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Alembic Series II appraisal wanted

#21
FC Bass said:
Series I body has a 5 piece laminated body, Series II has a 7 piece laminated body. This bass has a 5 piece body, so that's Series I ;-)

Standard specs for Series II include: gold plated hardware (chrome for Series I), continuous wood backplates (brass for Series I), side leds (side dots for Series I), Standard Omega body shape, (Standard Point body shape for series I) and inlaid logo with shell (surface mounted logo for Series I)
Those options (including the 7 piece neck, the body lams can't be specified in the quote gen.) account for a $4450 upcharge in the custom Quote generator: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] The upcharge for the electronics is $800

IIrc they won't do the Epic bodystyle with Series Electronics (electronics wouldn't fit in there)
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Whoa, good info! Thanks.

Makes me think there's a real sweet spot value-wise that can be achieved via upgrading the electronics (only) on a Series I instrument to Series II.

...not that the word "value" comes into play much when spec'ing a Series instrument. :) Nor should it.
 
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#23
This seems like a reasonable asking price.

If you buy straight from alembic, this would probably cost you ~$24k
If you're buying straight from a dealer (like Bass Central), this would probably cost you ~$20k
If you're buying used, Alembics lose their value after the first owner. Series II's pop up for anywhere from $6k-$12k depending on the year.

I'd look over at the Alembic Club to see what other similar basses have sold for. This same bass is listed over there:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

If you contact him through the Alembic Club, you should be able to talk them down. Alembic owners like to know their basses are ending up in good hands and generally try to keep them within the circle.
 
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#24
so it's basically 16 years old, but today it would sell for about 20K brand new..... considering inflation and price increases, what's a fair price? $7-8K? he seems to want 12K on the Alembic club forum, but that would seem more appropriate for a 2-3 year old used, no?
 
#25
SamJ said:
That catalogue shows it as a Series I, not II, how can that be?

Now this thread is a bit all over the map.. some are telling me this is an $8K bass new, others $26K... anyone who's actually bought and sold Series I/II recently have an some solid info?
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There is a large difference between the new Alembic pricing and the pricing for instruments on the used market. $20k could be about right for the new instrument, if you spec'd it and bought it that way from Alembic. The used market is a different thing. The best reference on the used instruments would be Mica Wickersham at Alembic. I'm sure she would be happy to discuss that bass and its value on the used market with you, if you want to take the time to call her. Mica is awesome.
 
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#26
I don't think there is much difference between a 16 year old Series II and a new Series II. Ron hasn't changed his approach to that electronics package in that time. I have Series I electronics in the bass in my avatar and my bass is 11 years old and nothing has changed. If I were to sell my bass, I would ask a price at around 50% of what a new bass, including discounts, would cost. I think the seller is asking a reasonable, albeit a tad high, price. I can't blame him. It's a beautiful, unique bass that probably sounds like a monster.

Bones
 
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#28
BTW, the one word of caution I would recommend is to try a Series I or II long scale before you buy. The Alembic design was originally done by Mica's Mom, Susan (another great person), in a medium scale format, modeled somewhat after the Guild Starfire. IME the Medium scale is a one size fits all; and they are somewhat less common on the used market because players become quite attached to them. The long scale format is more like the Fender scale length, but presents some ergonomic issues for SOME people. I know some cats who have zero problem with them. In my case, the LSB didn't feel very comfortable. MSB or SSB for me all the way.

That's for the traditional body design. The Balance Point is a different kettle of fish. Good luck.
 
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#29
PortlandBass77 said:
I guess that's a good price relative??? IDK but $23000-$28000 is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy to much to pay for any bass.....
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For you and me, that is probably true. Not for others.

I have somewhat recently spec'd a new bass with them. It was too rich for my resources. But, that doesn't mean it wouldn't be worth it, if the resource side was different.
 
#30
bucephylus said:
For you and me, that is probably true. Not for others.

I have somewhat recently spec'd a new bass with them. It was too rich for my resources. But, that doesn't mean it wouldn't be worth it, if the resource side was different.
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I find it impossible to believe that buying a $20,000 instrument will get you any improvements from a $10,000 or even $5,000 custom instrument. By this point it's just the manufacturer wayyyyyy overcharging.
 
#31
PortlandBass77 said:
I find it impossible to believe that buying a $20,000 instrument will get you any improvements from a $10,000 or even $5,000 custom instrument. By this point it's just the manufacturer wayyyyyy overcharging.
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Tell that to the guys playing on $200,000 Steinways and Yamahas.. there is no price for perfection, and these Series II are an order of magnitude nicer than anything made. Moreover, Alembic has been making this level of perfection for decades.. I'm probably not going to be able to swing this one, but I've got my eyes open for the "right" one... A Europa or Rogue 4-string built in the 90's or 2000's is what I really want.
 
#32
PortlandBass77 said:
I find it impossible to believe that buying a $20,000 instrument will get you any improvements from a $10,000 or even $5,000 custom instrument. By this point it's just the manufacturer wayyyyyy overcharging.
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Not really. Alembic is simply charging what it costs them to actually design, lay out, and make each instrument, one at a time. This is actual cost for a small maker that takes a no-holds-barred approach. To be clear, I mean by "actual cost" what it takes them to run the company in the black. Trust me, they aren't getting rich doing this. The bass I spec'd had several unique refinements; and that is what they are really good at.

I do agree with you that the normal bass player does not require this level of refinement. Honestly, I could probably do almost all of my gigs with an MIM Fender J; though I would probably change up a bunch of stuff on it to get it right for me. No, we do not NEED this level of instrument; that is, most of us. This isn't a NEED thing.

At the end of the day, the performance is all about the player; which is what you are saying; and I strongly agree with that. Alembic is an amazing small company that does amazing things. They can create VERY special instruments. Nope, many of us don't NEED them. For my part, I own one I bought used, and which I treasure and enjoy very much.
 
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#36
SamJ, my current Alembic is based on a Europa body. I think it's Alembic's most ergonomic design. Also, I've owned a stock Europa in the past. The stock electronics package is very flexible and sounds great. I hope you find the right bass for your purposes.

Happy Hunting,
Bones
 
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#37
The current Series II's have some standard features that were options in 1989, that would account for some the 2015 price increase. $26,500/List is accurate for a new 2015 Series II w/burl maple top and back but the price was A LOT less 25 years ago when this bass was built. It appears in great shape and the pricing IMHO is fairly reasonable, I wouldn't spend it but a "true believer" may. I owned a '76 Series One more quite some time and as nice as it was I eventually sold it.
 
#38
PortlandBass77 said:
I find it impossible to believe that buying a $20,000 instrument will get you any improvements from a $10,000 or even $5,000 custom instrument. By this point it's just the manufacturer wayyyyyy overcharging.
Click to expand...

Not at all. They set their prices at a point where the demand for their product is balanced with their capacity. They make good enough instruments that the market will bear what they ask. $25k+ is way more than I will ever be able to afford for a bass, but that's not a problem for them. They have plenty of customers who can afford their instruments. Good for them.

My roadworn Epic 5 did not cost me anywhere near the list price for a new one, and it's likely the only Alembic I will ever own, but that's OK. I love that bass and I am lucky to have it.

You guys who can afford new Series II basses, enjoy them! I know I would.
 
#39
Oh, there they are. It's a beautiful bass. And it lights up! Seems reasonable.

A few more hours of market research should yield a price range.

Only one person needs to make the "is it worth it?" decision: a buyer.

After years of lust, I finally got to play a Alembic Series 2. I knew imeadiatly that I wouldn't get along with the neck profile. Good to know.

I think I'll watch that auction just see what happens.
 
#40
wideload said:
Just a note-
The bass in the ads is similar to the one mentioned for sale, but is not the same bass. Note 5 rotary knobs, not 4 on the ad basses.
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Following your logic this can't be the same bass?

aaafretlessbody.jpg


full.jpg


There's no doubt about it, It's the same bass ;-)
 

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