| Author | Message | ||
| xero_tolerance
Junior Username: xero_tolerance Post Number: 39 Registered: 5-2014 |
Just wondering and throwing around ideas. I just realized that the spoiler options that I find ideal are all standard options.. Is it possible for the factory to make it completely standard with no custom options for a lower cost? Out of curiosity.. | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 1535 Registered: 5-2006 |
You could do a set neck Spoiler to reduce costs ;-) | ||
| hammer
Senior Member Username: hammer Post Number: 500 Registered: 9-2009 |
Options really do have a tendency to drive up the costs of any Alembic bass (just like when you buy a new car). There are many "options" however, that are free of extra charges of which you can avail yourself. Other than that, I find it best to distinguish between what I "need" in a bass to do the job its intended to do and what I "want" in a bass. The "needs" MUST be there, the "wants" are nice to have if one can afford them but not necessary for the bass to do its job. regardless, I should warn you that when you start reading about the options some are very hard to resist. If your buying your first Alembic the easiest way to get started is to purchased a "gently used" instrument. It will hold its value better whereas (just like a car) a new bass depreciates as soon as it leaves the showroom floor. My personal experience has been that even when buying used, options can drive up the cost of a bass. On the other hand, they can also make a bass harder to sell if a potential buyer is not interested in the "options" you selected. For example, I've listed my 86 Distillate which I bought used. It was customized only a little bit (longer upper horn, PU placement, no adjustable nut). That's been enough for a number of people who expressed initial interest to later decide not to purchase it. | ||
| xero_tolerance
Junior Username: xero_tolerance Post Number: 40 Registered: 5-2014 |
Well what I was thinking was instead of the walnut pinstripes just a regular 3piece maple neck (I've seen pictures of them) and regular pearloid inlays both to cut down on costs. And instead of from the custom quote menu where one would have to pick one of the custom series, just a spoiler with the standard options and those things to reduce the price a good bit. (32" scale, 3pc maple neck, pearloid oval inlays, mahogany body, ebony board, 24 frets, clear gloss standard finish, and since there's an option for a choice under the spoiler options menu, I guess a zebra wood top). Since its not really a total custom like from the custom menu...as its just a standard spoiler (and I think it's done with some options that are even less than the standard options) I was really hoping this would be able to be done and be a bit more within my range. Hmm.. Honestly, I view it as just the bare minimum of the standard options for the spoiler from the spoiler menu, so hopefully that brings it down a bit. | ||
| jalevinemd
Senior Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 951 Registered: 12-2003 |
The short answer is…yes. You absolutely can have Alembic build you an off-the-rack, no frills model. That's what I love about them. You can have things as basic or as customized as you, your wallet or your wife will allow. | ||
| xero_tolerance
Junior Username: xero_tolerance Post Number: 42 Registered: 5-2014 |
> Awesome  hopefully that makes it more affordable for me. I really desire to own my first Alembic, a spoiler (which is my dream Alembic, too.) thankfully no wife yet, haha. That's not the issue for me at least. Money mostly since the only jobs around here for people my age don't pay very well, but hey, hard work pays off especially for beautiful basses. I've made a good deal selling stuff, building stuff, and at my previous job before it ended. Of course most of it went towards bass stuff and music and gas (the car kind and the musician kind) Haha. Might as well get em now before there's a wife telling me to stop :P In my opinion Alembic is simply the best at what they do. Quality of the highest end boutique (which i consider them to be, haha), down to earth and helpful and in touch just like a mom and pop shop. I really do admire them. And nothing sounds like an Alembic. I really admire them as well for making the most unique sounding basses I've ever heard. They're a very hard working and for the customer company. Bonus points for being lefty friendly and not charging a ton extra to us! all that being said i hope i can find some options that bring the price down more to my range so I can own one of these one of a kind, workhorse beauties for myself. | ||
| hammer
Senior Member Username: hammer Post Number: 504 Registered: 9-2009 |
I'd still advise patience and continuing to look for a gently used lefty. Even a "no frills" build is going to cost you more than a used Series I or II. Yes, used lefties are relatively rare, but they do appear. You will get A LOT more for your money and if you ever decide to upgrade (there is no question that you will, especially if you visit the mother ship or go to a gathering of Alembic players) you will get back what you paid for it. A few quotes regarding this come to mind here: "All things come round to him, who will but wait" (Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth, 1863). The Student's Tale. AND Serene, I fold my hands and wait, Nor care for wind, nor tide, nor sea; I rave no more 'gainst time or fate, For lo! my own shall come to me Burroughs, J. (1876), Waiting. In addition (because its just how life all too often works)...as soon as you put down the $$$ for a build, you just know that the perfect lefty for you is going to appear for a very reasonable price. I say this from experience (twice over). | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 5772 Registered: 7-2004 |
Another quote along similar lines: "There will always be another." Paul, tbo Bill, tgo | ||
| pace
Senior Member Username: pace Post Number: 1032 Registered: 4-2004 |
There's certain things (such as the walnut pinstripes) that have pretty much become standard feature since the 90s. I'm not sure if there'd be a down charge to omit something like that nowadays.... One other thing to keep an eye on if you're getting ready to pull the trigger is the monthly specials~ it's luck of the draw, but the savings can be significant, especially if you spec your build from a base model, who knows, you might get that zebrawood top for nuthin!!! | ||
| xero_tolerance
Junior Username: xero_tolerance Post Number: 43 Registered: 5-2014 |
Thanks again guys. I'm currently waiting it out for those two special basses (the spoiler and an old vintage bc rich eagle). Unfortunately the righties are much more common but I'm keeping my hopes up. A dream bass is worth the wait. hopefully someday one will pop up somewhere. Someday... I'll definitely keep looking because it could happen. I've seen a few awesome lefty alembics on the board but I don't recall seeing a spoiler yet. |
