Author Topic: Value of a Spoiler?  (Read 114 times)

kreinert

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Value of a Spoiler?
« on: November 24, 2024, 06:27:00 AM »
Is there a way to make a fair appraisal of a 1985 Spoiler 5 string?  Contemplating a purchase but feel like it's overvalued at $5,500 plus $275 shipping.  Hate to make lowball offers, but also having a hard time coming up with that kind of money currently. 

Listing is here:
https://reverb.com/item/84662615-alembic-spoiler-smb5-birdseye-maple-top-made-in-usa-1985

StephenR

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Re: Value of a Spoiler?
« Reply #1 on: November 24, 2024, 08:12:39 AM »
$5,500 is IMO very expensive for a stock Spoiler regardless of condition. You have nothing to lose making a lowball offer, the bass has been listed for over 2 months now with no takers. If your offer isn't accepted and you are not wiling, or able, to pay the asking price move on. There are always over-priced Alembics on Reverb that sit for a long time, much longer than two months in a lot of cases. You would probably be better served trying to find a bass in the states, preferably one you can play before buying or return if you aren't happy with it.

Are you a fan of, or looking for, a five-string with a narrow neck width? I have a medium scale 1978 Series I five-string and have always found it very difficult to play due to the narrow string spacing and I play primarily with a pick. I have watched excellent players struggle to play my bass finger style, it definitely requires getting used to. The B-string is acceptable but has the worst response and feel of any of my five-strings which are all either 35" scale or 34". Not saying that you wouldn't be happy with the Spoiler but paying over $5.000 and shipping from overseas seems unnecessary unless this is exactly the bass you have been looking for and ticks all the boxes for you.

One last tip, never buy a used Alembic without seeing a photo of the electronics cavity... Good luck with your search, once you find a bass the real fun part will begin!

lbpesq

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Re: Value of a Spoiler?
« Reply #2 on: November 24, 2024, 10:04:42 AM »
I completely agree with Stephen.  He’s giving you some excellent advice.  $5500 is way too much for what is, essentially, an entry-level neck-through Alembic.

Bill, tgo

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Re: Value of a Spoiler?
« Reply #3 on: November 24, 2024, 10:19:22 AM »
Not really keeping up with the current used market, but I would say about 2500/3000?
I paid about 1300 for a mint condition one in '98 and also about 1300 for a beaten up one in 2006 (both 4 string)
Sold a '79 Series I four string for 5500 a couple of years ago. (all in Holland)
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'83 Spoiler
'88 Spoiler
'99 Orion 5 fretless
'10 Elan 5
'23 Series II Europa 5