What do you think of this bass

[ryan morris (bigjimtrucker)]

Ok, I've been looking for a nice playing Alembic for a while.  The Spoiler seems to be the best deal out there for a classic Alembic tone.  I found this old weathered one.. Please let me know if you think it's a decent deal or if I should keep looking.  The guy said he'll sell it to me for $800.
 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2508108973&category=4713
 
are there any problems that this bass might have besides neck issues (from people getting dumb)?  Otherwise these seem like solid basses that would hold up for a long time.

[Rami Sourour (rami)]

Hi Ryan,
 
For $800, that's a heck of a deal.  Alembic quality and tone for less than the price of a Fender.  I never heard of a problem with old Alembics - except those that have never had their batteries changed before they started leaking.
 
Great bass, awesome price.  GO FOR IT!!!
 
Rami

[James L. Martin (malthumb)]

Kind of a mixed bag here.  Is it worth $800?  Yes.  ANY Alembic Spoiler is worth $800 just based on the quality of the tone compared to the tone of any other bass you can get for $800.  
 
Can you get it for less?  Possibly.  Mainly because of the cosmetic condition.  Go back to eBay and check completed items.  See what other Spoilers have sold for.  Not what the unsold ones listed for, but the prices of deals that actually transacted.  Some really nice ones have gone for $850 - $900.  Is the condition of those basses worth $100 more than the one you're considering?  Your call.  
 
Peace,  
 
James
 
(Message edited by malthumb on February 25, 2003)

[James L. Martin (malthumb)]

Shoulda mentioned this the first time you asked about Spoilers.  I've almost always seen listings for Spoilers in Vintage Guitar.  I've often used that as a guide for how much to pay for used instruments.  The prices in VG are usually just a little higher than the norm.
 
Peace,  
 
James
 
(Message edited by malthumb on February 24, 2003)

[ryan morris (bigjimtrucker)]

Hey guys thanks.  I'm just holding in there waiting for my auction to close and then see what kind of money I make out with.  I'd love to get a great looking Alembic, but when it boils down to it, I just want a player.  Thanks again, Ryan

[J B Faires (keebler)]

Your auction is probably off by now, but I wanted to add my two cents. I agree with James, ANY Spoiler is worth $800. My wife bought my Spoiler off ebay three years ago and it was the best thing to ever happen to my sound. I had been going through different amps trying to make my old Ibanez sound fat and punchy no matter what range I was playing in-wasn't happening. Now with my Spoiler it doesn't matter what amp I play through it always sounds great (even running direct to the soundboard!)!!!  
Hope it all works out for you!
Peace,
JB