it was an honest mistake, so be it, but it should be noted that the description did not change until effcleff emailed BNW. I did not intend to offend anyone, my apology for any offense, I have edited my post so as not to cause any further issue but like many Club members I will speak out when I see something not right regarding Alembic instruments, we need to watch out for each other when possible. Thanks for the positive messages. | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 503 Registered: 5-2002 |
Not to be argumentative, but I don't see what keeps it from being a genuine Epic if it has had some woodwork done. Many instruments spend a good portion of their lives as a work in progress (my Series I sure has!) and this instrument still has all its original electronics and pretty much all the aspects that make it an Alembic. I do think that there are instruments out there, with gutted electronics, hardware, etc. that would create some serious concern, but if someone can live with their prom dress down around their ankles, then more power to them! I do agree about the price, though. That seems like an overoptimistic consigner and I don't imagine that bass will walk out the door any time soon. Edwin | ||
| southpaw
Advanced Member Username: southpaw Post Number: 253 Registered: 12-2004 |
You are correct Edwin, it is a "genuine" Epic, it was the lack of information describing its life thus far as a "work in progress" that was a cause for concern. Shame on me for using the the word genuine. I must say, it was a well done alteration but for anyone familiar with Alembics, the alarm bell should have sounded immediately, one phone call to Alembic would have cleared it up within minutes. | ||
| afrobeat_fool
Intermediate Member Username: afrobeat_fool Post Number: 161 Registered: 7-2009 |
Now that I am the owner of Edwin's Series 1, I am glad to have all those mod's he did. It made it a better bass for me. And now that I have a bridge, I will be modding the Hyak I got last weekend, thanks to you, Edwin. Nick | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 504 Registered: 5-2002 |
How does that bridge fit? As far as mods go, Allen Woody snarled at me when he saw my Starfire, but changed his tune when he heard it. |
