Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: jazzyvee on December 07, 2016, 02:21:39 AM
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As you may know I had been looking for the "right" Alembic Series I short scale bass in the right condition and price for around 10 years and eventually found one late last year.
Over that time I have been watching a number of places on line including ebay and dealers around the globe and have noticed that in the last couple of years there seems to be more alembics up for sale and being bought and sold on the used market than I recall at any other time. Admittedly there are some that keep doing the rounds again and again. I know some of the older ones are now appearing around the "affordable" price bracket now but their prices are still generally above other new pro/high end instruments by other makers. I haven't personally seen any new big name players coming through who choose alembic basses significantly and alembic don't do big advertising or endorsements. Has anyone got any views as to what the "recent" interest is?
If you have bought one for the first time recently or returning to the fold after being without one for a long time, I would be interested to read what was it that attracted you to alembic?
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I'd blame Brexit.
Graeme
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Hmm Brexit cost me more for my recent SI bass because the pound was dropping all the time.
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Our trip to Washington next year looks like costing a small fortune.
graeme
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To answer your original question, Jazzy... I bought a new (09) Alembic Bass in 2011. I hadn't even SEEN an Alembic since the 70's, and then it was a ridiculously priced Series 1. (Over $1,000!!!)(By the way, I was still in college...)
The bass I bought was a 5-string MK Signature Deluxe. I don't even want to tell you what I paid. I had to have it. It balanced perfectly, looked gorgeous, {"Superb Walnut"} and it's been responsible for my learning, REALLY learning what bass guitar is all about. Now, more than 5 years later, I still enjoy challenges on that bass. Technique, baby!!
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Inflation feeds off itself.
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Could just be the result of more new Alembics being produced each year = more available in general. Based on the serial numbers, I'm going to guess that around 300 new instruments per year are born. If fewer than 300 per year are lost, that means the pool of potentially available Alembics (whether for sale or not) increases each year.
Also, an owner may decide to part ways with an instrument currently in their possession in order to make room (physically or financially) for an addition the stable. And there are those who own several Alembics - and all of them will eventually need to find new homes when their owners are unable to continue to enjoy them.
As you well know, once the Alembic bug bites, addiction sets in and it is difficult to restrain oneself from becoming a victim of "AAAS" ("Additional Alembic Acquisition Syndrome "). In my case, I keep saying I'm going to stop, but that goes right out the window the instant I see or think of another one that might be nice to have. As such, my collection has grown far beyond what I originally intended and reality dictates that all of them will eventually be on the market, unless they are destroyed.
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I'm not sure what exactly is going on either Jazzy, but there's certainly an upward trend in how many Alembics are for sale second-hand, particularly the recent rash of 1970's models. I wonder how many are really changing hands. I've got a running joke with my cousin, who is just as passionate about vintage guitars... we always say, in defense of buying instruments- "I'm buying hard assets as a hedge against inflation". My guess is, people are selling off some of those 'assets' right now, and trying to turn a little profit.
I'm not "in the market" right now, at least not to the point of actually seeking one out. For now I'm content to just watch for them as a hobby, and play the two (soon/eventually to be three) Alembics I have, but a long-term goal is to find an old Series I bass. Would love to find one in need of restoration. Where I am in the world, there simply aren't any around to pick from. I've never even seen another in the wild, so-to-speak. :D
Honestly, it was a stretch for me to haul off and order a custom bass from them... I'm nowhere near the player most of you guys are, but I really appreciate the pure craftsmanship in them, and I do play out enough to justify having a nice instrument or two. (or three!) 8)
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Hmmmm.
Interesting thoughts. I recently found new employment and was given paperwork for their 401k program (no company match but an ESOP option). But now . . . .
Now I'm thinking investing in a bevy of beautiful basses could be the answer to my retirement slush fund!
However I once sold a Zebrawood Exploiter and regret it so much, I am not sure I could part with any of them. Currently my Distillate is earmarked as an 'inheritance' to my son who plays bass better than he thinks.
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It wouldn't surprise me if some are just due to the age of the owner. Many of those early purchasers would be hitting their 60's or 70's today and have reached the point they aren't playing anymore. I've reached the point that I have begun divesting some of my equipment, although no basses or guitars, as I just don't play out anymore and really have no desire to. I'm sure there will come a time I sell some of my basses and just keep the really special ones.
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Seems like they are all good possible reasons for increased offerings. I would add that people who have been looking (and dreaming) for a while (even decades) are now at the point where they can afford to buy one, fueling the market from the consumer side and making it an appealing time to sell. There also seem to be some that are just in it for a profit, there are a few instruments that keep coming up for sale and there are a few sellers that seem to be churning through instruments as well. It's the character of the market.
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Another factor in increase listings may be that people are more comfortable listing, buying, and selling high-ticket instruments online. That makes the market for any particular instrument much larger than it was before. If you turn the clock back 10 years, if you think about how online listings looked and your willingness to send $3000+ through Paypal, it was probably quite different than today, and even more so for international sales.
David Fung
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My two pesos: Aside from a very few new Alembic basses being advertised on ebay and reverb, you don't see many, if any at all, series basses that are 2006 or newer on the market. My guess is because those that have newer series basses will likley take a hit if they really need to part with it. Those that have older ones have much less risk and as such are easier to let go.
Will this make newer Alembics made within the past 10 years for example, more valuable than older ones once they start to appear more regularly?
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There is something to said, however for those originals. Even though I love some of the things they are doing with the new Alembics (e.g., accent woods) and the fact that that many of the older series basses need the electronics upgrade, I'd love to get my hands on a well taken care of small-bodied Series bass from the 70s - early 80s.
I really think its a combination of things ranging from the age of many of us who can afford these beautiful instruments, to the ease of buying online so that there is now a national audience for used Alembics rather than the ability to only sell locally, to the fact that there are now sufficient numbers of lovingly cared-for used Alembic basses that can be found at a reasonable price. I'd never sell by Signature Custom that was made for me in 2012 because I'd take such a hit on it. My 6-string Europa as well as my 4-string SC Signature Standard, however, which were purchased used would be instruments with which I'd consider parting because I could get close to what I paid for them (please promise to ban me from this site if I ever advertise one of these and include the statement..."if purchased new this bass would cost over $XX,XXX).
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I hate to say it, but when you are in your 60's weight becomes an issue. I've gone through a number of Alembics and they were fantastic, but I no longer can heft a plus 10 lb instrument for three sets. I wish there was an affordable lightweight chambered option, I would be back in the mothership. Until then, will have to play my <8lb Sadowsky's
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Andertone - I know what you mean. Light weight is a BIG deal to me. I rarely take an Alembic out these days. Too heavy, and all of my basses are Series basses. So that means a power supply, or bring my rack with the IN-2, (even MORE to carry) it just becomes a hassle.
My go to bass is a 7.4 pounder. I have been playing that one every gig.
That being said, my Alembics still sound the best and those are the ones I play around the house.
Even my main rig has gotten smaller. It is either a 2x10 or a 1x12 with a lightweight GK 800 amp.
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Glad I'm still a young, chipper, 55 (for another 7 weeks)!
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Yeah! A new Alembic Edwin for 56!? Doooo it :)
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Hammer, I agee regarding the older Series basses. I have a newer one and love it, but it has a different voice and vibe from my 70s basses. I love the way Alembics sound and have no desire to play anything else.
As for weight, if it starts to feel too heavy, I just simply sit down and play, not a problem.
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Visits to the Custom Quote Generator.
Right now, the difference in price between new and modestly-appointed used ones is huge, so with the climate David brought up, people are taking a swing at owning one at prices similar to what a first-rate new bass from others would run. Custom or 'boutique' instruments (I hate that term but can't think of a good alternative) have always taken a beating in the used market, and time will tell whether or not the vintage guitar market will catch up and up-value used Alembics. In the mean time, it is a good time for buyers to stick a toe in and see what they think via the used market.
I will certainly agree with Andertone, that while I don't have any weight issues, they are generally unwieldy instruments, and somewhere down the road reshaping and rethinking them to be more ergonomically effective will certainly be in order. I'll miss mine, but I won't miss how big they were, and I'm not a small fellow.
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Juat a thought, four string Excel, Orion, Essence, and Brown Basses are all lighter weight <= 9 pounds and ergonomically comfortable to play (I'm not sure what an Exploiter weighs).
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Re: weight - yeah they're a load, but that's one of the things that inspires me to keep going to the gym. The other is arthritis. If having good muscle tone will allow me to play the instruments I love a little longer (and stand while doing it), the sweat is worth it.
Also, I've found that an instrument's balance can offset its weight. My 5-string Europa does not feel nearly as heavy when it is strapped on as my 5-string Series II standard body (with omega cut) because it has better balance, even though both instruments weigh about the same.
I hope to be in good enough physical and financial shape to be able to continue to enjoy them for many more years, but, if either situation changes, the number of pre-owned Alembics available for sale will be reluctantly increased.
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I recently looked through old threads and found Series I basses selling for around $3500-4000 as far back as 2004-2006. The trend over the last year for on line sales has been $4000-4500 for a Series I bass, not much of an uptick over 11-13 years. Although I am glad that these beautiful instruments are holding some value over time, and deservedly so.
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Hello. I just purchased my very first Alembic Spoiler bass. I have always admired the Alembic brand, but they were always out of my price range, but watched them for sale on E-bay for the most part. I recently found a classified section for selling basses on another forum site. They had them all and more of basses I'd never really heard of, but the Alembics intrigued me. I started watching for what I thought was a reasonable deal or better and was ready to pounce. It popped up as a 1985 Spoiler in really nice shape and I pulled the trigger. Received the bass and it's like I waited my entire life to hold this guitar. I open the case and just smile. It's like I've arrived. Also, it has a maple top and the natural wood has a unique "man in the moon" pattern in the wood. If you turn the guitar upside down the pattern has a distinct face that looks like the cartoon version of a half moon with a nose and lips. So, this beautiful guitar is now known as "Moonie". A nod to the Who for obvious reasons and my love for Keith and of course John and his Alembic Exploiter. Yes I'm on cloud nine right now and I don't ever see me selling it. It doesn't feel heavy at all and it balances perfectly. This is my first post since joining the Alembic family. Thanks and it's good to be home.
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Congratulations!
You sound like many of us feel.
Alembic appeals to more than one sense.
Visually - beautiful radii's, inlays, shapes and wood.
Touch - smooth radii' sand a construction that nearly plays itself.
Sound - _______ fill in the blank, Alembic's produce many tones.
Smell - fresh lemon oil on a fretboard warms the soul.
Taste - mmm, haven't gone there. . .
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Congratulations & Welcome. :)
We like looking at our neighbors' Alembics too, so be sure to post some pictures in the Spoiler Showcase thread: http://club.alembic.com/index.php?board=695.0
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more eye candy here.
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Thanks so much for the warm welcome Pauldo, Edwardo & Serial#12! I will post some photos a little later. The things that grabbed my musical heart with this bass are the quality of the build/craftsmanship, the deep bass tone (love the PUP's), the hardware, beauty of the woods and it just feels so right with the 32 inch scale. Thanks again, you guys are great! Thanks also for the photos. My bass resembles that 2nd Spoiler from the left in the front row. Awesome collect right there, wow!
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Wow! Cool picture! I count 27-29. Different each time I count. Screen Saver!!!!
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Wow! Cool picture! I count 27-29. Different each time I count. Screen Saver!!!!
That was from the Alembic Gathering in Chicago at Bag End.
A glorious event, with many Alembic (and Alembicans) gathering. :D
Meeting 'family' and freely swapping instruments amongst each other while jamming through some of the finest speakers around (4x21 ;D ) was so much fun that the 4 hours (?) felt like 4 minutes.
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Thanks! I thought it was a picture of John Entwistle's basement :)
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Interesting topic.
Owners getting older. Lighter basses getting attractive. Steady output of wonderful new instruments.
The Internet and folks feeling comfortable sending thousand$ to strangers.
All good reasons why some incredible basses are available and accessible.
I learned through my collector car hobby period that we are only temporary custodians of great things. Saw it happen with fine old upright basses too.
One solution to a bass that is kinda heavy is to lift it off your shoulder between tunes. My '81 pre bass has a large section of varnish worn off just from lifting between tunes. A wider strap can help. Or just sit, if appropriate.
Happy low notes.
Casey
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We must admit that alembic is not as popular like fender,or musicman or other classic brand.....and by the way there are another new brands out there hitting the market as Mayones for example and more affordable than an alembic bass,besides that there is a lot of ignorance about this basses ,that's why the difficult to sell them in a reasonable price...that's what happens here in Europe, another reason ,that o agreed is the big bass star who played them ,the last I remember is Mark King or maybe Jason Newsteed?????