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Alembic Essence 5 - What's a fair price

#2
youngeddie said:
Hello,

I've got an Alembic four string "Series 1" bass from the 70's That I love deeply.

I want a five string bass, so I'm looking at an Alembic "Essence 5".

The seller is asking $3,700. Is that a fair price?

Please let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Eddie
Click to expand...
That price is way too high for the US market- assuming it's a standard Essence. Do you have any details on the bass or pictures of it?
 
#4
Here are the specs that I was given:

1999 Alembic Essence

Excellent-Mint condition

5 Strings

Beautiful 3 A's Quilted maple top upgrade

Red side LED'S upgraded

Original Protect triangle case

Strung with the Premium Gold plated Optima strings

Ebony fretboard

Controls are Vol,Pan,Filter.

2 poweful MXY 56

34" Scale

Magohany body

I was told that a NEW one is $9,000, but this is almost like New!

I'm back...

I'm trying to attach a picture... this is my first time using this forum, so I hope it works.

Thanks very much for your help.

Eddie
 
#11
He put a link in the auction to the Essence page where you can build your own. If you match the specs listed it comes up to $9k. I don't know if that's the "real" price but that's probably where he got his number from.

Good luck, I hope it's what you wanted!
 
#12
youngeddie said:
Ouch! I guess I really acted too soon by putting a bid in on this bass. Do you think it's true that the bass cost $9000 new?

Oh boy... Thanks for your input.

Eddie
Click to expand...

The $9,000 is what a new bass ordered to that spec would LIST for today. I've yet to meet anyone who paid LIST for a new Alembic. Figure about a 20-25% discount with most dealers, so about $7,200, maybe.

Now also keep in mind that this bass was built in 1998-99. My 2000 Series 2 would've listed just over $10K back in 2000 when I ordered it. I paid a lot less than that through my dealer. After 3 or 4 price increases since mine was built, an identical bass would LIST for over $15K today. So the question is, what did the Essence 5 with LED list for in 1999.

One effect of the price increases is that used prices have also gone up. 5 years ago I might have gotten @ $4,500 if I were to sell my Series 2 (no plans to do that, btw). Recently I've seen similar basses sell used for more than paid for mine new back in 2000.

For the eBay Essence 5 with LEDs, I'd think $2,000-2,200 would be going rate. But that's just me.
 
#14
youngeddie said:
Thanks guys for all the info... I wish I would have found this forum before clicking on the "bid button".

Eddie
Click to expand...

I wouldn't beat myself up too much. In spite of all the seller hype if the condition is anything close to the description It's not such a bad price. I say that because while an AVERAGE essence might be in the range described, this one isn't "average"!! If it's virtually new with that absolutely stunning maple top, plus the LEDs it really is going to be worth more. Plus all the price increases do indeed run the value up. I notice that Epics like mine are selling used for what I paid when I bought it. And they are "average" not like new. So if I compare the flamed maple on mine to that seen on the photo of the Essence, I don't find the price particularly out of line. As the seller says, how else are you going to get one this nice except buy a new one which will probably be twice the price?

On the other hand if the bass is not exactly as the seller described then you may have a complaint. For example, a big belt buckle rash would NOT indicate that the bass was played once and only handled wearing gloves!
 
#15
Hi bassbenj,

Thanks very much for your encouraging words. I've been writing back and forth with the seller for that past hour, and I think he makes a good case. The fact that your comments agree with his is very reassuring.

I live 30 minutes from the seller so I'm asking him to let me come by and pick up the bass, and give him the check after I've seen the instrument. If he agrees to that, I think I'd be happy.

What I really wish is that my 1979 Alembic "Series 1" four string would just grow another string. That would be the best case scenario.

Thanks, Eddie
 
#16
Malthumb is absolutely right, but you forgot the monthly special. It would be around $6000 new today.

I've paid around 3100 Euro for my 2006 custom and 8500 Euro for my 2010 Elan 5 (2008 price and no leds, but with lots of extremely expensive custom features and elaborate electronics, see Link Removed)
Here's what the UK dealer has in store: Link Removed
The "Orion 5 Coco Bolo 5" is brand new and has the same features as an Essence minus the Leds - plus a Coco Bolo top, go figure ;-)
 
#17
Thanks guys for all your input. I really appreciate it.

I made a deal with the seller tonight to have a look at the bass tomorrow (we live pretty close to each other) and pay $3500 if the bass is everything he promised it was. I know it's a lot of money, but I'm really excited about getting a new Alembic five string. I've wanted one for a long time.

Thanks again!!! Eddie
 
#18
youngeddie said:
Thanks guys for all your input. I really appreciate it.

I made a deal with the seller tonight to have a look at the bass tomorrow (we live pretty close to each other) and pay $3500 if the bass is everything he promised it was. I know it's a lot of money, but I'm really excited about getting a new Alembic five string. I've wanted one for a long time.

Thanks again!!! Eddie
Click to expand...

Remember, if you love it, can afford that price, and play it instead of reselling it, than it's worth it.

Good luck, JBY
 
#19
Good luck. It may have extra neck laminations vs the standard Essence, which would be another upcharge, but I'm not terribly familiar with that model.

The black 5 string Distillate looks awesome though. Glad I saw that AFTER I spent all my savings on a new roof, and not before, or I'd be without a roof right now.
 
#20
Hi Guys,

Well, the Alembic Essence is mine. It's really beautiful, and plays great. It's smaller, and lighter than my '79 "Series 1", which isn't a bad thing.

I'm really happy, and do sincerely thank you guys for your comments and suggestions. There has been a lot of extra things added on to the bass and for a 1999 instrument, it looks just like new.

Thanks guys!! Eddie
 

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