| Author | Message | ||
| 2400wattman
Advanced Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 338 Registered: 11-2005 |
Well guys the right opprutunity has reared its head at the wrong time again. I have the option of ordering the custom I've always wanted and finances are'nt exactly in order. Amex would be the way to go to get it and try to power pay it off asap. I've spoken with my wife about this and she understands my passion for the bass, however this would set us back from getting into a home. Since we were married we've been living with her mother(a very kind lady I might add) while she(my wife)finishes school. Well, she graduated yesterday w/ her masters in education and won't be able to start teaching until next fall. I figured we would need to stay at her mothers for at least another year to save up enough for a down payment on a home. Now, I'm only mildly freaking about this because 1.I feel that I won't be able to get this custom built once we get locked into a home loan 2. The deal I have worked out will probably not happen again, and must be ordered by today 3. with prices going up every year I would like to snag it before it remains a dream 4. this will MOST LIKELY BE MY LAST BASS With all of these reasons I may not do it simply because I'm getting sick of debt and to make my wife happy, although she's not thrilled with the idea she is leaving it all up to me. Since this is such a large financial undertaking I'm seeking advice from any and all sides, especially those of you who have taken the plunge! Thanks in adavance. | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 584 Registered: 9-2005 |
If it's an either/or, it's a no-brainer... get the house! My current custom-in-progress is a replacement for my stolen Elan -and I ordered it prior to making the decision to buy our home. I owed the guy who was "holding" it for me (which turned out to be selling it without my consent) some money, so I worked an extra job this summer, and as a result nearly have the deposit -about 50% of the cost- paid off. So the balance won't be that hard to pay off. But if we'd got the house first, I wouldn't have ordered it -sadly. I'd have felt obliged to contribute that money towards the house fund. As it was, the bass I've ordered, while having some sweet features, is far from a totally loaded ultimate custom. But I do already have my ultimate custom "8 Strings of Power". My current custom is just a replacement for my stolen Elan, and while it has several upgrades, I couldn't justify many other things that I certainly would've liked to have -Series electronics, LEDs, gold hardware, etc. My responsibility to my other half requires moderation... and even a less than all-out Alembic isn't inexpensive! I see you already have a Series bass and an Orion... so... what do you have in mind with a 3rd Alembic? Why do you want it? What specifically is the paradigm? How elaborate is the custom you have planned? Would you be willing to sell one or both of your others to help finance it? I chose to sell a large chunk of my treasured comic collection -the juiciest stuff- to help pay for this bass and some of the upgrades I didn't "need" to have -but wanted. Since you already have 2 Alembics -which I'm sure are both quite nice- why do you want/need another? The only good reason I could really see (for me -only you can say what's best for you) would be an issue like, the ones you have are stock models that don't fit your ideal fingerboard dimensions, and you want one made for your hands. But then, IF that were the case, that would make a case for selling one or both of the others to finance your perfect bass. If you really, REALLY need another Alembic -a custom Alembic- and you're strapped for cash due to wanting to buy a house, it make a strong case for considering a minimalistic custom. Since you have both a top of the line neckthru and a set neck, you have the experience to know whether you'd want this hypothetical last custom Alembic to be a neckthru or setneck. In either case, I submit that you might consider getting the minimum custom necessary. If, for example, you're interested in a neckthru, get an Essence, built with your preferred fingerboard dimensions, and 2 or 3 of your most preferred options. Even the most basic custom Alembic is awesome. If I had had any idea I was going to get a house when I ordered my replacement bass, I either wouldn't have ordered it -or I'd have got the bare-bones minimum Alembic custom... which for me, would be an Essence with Europa electronics, a 3-position Q, one Ebony neck laminate, and custom fingerboard dimensions. This would still have been one hell of a bass. I feel for you, Adam. This will be my last Alembic, and my last instrument -barring I have to replace one that has something happen to it (and they're all insured through Heritage). They're getting more and more expensive, and I am a little sad I'll likely never be able to get a fancy custom Series bass like some of the richer folk here (although I actually could have got a new Series I for slightly less than what I paid for my Signature bass with all the options that I wasn't willing to sacrifice... but that's a different story). So I hope you can get both your dream bass AND your home. But if you have to choose, it really is a no-brainer. Get the house... make that your first priority. IF you decide you really must get this dream bass of yours, I have 3 recommendations I strongly suggest you consider/do: (1) make some hard choices, and strip it down to the minimum you'll be happy with. Even a stock Essence or Excell with your choice of fingerboard dimensions and standard topwoods makes for an awesome custom dream bass; if you get the most basic Alembic with just 2 or 3 of your most important options, you should be able to come up with an awesome custom that you'd treasure for life, and be proud to own. (2) You should strongly consider selling some thing or things to help finance the bass... if it's that important to you, and your money is limited, then it may be worth sacrificing some other thing(s) to get it. I hated selling my comics... I really did. But I wanted the Ebony neck lam and the Coco Bolo. I didn't NEED it. And so I gave up something else to get it -because it was worth it to me to make the painful sacrifice. And (3) consider taking a second job for a while, and working your butt off for a couple/several months. This too would entail sacrifice and hardship... but it might be worth it. If you choose one, two, or three of these options, they might make it possible for you to get your bass and your home. But again, my advice is that if you have to choose, go for the home. It's much more important... and you DO already have two Alembics. Hope my thoughts offer something useful for you. I'd be interested in knowing what you decide, and also what your proposed custom is -I'm curious. Take care, Adam, and best wishes! Mark P.S. keeping your wife happy is obviously extremely important. My girl has been very supportive and tolerant. But there are limits to what she'll tolerate -insofar as my decision affects her/us. She frankly makes more money then I do, which imposes an obligation on me to reign in my choices. If I was raking in the bucks, and my decisions about instrument-purchasing didn't affect her, I'm sure she'd say "go for it"; but since she makes more money, and we both feel (properly) that it's my responsibility to pay for my fair share and handle my part of the load, it has been proper and necessary to exercise restraint... and towards that end I've followed my own advice and (1) passed on several options I would've liked to keep the cost down; (2) sold stuff to help finance the bass; and (3) worked an extra job to generate extra $ to help pay for it. Again, best wishes, and let me know what you decide. Take care. | ||
| glocke
Intermediate Member Username: glocke Post Number: 187 Registered: 9-2002 |
ditto...its a no brainer...get the home... | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 752 Registered: 2-2005 |
I would say go for the house. There is always the potential to use it's equity to buy the bass down the road. Also once you get into the swing of owning you might find saving the money for the bass isn't going to be an issue. Keith | ||
| lidon2001
Advanced Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 307 Registered: 4-2005 |
What Keith said; I used my equity to get my customs. Get the house, IMHO. Good luck and have fun Adam. T | ||
| speicky
Intermediate Member Username: speicky Post Number: 198 Registered: 3-2005 |
Adam, I also vote for "house". When my girl and me bought a flat for $200.000 in 2000, it made me nervous to have such big liabilities. Looking back after seven years, it was one of the best decisions we did. Almost 30% of the loan is paid off, salary increases year after year while the payoffs remain the same, and even since I caught a serious infection in 2004 (refered to as "Alembic GAS" around here), we are still able to pay for a great living. You do not have to say goodbye to your dream custom bass, it will only be slightly delayed. Christian | ||
| glocke
Intermediate Member Username: glocke Post Number: 188 Registered: 9-2002 |
I was going to comment on using the future equity in your home for a custom bass...But after being a home owner myself for about 4-5 years, and having accumalted a fair amount of equity (some of which was borrowed against and not spent wisely), Id advise against that, and would suggest finding another way of paying for an alembic custom that wouldnt require you to tie up the equity in your house. As a homeowner, there will ALWAYS be unexpected and unforeseen things that may pop-up that you may need to borrow against your home for. Thinking of having kids? Maybe you will want to build a nursery and use your homes equity for that...parents or in-laws? If they have not prepared well for their future, you may have to assume the task of caring for them years down the road, in which case you may want to use your homes equity to build an "in-law" suite (a situation I am currently facing).... As for your custom, some good advice has been given here regarding options for you, but one thing to consider is just keeping an eye out for a used alembic that is close to what you want for your custom.... I myself have always wanted a custom series II built (for the past ten years), but with each passing year, I realize that probably is not going to happen, and am more than content with my used series I....Sure, its quilted maple and not the coco-bolo I would prefer, and does not have LED's, but it is still an Alembic, and I consider myself lucky to have it... Whatever your choice, choose wisely and think of the future implications of such an expense... | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1153 Registered: 12-2002 |
Hey glocke......if you sold some of them guns then maybe you could get that custom seriesII! | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1570 Registered: 3-2004 |
Well, I suppose it would depend how far you were pushing your credit on the home loan and how serious a custom you were looking to buy. If there's room to do so, you could try to build the cost of your bass into the mortgage from the start. If we're talking about a nice $5-7K instrument and a $150K+ home loan, that might make sense depending upon the state of your finances. If we're talking about a $15K+ Series bass and a $100K home loan, then probably not... | ||
| glocke
Intermediate Member Username: glocke Post Number: 189 Registered: 9-2002 |
haaa...gotta have the guns, dont you watch Jericho???? It may still happen for me...right now im in the process of selling my house (a townhouse), to move in with my mom and help with her care, and try to buy her house, (situated on 5 wooded acres that backs up to a county owned park)...Once the dust from that settles, I probably will look into getting rid of some of my more collectable rifles, my skylark (which surprisingly hasnt generated that much interest when ive advertised it), and maybe my '72 jazz....those items will go along way towards a custom SII of my dreams.... | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1295 Registered: 2-2006 |
Hi Adam, I didn't realize you had a house riding on this when we spoke Saturday. While I do think you can justify a new bass being a pro I think the house takes precedence. I personally am not a fan of credit. Too many people get into trouble financially with credit cards. I would buy the house and set up a literal payment plan to myself as to where I could have the cash in 5 years to buy the axe outright. Good luck in what ever you decide. OLie | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2351 Registered: 7-2004 |
Adam: You wrote: "With all of these reasons I may not do it simply because I'm getting sick of debt and to make my wife happy, although she's not thrilled with the idea she is leaving it all up to me." Let me interpret. Your wife will not be happy if you go for the bass. If your wife isn't happy, you won't be happy. Get the house. Bill, tgo | ||
| the_mule
Senior Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 643 Registered: 1-2004 |
That custom would be born under a bad sign and negative mojo is not something to underestimate. It could potentially mean the downfall of your marriage, seriously. In my book there's only one good choice to be made: get the house! Wilfred | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1154 Registered: 12-2002 |
Dude your wife has her masters degree she'll be teaching next fall that means she'll be able to pay the Bills.........So fuckit get the Bass! | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2353 Registered: 7-2004 |
Keavin, you ain't married, are you? Logic has no place in this discussion! LOL Bill, tgo | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1155 Registered: 12-2002 |
yeah ive been married almost 15yrs, BUT i chose a chick with plenty money & she already had her own house! | ||
| jet_powers
Advanced Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 329 Registered: 2-2003 |
What Bob said about building the cost of the axe into the mortgage makes a bit of sense... you'll never find a better interest rate on a loan and you'll be able to write off the interest come tax time. The part that makes more sense is the one about keeping mama happy! JP | ||
| 2400wattman
Advanced Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 339 Registered: 11-2005 |
Thanks to you all for your input, even had I not posted this I was'nt going to do it as the thought of the debt itself was enough deterrent. I wanted to see what everyone else's opinions were and maybe other options for funding it. It'll just have to wait a while and my Series 1 must be sold to help fund the dream. I am curious about putting the cost of the bass into the mortgage just for the interest rate alone. Since I play for a living the bass is automatically a tax deduction. Again, thanks to you all and especially Will Gunn for his time and efforts in my "crunch time". p.s. I think I will tell my wife when she gets home from work the bass has been ordered just to watch her squirm a tiny bit. I'm really not sadistic, Just like yankin her chain every now and then. | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 754 Registered: 2-2005 |
If your going to yank your wifes chain make sure you have the completed mortgage application in hand. Dinner and tickets to a show wouldn't hurt either. That's what I would do after making Rene "squirm a tiny bit". LOL Keith | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1299 Registered: 2-2006 |
Living life in the edge eh' Adam. | ||
| 2400wattman
Advanced Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 340 Registered: 11-2005 |
It would be too boring if I did Olie, but I think I made her squirm enough with the thought of a grand purchase I could've made. So, no chain yankin today. Let her rest and yank it before she goes to work! YeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeHaaaaaawwww!!! Keith, well we went looking at houses yesterday so I think that's as good as it can get for now. Saw some nice homes I would'nt mind living in for the rest of my life, however I could'nt help but think "if we get this thing I'll never get that damn bass". As far as dinner, that's covered as soon as she's done w/her antibiotics it's her favorite German restaurant and big bottles of Weihenstephaner. The show will be carrying her to the car! | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1303 Registered: 2-2006 |
Don't you mean "multi-grand" purchase.  Ba-dump-dah Olie | ||
| 2400wattman
Advanced Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 341 Registered: 11-2005 |
Should've seen the look on her face when I told her how much this baby was going to be. She could not believe I would spend that much on ONE bass. Try( or have you?) explaining exquisite handmade beauty, pioneers in build,craftmanship and not to mention those electronics. | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 589 Registered: 9-2005 |
So, uh, Adam... Exactly what DID you have in mind...? Again, I'm curious -and I'm surely not the only one- on what you had/have in mind for this custom dream bass of yours. Care to share? Inquiring minds want to know! | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 590 Registered: 9-2005 |
By the way, we LOVE our new home!!! As awesome as an Alembic bass is (and we all know how awesome that IS) it can't compare to the thrill of pulling out YOUR HOUSEKEY and putting it in the lock to YOUR DOOR, and turning the key and walking into YOUR HOUSE!!! There's no doubt in my mind that when I bring my new 6-String home in a month or two, I'm NOT going to be lamenting that it's "only" a killer Signature deluxe instead of a decked out Series bass... rather, I'm going to thoroughly enjoy playing that killer Signature bass in my/our house. Our house is so GREAT!!! We love it. Save up, look around, educate yourself, and get the right house for you. When you do... you'll understand... it'll all be worth it! Take care, Adam. I'm certainly no expert, but when the time comes, I'd be happy to share some of the lessons we've learned -if you're interested. You certainly want to learn as much as you can about the process. We were most fortunate to have the benefit of valuable advice from friends of family who shared lots of important information of which we were totally ignorant. | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1438 Registered: 6-2002 |
Didn't one member (dannobasso?) mention he deposits money with Alembic, and orders a new bass when there's enough money? | ||
| 2400wattman
Advanced Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 342 Registered: 11-2005 |
Mark, check the "dreaming for now" posts | ||
| speicky
Intermediate Member Username: speicky Post Number: 199 Registered: 3-2005 |
Adam, still interested in Parkbrau ? I had our drummer organize some bottles, he was in Pirmasens recently to visit his relatives... cheers, Christian | ||
| 2400wattman
Advanced Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 344 Registered: 11-2005 |
Yes I am Christian, I don't know about customs as far as shipping alcohol but I'm sure there is some kind of limit. I'm not asking for a lot and of course willing to pay but I would like to get alt least a case(that's 24 beers over here, I don't know how your beer is packaged and sold over there.)Again whatever I can get would be great. Thanks! | ||
| palmann
Member Username: palmann Post Number: 62 Registered: 6-2005 |
Parkbräu is a good beer. :-) Gruesse, Pablo |
