Author Topic: Series I, 1978 @ New Jersey Guitar & Bass Center (Read 279 times)

yogalembic · « **on:** May 09, 2012, 10:53:02 AM »

This unit has been there for years. No listed price, so I called.
$7,500.
Uh, okay. Thanks for your time.

sjhoffma · « **Reply #1 on:** May 10, 2012, 02:34:10 PM »

That place is nuts. I played their tribute (I believe it was stolen at some point actually) But I played it at least 6 years ago, back when I was still in high school at their booth at a guitar show. The guy had the nerve to come up to me and yell woah woah, be careful thats an $8,000 guitar! My response was, I know exactly what it is, thats why I picked it up! haha We talked for a little, and apparently I knew way more about Alembic guitars than him. haha

Anyway, similar story.
A year back I called them, hoping I could use the argument You've had this thing for over 5 years (i know because I played it back then) , and its been on the floor, who knows how many hands have played it, how about knocking the price down a little? They didn't budge, and I moved on thinking to myself, they will have that thing for another 5 years.

Its funny. People go online and see these things list new for 10-12 grand, and assume they are sitting on some sort of gold mine, refusing to budge a dime.

If only they knew what Alembics re sell for on average. Still pricey, but no one will pay ten grand for a guitar when they can order a custom build for about the same price.

gtrguy · « **Reply #2 on:** May 10, 2012, 08:36:43 PM »

Years ago I worked in a camera store and they had a rare Hasselblad camera at a crazy price (gold plated model). I once asked about it and they told me that the store owner liked it there and thought it gave the store more credibility.

Some people really don't want to sell their stuff...

yogalembic · « **Reply #3 on:** May 12, 2012, 08:25:10 AM »

What prompted my call to NJ Guitar and Bass is that I'm finally actively seeking my very first Alembic (a Series I or Distillate).

Shucks, a brand new Brown or SC can be had for less than NJ is asking for the Series I.

I love the thrill of the chase!

sjhoffma · « **Reply #4 on:** May 16, 2012, 01:51:24 PM »

Yoga, you should have no problem finding a series I bass for around $3500 if you are patient. I'll let you know if I see any that stand out!

yogalembic · « **Reply #5 on:** May 16, 2012, 01:58:16 PM »

sj....
Thanks much! Patience, indeed. Either a Series I or Distillate (my preference).

I've had several interactions on this sight regarding my search, including Mica. Great folks here!

Cash money at the ready. I love the thrill of the chase. : ))

urmsoniac · « **Reply #6 on:** August 23, 2012, 02:20:25 PM »

I played this instrument in the store in Edison, NJ a few hours ago. Had no idea it had been there for so long. It's still $7500.00 and they wouldn't even consider a trade for a Wal MkII 5 string towards it.

I think gtrguy is right: Some folks must not want to sell their stuff..

eligilam · « **Reply #7 on:** August 24, 2012, 07:03:40 AM »

Wal MK II 5 string, eh? Hmmmmmmm...

yogalembic · « **Reply #8 on:** August 24, 2012, 04:55:30 PM »

I can't understand their game! This thing has been there for years and years.

I say, let 'em keep the thing.

pasewark · « **Reply #9 on:** August 24, 2012, 05:22:43 PM »

Never give a sucker an even break - WC Fields

wookie · « **Reply #10 on:** August 24, 2012, 05:54:53 PM »

Are they an Alembic dealer? Idk, but I'd guess not. So it's a matter of making the store look cool. I worked at a store in Ann arbor that was supposedly legendary, the best and blah blah blah.... Yea, I worked there for 3 years, it totally sucked. The only thing legendary was the cheapness of the owner And aside from everything else the owner promised me a raise....... Never got it. That's an aside. There was literally a guitar there made by the owner (which means the guys that did the repair work built it) for 20 years for like $8k or something. I quit needless to say but that guitar was still there 9 years ago.

What I'm saying is that they don't want to sell it, they know no one will pay that much, but is there another place close that has one?

Probably not. Isn't this the same place that had a spoiler bass with a crack in it for the low price of $2600 about 2 years ago? Again I said, thanks for your time.

tubeperson · « **Reply #11 on:** August 24, 2012, 06:58:49 PM »

Sometimes a store will keep a trophy place just to generate traffic. They may never sell the trophy, but maybe something else will be purchased with new potential customers looking just to kick tires. I was at Sam Ash in NYC on 48th Street (soon to move to near 34th Street, hard to see Music Row shrinking). They had a refinished 1961 Jazz Bass that looked awesome, but at least they stated it was not for sale, as it was stored in a glass case for maximum viewing. I almost purchased a Levy's leather bass gig bag, on the rebound from ogling over that refinished bass.

charles_holmes · « **Reply #12 on:** August 24, 2012, 11:37:31 PM »

So ...where's the photos?!