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Alembic Elan 1988 Bass

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by AngryArgentine, Nov 13, 2001.

  1. Nov 13, 2001 #1
    AngryArgentine

    AngryArgentine

    Jul 10, 2001
    Baltimore, Maryland
    My friend offered to sell me his Alembic Elan 1988 Bass for $800!!!!! In perfect condition, Quilted Maple AAA, Jazz pickups, Tobacco Burst, 32" scale, And Alembic said they had some special type of electronics when I called and gave them the serial number: 88H4970. I think this is an amazing deal because Alembic told me it would have a replacement value of $4300. So do you guys think it's a good deal? :)
     
  2. Nov 13, 2001 #2
    boogiebass

    boogiebass

    Aug 16, 2000
    Sounds OK. Alembics have notoriously low resale values, however. If there's nothing wrong with it and you like the way it plays and sounds, I'd say you could probably get your money out of it later if you decide to dump it. Alembic list prices have virtually nothing to do with what you can get for them used so keep that in mind before you buy. Otherwise, go for it! Elans are pretty nice.
     
  3. Nov 13, 2001 #3
    PJR

    PJR

    Jun 20, 2001
    N.E. PA
    Sounds good to me......go for it !!

    PJR
     
  4. Nov 13, 2001 #4
    alembicbones

    alembicbones

    Nov 10, 2000
    Seattle, WA
    Angry,

    I know the Elan body style was the precursor to the Europa but the electronics package is different.

    Could you pass along the eletronics info? (vol, pan, low pass filter, q switch, etc.)

    Bones
     
  5. Nov 13, 2001 #5
    j.s.basuki

    j.s.basuki Supporting Member

    May 14, 2000
    asia/australia
    I sold my Elan 5 few months ago, I bought it for US 1,200 brand new from local dealer. I bought it not because of the sound or playability but merely because of the nice piece of woodwork.
    It was good for showing to people, because the wood was soo good looking.
    I played for perhaps 3 times and I gave up, it hurt my shoulder. and fretboard was so cramped because the string distance was only 15 mm, I could not slap well . The neck width was hardly tapered , the same from nut to the bridge. The electronic was so simple, Vol, Pan , Tone and coil switch. The sound was quite good but just wasn't my taste.

    Then I got lucky, someone new saw it and I could sell to him for US1,500 :D

    So my suggestion is , try it until you really feel satisfied, it ok then buy it.
     
  6. Nov 13, 2001 #6
    arvidgunardi

    arvidgunardi

    Mar 18, 2001
    Jakarta Indonesia
    I think the model you got has the regular electronics, not the famous low-pass filter. That could be the reason why the electronics sounds "good". As many knows, one of the reason anyone get an Alembic is to get their low pass filter electronics.

    For some weird reason, almost all of the Alembics here in Indonesia doesn't have that electronics. Maybe the distributor is trying to cut the cost down by getting the regular electronics. But again, if anyone should try to get an Alembic, get it with the Lo-pass filter option.
     
  7. Nov 14, 2001 #7
    alembicbones

    alembicbones

    Nov 10, 2000
    Seattle, WA
    When it comes to Alembics, I completely agree with Arvid, the low pass filter(s) is an essential component of the electronics package.

    Bones