| Author | Message | ||
| fluke
New Username: fluke Post Number: 1 Registered: 12-2007 |
Hi,First post.Newby.I'm going to purchase an Alembic,been thinking on it for a while and I am put off by the price,only.I want to know if their worth it.I mean really worth it.Most custom Basses I've seen run $1600.to $4000.00 USD.An well Alembic's are a tad more.I have had the chance to play one,years ago I dont remember much about it.I understand I get can a better deal through a dealer.I have been playing for 34YRS and have a few nice Basses.But am looking for a "really" nice Bass.A little info would help,Mike. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1052 Registered: 6-2002 |
My advice would be simply this. If you can afford it, buy one. I did and I have not been disappointed in any aspect of their instruments at all. I confidently bought an Elan bass and also an Orion guitar without ever hearing or playing one. Not something I think I would do readily with any other company. As for their worth, the old adage, "it's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it". So ... only you can decide for sure. Like you say most people are put off by the high price and many feel they are not worth the price. If price is a major consideration, You could look at some of the lower priced models which are within your range. I think you will find members here who have them and will extol their virtues vs other premier basses in the same price range. From a playing point of view, I don't have a lot of experience playing many other quality basses and my only high quality bass was the Musicman and I much prefer the sound and feel of the Alembics to that. ( so much I sold the Musicman). You can check the forum here as often members are selling their basses to upgrade to a higher model and you can get a good price on a well looked after used Alembic. Yes you do get a better deal price wise from a dealer than buying direct from Alembic but you can still have access to the alembic team with any questions on any of their instruments. I'm sure you will get some good advice on here as to which flavour of alembic bass you could check out. JAzzyvee Ps: sorry how rude am I.... Fluke, welcome to the forum and I hope you decide on getting an alembic. Once you do, be prepared to buy another one........... that usually happens. | ||
| fluke
New Username: fluke Post Number: 2 Registered: 12-2007 |
Jazzy,Rude? No,Just seems you heared the question.I appreciate what you're saying.It just seems like alot of $$$.Its what your willing to pay for it,cliche'.I dont want a used one,I want one built to my specs,so I know I'm going to have to put out bucks.Just wondering what the opinions are?.Thanks much. | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 920 Registered: 2-2005 |
It might sound cliche but when JV states, "it's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it", he is being accurate. I own three Alembics and am working on a fourth. One of the three is a custom fretless. I found the process was quite enjoyable and like the close interaction I have with the folks at Alembic. They are willing to take the time to talk and work with you directly regardless of whether you are purchasing through a dealer or direct from the factory. I have also seen many times where Alembic will assist the 2nd, 3rd or nth owner of a bass who is having problems. Not many companies will provide this type of support. To me the cost of an Alembic is on equitable for the instrument and support I receive. I will say this opinion is not true for all people out there in the real world. Some think the cost is too high. The first thing I would suggest is get an idea of what you are looking for, run it through the custom quote generator and then call Alembic to discuss your instrument wants/needs. I would then talk to a dealer since they can discount the price from retail where a direct factory purchase will be full price. If you have any other basses in mind I would talk to those companies too. This should give you a good idea if Alembic is the instrument for you. Keith | ||
| lidon2001
Advanced Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 377 Registered: 4-2005 |
Welcome Michael, If you didn't see the post from Susan, the price get higher 1/1/08 so you have less than a week to save a few of them bucks. Plus, the December special gives you the widest choice of option discounts. It would be great if one could say that all buyers got their dream instrument after receiving their bass or guitar from Alembic, but we know that's not true. But I think for the most part recent purchasers have been pretty satisfied; I know I am. Of course, the bias of asking this question in this fourm should be taken into consideration. There are many fine choices out there; it's a great time to be a bassist. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5865 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Mike, welcome to the board! My suggestion would be to take the time to read and follow threads on this board. There is a lot of information here. For instance you'll learn why Alembic electronics are unique. You'll learn, and see, how the instruments are built, how the finishes are applied, etc., etc. There's a lot of information here, and a lot of knowledgeable members; so I think it would probably be worth your time. Enjoy! | ||
| white_cloud
Intermediate Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 155 Registered: 11-2007 |
Hi Michael, welcome! The only wisdom that I can share with you is this; Good isnt cheap and cheap isnt good! I have owned a lot of high end basses over the years but none compare to an Alembic. I bought a twenty year old used Alembic that had been well looked after..absolutely no problems! If cared for an Alembic will probably live forever..they are built like nothing else! If you decide to buy an Alembic spend a little time figuering out the model that would make you happy, keep your eyes peeled and dont hesitate to buy a good used example. It is a good way to save $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$  |
