ANDREAS SHARKS!!! Basking Shark 5, Bull Shark 4, Gray, and Fierce Sharks (II)

MoonDoggy · #1 11-16-2010, 06:30 PM

Andreas Shark collection take 2:

Andreas history:
Andreas Pichler is the Austrian genius behind these instruments. He was formally trained in luthiery since he was 14 years old. He and a crew of about three others produced about 400 Andreas Shark instruments from about 2001-2003. String manufacturer Thomastik-Infeld bought Andreas out in 2003 and fizzled out production all together.

Earlier Shark basses all came with Alembic AE-3 soapbars and Alembic 2-band active preamps, aluminum fingerboards, extended scale, and transparent finishes. The guitars had options of HSS or HH configurations from EMG, Schaller, Seymour Duncan, or Andreas own custom made p/ups. They also featured unique transparent burst fishes, aluminum boards, aluminum headstocks, and hard tail roller bridges or strat style tremolos. Later versions of the guitars and basses had rubberized opaque finishes, wood fingerboards, cheaper electronics, and overall cheaper components. There are some instruments made during transition period; for example, someone here on TB has a rare version of the Shark 5 bass with Alembics and aluminum coupled with the rubberized finish.

All of these Andreas instruments are the top-of-the-line versions.

References:
http://www.ariaguitars.com/jp/02prod...s/blineup.html

http://www.guitar-list.com/brands/andreas-guitars

http://www.musicianshotline.com/arch...as_guitars.htm

http://www.musicianshotline.com/arch...reas_shark.htm

BASKING SHARK 5:
Neck: select uniformly dried Maple
Fingerboard: ALUMINUM! (special treated to prevent oxidation/corrosion)
Scale: 35.8” (913mm)
Width at nut: 45.48mm (1.78") (my measurements)
Width at bridge (center B to center G): 69mm (2.72") (my measurements)
Weight: 3.5kg (It comes in at 9.5 lbs. on my bathroom scale)
Neck: Maple
Body: select uniformly dried 2-pc Ash
Frets: Jumbo, 24
Finish: Natural Black Burst
Tuners: Schaller M6 Light, Chrome matte
Nut: Graphite
Bridge: Schaller 3D, Chrome matte
Pickups: Alembic AE-3 soapbars
Electronics: Alembic 2-band
Finish: transparent natural to blue/black./purple-ish burst, satin
Condition: Near mint.
Case: Andreas heavy duty flight case (excellent condition)
Photos:
http://s27.photobucket.com/albums/c1...g%20Shark%205/

BULL SHARK 4:
Neck: select uniformly dried Maple
Fingerboard: ALUMINUM! (special treated to prevent oxidation/corrosion)
Scale: 35.8” (913mm)
Width at nut: 39.77mm (1.57") (my measurements)
Width at bridge (center E to center G): 59.71mm (2.35") (my measurements)
Weight: 3.5kg (It comes in at 9.5 lbs. on my bathroom scale)
Neck: Maple
Body: select uniformly dried 2-pc Ash
Frets: Jumbo, 24
Tuners: Schaller M6 Light, Chrome matte
Nut: Graphite
Bridge: Schaller 3D, Chrome matte
Pickups: Alembic AE-3 soapbars
Electronics: Alembic 2-band
Finish: transparent red to black burst, satin
Condition: Near mint.
Case: Andreas gigbag (excellent condition)
Photos:
http://s27.photobucket.com/albums/c1...l%20Shark%204/

GRAY SHARK GUITAR:
Neck: select Maple
Fingerboard: Aluminum
Headstock: Aluminum
Pickguard: Aluminum
Scale: 25.59” (650mm)
Width at nut: 1.64” (41.88mm)
Width at bridge: 2.08” (53mm)
Weight: 3.2kg
Frets: Jumbo, 22
Body: select Maple
Finish: transparent natural to black/blue/purple-ish burst
Tuners: Schaller M6 matte chrome
Nut: Schaller graphite
Bridge: Schaller 2000 Tremolo
Pickups: EMG HSS. Humbucker is ???
Case: heavy duty flight case, excellent condition
Photos:
http://s27.photobucket.com/albums/c1...hark%20Guitar/

FIERCE SHARK GUITAR:
Neck: select Maple
Fingerboard: Aluminum
Headstock: Aluminum
Pickguard: none
Scale: 25.59” (650mm)
Width at nut: 1.64” (41.88mm)
Width at bridge: 2.08” (53mm)
Weight: 3kg
Frets: Jumbo, 22
Body: 1-pc Burnt Western Larch
Finish: satin/matte (textured burnt treatment!)
Tuners: Schaller M6 matte chrome
Nut: Schaller graphite
Bridge: hardtail Schaller Roller
Pickups: Schaller HSS w/ satin chrome covers
Case: beat up tweed gigbag
Photos:
http://s27.photobucket.com/albums/c1...hark%20Guitar/

Family photos:
http://s27.photobucket.com/albums/c1...reas%20Sharks/

There is one thing on these instruments that is a bit disappointing to me. Andreas claims to have used select uniformly-dried woods. But the Gray Shark has a knot in the wood (on the back of the arm rest), the Basking Shark has a birdseye inclusion (seen in close-up of pickups, to the right), and the Bull Shark (by bridge) and Fierce Shark (by bridge p/up, bridge, & upper horn) have naturally occurring cosmetic cracks. These are NOT structural; they are simply cosmetic flaws. I'm being picky, but because of these characteristics, I don’t consider these perfect, even though they came from the factory like this. They are all in excellent condition. Please look carefully at all photos. I took a lot of pics! The pics and my descriptions should show you everything you need to know.

- Basking Shark 5 bass w/ orig flight case: $2150
- Bull Shark 4 bass w/ Andreas gigbag: $2400 $2350 $2300 $2250 $2050
- Fierce Shark w/ generic tweed gigbag: $1600 $1550 $1500 $1450 $1300
- Gray Shark w/ orig flight case: $1325

- Matching pair of Basking Shark 5 AND Gray Shark guitar, AND both flight cases: $4100 $4000 $3950 $3900 $3375

If you wish to purchase the lot of 4 instruments, I’ll cut you a deal and do $7650 $7550 $7500 $7400 $6650

I will accept Postal Money Orders, and I'll work with you on S&H. I will split shipping within the US. I will gladly ship internationally.

I've dropped the prices to sell. This is as low as I can afford to go on these instruments- My ROCK-BOTTOMS. That means no 'Moondoggy Specials', no negotiating, no nothing.

Thanks for looking.

EDIT: Thanks to TBer smeet I now have links to sound clips:

WMA files:
http://sumitdas.net/shark/Both%20Pic...20Flat%20Eq.wma
http://sumitdas.net/shark/Bridge%20P...0Flat%20Eq.wma
http://sumitdas.net/shark/Neck%20Hea...eb%20boost.wma
http://sumitdas.net/shark/Neck%20Pic...0Flat%20Eq.wma
http://sumitdas.net/shark/Super%20Ne...20-%20Slap.wma

WAV files:
http://sumitdas.net/shark/Both%20Pic...0Flat%20Eq.wav
http://sumitdas.net/shark/Bass_Treb%...20Heavy_01.wav
http://sumitdas.net/shark/Slap_01.wav
http://sumitdas.net/shark/Neck%20Pic...0Flat%20Eq.wav
http://sumitdas.net/shark/Bridge%20P...0Flat%20Eq.wav

MoonDoggy · #2 11-20-2010, 06:08 PM

So TBers, be completely honest with me. What is keeping you from buying these?

I know you'll say one reason is the economy being bad and that people aren't dropping big bucks on high end basses But... Foderas and Alembics, etc are selling great, and at average prices.

So is it that I'm asking too much?
Is it because these are rare and there's not much info on them?
Is it the scale length?
Is it the body shapes?

I really need to sell these. Christmas is looking glum unless I sell these!

austentaciousC · #3 11-20-2010, 06:22 PM

how do these basses sound?

MoonDoggy · #4 11-20-2010, 09:40 PM

They sound phenomenal. They make great slap basses and definitely have that Alembic/Stanley Clarke thing going for them. The extended scale makes drop tuning sound great too.

Also, I should note that the assumption about an aluminum fingerboard making for a very bright harsh tone is complete wrong. The fingerboard is a thing of beauty and allows you to get a warm mellow tone if you want. I think the fingerboard really allows this bass to be very articulate. Chording is amazing with it as it's never muddy, even in the lower registers.

I'll try to get some sound clips, but I can't promise anything.

Montanamike · #5 11-20-2010, 11:56 PM

Interesting, sound clips might help.

It is a bit of fear of the unknown.

EduardoK · #6 11-21-2010, 02:19 AM

That's me the other TBer who has a Shark bass

.
Same scale length, aluminum fretboard and same electronics as these, but mine's got a cool green rubberized finish.
These are good basses. Don't be afraid of the scale length because neck is VERY slim.
I'd say Montranamike is totally right, people have fear because these basses (and the luthier) are quite unknown.
If you are for a vintage super-warm tone look elsewhere, these are top hi-tech basses and that translates into tone. And there's nothing wrong about that!
It is a matter of preference or application. If you're towards a modern tone, these basses will surprise you!
Here's a free bump for some very cool instruments, best of luck with the sale MoonDoggy!

MoonDoggy · #7 11-22-2010, 10:47 AM

Thanks EdK. They truly are great instruments.

I guess that's my downfall. I try to find basses that are rare and not many other people have. I want basses that look, feel, and most importantly sound unique!

MoonDoggy · #8 12-05-2010, 05:03 PM

SOUND CLIPS!!!!! I FINALLY HAVE SOUND CLIPS!

I recorded some sloppy sound clips of the Basking Shark 5. The Bull Shark 4 bass sounds the same of course, just w/out the low B. I ran the bass through a DI into a PC and it was recorded w/ ProTools. There was absolutely no altering or coloring of the tone. It's all bass! This bass records AMAZINGLY and is crystal clear with zero noisiness.

Send me an email, and let me know if you want WMA or WAV files. The WAVs will take a few emails, as they are bigger file sizes.

Thanks TB!

MoonDoggy · #9 12-09-2010, 10:15 AM

Bump.

Seriously?!? I had several requests by people wanting to hear these basses, and now that I have sound clips ready to send out on a moments notice, I've only had ONE person ask for them.

Is there nobody that is interested in these, but just doesn't want to pull the trigger because they don't know what they sound like?

smeet · #10 12-09-2010, 11:14 AM

Can you attach the sound clips or post a link? That might help the casually interested shopper.

I think these are cool instruments and I would love to try them out, but personally the aluminum fingerboard is a big unknown to buy without playing. If I had all the traditional instruments I wanted, these would be in contention.

MoonDoggy · #11 12-12-2010, 03:06 PM

I don't know how to attach clips. If someone would be so kind as to tell me a good audio file hosting site, it would be mucho appreciated. Although, if anyone is seriously considering these instruments, it should be no bother to email me for clips.

And the aluminum fingerboard really isn't an unknown at all. What exactly are you unsure about with it? The only differences could be in looks, tone, or feel, right? Of course the looks are different, but I think the aluminum is a very nice change from typical rosewood or maple. The tone is not the bright harsh tone one might expect from a metal fingerboard. The sound clips will prove that. And there's no difference in feel of course. Do you really 'feel' the fingerboard when playing? The edge is about the same as a normal wood fingerboard. Vigier has had success with aluminum boards as an option on their instruments. Nexus even uses granite as an option!!!!

So, no, there really is no unknowns with the fingerboards on these Shark basses.

MoonDoggy · #12 12-18-2010, 11:48 AM

BUMP.

Surely there are 1 or 2 more TBers out there that can vouch for these Andreas instruments!?!??

smeet · #13 12-18-2010, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoonDoggy

And the aluminum fingerboard really isn't an unknown at all. What exactly are you unsure about with it? The only differences could be in looks, tone, or feel, right? Of course the looks are different, but I think the aluminum is a very nice change from typical rosewood or maple. The tone is not the bright harsh tone one might expect from a metal fingerboard. The sound clips will prove that. And there's no difference in feel of course. Do you really 'feel' the fingerboard when playing? The edge is about the same as a normal wood fingerboard. Vigier has had success with aluminum boards as an option on their instruments. Nexus even uses granite as an option!!!!

So, no, there really is no unknowns with the fingerboards on these Shark basses.

I was trying to help by telling you how I and probably many other people feel about it. It's a lot of money to spend for even a subtle difference in tone or feel. So, to me, yes, it's an unknown.

mglabrie · #14 12-19-2010, 01:48 AM

PM request for sound clip sent. Thanks

Vakmere · #15 12-19-2010, 05:29 AM

Aluminum finger board? Must sound great for metal.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c1...sking%20Shark%

I want to hear this!! Send me a clip.

MoonDoggy · #16 12-19-2010, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smeet

I was trying to help by telling you how I and probably many other people feel about it. It's a lot of money to spend for even a subtle difference in tone or feel. So, to me, yes, it's an unknown.

I'm sorry to come across as defensive. I'm just frustrated about my basses not selling and not having enough cash to get my wife a safer car with snow on the ground. I do see your point now, and yes, it is a good amount of money for someone to spend not knowing exactly what they're getting. That being said, if anyone in the NE Ohio area is seriously interested in buying, I'll gladly do some traveling to allow you to test drive these in person.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mglabrie

PM request for sound clip sent. Thanks

PM replied. Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vakmere

Aluminum finger board? Must sound great for metal.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c1...sking%20Shark%

I want to hear this!! Send me a clip.

PM me your email address, and I'll send them your way.

Thanks TB.

**Mound of Sound** · #17 12-19-2010, 08:50 AM

First off, although I'm sure they are excellent instruments, $2K+ to drop on an instrument sight unseen is a lot of change, especially this time of year. Due to their uniqueness, they are going to appeal to only a small section of this community. Most people (IMO) would be willing to shell out for more familiar instruments with familiar shapes and build materials.

Second, your OP has a little too much negativity in the conditions of the sale:

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoonDoggy

No PayPal. Prices do not include S&H. I will gladly ship internationally.

I've dropped the prices to sell. This is as low as I can afford to go on these instruments- My ROCK-BOTTOMS. That means no 'Moondoggy Specials', no negotiating, no nothing.

Sales 101: never tell someone they can't have something their way. Too much no,no,no automatically shuts people out. No PayPal already turns off half of potential customers, as someone may not be comfortable sending a check to someone they don't know across the country.

You may be better off telling people what payment methods you DO accept, and listing the prices as "$2100 + shipping, firm." Also, let people know that you may be willing to work with people on payment and shipping options, for the right deal, of course. Change the negatives into positives, you might get a few more bites.

I know your frustration. It's tough to fathom that things you think are awesome, no one else seems to think the same. Hang in there. These are nice basses - someone will buy them soon. Good luck.

Bump

LaklandMike · #18 12-19-2010, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mound of Sound

First off, although I'm sure they are excellent instruments, $2K+ to drop on an instrument sight unseen is a lot of change, especially this time of year. Due to their uniqueness, they are going to appeal to only a small section of this community. Most people (IMO) would be willing to shell out for more familiar instruments with familiar shapes and build materials.

Second, your OP has a little too much negativity in the conditions of the sale:

Sales 101: never tell someone they can't have something their way. Too much no,no,no automatically shuts people out. No PayPal already turns off half of potential customers, as someone may not be comfortable sending a check to someone they don't know across the country.

You may be better off telling people what payment methods you DO accept, and listing the prices as "$2100 + shipping, firm." Also, let people know that you may be willing to work with people on payment and shipping options, for the right deal, of course. Change the negatives into positives, you might get a few more bites.

I know your frustration. It's tough to fathom that things you think are awesome, no one else seems to think the same. Hang in there. These are nice basses - someone will buy them soon. Good luck.

Bump

+1
Seriously

And bump for potential sound clips linked in the thread. I would LOVE to hear what those crazy basses sound like!

MoonDoggy · #19 12-19-2010, 01:46 PM

Thanks for the advice guys. What I think sounds good in my head I guess doesn't exactly come across as good selling points! I'll keep on trying and I'll be a bit more accommodating!

And sound clips are coming soon thanks to Smeet.

smeet · #20 12-19-2010, 04:57 PM