Europa 6-string on eBay

[DanFrank]

Hello again everyone.  The world of used Alembics hasn't shown much in the way of 5-string Essence models lately.  I've been waiting for that or a 5-string Spoiler, but they aren't prevalent either.  I saw this Europa on Guitar Center for some time now and haven't considered it because of the price and possibly the weight is more than I'd like to hang on my shoulder anyway.  But I thought I'd put it out there for this knowledgeable group to make any comments you have about it.  Is the price reasonable for this model?  I love the dark face wood but know little else about it.  I didn't want to bother them at GC if I'm not a serious buyer, but what does anyone feel would be the  reasonable but low price for a beautiful bass such as this one?  I play a 6-string Ibanez SR506 now, which is relatively light at about 9 lb  and would love to have an Alembic 6-string but the 5-string Essence seems to be at the best compromise between price point and weight and still has the thru-neck and low pass filter.  I'd appreciate any opinions you can give me?.thanks in advance.  Here it is: http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Used-USED-ALEMBIC-6-STRING-CUSTOM-EUROPA-BASS-WALNUT-109503552-i3394929.gc

[mtjam]

That Europa 6 is a nice-looking bass that has been bouncing around on GC's site for a few years now. I think I've seen prices on that specific bass range from $5999 to $3999. If I was in the market for a 6, I would think that price is somewhat reasonable, although I would try to get it for a little less. Don't worry about bothering GC; they should be bothered : )
 
I would think the Europa 6 would weigh at least a few pounds more than your 9 lb. bass. I would guess it weighs at least 10-11 lbs. or more. I have no doubt that it is an awesome bass, if it's in good shape.
 
There are currently 2 Essences for sale on Talk Bass that I have seen. Search Alembic on the Talkbass site, and you will see them. One is a 5-string, and I think the guy says it weighs 10 lbs. This would probably be closer to what you are looking for (and at a lower price!) Happy Hunting!

[earsplit]

https://reverb.com/item/206807-alembic-electric-6-string-bass-maple-top
 
I don't know much about either, but this 6stringer is a little more affordable. Just wanted to bring it to your attention.
 
I played an SR505 when I was starting out for many years, and it was hard to play basses with 19mm string spacing after that. The SR's 16mm spacing spoiled me, and I find my Brown Bass comes the closest to the great feeling of the SR505.
 
Good luck!

[hammer]

I've been looking for a while at that 6-string Europa listed at GC. Not that I originally desired a 6er but that I wanted a Europa 5-string. I've seen the price go down quite a bit and at the current price it could be considered reasonable at $3,999 if its in really good condition.  In the mean time, I picked up a 6-string maple Europa from a club member 2-weeks ago for $3,000.  Based on the reports I've received from my wife it's in great condition to look at. I'm in Costa Rica right now with a group of high school students doing service learning work on climate change so I haven't been able to play it yet (It cruelly arrived on the day I departed just after I left for the airport).  
 
I'm not sure GC is going to drop the price any lower on their own given that it's now listed at $2,000 less than originally, but...there's absolutely no harm in making a reasonable offer. Its been hanging around for a while and someone may eventually want to get back what they paid for it.

[DanFrank]

Thanks!  I saw that Epic but was thinking of the Essence because it has the filter and not just a bass/treble with volume and pan.  Can anyone explain the difference between the filter and a separate treble/bass adjustment in the line of Alembic basses?  The Epic is also a set-neck and I wanted the thru-neck at a good price, vis-a-vie the Essence and Spoiler models being my best option?or so I think.  I'm sure I would be happy with either but if I'm waiting for the right one, my ideal Essence is seen here: http://www.talkbass.com/threads/fs-alembic-essence-walnut-mahogany-5-string.1026137/.  I saw that 5-string bass on Talkbass before but didn't want all maple wood.