Help with an Alembic

[Rebo213]

BG fans over there,
I have some interest in an Alembic that some guy is selling over here.
This is IT: http://neuserland.spaces.live.com/P...lderID=cns!4DDE99A0E46933C5!124&_c=PhotoAlbum
I don´t know the model, anybody can help me? Also, how much you will pay for a bass like that in USA? He is selling it for 1300 € in spain, aprox 1770 $, but you know, Europe is different
Thanks a lot

 

[Christov]

To me it looks like an Elan. Here is a picture of my 1992 Elan 5 string that I had. It is very similar.

 

[puff father]

Looks like my Spoiler (except for color). I've had mine for over twenty years and it's been a great, solid dependable working bass.

Here's a pic of the body:

Mine cost $1600 new in '1985. Black finish was $200 extra.

Over at the Alembic web site there is a Spoiler club. You maybe can get more info there.

 

[subsonic87]

Yeah, looks like a Spoiler to me.

 

[relayer66]

Definitely a Spoiler. Price sounds about right depending on what shape it's in. I paid $2k new for my 5-string in '89, and the new ones go for a lot more than that now. Looks like a rosewood top, and appears to be in pretty good shape.

 

[Rebo213]

Thank you fellas
Yeah, its more like an Spoiler, that Elan seems to be superior quality than this one...
Soundwise, how is your Spoiler, puff father? I´m mainly a DB player but I need a BG just for things that I can´t do with the DB, and I used to play jazzbass, the alembic it´s not my favorite look but it seems to have a very good construction...

 

[tbrannon]

Definetly a spoiler. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] on the Alembic forum.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] from the Alembic site.

They're great basses- you get a filter and Q switch, which IMO are the keys to the "Alembic" sound.

Price wise it seems to be a bit high by US standards, but Alembics are much harder to come across on your side of the pond.

Looks to be in good shape- if you were to pull the trigger, you could probably play the thing for 3 years, turn around and flick it off for as much as you paid- if not more. You won't lose money on a used Spoiler.

 

[nanookanono]

mind the scale is usually medium = 32" only...

 

[Rebo213]

Yeah, it´s another point, can it lack sustain or power for that reason? I suppose it will be a bright bass, but we need low end, you know

 

[jazzbo58]

Don't worry about the sustain due to the scale. Alembics sustain like a piano. They can be bright ,but you'll have a filter to dial in the sound you want. I don't think you'll regret the purchase. Go for it!

Cheers,
Jim