Alembic Guitars Club

Connecting => Introductions => Topic started by: danomats on November 02, 2009, 05:27:48 PM

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: danomats on November 02, 2009, 05:27:48 PM

I have a 1974/#147 short scale bass that has been under my parents bed for 35 years. Does anyone know what it is worth today? In excellent condition. Would love to sell it..

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: artswork99 on November 02, 2009, 05:55:49 PM

Hi Dane and welcome to the forum. Sounds like a very nice bass and very desirable. Can you post some pictures of it?  
All the best, Art

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: danomats on November 03, 2009, 08:59:41 AM

Hey Art, I don't have any pictures of it. I'm so out of touch/ super old school guy. I don't even have a digital cam. I'm not in any rush to sell it but I will get around to taking some pics eventually. In fact, I forgot that I still had this bass.I was just curious what it may be worth, ball park figure. It is in great condition....I may have some old pics (somewhere) with me playing it back in the day.

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: tbrannon on November 03, 2009, 09:22:52 AM

Dane,
 
A '74 Series I shorty is certainly a high demand item.  Do you know if the body is the large standard body or is it the smaller one? Do you have the DS5 (blue box) and the cable?  Case?
 
All of those things will factor into the equation in terms of price and certainly any interested buyer would want to know about the condition of the bass- any non-local buyer is going to need pictures at some point probably.
 
In terms of price- Series basses in good condition are almost always above the $3000 mark and with the power supply, case and cable, that number definitely goes up.   The fact that it's an early serial number would certainly make it more desirable for some buyers.  There will be others who chime in here shortly, but I'm guessing you will certainly be at or above the $4000 mark if the bass is in good condition- possibly much higher depending on the buyer and demand.  
 
Pictures would definitely help.

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: danomats on November 03, 2009, 10:15:44 AM

Yes,I have the case, box and cable.  

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: tbrannon on November 03, 2009, 10:52:07 AM

Lovely...  
 
Like I said, I'm sure there will be a few others along shortly who will be able to give you a more accurate idea of where you'll end up price wise.
 
I'd LOVE to get my hands on an early Series I and a shorty would be even sweeter.  If I had the funds, I'd be all over it.  Good luck.

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: mike1762 on November 03, 2009, 12:17:04 PM

NICE!!!  There's really not a Vintage market for Alembics.  But like Toby said, the shorties are sought after (no matter when it was made).  However, it's a tough economic time to try and get top-dollar.

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: pauldo on November 03, 2009, 04:44:57 PM

mmm yeah I would guess around $200 - but since your a good friend I'll give ya $250 for it.
 
Just Kidding!  
 
Dane - you should ask yourself really seriously if getting rid of it is the right thing to do - your profile says you are a freelance bassist - couldn't you use this tool?

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: danomats on November 03, 2009, 05:55:34 PM

Hey Guys, thx for for all of the input and info. I really appreciate it. Hopefully it won't sit for another 35 years...........

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: artswork99 on November 03, 2009, 09:00:32 PM

Very nice Dane.  I can only imagine its excellent condition.  Great looking combination of woods.  Wish I were in LA so that I could check this bass out.  And to hear you play live. Regards

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: danomats on November 05, 2009, 07:59:03 AM

It is a beautiful instrument.It would be very rare to find one this old - in this condition.

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on November 05, 2009, 08:55:37 AM

I would like to see a more current picture(s).

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: danomats on November 05, 2009, 09:36:52 AM

I just dug out the bass and it is a 1975/#147 not a 1974. Sorry about that. I haven't seen it in such a long time. Will get some new recent pics within a few weeks.

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: mike1762 on November 05, 2009, 05:34:47 PM

The only time I forgot I had something like that was when I forgot (seriously) that I sold a guy a set of drums (on a payment plan).  I didn't remember this transaction until a year later. He (and my drums) were of course long gone.  Is there anything else under that bed???

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: afrobeat_fool on November 05, 2009, 07:01:56 PM

Here is the link to 75-150. a similar yet quite different looking bass. http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/13368.html?1165501171 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8454)

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: artswork99 on November 07, 2009, 04:20:52 PM

Here are 4 pictures that Dane sent along... enjoy the eyecandy, it's sweet.  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/397/72503.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/397/72504.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/397/72505.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/397/72506.jpg)

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: didi on November 09, 2009, 08:18:52 AM

Very nice indeed.

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: David Houck on November 10, 2009, 08:03:32 PM

Hi Dane, welcome to the board!  Beautiful bass!

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: danomats on November 11, 2009, 08:07:31 AM

FYI this bass was set up by John Carruthers who also sets up Stanley Clarke's basses. It feels and plays great and is FOR SALE NOW!!

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: toddharris on November 12, 2009, 03:52:39 PM

Hi Dane,
 Sent you an e-mail - send my your number or call me. Thanks, Todd

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: bassman10096 on November 14, 2009, 07:58:29 AM

Yow.  Beautiful.  Looks like a series 1 BB just walked out of the 1974 showroom.

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: toddharris on December 25, 2009, 04:02:13 PM

Merry Christmas Dane - anxiously awaiting shipment - Best regards, Todd

Title: 1974 Alembic bass
Post by: toddharris on January 05, 2010, 06:29:37 PM

Dane,
 Bass arrived in perfect shape - great packing job!  I'm loving it - it's amazing - thanks so much,  Todd