Glocke:
As they say in the Westerns, 'you must be new around here', so welcome. Besides being a chat corner, this is really a users' group for our avowed axes of choice. Sponsored by ALEMBIC, it's very useful inasmuch as LOTS of people know very little about this brand.
You can easily go to
www.alembic.com, and see that the price you mention is much less than a new one.
I'd just make a few points:
FIRST, what kind of shape does 'pristine' mean actually? Can you go see this axe? Can you play it first? Is it EBay? If it's EBay, is it somebody with lots of good feedback, even a retail store (preferable)?
And remember, a Series One MUST include its rack-mount power supply, 20-foot 5-pin cable, and the original case. Think of Series basses like phantom power mics: Without offboard power, you're limited to 9v's, which don't last long. Plus these components were included with every Series and are expensive to replace separately.
SECOND, it's good that you have the serial number.
Come Monday, probably Val or Mica can give you a history of the instrument. Watch the replies to this post. Any 97-build Series One would be identical to current production in most ways.
THIRD is the most important: Is it worth $3600 TO YOU?
ALEMBICs are the ultimate bass guitar.
But they are different. The fact that you are eyeing one that's only 6 years old that probably hasn't been played should tell you that these aren't the usual instruments that some people expect. The Series bass with its shape, build quality, and electronics package was a landmark, like a Stradivarius, the Telecaster and original Precision, Cristofori's first practical piano, etc.
This was the original artist-level bass.
All of us here found every other bass short of this level of achievement, artistry, and tone. Older guys like me wore out everything else until I found my ALEMBIC. Younger guys found one early and fell in love. But we all know people that will never 'get it', that will never understand what they are, and would frankly rather stick with a MusicMan and an SVT and not be bugged with filters, mil-spec electronics, adjustable nuts, power supplies, etc.
As regards the price, it's like all used instruments: I've seen 'em for more, seen 'em for less. I'm sure my co-conspirators will chime in, but I wouldn't think that's out of line, money wise. Chisel 'em if you can. If it's a (non-dealer) store, you'd be surprised how many of 'em are scared to death they'll 'never move that expensive bass'!
But should you buy it, I can utterly GUARANTEE you that the support you will find here in the Club, as well as from ALEMBIC (even though you bought a used one) will be like nothing else you've ever experienced.
Best of Luck
J o e y
PS: Nice play on spelling your username, but I'm
an H+K man myself.
