Alembic Guitars Club

Connecting => Swap Shop and Wish Lists => Seen on craigslist, eBay, and elsewhere => Topic started by: edwardofhuncote on October 13, 2015, 05:29:29 AM

Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: edwardofhuncote on October 13, 2015, 05:29:29 AM: A pair of older Series 1 basses on ebay:

This Standard Point has been bouncing around for quite a while now... it's the one with the odd replacement knobs, kinda' looks like a schedua top. I often wondered what those two screws (?) in the back were for... other than that, it appears pretty straight.?

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=272013324392&alt=web (http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=272013324392&alt=web)

And this pretty short-scale maple top, that so far hasn't reached an astronomical price.?

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=151842017045&alt=web (http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=151842017045&alt=web)
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: hammer on October 13, 2015, 09:58:11 PM: The Short Scale looks like its in pretty good condition. What are the import duties on musical instruments coming from our friends in AU?
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: jazzyvee on October 13, 2015, 11:09:31 PM: I'm currently in a quandary about whether to move on that one. The price seems fair for a bass of that age. It's been refurbished and looks great. But the problem for me is the high import duty and VAT into the the UK.
The seller is offering free shipping to the USA actually and offered me a deal on the shipping to the UK.

There is about a day left for me to decide. But it you are interested don't let my interest stop you going for it. Here is a link to the bass on the forum.
http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/188516.html?1399798720 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8329)
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: keith_h on October 14, 2015, 04:49:14 AM: There are no import duties returning a product made in the US to the US. It just needs to be clearly documented to Customs.

Keith
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: FC Bass on October 14, 2015, 05:52:24 AM: Does that include VAT?

If I would get this bass to Holland, I would have to pay custom clearing costs, import duties and VAT (total approx. +24%)
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: Enzo on October 14, 2015, 06:57:41 AM: Kind of surprised he didn't actually think to post this for sale on the Club since he had already showed it previously.
Regarding the shipping, I ended up buying the Rogue that was for sale in Australia (will post on showcase as soon as I take some pictures) and the cost was $260 AU (roughly 190 USD or ?123) with a shipping company called Pack and Send, delivered here by DHL. I'm waiting for eventual other costs to show up, like it happened in the past, brokerage fees or import taxes.
Unfortunately I didn't specify to write 'Used Alembic bass guitar, Made in USA' as, at some point, right after the payment made via PayPal, there wasn't a prompt reply as I requested to confirm the money had arrived, he waited a whole day, maybe a few more hours. You can imagine the sensations of being out of money and ?out of bass therefore my mind went on 'I hope the bass arrives' mode and I didn't focus on anything else!
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: tomhug on October 14, 2015, 12:12:01 PM: Regarding the Series I, I asked the seller: The two brass screws on the back are not standard for Alembic Series I's. Are these from a repair or do they serve some other purpose? What does this instrument weigh? Do you have the original knobs?

He replied, The weight is about 9 lbs., the screws in the back were used by the previous owner to hold a set list, There are no other knobs, just those shown.

I am thinking :
1) the weight is highly approximate.
2) Who drills holes in their bass for a set list?
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: hammer on October 14, 2015, 01:43:54 PM: Someone clue me in on the SC Series I in which I may be interested. Has a fairly complete refurbish been done including a refinish or just a redressing of the frets. Earlier photos in the link sent by Jazzyvee clearly indicate a weathered, yellowed, vintage finish with checking. Newer photos and Ebay listing suggest a removal of old finish??
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: hammer on October 14, 2015, 02:58:12 PM: Oops! Didn't read through the posting Jazzyvee linked to carefully enough. Bass did have a refurbish, just not sure who did it.
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: jazzyvee on October 14, 2015, 03:44:13 PM: Refurb was done by the seller who is a luthier himself.
I will check this again when I wake in the morning. I'm just not happy about paying so much tax and import duty as that extra money could be better spent directly on a newer one in Europe.............. when it turns up. One option suggested to me by my other half is to get it shipped to family or a friend on the east coast of the USA as the seller is offering free shipping to the USA, then get a cheap flight from the UK to collect it. Bingo i could have a weekend in florida, NY or Washington DC and bring it back as carry on.
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: sonicus on October 14, 2015, 03:59:53 PM: Jazzyvee,

Are you absolutely sure that you will be able to bring it on your flight as a carry on ? I have heard mixed reports from various friends lately. It seems like that might be a mysterious variable. I am obtaining various instrument flight case's lately ; just in case
In any case , I wish you the best with this worthwhile investment! Case or no case.

Wolf
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: edwardofhuncote on October 14, 2015, 05:34:17 PM: Jazzy, if I can be of assistance, I'm about 4 hours south of Washington D.C., well within my road-trip range... and I surely wouldn't mind babysitting that one for a couple moons. =) Just don't get me in trouble with Her Majesty, as I may want to visit merry old Huncote one day!
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: StephenR on October 14, 2015, 05:52:44 PM: Carry on will be difficult. You would probably have to check it. I think some airlines will let you carry an instrument until just before you enter the plane then they take it and put it in the baggage compartment and return it to you just after the plane lands without going through the normal bag check process. You may want to check with the airlines for their policies.

Back in the late 60s and early 70s I used to fly with my instrument and could get an escort pass which allowed me to carry it to the baggage compartment of the plane, watch the baggage handlers put it on and then pick it up from them when the plane landed. Those days were LONG gone even before 9/11...
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: mtjam on October 14, 2015, 06:27:32 PM: Jazzy, I am approximately 1.5 hours away from several airports in DC and Baltimore. I know you've been searching for such an instrument for quite a while. This one looks pretty nice!

Your US Alembic friends are always willing to help out our Alembic buddies from across the pond!
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: bob2 on October 14, 2015, 09:02:30 PM: just chiming in on the standard point: those two brass screws look like a strap placement experiment more than anything else.
i could be wrong though.
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: sonicus on October 14, 2015, 09:15:14 PM: I believe that Standard Point has been discussed here at one time. If I am not mistaken someone here at the forum had contacted the owner at the time and revealed that those two screws were part of some kind of Set list/ Chart holder . ;( ! ___lol .
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: sonicus on October 14, 2015, 09:16:10 PM: I believe that Standard Point has been discussed here at one time. If I am not mistaken someone here at the forum had contacted the owner at the time and revealed that those two screws were part of some kind of Set list/ Chart holder . ! ___lol .
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: jazzyvee on October 14, 2015, 11:16:45 PM: I've just won the Ebay auction so at last I'm now the owner of a series I shorty and as agreed with my conscience I will be listing my Elan 4 for sale very soon on the forum. If anyone is interested in it before the listing PM' me and make me an offer.
http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/35750.html?1414686693 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8524)
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: elwoodblue on October 15, 2015, 12:07:34 AM: wow! Congrats Jazzy !!
(thinking about that Elan)
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: sonicus on October 15, 2015, 12:14:15 AM: Congratulations !
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: edwardofhuncote on October 15, 2015, 12:32:01 AM: Nice score Jazzy. =)
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: rockerdebassman on October 15, 2015, 01:03:37 AM: Way to go, M8!

Shall we place bets as to how long it will take to arrive once shipped? Did you get free shipping to England?
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: roymus on October 15, 2015, 01:40:22 AM: Congrats to jazzyvee, you will love this bass. I am so glad it is going to someone who will love it the way I have. As soon as I am cashed up again I will be searching for one totally similar, but I would also like to own a Wal as well,,surprisingly similar to a series 1 in sound I might add. [and weight]!!!!! By the way JV, Imentioned it had a resisted stereo to mono cable as well,,,my son forgot to picture it but it is a quality bit of gear,,,purple.
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: roymus on October 15, 2015, 01:40:48 AM: Congrats to jazzyvee, you will love this bass. I am so glad it is going to someone who will love it the way I have. As soon as I am cashed up again I will be searching for one totally similar, but I would also like to own a Wal as well,,surprisingly similar to a series 1 in sound I might add. [and weight]!!!!! By the way JV, Imentioned it had a resisted stereo to mono cable as well,,,my son forgot to picture it but it is a quality bit of gear,,,purple.
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: roymus on October 15, 2015, 01:46:11 AM: by the way , if we are placing bets on arrival time , can I be in it, or is that a conflict of interest?
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: mtjam on October 15, 2015, 02:05:40 AM: Congrats!
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: FC Bass on October 15, 2015, 05:39:23 AM: (http://club.alembic.com/Images/395/220779.gif)
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: StephenR on October 15, 2015, 09:29:49 AM: Congratulations! Was hoping someone in the club would pick this one up.
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: hammer on October 15, 2015, 09:59:20 AM: Jazzyvee. Congratulations on your acquisition. I set a limit of $3,500 on what I would bid so I was close but no cigar so to speak. A very nice deal for a series bass. At this point, you've got a stable which rivals that of Pierre. We will need a photo of all of your instruments together with the new family member when it arrives.
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: jazzyvee on October 15, 2015, 11:15:53 AM: I don't think my stable is anywhere near as delicious as Pierre-Yves but I'm extremely happy that I have some great choices of instruments to play. :-) and at last a shorty series bass.
I didn't get free shipping but I'm happy with the agreed price.

Yes Roymus it is a conflict of interest however you can negate that on the basis that if you are over 5 minutes early or late, I get a 100% refund on the shipping. :-)
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: jon_jackson on October 15, 2015, 01:06:31 PM: Congratulations Jazzy. I thought long and hard about bidding on this. You and I have shared an interest in short scale Series basses for a while now and frankly, I'm glad you have one.

Dibs on the next one ;-)...
Jon
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: jazzyvee on October 15, 2015, 01:19:01 PM: Its all yours jon my pennies are going on other things now. Actually its funny how things work out. I'd just pushed the button on paypal to send the money for the bass, sat down to read my post and scarily opened a letter from the inland HMRC , IRS to you i guess, and lo and behold a tax rebate that is only about ?10 less than the cost of the bass. Thats a good omen.
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: moongerm on October 15, 2015, 05:25:28 PM: Congratulations Jazzy! Score! Now we pray for a safe arrival.
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: sonicus on October 15, 2015, 05:40:37 PM: Safe arrival vibes being engaged
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: jazzyvee on October 16, 2015, 04:53:45 AM: Should be leaving down under and heading up and over on monday.
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: rockerdebassman on October 16, 2015, 11:26:31 AM: Estimate delivery time, Jazzy? I'm curious how long it takes to ship, and hope the bass case isn't an indicator of the last time it was shipped.
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: tbrannon on October 16, 2015, 11:36:11 AM: Congratulations, Jazzy. I know you've been looking for a few years for a short scale series bass. It appears your patience has paid off. Outstanding bass!

If your purple Elan had the standard mxy/axy pickups, I'd be sending you an email about it!
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: jazzyvee on October 16, 2015, 10:55:33 PM: Rockerdebassman, I hope so too. I'm assured the bass is packed well and I also asked the seller totake the psu and cables etc and send them in aseparate box to the bass in case the trip is hard going. Just trying to remove any possiblilty of a bumpy ride causing them to bang into the bass en-route.

As for the Purple elan, well it has double P-style pickups.
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: lbpesq on October 16, 2015, 11:22:09 PM: Sweet looking bass you picked up on eBay. I know you'll enjoy it. Until then, I thought the following advice from Mr. Petty might be appreciated.

Bill, tgo

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uMyCa35_mOg (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uMyCa35_mOg)
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: rockerdebassman on October 18, 2015, 08:58:37 PM: So, when do you expect delivery, Jazzy>>?
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: jazzyvee on October 19, 2015, 04:50:27 AM: No idea yet but checking the tracking site, its last logged checkin was Brisbane but the site didnt show what time that happened. Ive already got the email from courier for payment of duty!!! Tax man is always waiting it seems.
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: jazzyvee on October 20, 2015, 11:16:33 PM: It's arrived on British soil so it could be in my hands early. Who know's.
Title: Pair of older Series 1 basses
Post by: rockerdebassman on October 21, 2015, 02:39:45 PM: arrived on British soil.

Isn't Australia still part of Great Britain? ;)

I'm sure you are anxious and excited. Now, no electronic conversion issues? If the bass were going to the US, would it require rewiring?