Value of an Alembic Epic?

[bblumenthal]

Hey, all..

Nice to find this community.. I just joined. I was searching the web trying to get a handle on what a bass I own is worth and one of the google hits was this site.

I'm primarily a jazz pianist and classical violinist (go figure), but I started playing upright bass 25 years ago as part of my day gig (public school orchestra teacher). I soon discovered that bass players are even more employable than pianists, and I was getting work as much work as a borderline-competent bassist as I was a more than borderline-competent pianist. I never dug electric bass because I couldn't get past the whole fret thing (violin background), but I picked up a cheap fretless Peavey and that opened the door. A few years later I found what I thought was a great deal on a 5-string fretless Alembic Epic; I've always love the sound of an Alembic, and one of my old college cronies played one... beautifully.

Fast forward 15 years or so.. I'm now an established pianist in the Syracuse area, and only play the Alembic once a year or so. It's in pristine condition. Any idea what it's worth? I still don't know if I want to sell it or not; I've seen posts from $850 or so up to $2695 (which sounds impossible to me). If they really are going for anywhere near that much, I probably don't deserve this bass anymore. If they're down around the low end of that range.. well.. I deserve it. Any one have an informed opinion as to the value of the instrument? I"m curious..

I'll check back here, of coure, but feel free to send private messages if you wish.

Thanks...

Barry

 

[bassman10096]

Pristine, your bass should bring a good bit more than the minimum you mentioned and perhaps more than $2K (in a rare case). Anyway, that's my opinion. You would probably benefit from asking the guys at the Alembic Club. You can post for free and most basses for sale move there. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[bblumenthal]

Bassman,

Thanks for the reply; much appreciated... especially since it was with good news. I'll check out the Alembic site you mentioned.

Best wishes..

Barry

 

[ggunn]

Hey, all..

Nice to find this community.. I just joined. I was searching the web trying to get a handle on what a bass I own is worth and one of the google hits was this site.

I'm primarily a jazz pianist and classical violinist (go figure), but I started playing upright bass 25 years ago as part of my day gig (public school orchestra teacher). I soon discovered that bass players are even more employable than pianists, and I was getting work as much work as a borderline-competent bassist as I was a more than borderline-competent pianist. I never dug electric bass because I couldn't get past the whole fret thing (violin background), but I picked up a cheap fretless Peavey and that opened the door. A few years later I found what I thought was a great deal on a 5-string fretless Alembic Epic; I've always love the sound of an Alembic, and one of my old college cronies played one... beautifully.

Fast forward 15 years or so.. I'm now an established pianist in the Syracuse area, and only play the Alembic once a year or so. It's in pristine condition. Any idea what it's worth? I still don't know if I want to sell it or not; I've seen posts from $850 or so up to $2695 (which sounds impossible to me). If they really are going for anywhere near that much, I probably don't deserve this bass anymore. If they're down around the low end of that range.. well.. I deserve it. Any one have an informed opinion as to the value of the instrument? I"m curious..

I'll check back here, of coure, but feel free to send private messages if you wish.

Thanks...

Barry

FWIW, I paid about $1200 for my used Epic 5. It was (and still is) in pretty good condition, though not mint. I got it at a small independent music store, so the street value would probably have been a little less.

 

[bassplaynmatt]

I had an Epic fretted 6 for years and recently sold it for $1300. I'm currently playing an Alembic Elan from the late 80's. As a member of the Alembic owners club it's been my experience that the reason most Alembic guys won't pay $2000 for an Epic is the set neck and lower level pickups/preamp. In the world of Alembic the big money comes from the 11 piece neck through basses and the series 1 and series 2 pickups, also the rare custom stuff. The Epic is more of an entry level Alembic but a great bass none the less. If I were you I'd just keep it. For the price you can't find another boutique style bass to replace it if you ever wanted one again.