Would You Make This Trade?

[alembicbones]

Hi All,

I'm curious with your collective thoughts on this.

I own an Alembic Europa 5 String with Series I electronics that was custom built for me back in 2003. My local shop just took in a Fodera Emperor Elite 5 String that really ticks all the boxes I would look for in a custom Fodera. Would you offer a one for one trade?

Both are very special basses. If I were to move on from the Alembic, I likely would never own one again. I just looked at their current prices and to have the same bass built today, it would cost anywhere from 5 to 7 times what I paid back in 2003.

At this point I'm somewhat conflicted. What do you all think?

Bones

 

[Gorn]

If its value has at least quintupled, why not sell it and have plenty of cash to buy another high end bass of your choice?

 

[JRA]

What do you all think?

if you're done with the ax (no matter the logo) = you're done. sounds like you have a real interest in the fodera...if it was me: i'd go for what i really wanted!

good luck with your conflicts!

 

[el murdoque]

Well, what do you not like about the Alembic that you hope the Fodera will give you?

 

[alembicbones]

Probably the biggest issue with the Alembic is it's (drum roll please) weight. I've noticed that lately after playing it for an hour or more, my shoulder and back are pretty fatigued.

Gorn, you bring up a good point. If I were to make the trade, I would be ahead approximately 3 fold. If I were to outright sell, I would do it via consignment and probably be in a similar place with a trade. The 5 to 7 multiple would be ordering a new Alembic, which I wouldn't do.

JRA, I don't think I'm done with the Alembic, per se. It's just this Fodera looks to be pretty special and my Alembic is of comparable value.

Thanks for your thoughts on this little conundrum of mine.

Bones

 

[el murdoque]

Have you checked if the username foderabones is still available on TB?

Weight sadly is a factor that can make you put down a bass for good.

 

[alembicbones]

I just put out a feeler email to the shop. We'll see where it goes from there.

Bones

 

[ModuMan]

My understanding is that the best way to afford a stupid-expensive bass is to already have a stupid-expensive bass of your own to trade. I'd go for it!

Good luck with the shop!

 

[Lesfunk]

Alembics are works of art. No doubt about it. The pinnacle of craftsmanship …but they’re furniture ( meant in the best possible way ,of course)
Both instruments are absolutely top shelf.
I’ve never owned a fodera (played a couple) but have owned two Alembics.
Heavy and ergonomically challenging.
I would consider a Fodera to be a more practical platform as a precision musical tool.
One mans opinion…

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Fodera can be heavy too. Go play it and see if you like it better.

 

[Manticore]

I wouldn't.

I'm partial to Alembics in general, and the Elan/Europa in particular. My primary bass, an Elan six, and I share our 30th anniversary together this year, and I have a couple extra as spares. There is nothing out there that I want or need out of a bass not delivered by this brand and model. But that's me. It really comes down to you and your preferences.

Weight seems to be a problem for quite a few folks. A typical Europa 5 weighs about 11 pounds. I play an Elan six (basically the same body and neck as the Europa in maple instead of mahogany), so mine is a bit heavier. I've found a 4.5" Levy's padded leather strap makes a big difference in weight management. Try one if you haven't already.

Or? Pick up the Fodera and keep the Alembic.

 

[foolforthecity]

Examine yourself and really think about it for a bit. If you’re like me, you’ll get a fever that keeps building until you go and make some less than savory trade, at which point you’ll have nothing left but memories and photographs. Don’t be like me.

 

[friedlbug]

I’ve never played a bass worth that much, so take this with a grain of salt, but retail businesses rarely do straight-up trades. The owner would have to have a serious problem moving the bass and think he or she could move your bass much more easily. Your best bet is likely to sell yours and buy anything you want.

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

Hi All,

I'm curious with your collective thoughts on this.

I own an Alembic Europa 5 String with Series I electronics that was custom built for me back in 2003. My local shop just took in a Fodera Emperor Elite 5 String that really ticks all the boxes I would look for in a custom Fodera. Would you offer a one for one trade?

Both are very special basses. If I were to move on from the Alembic, I likely would never own one again. I just looked at their current prices and to have the same bass built today, it would cost anywhere from 5 to 7 times what I paid back in 2003.

At this point I'm somewhat conflicted. What do you all think?

Bones

I’d first try to sell it outright, like others have suggested.

 

[lfmn16]

Why wouldn't you go in and talk to them??? Even if they agree, it doesn't mean you're obligated to make the trade. Although in principle I agree with selling it outright, I don't think high end basses sell quickly. If you really like the Fodera it could be long gone by the time you sell the Alembic. Regardless, a bass you play is better than a bass you don't play. I'm not saying you should allow yourself to be screwed, but sometimes we are so focused on coming out on top that we wind up screwing ourselves.

 

[BassFalcon]

My understanding is that the best way to afford a stupid-expensive bass is to already have a stupid-expensive bass of your own to trade. I'd go for it!

Good luck with the shop!

probably the best, most sound financial advice ever offered on TB. Lol

 

[BobKos]

IMO from the shop perspective, a new Fodera is much easier to sell than a used anything including Alembic. Trade value to a shop is 50% of street value, so expect to bring money to the table unless you know your Alembic will fetch > 2X what the Fodera is worth.

I owned an Alembic Epic years ago. Great bass & great company. But at the end of the day I sold it and I don't really miss it. The most important thing about that bass was it taught me what I like and dislike about basses.

 

[two fingers]

Do NOT trade it to a shop. Their job is to come out to the good on any trade. They aren't going to offer you what your bass is worth.


Sell your bass and go buy that one.

 

[StereoPlayer]

To me the Alembic is the better bass.

I totally regret any trade I’ve ever made…

 

[Jeremy Crockett]

Since you asked if I would; I cannot imagine a day, in whatever is left of my life, that I would even consider trading an Alembic for a Fodera... EVER.

But, I'm not you.